To celebrate National Picnic Week, we wanted to share our team’s most loved Yorkshire picnic spots, so you can enjoy them this week too. Keep it local and gather your treats from local stores and delis to enjoy the full Yorkshire picnic experience.
And to really top off your picnic basket, we’ve got some delicious cocktail recipes for you to try. Find your inner mixologist and enjoy a taste of summer as you sit back and relax in our region’s picnic hot spots.
Now all we need is sunshine!
The Stray, Harrogate
The Stray is a 200-acre grass parkland and one of Harrogate’s most famous landmarks. Decorated with long lines of the iconic cherry blossom trees, it dates all the way back to 1778. Encompassing the town centre on the southern half, it gives the town a uniquely green and spacious feeling providing the perfect location for a summer’s day picnic.
As it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the local shops, why not pick up a delicious picnic from Harrogate’s fabulous food and drink hubs like Betty’s Tea Rooms or Balterzen's?
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Located of the western edge of Harrogate, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is one of four public gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society. A showcase of horticultural excellence all year round, there are 58 stunning acres of garden for you to relax with the family and take a leisurely stroll.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Abbey is the perfect family day out. With over 80 miles of footpaths to explore it’s a great place to relax beside the river with a picnic filled with local produce.
The stunning setting offers something for everyone, take an adventure through the woodland and moorland paths, stroll alongside the river and explore the ruins of the priory before tucking into to your picnic.
Golden Acre Park, Leeds
Part of the Leeds Country Way and the Meanwood Valley Trail, Golden Acre Park is 136 acres near two of Leeds’ most treasured nature reserves, Adel Dam and Breary Marsh. The large park features demonstration gardens and plant collections alongside parkland, streams, ponds, woodlands and a lake - perfect for setting up a family picnic next to it after a leisurely stroll around.
Golden Acre Park is situation next to the lovely village of Bramhope, so why not pop in to the delightful Bramhope Deli to fill your picnic basket with top quality, foodie goodness!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
Everyone is free to explore the 500 acres of beautiful Yorkshire landscape and contemporary sculpture, even the family dogs! Head to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, sit amongst the sculptures and admire the work as you dive in to a picnic full of afternoon treats… and cocktails of course.
Malham Cove, Skipton
If you’re looking to earn your picnic with a walk in the Yorkshire Dales first, we recommend exploring Malham National Park Centre and paying a visit the impressive towering cliff at Malham Cove.
The stunning and inspiring landscape is perfect for an active afternoon and once you’ve marched up the steep pathway to the top of the Cove, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy your basket of goodies, you’ve earnt it.
Temple Newsam, Leeds
Amongst 1,500 acres of stunning parkland, gardens and a working rare breeds farm, is a Tudor-Jacobean mansion. With an adventure playground for the children to enjoy, you can sit and enjoy a picnic in the dedicated picnic area. After exploring the grounds, house and farm, you’re sure to need a light refreshment or two at Temple Newsam.
Take your picnic to the next level with these cocktails
If you have a summer picnic planned, why not take a summery cocktail along with you?
Raspberry & Lemon Spritz
40ml London Dry
4 Raspberries
10ml Crème de Cassis
20ml Lemon Juice
10ml Sugar Syrup
Lemonade Top
Muddle raspberries and all the rest of the ingredients. Strain into a low ball glass filled with ice. Top with lemonade and garnish with a raspberry and a sprig of mint.
Rhubarb Picnic
30ml Rhubarb
3 spoons Strawberry Jam
5ml Maraschino
50ml Apple Juice
Build all ingredients in a low ball glass filled with ice and stir well.
Gooseberry Fizz
40ml Gooseberry
15ml Simple Syrup
40ml Apple Juice
8 Mint Leaves
Lemonade top
Muddle mint leaves in a tall glass and fill with ice. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.