Best Picnic Blankets: Waterproof, Large, Tartan Picnic Rugs

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From durable, waterproof designs to easy-to-carry options

A picnic blanket is a must-have for making the most of your outdoor space or the local parks or beaches in summer. From romantic dates to lunchtime in the garden with children, there are so many ways to make use of a picnic blanket.

And in fact, in the UK, a picnic blanket is often an essential when it comes to contending with less-than-ideal weather — as you never know when the grass might be a little moist!

For big groups, you'll naturally need more room to spread out. A large blanket (typically over 150cm long) should leave plenty of space for your feast and three or four people, but you may need a larger option than that even for bigger groups.

Remember that larger blankets may take up more storage space however — although many designs can be neatly rolled up. And anything smaller than 150cm is better suited to a party of two.

As for picnic blanket materials, standard fabrics include polyester, wool, cotton and fleece. Fleece and wool offer warmth, making them better options for autumn picnics or camping trips. However, they're more likely to hold onto dirt, so they'll need a good shake before they're packed away.

Polyester and cotton are lightweight, breathable materials, making them excellent choices for hot summer days, and they tend to be easier to clean, too.

If you prioritise sustainability, consider blankets made from recycled fabric and organic cotton, which are good eco-friendly choices – of which we've listed a few here.

Many picnic blankets have waterproof backings to prevent dampness while sitting on the beach or grass, so if this is especially important to you, look out for the blankets that have this below, including options from Dock & Bay and John Lewis.

This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.

Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.

This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.

Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.

This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.

Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.

This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.

Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.

Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.

Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.

This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.

Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.

This blanket is on the more expensive side, but it is handmade, crafted from 100% cotton and showcases a fresh take on Liberty’s classic Tana Lawn print. We'd recommend choosing cutlery and plates that are just as bright to complete the look.

Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.

In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.

Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.

It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.

Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.

For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.

At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.

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