It’s National Picnic Week! Between the 17th and 25th June, people are encouraged to head outside for a picnic and take a break from the daily hustle and bustle.
So grab a blanket, fill a basket full of delicious food, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family at one of our favourite picnic spots in Yorkshire.
Skipton Castle Wood, Skipton
Just a short two-minute drive or 15 minute walk from Spencer Grange is Skipton Castle Wood, a beautiful 36 acre woodland in the heart of Skipton town centre. The woodland is hidden behind Skipton Castle and has a history that dates back thousands of years.
From nature spotting and den making to walking trails and exciting seasonal events, there’s so much to see and do on a visit. With over two miles of paths, bridges, steps and lots of nature along the way, there are plenty of spots to take a rest and enjoy a picnic amongst the greenery.
Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield
Pugneys Country Park makes for a great day out, particularly if you’re visiting with children. Located just a short 10 minute drive from The Grange, this 250 acre site holds a lot of history, as it used to be an open cast mine as well as a sand and gravel quarry.
The park boasts two beautiful lakes; one that is dedicated to fun-filled water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding, and the other which is a stunning nature reserve. There are plenty of spots to pitch up for a picnic next to the lakes, or you can choose to take a walk around the easy 1.6 mile track that goes around the park and find a quieter spot.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate
The Valley Gardens in Harrogate are English Heritage Grade II Listed gardens, and it’s easy to see why. Just a seven minute drive from The Willows or a 10 minute drive from Kingsley Farm, The Valley Gardens provide the perfect day out for all ages.
There’s a play park for kids to enjoy, a paddling pool to help you cool off in the summer months, Japanese Gardens, a skate park, a boating lake, crazy golf, tennis courts and so much more. You’ll be spoilt for choice where to base yourself for a picnic! And, if you’re still feeling peckish after your picnic food then don’t worry, as there’s a café and ice cream kiosks too.
Sandall Park, Doncaster
If you live at The Meadows in Doncaster then you’re in luck, as just a seven minute drive away is Sandall Park; an urban family park with plenty of attractions.
The park has gone from strength to strength over the years and is now a key feature to the local community. There are plenty of walking routes, woodland areas, a sensory garden, a pond, a wildlife area and so much more. And if you’re into fitness then you’ll love it here, as there’s fitness equipment and a football pitch to enjoy too. There’s a designated picnic area with benches, however there are also many green areas where you can pop your blanket down, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
There are also many events that take place throughout the year at Sandall Park, including egg hunts, bat walks, food festivals, inflatables and more, so be sure to check out their website to see the latest events.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Stockeld Park is undoubtably one of the best days out in Yorkshire if you’ve got children. This unique all-weather attraction, located a 14 minute drive from Grainger Park, is filled with activities and entertainment for children of all ages.
Before you head outside for your picnic, you can enjoy one of Europe’s largest and most original indoor play centres, The Playhive. Let your children’s imagination’s run wild as they head through the worlds of space, air, jungle and sea, through a range of slides, high-level walkways, climbing frames and so much more.
Once you head outside, you’ll be blown away by the amount of things to see and do. Head to the Enchanted Forest, where you can enjoy five magical themed adventure playgrounds. From play parks and rope bridges to tree climbing and slides, your little ones will certainly work up an appetite, ready for their picnic! There are numerous picnic benches around the Park, so there will always be somewhere to sit no matter when you are hungry.