Best Picnic Spots in Leeds 2023

Best Picnic Spots in Leeds 2023

Not only is summertime nearly here again, National Picnic Week 2023 is too! 

Taking place from June 17th – 25th, National Picnic Week 2023 encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest, nicest park to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.

With a huge array of suitable outdoor venues in and around Leeds, the only question is: where should you go? We have some suggestions…

Yeadon Tarn

Located less than half an hour from Leeds city centre, Yeadon Tarn is one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets.

Covering approximately 46 acres of land that includes a beautiful 7.5 hectare lake filled with wildlife and dedicated picnic spots for those who prefer tables to blankets, there’s plenty of Tarn to go around, even on busy days, meaning you won’t end up picnicking on top of another family. 

And once you’ve finished eating, there’s plenty to do if you fancy burning a few calories, including sailing and other water sports, a playground, a BMX track and walks aplenty. It’s also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can enjoy the fun too.

Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon, Leeds. LS19 7UR.

Kirkstall Abbey

If you want a picnic spot next to a gorgeous river with plenty of open spaces and a dash of Yorkshire’s unbeatable history, Kirkstall Abbey is the place for you.

Set against the backdrop of the ruins of the titular abbey – a stunning 12th-century Cistercian monastery – Kirkstall Abbey not only provides the perfect setting for a riverside picnic, it also has lots of areas to explore, a cafe in case it rains, a play area for kids and access to plenty of shade for respite from the sun on hot days.

Chuck in some local tennis courts and the legendarily large beer garden at the nearby Kirkstall Bridge Inn pub and you’ve got a top picnic spot.

Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds. LS5 3EH.

Park Square

Desperate for a picnic but don’t fancy travelling far to find the perfect spot? Just wander over to Leeds city centre!

That’s right, tucked away near the city’s business district, Park Square has everything you need for a meal out in the open. As well as being a natural sun-trap, this expertly landscaped spot has plenty of grassy areas to set up on, numerous benches and flowers and trees that add colour and make you believe you’re a million miles away from one of the UK’s busiest metropolitan areas. 

And if you need any extra supplies or want something fun to do after you’ve eaten, you’ve got Leeds just a short stroll away. What could be better?

Park Square, Leeds. LS1 2NY.

Roundhay Park

One of the largest urban parks anywhere in Europe, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Roundhay Park had actually been designed specifically for picnics.

Comprising 700 acres of incredible natural beauty, rolling parkland, floral displays, streams, secret paths, a gorge walk, two lakes woodlands and open spaces and wildlife in every direction, you could throw a picnic blanket on the ground almost anyway in Roundhay Park and find yourself surrounded by the perfect blend of greenery and tranquillity. 

Just remember to set an alarm if you lie down to rest after eating – the park is so relaxing, you might just fall asleep.

Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.

Temple Newsam

The biggest location on our list by some distance, Temple Newsam’s 1,500 acres of parkland provide no shortage of both sunny spots and shaded spaces for picnickers who like landscaped grounds, natural beauty and no fewer than three lakes.

One of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions, Temple Newsam also has plenty to offer once the food’s all gone, with walled gardens, woodland trails, several walks and a shop all worth a visit.

Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Selby Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.

Your own garden!

When all’s said and done, there really is no place like home so, if you’re trying to keep your outgoings to a minimum at the moment, why not cut down on travel costs this National Picnic Week and have one in your own backyard?!

With its handy location close to vital amenities like running water, toilets and indoor seating if the weather takes a turn for the worse, your garden is convenient, unlikely to be overcrowded and best of all, admission is free! 

Bon appétit!

With a huge number of superb outdoor spaces available nearby, picnickers in Leeds are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to go for a sandwich in the sun. If we’ve forgotten to mention your favourite picnic destination, let us know about it on our social channels! 

Lastly, remember that whatever your dream plans are for National Picnic Week, we can help make them a reality with one of our affordable loans. Find out more here.