Not only is summertime here again, National Picnic Month is too!
Taking place throughout July, National Picnic Month 2024 encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest green open space to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.
But with Yorkshire’s huge array of suitable outdoor venues, the only question is: where should you go? We take a look!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Wakefield’s premier outdoor attraction rarely needs an introduction but, for the uninitiated, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is an art gallery without walls. With incredible sculptures and installations by world-renowned artists throughout the 500+ acre grounds of this 18th century estate, this is the perfect picnic spot for anyone who enjoys a little culture with their pork pie.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, WF43 4LG.
Harewood House.
Ideal for families and less than 10 miles from Leeds city centre, Harewood House consists of 100 acres of grounds and gardens, a 32-acre tropical lake, three dedicated walks and three acres of children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.
A great place for a quiet picnic on a lazy afternoon or to unleash the kids and let them burn off some excess energy, Harewood House has something for everyone.
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
Brimham Rocks.
One of the most beautiful sites in all of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks is both a dramatic collection of moorland rock formations and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, set in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With rocks to walk around, climb over and eat in the shade of, a variety of post-picnic walks and 70 bird boxes attracting an endless parade of feathered friends, Brimham Rocks is the perfect place for those who like their picnics with stunning views.
Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW.
Aysgarth Falls.
Made even more famous by Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Aysgarth Falls is an almost one mile long triple flight of waterfalls set in a breath-taking woodland valley.
With footpaths throughout the valley offering stunning views of the falls from every angle, salmon occasionally visible in the water and plenty of places to sit and enjoy a bite to eat, Aysgarth Falls is the picnic spot of choice for an adventurous day out.
Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth, North Yorkshire, DL8 3TH.
Filey Beach.
Yorkshire natives can sometimes be guilty of not seeing the wood for the trees when it comes to our wonderful beaches – we can talk about them til the cows come home but do we make the most of them?
Well, National Picnic Week is the perfect opportunity to right that wrong and what better beach to head to on a summer’s day than Filey? The dog-friendly, sandy beach has a sculpture trail, crazy golf, a playground and a plethora of rock pools. What are you waiting for?!
Filey Beach, 1 Flat Cliffs, Primrose Valley, Filey, YO14 9RD.
Fountains Abbey.
With ancient abbey ruins dating back to the 12th century, a deer park and a water garden with World Heritage Site status, not for no reason is Fountains Abbey one of the UK’s most iconic picnic locations.
Visitors are spoilt for picnic-spot choice with luscious green lawns as far as the eye can see, all boasting stunning views of the Abbey’s riverside, statues and follies. And, once you’ve had your fill of crisps and sandwiches, several long walks offer the opportunity to work them off again!
Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY.
Enjoy your perfect picnic with LCU!
Whatever plans you have for National Picnic Month, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. Find out more here.