We’re not known for our sunny weather here in Greater Manchester, so when the skies are blue we have to make the most of them.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to bring a picnic and soak up the sunshine. Let us know yours in the comments below.

For those of you with little ones, check out our guide to the best parks with outdoor pools and sandpits too, and don't miss our round-up of Greater Manchester's best ice cream parlours.

And we've got plenty more ideas for things to do when it's sunny here.

Heaton Park

It’s one of the biggest parks in Europe, so you won’t be short of space to spread out your picnic blanket at Heaton Park.

There are 600 acres to explore, including the picturesque ornamental gardens, woodlands and boating lake, and plenty of activities for all ages, including an animal farm, tramway and golf course.

The site is also home to the Grade I listed Heaton Hall as well as other architectural gems including an ornamental temple, papal monument and colonnade.

Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, M25 2SW

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

(Image: Matt Ratcliffe)

A sprawling green space stretching from the River Mersey to Stenner Woods, Fletcher Moss is a countryside idyll in the heart of Didsbury.

The gardens were gifted to the council in 1915 by Alderman Fletcher Moss, whose family had lived at the Old Parsonage nearby, and still retain many of their original features, including the rock and heather gardens.

It’s a great spot for bird-watching - in fact the RSPB was founded here - as well as spotting other types of wildlife along its nature trails.

There are also tennis courts, a pond, a visitor centre and a cafe.

Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2SW

Burrs Country Park

Situated on the River Irwell, this beauty spot on the outskirts of Bury is spread over 36 hectares of scenic countryside, with wildlife habitats ranging from woodland and wetland to ponds and waterways.

The park forms part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, with three sculptures for art-lovers to admire - Waterwheel by David Kemp, Stone Cycle by Julie Edwards and Picnic Area by David Fryer.

For the more adventurous, Burrs Activity Centre offers all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from canoeing and kayaking to abseiling and archery.

Woodhill Road, Bury BL8 1DA

Haughton Dale

Sandwiched between the Peak Forest Canal in Hyde and Haughton Green, Denton, the largest nature reserve in Tameside is rich in both natural and industrial heritage.

Its woodlands bloom with bluebells in spring while its wildflower meadows are a magnet for butterflies and bumblebees, and if you’re lucky you might spot kingfishers on the ponds or in the river.

The site - also known as Gibraltar Works - is criss-crossed with paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy and there are plenty of picnic tables dotted around to stop and enjoy some lunch on.

Entrances on Mill Lane, Hyde, SK14 2DW; Apethorn Lane, Hyde, SK14 5DN; Gibraltar Lane, Denton, M34 7PY; and Meadow Lane, Denton, M34 7QA

Whitworth Park

(Image: Joel Goodman)

For a picnic with a difference, the recently-reopened Whitworth Art Gallery has a stash of hampers you can borrow to enjoy in its grounds.

You’ll have to bring your own sandwiches though - theirs are full of art materials and ideas instead, and a picnic blanket, of course.

The park also has an adventure playground.

Oxford Road/Moss Lane East, Manchester, M14 4PW

Reddish Vale Country Park

Nestled in the Tame Valley with the River Tame running through it, Reddish Vale is a rural oasis between Reddish, Brinnington, Denton and Woodley.

With 161 hectares of green space and a network of paths and bridleways that link to the Midshires Way and Transpennine Trail, it is a haven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Visitors can feed the ducks that flock to the two mill ponds, meet pigs, sheep, donkeys and other farmyard critters at Reddish Vale Farm or enjoy a pony ride at the stables.

Reddish Vale Road, Stockport, SK5 7HE

Chorlton Water Park

(Image: Chris Hill)

The picturesque lake at the heart of this pretty park is the perfect place to while away a summer’s day.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the water’s edge, have a go at water sports including dinghy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, and explore the surrounding woodland and wildflower meadows.

From here you can also get onto the banks of the River Mersey and follow the trail to Sale Water Park - which is also well worth a visit in its own right.

Maitland Avenue, Chorlton, M21 7WH

Buile Hill Park

(Image: Joel Goodman)

This popular, picturesque spot is Salford’s biggest and busiest park, with attractions including tennis courts, a multi-use games area, outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas and a playground.

The Grade II listed park has a rich history, with links to many important figures. Artist LS Lowry is said to have been a regular visitor while author Frances Hodgson Burnett is said to have written her classic children’s novel The Secret Garden during one of her many visits to Buile Hill Mansion.

Eccles Old Road, Salford, M6 8GL

Alexandra Park

(Image: Keith Trainor)

The formerly run-down park between Moss Side and Whalley Range was restored to its former glory with a £5.5m revamp completed in 2014.

New facilities include four new tennis courts and a children’s play area, along with a restored pavilion and lake.

The redesign was based on the original Victorian layout from its opening in 1870 - including curved walkways, more flowers and shrubs and a restored drinking fountain and tabernacle.

The park’s lodge was also renovated and now contains an exhibition on its history.

Russell Street, Moss Side, Manchester M16 7JL

Stalybridge Country Park

(Image: Chris Shaw)

Split between the Brushes Valley in Millbrook and smaller sites at Carrbrook, the country park offers everything from quiet riverside walks and wooded valleys to wild open moorland and reservoirs.

Woodland birds and hawks hovering over the moors can easily be spotted and you could be lucky enough to see rabbits, weasels and even blue mountain hares. Ducks, herons, frogs and toads are also regular visitors to the many ponds and wetland areas.

It’s an ideal spot for walking, horse riding and cycling and for the less energetic, there are plenty of picnic areas to choose from.

Hartley Street, Millbrook, Stalybridge, SK5 3DR

Werneth Low Country Park

(Image: Matthew Anderson)

Spread across 200 acres with panoramic views across Manchester and beyond to Liverpool and the Welsh mountains, this tranquil Hyde beauty spot is a haven for wildlife.

Head to Higham Visitor Centre as your first port of call, where you can find an orchard, herb gardens and picnic area outside, before exploring the trails on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Its hilly location makes it the perfect place to fly a kite (single line kites only though - no stunt kites allowed).

Higham Lane, Hyde, SK14 5LR

Park Bridge Heritage Centre

Nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Medlock Valley, the former ironworks site is now full of all kinds of flora and fauna.

Explore the trails, pack a picnic to enjoy at the landscaped ruins or have a bite to eat in the Stables Tearoom, and discover the story of the early industrial settlement in the visitor centre set in the old stables.

Park Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AQ

Dunham Massey

(Image: The National Trust)

The National Trust estate boasts Britain’s biggest and best winter gardens, with over 700 different plant species and 1,600 shrubs, as well as acres of parkland where you can spot fallow deer grazing.

Visitors can also explore the Georgian manor house that stands in its grounds and enjoy a bite to eat in the Stables Restaurant.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ

Lyme Park

(Image: Andrew Stuart)

Another stunning National Trust estate, Lyme Park sprawls across 1,300 acres of moorland and deer park on the edge of the Peak District.

Ramble across the rugged uplands or take a more leisurely walk around the Edwardian rose garden, ravine garden or herbaceous borders next to the lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.

Younger members of the family will also love the Crow Wood Playscape with its giant slide, badger den and rope walks.

Lyme Park, Disley, SK12 2NR

Clifton Country Park

(Image: Bob Stokoe)

Situated in the Irwell Valley, the country park and nature reserve is a vast expanse of beautiful countryside on the edge of Salford.

Visitors can explore acres of open woodland and meadows, enjoy lakeside walks, bring a picnic, go fishing or discover the hidden remnants of the city’s industrial past.

Clifton Country Park, Clifton, Salford, M27 6NG