Yorkshire doesn’t do views by halves, and it’s always good to have something gorgeous to look at while you try to persuade your kids to eat what’s on their plate. Whether it’s a riverside table in York, a sea view on the Yorkshire coast or a waterfall in the woodland, they’re all lovely options. Here are ten of our favourite places to eat or drink with a beautiful water view in and around York, all tried and tested and genuinely welcoming for children.

1. The Perky Peacock, York

Tucked inside Barker Tower, a 14th-century stone tower beside Lendal Bridge and just a two-minute walk from York Station, this family-run café is one of York’s most atmospheric places to refuel. Its riverside tables sit right on the banks of the River Ouse, making it a lovely place to stop for coffee and cake while watching the boats drift by (assuming your kids aren’t at the age where they’re likely to run straight for the water). Feeling brave? There’s even a dungeon hidden beneath the tower.

📍 Barker Tower, North Street, York YO1 6BE
🌐 perkypeacock.co.uk

2. The Riverfront Café Bar, Bishopthorpe

Just a short drive south of York, this relaxed riverside outdoor café is right on the banks of the Ouse at Bishopthorpe. Open seven days a week, it serves wraps, sandwiches, a daily specials board and Northern Bloc ice cream. There’s a children’s play area on site, free parking and plenty of space to spread out. For a real treat if you’re feeling fancy, sister restaurant Bosun’s is on the site too.

📍 Ferry Lane, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB
🌐 theriverfrontyork.co.uk

3. SOPHiE, Lendal Bridge, York

Set inside the East Lodge of Lendal Bridge, SOPHiE is a much-loved independent café with outdoor seating overlooking the river. Small but perfectly formed, it’s known for its excellent coffee, delicious cakes and indulgent milkshakes. Heaters and blankets make it a cosy option even on cooler days.

📍 East Lodge, Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP
🌐 sophieinyork.com

4. SOPHiE, Skeldergate Bridge, York

The second SOPHiE, which opened in summer 2024 inside the historic Motor House on Skeldergate Bridge, is in another stunning riverside location overlooking Tower Gardens and the river Ouse. Expect the same excellent coffee, cakes and light meals as the Lendal Bridge café, with even closer views of the boats.

📍 The Motor House, Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ
🌐 sophieinyork.com

5. Star Inn the City, York

For a proper sit-down meal with one of York’s finest river views, Star Inn the City is hard to beat. Housed in the Old Engine House beside Museum Gardens, the riverside terrace overlooks the Ouse and is a wonderful place to eat on a warm day. The menu is modern British, seasonal and locally sourced, with inspiration from Andrew Pern’s Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome. Don’t let the smart interior put you off taking your kids: it’s surprisingly family-friendly.

📍 Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, York YO1 7DR
🌐 starinnthecity.co.uk

6. City Cruises Fish and Chip Cruise, York

Not so much a restaurant with a view as a view that comes with fish and chips. City Cruises’ Fish and Chip Cruise departs from King’s Staith Landing and glides along the River Ouse for around an hour, serving fish and chips from award-winning Mr Chippy as you go. With live commentary from the captain and plenty to spot along the way, it’s a surprisingly big hit with children and a memorable way to see York from the water. Advance booking is essential.

📍 King’s Staith Landing, York YO1 9SN
🌐 cityexperiences.com/york

7. Hunmanby Beach Café, Filey

One of the Yorkshire coast’s best-kept secrets, the Beach Café at Hunmanby Gap sits right above the sands with sea views stretching out in front of you. It’s simple, unfussy and exactly what a beach café should be: simple food at fair prices, outdoor seating, friendly service and chips in buckets! It’s a firm favourite with families familiar with this stretch of beach (us included!).

📍 Sands Road, Hunmanby Gap, Filey YO14 9QW

8. Falling Foss Tea Garden, near Whitby

Another hidden gem that families in the know flock to during the warmer months, Falling Foss Tea Garden is an outdoor cafe in a really beautiful location. Tucked in the woods above the Falling Foss waterfall in Sneaton Forest, it serves homemade scones, cakes, savoury snacks and good coffee in one of the most magical outdoor settings in North Yorkshire. Check opening hours before you travel and don’t forget a towel or two if your kids are keen paddlers.

📍 Midge Hall, Falling Foss, Sneaton Forest, Whitby YO22 5JD

9. Rowntree Park Reading Café, York

Much loved by local families, and just 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre along the River Ouse, the Reading Café in Rowntree Park serves meals, snacks and drinks all day in a beautiful setting above the park with views of the lake. The park itself has two well-equipped play areas, skate park, basketball courts and more.

📍 Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ
🌐 exploreyork.org.uk

10. Marigold Café, Knaresborough

Sitting right on the banks of the River Nidd, a stone’s throw from Knaresborough’s iconic railway viaduct, the Marigold Café is in a seriously pretty location. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, snacks and ice cream, and there’s outdoor terrace seating that fills up fast on sunny days as well as a cosy indoor space. Tables are first come, first served, so arrive early in summer. Boat hire is available on site from March to October, making it an easy full morning or afternoon out.

📍 16 Waterside, Knaresborough HG5 8DE
🌐 marigoldcafe.co.uk