THE COOL CLUB
If you’re looking for picnic spots in Yorkshire, we understand why. It’s a beautiful county full of amazing scenery and has just been crowned fifth in the Sykes’s Staycation Index, ahead of the Peak District and South Wales. Of course, we would say it’s stunning, because that’s where we’re from. But it really is.
Whether you live or are staycationing in Yorkshire, with so much on your doorstep, it’d be rude not to pack up a picnic and head into the summer sun. Here, we’ve put together our top picnic spots in Yorkshire. All you have to do is save this post, pick a date and do the food shop, not forgetting plenty of Party Ice (of course!).
1. Picnic on the beach at Runswick Bay. Approximate postcode: TS13 5HT
Situated at the Northern end of the Yorkshire Coast lies the charming village Runswick Bay. Colourful fishing boats, red-roofed cottages and picnic spots aplenty, it’s got everything you could want in a day out and more.
From classic seaside activities like eating a picnic, rock pooling and sandcastle building, to walking the famous Cleveland Way and exploring the disused RNLI lifeboat station, it offers a full day out, so don’t forget to pack enough supplies!
2. Picnic on the rocks at The Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley. Approximate postcode: TS1 5HT
When the days are long and the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than enjoying a picnic while taking in stunning scenery. Yorkshire has so many beautiful picnic spots, but the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkey should definitely be high on your list.
The Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock formation of an outcrop and boulder, known as Hangingstone Rocks. They offer a spectacular view of Yorkshire, particularly Ilkley – so don’t forget a camera!
3. Indulge your inner book worm in Haworth. Approximate postcode: BD22 8DR
Often dubbed ‘Brontë country’, Haworth is a quintessential Yorkshire village that offers scenery to roam and places to explore. Start your day at the house where Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë spent most of their lives and wrote some of the most revered literary works in history – the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
If you’ve packed your walking boots and don’t mind a steep hill, the Top Withens walk is stunning and offers plenty of places to picnic. If you’re in need of a cool drink and you’ve forgotten to pack ice in your hamper, finish off your day with a pit stop in The Hawthorn. Bursting with Georgian features and interesting antiques, it’s a super interesting place to finish your Yorkshire day out.
4. Go for a family picnic at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Approximate postcode: WF4 4JX
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a fun day out for the whole family. With over 500 acres of land, it would tire out even the most active kids. And with indoor exhibitions, wildlife to see and unusual artwork, there’s no better place to take your picnic hamper,.
5. Nostell Priory, Wakefield. Approximate postcode: WF4 1QE
Whether you want to connect with nature and do some forest bathing after your picnic or enjoy a late afternoon picnic tea followed by an outdoor performance of Macbeth, Nostell Priory offers a great variety of things to do plan around your day. Colourful flowers line the gardens at Nostell, and its working kitchen garden is bursting with nature. Whether this is a picnic spot for you and the family or you and a friend, there’s sure to be lots to do and enjoy.
6. Having a staycation in York? Treasurer’s House postcode: YO1 7JL
York is one of the Yorkshire cities most popular with tourists – and for good reason. It has a great selection of independent shops and branded stores, pretty parks to picnic in and more. One of the jewels in the crown is the Treasurer’s House, offering over 2,000 years of history.
The Treasurer’s garden has won Gold in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition for six consecutive years. It’s an ideal spot to unpack the picnic hamper, enjoy views of York Minster and watch the world go by.
With so many great places for a summer picnic, it was tough for us to narrow it down to five! What are your favourite places in Yorkshire to visit? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.
