5 Most Picturesque Yorkshire Picnic Spots | Hampers by Dellie
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The 5 Most Picturesque Yorkshire Picnic Spots In 2022

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There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious picnic in the company of your loved ones. Especially when you’re looking out over the stunning backdrop of the great Yorkshire countryside with a hamper full of goodies.

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Using visitor data from TripAdvisor, the team at Hampers By Dellie identified the finest picnic spots in Yorkshire. Then, to narrow it down to the very best spots, we spoke to the people who call those attractions home.

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From lesser-known secret picnic spots to the best picnic spots in the Yorkshire Dales, our list features the 5 most stunning picnic areas in Yorkshire to lay your blanket down!

1) Large Two Forms Overlooking Rolling Hills

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, WF4 4JX

Opening Times: Daily (10am-6pm) Entry Price: £6 per adult / £3 per student / Kids enter FREE

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Photo © Jonty Wilde, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park offers a rich tapestry of outdoor art, which is set against a stunning countryside backdrop. There are 100 sculptures and installations to discover, within 500 acres of park, so you’re set for the day!

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Helen Jones, Visitor Experience Manager at YSP, recommends this Yorkshire Sculpture Park picnic spot that overlooks the Two Large Forms abstract sculpture.

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“Just like the Henry Moore sculptures that will surround you,” she said. “Here you can be inspired by a truly Yorkshire landscape complete with rolling hills, shady trees and grazing sheep.

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“This area of YSP is perfectly located just off the main car park and next to the YSP Visitor Centre so you don’t need to carry your blanket far — ice creams and fresh coffee are only moments away.”

2) Thornton Force View

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Ingleton, Yorkshire Dales, LA6 3ET

Opening Times: Daily (9am - 7pm in summer) Entry Price: £8 per adult / £4 per child

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The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, in the Yorkshire Dales is loved for its spectacular waterfalls and woodland scenery. This can be enjoyed via a four-and-a-half-mile circular walk. This starts and ends in the idyllic village of Ingleton.

 

The most famous waterfall on the trail, Thornton Force, is regarded as the most stunning Yorkshire Dales picnic spot. Here, you can take a well-deserved rest around the edges of the plunge basin and simply enjoy the majestic view of the water.

 

“Thornton Force is the biggest waterfall on the trail and has the most space,” said the staff at the ticket office in Ingleton. “It’s about a third of the way around the trail, which is an hour’s walk in - but it’s well worth the wait.”

3) Surprise View In The Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, HG4 3DY

Opening Times: Daily in summer (10am - 6pm) Entry Price: £17 per adult / £8.50 per child / £42.50 per family / National Trust Members enter FREE

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a World Heritage Site that has been an awe-inspiring attraction for centuries.

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Despite its popularity, you’ll never feel crowded as you explore the 800 acres of elegant gardens and riverside lawns. The focal point is the atmospheric ruins of the abbey. This is beautiful from a distance and also fun to explore closer up with all of the family.

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Bec Evans, Visitor Experience Manager at the park, said the best picnic spot in Ripon is the covered seat at Surprise View. This can be reached by following the signs for High Ride and clambering up a hill from the water garden.

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“It’s a spot which really shows the place as a complete landscape,” she said. “With the sweep of the River Skell as it makes it’s way into Studley Royal and the amazing sight of the abbey ruins in the distance.

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“Even in the colder months, I’ll pop up here with a hot drink and think about how the view hasn’t much changed since the 18th century. It’s like a time travellers’ picnic!”

4) The Top Of Lover's Leap

Brimham Rocks, Harrogate, HG3 4DW

Opening Times: Daily (9am - dusk) Entry Price: FREE but note that car park costs £6 for 4 hours / £9 for a full day / National Trust Members park for FREE

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You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots at Brimham! The park consists of a dramatic moorland interspersed with spectacular rock formations to explore.


Jenni Shepherd, a Senior Marketing Officer at the park, said the attraction’s magic never wears off, regardless of how many times you visit.


“You could work here for years and still discover a different path in the woodland or a rock formation you’ve never noticed before in a particular light. Then the season changes and you get to start all over again.”


Jenni has her favourite secret picnic spot in Yorkshire. “My favourite place to take my lunch is the rocks at the top of ‘Lover’s Leap’. I just love to sit on the smooth rocks there and take in the amazing view across Nidderdale.


“It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and you can see for miles around you from your vantage point at Brimham.”

5) Grass Overlooking The Upper Falls

Aysgarth Falls, Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales, DL8 3TH

Opening Times: Daily (10am - 5pm) Entry Price: FREE but note that car park costs £3 for up to 2 hours and £5 for over 2 hours

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Aysgarth Falls provides some stunning waterfall views, which can easily be accessed by the whole family, via a well signposted tranquil route. It’s renowned for its suitability for walkers of all abilities.


The Rangers at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority recommended the lovely stretch of grass, which overlooks the epic upper falls of Aysgarth.


This is just a five-minute stroll from the main visitor car park at the Aysgarth Visitor Centre. It not only provides a breath-taking view but also the soothing background sound of falling water, as you tuck into your sandwiches. It’s regarded as one of the finest Yorkshire Dales picnic spots.


One of the Rangers said: “During the summer months, you may even want to cool down by dipping your feet into the water. But we wouldn’t advise doing the same in winter!”

About Hampers By Dellie 

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We are passionate about all things food and Yorkshire! In 2021, we realised our ambition of sharing the region's finest culinary treats with the world. Based in York, we source all of the treats in our gift hampers from the best local suppliers across the county. So whether you're looking for a mouthwatering tea and cake hamper or a basket full of delicious savoury snacks, we have a gift for any celebration or occasion!

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