Perfect picnic spots in Yorkshire

Make the most of the summer sun and find the perfect place to put down your picnic blanket. There are some great spots here in Yorkshire - amongst the ruins of Fountains Abbey, in the Walled Garden at Beningbrough Hall or on the avenues at Wentworth Castle Gardens. Here's some of our top suggestions of where to picnic this summer.

Friends picnic on the abbey west green

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire 

What better way to enjoy a warm summer’s stroll than by stopping off with your picnic on the west green of Fountains Abbey? With the 800 year old ruins as you backdrop, it's the perfect place to relax, lay down the blanket and enjoy a family lunch stop off.

Go for a picnic at Fountains Abbey
Family picnic and play by the hall

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, near York 

Beningbrough has beautiful picnic spots throughout the gardens. Shelter amongst the shade of the pear trees, find a quiet corner in the American garden or wander a little further towards the back of the hall. You can also pick up a ready-made picnic in the restaurant.

Picnic in the gardens at Beningbrough
Father and daughter having a picnic

Nostell, West Yorkshire 

There are so many places to enjoy a picnic at Nostell, you could be spoilt for choice. Walk to the menagerie and picnic on the lawn or find open space and room for the kids to run around on the vista in front of the house. You might also find a shady spot down by the adventure play area if it gets a bit too warm in the sunshine.

Picnic on the vista at Nostell
Family enjoying a picnic on the grass

East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire 

The gardens at East Riddlesden Hall are a treat for the senses. The fragrant herb border was once used for home-grown medicines and today adds a touch of colour and smell in the heart of this urban garden. Picnic on the lawns or head down to the lower fields and find a spot along the river Aire.

Picnic amongst the borders at East Riddlesden Hall
Family having a picnic near the Sun Monument

Wentworth Castle Gardens 

There are acres of space to picnic in the newly opened Wentworth Castle Gardens. Head up to the castle folly or relax on the avenues there's plenty of places where you'll to find the perfect spot to relax and eat lunch.

Top picnic spots at Wentworth Castle Gardens
Family playing garden games on the south lawn

Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire 

Next to the river Rye, Nunnington is a great summer day out. Enjoy family games on the lawn and then find a spot nearby to settle down for a bite to eat. Make sure you keep a look out for the flamboyant peacocks strutting around too.

Picnic at Nunnington Hall
People enjoying a summer picnic

Rievaulx Terrace, North Yorkshire 

Walk through the woods and out onto the terrace at Rievaulx for a picnic stop off with a view. From the half mile long terrace you can see across the North Yorkshire countryside and down to the ruins of medieval Rievaulx Abbey.

Picnic on the terrace at Rievaulx
Visitors sit on a bench in the shade at Treasurer's House

Treasurer's House, York 

If you're in York city centre, come for lunch in the quiet garden at Treasurer's House, just behind the Minster. The perfect retreat from a day at work or from wandering York's busy streets, spread out on the lawn or find a bench in the shade to rest.

Picnic in the garden at Treasurer's House
Walkers and their dog sit in a meadow at Ravenscar looking out over Robin Hood's Bay

Yorkshire Coast 

There are many beautiful seaside spots to stop and eat along the Yorkshire Coast. Enjoy a clifftop lunch at Ravenscar with views out to sea and across to Robin Hood's Bay or follow the Cleveland Way to find your own perfect resting spot for lunch.

Picnic along the Yorkshire coastline