Pickerings Pasture with Kids: Family Review & Things to Know

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 out of 5

Looking for a free family day out in Widnes or in the North West? We visited Pickerings Pasture with our children and found it to be a lovely place to get outside, explore nature and enjoy a walk without spending a fortune.

It's not a traditional children's attraction, so don't expect play areas and organised activities. Instead, Pickerings Pasture is somewhere families can enjoy the outdoors together, with walking routes, wildlife, planes travelling to Liverpool airport, river views and plenty of space to explore.

And for families like ours, the fact that parking is free and there is no entrance fee is a huge bonus.

What Is There at Pickerings Pasture?

Pickerings Pasture is a nature reserve beside the River Mersey in Widnes, with walking routes, open green space and plenty of wildlife to discover.

The Trans-Pennine Trail also runs through the area, making it a great option for families who enjoy walking, cycling or exploring on wheels.

There are plenty of opportunities to simply wander around, take in the scenery and see what you can find.

Is Pickerings Pasture Pram Friendly?

Yes!

We visited with a pram and found the pathways we used to be great for prams.

This makes it a really useful option for families with younger children, as you don't have to worry about struggling over unsuitable paths.

It's also a good place for children who are a little older and want to explore independently.

Is Pickerings Pasture Bike and Scooter Friendly?

Yes – it's a great place to bring bikes and scooters.

The paths make it easy for children to get around on their bikes or scooters, giving them a bit more freedom to explore while you walk alongside them.

Obviously, I'd recommend keeping an eye on children around other walkers, cyclists and the river, but having the option to bring wheels makes Pickerings Pasture more appealing for families with children of different ages.

Whether you've got a child in a pram, a scooter-loving preschooler or an older child who wants to bring their bike, there's something that works.

Blackberries Everywhere!

One of the things that really stood out during our visit was the amount of blackberries growing around the paths.

There were loads!

It gave the children something extra to look out for as we walked and made the visit feel a bit more like an adventure.

If your children enjoy nature, you could easily turn it into a little game – who can spot the most blackberries, birds, flowers or different types of plants?

Just make sure children don't eat anything they find growing wild unless you're certain it's safe and appropriate.

Wildlife at Pickerings Pasture

Pickerings Pasture is a great place to get children interested in nature.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and is particularly good for spotting birds. The River Mersey and surrounding habitats provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.

It's the sort of place where you can slow down and encourage children to actually look around them rather than rushing from one activity to the next.

For older children, you could even turn your walk into a mini wildlife-spotting challenge.

River Mersey Views

One of the nicest things about Pickerings Pasture is its location alongside the River Mersey.

There are lovely views across the river and plenty of opportunities to stop during your walk and take everything in.

It's a particularly nice option when you just want to get out of the house for a couple of hours without having to plan an expensive day out.

Is There a Café at Pickerings Pasture?

Yes. There is now a café at Pickerings Pasture, which opened in June 2026.

We decided to stop for something to eat during our visit. A child ice cream during our visit was £3.50 and a lolly ice was £1.95.

Is Pickerings Pasture Free?

Yes!

This is one of the biggest reasons I'd recommend it for families.

There is free parking and no entrance fee to visit the nature reserve.

If you're looking for free things to do in Widnes with kids, this is definitely one to add to your list.

You can have a walk, explore the nature reserve, bring bikes or scooters and enjoy the outdoors without spending anything.

Is Pickerings Pasture Good for Families?

Yes, especially if your family enjoys being outdoors.

I'd say it's suitable for a wide range of ages because you can adapt your visit to suit your children.

You could:

• Walk around the nature reserve
• Bring a pram
• Bring bikes
• Bring scooters
• Look for wildlife
• Spot birds
• Look for blackberries
• Enjoy the River Mersey views
• Plan spotting
• Stop for refreshments at the café
• Bring a picnic
• Take photos of the scenery
• Explore as part of a longer cycle or walking route

There's no pressure to stay for a certain amount of time either. You could pop in for a quick walk or spend several hours exploring.

What Should You Take to Pickerings Pasture with Kids?

I'd recommend bringing:

• 🚲 Bikes or scooters
• 🛒 A pram for younger children
• 🥤 Drinks and snacks
• 🧺 A picnic if you want to keep the day free
• 👟 Comfortable shoes
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing
• 🐦 A pair of binoculars if your children enjoy wildlife or plane spotting

And if you're visiting during blackberry season, keep an eye out for all those berries along the paths!

Would We Recommend Pickerings Pasture?

Yes, we would.

For us, the biggest positives were that it is free, easy to access, pram friendly and suitable for bikes and scooters.

It's a simple day out, but sometimes that's exactly what you need as a family. There's no complicated planning, no expensive entrance fee and no pressure to entertain the children every second.

Our café experience wasn't ideal for us, which is why I've given the overall visit 4 out of 5 stars, but that wouldn't stop me from returning to Pickerings Pasture itself.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Our Family Rating: 4/5

Best for: Families who enjoy nature, walking, cycling and outdoor exploring

Age suitability: All ages
Pram friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bike friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scooter friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Facilities: Café, walking routes, wildlife areas and seating

Our Verdict

If you're looking for a free family day out in Widnes, I'd definitely recommend giving Pickerings Pasture a try.

It's a great place to let the kids get some fresh air, explore nature and burn off some energy – whether they're walking, scooting or cycling.

It might not have the excitement of a big family attraction, but sometimes a simple outdoor adventure is all you need.

For families looking for an inexpensive way to spend a few hours outdoors, Pickerings Pasture is well worth a visit.