We’re blessed in Yorkshire with some of the most beautiful picnic spots in the country. We’ve recommended the cream of the crop.
From dramatic coastal cliffs and ancient abbey ruins to surreal limestone pavements, Yorkshire offers some of the finest alfresco dining spots in the UK. Whether you are planning a family day out, a romantic escape or a post-hike refuel, this guide rounds up the 11 best places to roll out your blanket across North, West and South Yorkshire.
If you’re all about the view, take a look at our guide to the best scenic views in Yorkshire you can get to by car.
Best picnic spots in North Yorkshire
Brimham Rocks, Harrogate
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Head just eight miles out of the charming spa town of Harrogate and you’ll be met with these dramatic moorland rock formations. This National Trust site is truly magnificent, with the natural rock spectacle being formed more than 100 million years ago. Today, its walking routes and handy facilities – including picnic tables, toilets and a car park – make it an ideal destination for families and anyone who simply loves venturing in the great outdoors.
Address: Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW.
Cost of entry: Admission is free but there’s a charge for parking – cars are £7 for four hours or £10 per day (free for National Trust members).
Insider’s tip: There is a kiosk to buy food but it can have long queues – if you can get organised, it’s better to bring your own and find a nice, quiet spot.
Why we love it: It has history, spectacular nature and ready-made picnic spots all in one place.
Malham Cove, Skipton
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A trip to Malham Cove rewards you with some of the most unique geological views in the country. It’s a steep climb up the man-made steps to the limestone pavement at the peak, but the reward is a vast, dramatic panorama across the rolling hills of Malhamdale. This curved limestone formation was created by glacial meltwater at the end of the Ice Age; today, it serves as a surreal backdrop for a high-altitude lunch.
Address: Malham Cove, Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4DJ.
Cost of entry: Admission is free. The National Park Car Park costs £3.80 for up to 2 hours, £6 for over 2 hours or £7 for up to 24 hours.
Insider’s tip: While there is a National Park car park in Malham village, it’s a 20-minute walk to the Cove. Pack your picnic into a backpack to keep your hands free for the climb.
Why we love it: The views from the top are world-class, and it’s a famous filming location for Harry Potter.
Peasholm Park, Scarborough
This characterful park has been recognised as one of the best in the UK and Europe, and holds a Green Flag Award, adding up to an unrivalled picnic area in Yorkshire. With design evocative of Japanese architecture, the park boasts streams, bridges, waterfalls and a host of greenery and wildlife.
Address: Peasholm Park, North Bay Promenade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 7TR.
Cost of entry: Entry is free but there are extra charges for activities including boat hire, mini golf and putting.
Insider’s tip: Plan your visit in the summer to enjoy a pedalo ride (from £4.40 for one person) or play in the putting green (from £3.30 for one person) before you sit down for your picnic.
Why we love it: The Japanese architecture and water features give it a fairytale feel and there are plenty of activities on-site to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Nothing beats a picnic on the beach and there are few better places for it than Robin Hood’s Bay. The quaint fishing village is nestled on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors, and offers lots of coastal walks to help you work up an appetite. It’s a fantastic family day out and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Lay your blanket on the sand to feast your eyes on views of the cliffs and the sweeping bay.
Address: Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4SN.
Cost of entry: Access to the beach is free but car parks cost around £3 for an hour or £15 for the day.
Insider’s tip: Check the times of the tides before you go to avoid being caught out at high tide.
Why we love it: The crisp sea air is refreshing and it’s the perfect location for furry friends.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Want a slice of history alongside your sandwiches? Well, Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest buildings in the National Trust. The grand abbey ruins aren’t the only things to explore here. There’s also the spectacular Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden to take your breath away. Pick out a picnic area and be spoiled with the views before exploring the other facilities, including an adventure playground, gift shop, guided tours and art exhibitions throughout the year. There’s an admission cost so we recommend checking current prices and opening times before planning your trip.
Address: Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.
Cost of entry: Car parks at the Visitor Centre and West Gate are free. Studley Royal Car Park costs £7 for 4 hours or £10 for the day. Admission is £21 per adult (or £23.10 with Gift Aid) or £10.50 for children 5-17 (£11.60). Free for National Trust Members.
Insider’s tip: The café and dedicated picnic tables can get busy at lunchtime – bring your own food and sit by the River Skell with a view of the abbey.
Why we love it: The art exhibitions satisfy our cultural cravings and the adventure playground is perfect for little ones.
Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales
Find a quiet spot to lay your blanket and tuck into your picnic spread, surrounded by the relaxing sounds of the River Wharfe. One of the Dales’ most well-known and beloved rivers, it runs right through Bolton Abbey, running lazy and deep in places, flowing through narrow channels at The Strid. There are three car parks so take time to look at the map first and choose where you want to be.
Address: Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX.
Cost of entry: £15 per car (or £12.50 if you book ahead).
Insider’s tip: The smell of wild garlic from March to May makes a gorgeous backdrop to your visit.
Why we love it: It’s got everything, from the mysterious Strid to the Cavendish Woods, stepping stones and, of course, the Abbey itself.
Best picnic spots in West Yorkshire
The Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley
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Ilkley Moor is a firm favourite among walkers and ramblers – and the Cow and Calf on the Moor’s northern edge provides the perfect spot for respite and refuelling. It gets its unique name from the larger and smaller rock formations that resemble a mother cow and her calf. It’s a prime location for phenomenal 360 views of the Moor. Pack a feast and set off on the Heritage walk – it’s not too challenging and conveniently loops back to the Cow and Calf car park.
Address: Ilkley Moor Cow & Calf Rocks, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley Moor, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BT.
Cost of entry: Free.
Insider’s tip: It’s not the place for a rainy day as there’s no cover so keep an eye on the forecast and have a plan B.
Why we love it: The Heritage walk only takes about an hour and The Cow and Calf Inn directly opposite the rocks serves a great post-walk pint.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
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This is one for the art lovers. Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the best tourist attractions in the county, perfectly balancing a burst of creativity with a backdrop of natural beauty. The sprawling 500 acres of historic parkland spans fields, woodland and lakes, providing a one-of-a-kind home to over 100 outdoor sculptures and indoor galleries. Perusing works by international artists and home-grown talents, like Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, will make for hungry work.
Address: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG.
Cost of entry: Standard entry is £10 per adult, £7 concessions, children 18 and under get free entry.
Insider’s tip: Bring sensible shoes, it’s a huge park with some uneven ground.
Why we love it: It provides plenty of great photo opportunities to brighten our social media feeds.
Golden Acre Park, Leeds
Tucked away on the northern edge of Leeds, Golden Acre Park is a peaceful escape that feels miles away from the bustle of the city. With beautiful lakeside walks, woodland trails and colourful gardens, it’s the perfect spot for a gentle afternoon stroll or a family picnic. The park is especially stunning in spring and autumn when the trees and flowerbeds burst into colour. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot too, from ducks and swans on the lake to squirrels darting through the trees.
Address: Golden Acre Park, Otley Road, Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 8BQ.
Cost of entry: Access to the park is free but car parks cost £1.20 for 3 hours, £2.70 for up to 4 hours and £4.50 for the day.
Insider’s tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends as the car park fills up quickly, especially during school holidays.
Why we love it: The circular lakeside walk is easy going for all ages and abilities and, best of all, if you bring a picnic, it’s a very budget-friendly day out.
Best picnic spots in South Yorkshire
Dearne Valley Country Park, Barnsley
A stone’s throw from Barnsley town centre, Dearne Valley Country Park has all the ingredients for a great family picnic. Running for a stretch of two miles along the river, it takes you through grassland and woodland, with lots of flora and fauna to keep an eye out for. Plus, with picnic areas, a children’s play area and free parking, what more could you want?
Address: Dearne Valley Park, 191 Pontefract Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 1HS.
Cost of entry: Free.
Insider’s tip: Keep an eye out for rare violet-coloured amethyst deceiver mushrooms or kingfishers on the lake.
Why we love it: It’s conveniently located near the town centre and Cliffe Wood is the perfect spot for foraging for wild garlic in the spring.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
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If you’re looking for a picnic spot with a touch of grandeur, Wentworth Castle Gardens is hard to beat. Set within acres of historic parkland, the gardens combine sweeping landscapes with hidden woodland trails, peaceful follies and beautifully maintained formal gardens. There’s plenty of space to roll out a blanket and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature, while the far-reaching views across the South Yorkshire countryside make it feel wonderfully secluded.
Address: Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN.
Cost of entry: Admission is £6.50 per adult (or £7.20 with Gift Aid) or £3.25 for children aged 5-17 (£3.60 with Gift Aid). Free for National Trust members.
Insider’s tip: Venture beyond the formal gardens to discover quieter picnic spots hidden along the woodland paths and around the monuments.
Why we love it: The mix of open parkland, scenic viewpoints and tucked-away corners means you can easily find the perfect picnic setting, whether you want sunshine, shade or a little peace and quiet.
