Even the most boring sandwich tastes amazing when it’s eaten in the sunshine. There’s a lot to love about picnics – the kids can run about, the grass can deal with the crumbs and it’s cheaper (and less stressful) than piling into a restaurant or cafe. Take a look at our pick of the best places to picnic in and around York. Fancy letting someone else make the sandwiches? Here’s a selection of the best places for picnic provisions and street food in York. Bon appetit!

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Eat your picnic….while you watch the squirrels at York Museum Gardens

York Museum Gardens is one of York’s most beautiful places, with river views, squirrels and lots of intriguing corners for kids to explore. Enjoy a picnic in the shadow of the stunning ruins or, if it’s busy, keep walking around to the back of York Art Gallery where there’s a lovely garden that’s quieter but just as pretty. In the heart of the gardens is the Yorkshire Museum, which is fantastic for kids.

As it’s right in the heart of the city centre, you’re a stone’s throw from lots of lovely cafes where you can pick up a drink or something to eat. Our local favourites include Brew & Brownie and Spring Espresso. There’s also Ciao York in the gardens themselves, which does great coffee and hot and cold snacks (not to mention ice cream). Admission to the gardens is free. Museum St, York YO1 7FR. Visit the website.

…on the banks of the River Ouse

There’s oodles of space by the Ouse for a riverside picnic, so just take a wander from the city centre and see how far you get before hunger sets in. We like the area near the Millenium Bridge – towards Fulford – not least because the ice cream boat moors at the bridge during the summer months, and it’s close to beautiful Rowntree Park for a run around. The areas on both sides of Skeldergate Bridge (above) are convenient for the city centre and have a lovely river view too – you could even pick up a drink or something tasty to eat from the quirky cafe bar, SOPHiE on Skeldergate Bridge, if you’re lucky.

…in the shadow of York Minster at Dean’s Park

Fancy a Minster view with your sandwich? Then head to the tranquillity of Dean’s Park, just to the left of the main entrance of York Minster and a stone’s throw from Treasurer’s House. Although it isn’t huge, it’s a lovely quiet space with lots of room to roam. It’s also perfectly placed for city centre shops and cafes where you can pick up something nice to eat if you’ve not brought anything with you. You can even have a selfie with Paddington while you’re there! 2 Minster Yard, York YO1 7JJ.

…by the water at Rowntree Park

Possibly the prettiest park in York, Rowntree Park is the perfect place for a family picnic. Not only are there two play areas, a skate park and basketball court, but there’s plenty of room to scoot, run and crawl. Say hello to the ducks, count the squirrels and take a stroll around the little lake. Top tip: head to one of the pretty gated gardens in the centre of the park where the geese don’t go. There’s a wonderful little cafe/library – Rowntree Park Reading Cafe – if you fancy a hot drink, snack or ice cream.

…while the children play at Homestead Park

Slightly outside the city centre in the Clifton area of York is Homestead Park, a lovely, well-maintained green space that’s a favourite with families across the city. There’s plenty of play equipment for children of all ages, and green space galore for you to set down your picnic blanket. During the summer months, keep an eye out for the pop-up cafe. The Homestead, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP

Places to picnic beyond York

…in the woodland at Falling Foss near Whitby 

Falling Foss is a gorgeous place just outside Whitby. Pack a picnic and find a shady spot to enjoy it while the kids paddle in the stream. Why not pick up a drink or something to eat from the lovely Falling Foss Tea Garden too? No admission charge. Falling Foss, Whitby YO22 5JD. Read our review and find out more about Falling Foss here. 

…at world heritage site Fountains Abbey 

Eat lunch among the ruins at this iconic World Heritage Site. Get wildlife spotting too – if you’re lucky, you might even see a deer! Children will no doubt want you to make a detour to the play area, too. Admission charges apply. Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY. Visit the Fountains Abbey website.

…below the sculptures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park 

Fancy a bit of culture with your cake? Acres of space, spectacular sculptures and a fab cafe if you forget to pack your picnic. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG. Visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park website.

…among the formations at Brimham Rocks

Clamber to your heart’s content at this special place in the Dales, and enjoy your sandwiches while you overlook one of the best views in Yorkshire. No admission charge, just pay to park. Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW. Visit the Brimham Rocks website.

…beneath the trees at Dalby Forest

Family-friendly walks galore, stunning scenery and a fantastic adventure playground make this a cracking day out. No admission charge, just pay to park. Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-le-Dale YO18 7LT. Visit the Dalby Forest website.

…while you watch the train go round at Newby Hall

Drag yourselves off your picnic blanket for a ride on the mini-railway, a play in the adventure playground or a run through the fountains. Admission charges apply. Newby Hall, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon HG4 5AE. Visit the Newby Hall website.

…on the beach at the Yorkshire Coast

If you don’t mind sand in your sandwiches, Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Robin Hood’s Bay and countless other little spots along the Yorkshire coast are beautiful places to picnic. We love the slightly less well known (and therefore much quieter) beaches at Hunmanby Gap and Fraisthorpe, too. For lunch in the shadow of a lighthouse, Flamborough Head is a stunning spot. Don’t forget your buckets and spades!

…while you watch the fish at Burnby Hall Gardens

Burnby Hall Gardens is the perfect size for children to explore, and there’s a play area too. Feed the enormous fish before feeding yourselves! Burnby Hall Gardens, 33 The Balk, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF. Visit the Burnby Hall website.

…by the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey

Park up at the Riverside car park for prime paddling and picnicking potential at Bolton Abbey. Older children will enjoy the Welly Walk, with fun physical challenges along the way. There are various ice cream and refreshment options, public loos and a gift shop. No admission fee – just pay to park. Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL. Visit the Bolton Abbey website.

The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel & Spa

Go down the rabbit hole and discover an afternoon tea to remember at Yorkshire’s only five-star hotel, The Grand Hotel & Spa. Keep an eye out for these themed teas (there’s a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory one, too) which happen every so often and are a sight to behold. The sweet and savoury treats are a joy to behold and incredible to eat. Expect great service, delicious scones, more cake than you could possibly eat and games for children to play. A more traditional afternoon tea, with children’s version, is available most days in The Rise restaurant. Read the Little Vikings review of the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea here.

For more details, visit thegrandyork.co.uk or call 01904 380038.

Afternoon tea at The Principal Hotel York

The Principal Hotel is one of York’s most beautiful hotels, handily located by the station. Afternoon tea is served in the stunning Garden Room, where children can enjoy a menu created in collaboration with students from a local school. Fish-shaped tuna sandwiches and heart-shaped jam sandwiches are bound to bring a smile, as are the delicious cakes and pastries. Adults are in for a treat, too. Read the Little Vikings review here. 

The Principal York Hotel, Station Road, York YO24 1AA – Afternoon tea is served daily from 1pm to 5pm – Visit The Principal York’s website for more details

Afternoon tea at Bettys

Afternoon tea at Bettys is worth braving the queues for. Expect exquisite cakes and pastries, dainty sandwiches and a vast selection of teas and coffee. Children will be served a pared-down version by the friendly staff. Don’t want to risk the queues? Book a table in the upstairs Belmont Room instead, where you’ll have more space and may even be treated to live music from the pianist. Celebrating? Why not upgrade with a glass of champagne? Read the Little Vikings review here. 

Bettys, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – Afternoon tea is served daily throughout the day – £19.95 per person (£27.95 with a glass of champagne)

Afternoon tea at The Ivy, York

A hop, skip and jump from Bettys is The Ivy, a sumptuous bar and restaurant that’s open all day from early breakfast to late night suppers and cocktails. They also offer afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm daily, and children are very welcome to head along and enjoy a refined experience in beautiful surroundings. As there’s no specific offering for younger diners, children will be offered the adult selection, which includes truffled chicken brioche rolls and smoked salmon on rye bread that are best suited to those with an adventurous palate. The sweet treats – from warm fruit scones with lashings of cream and jam to chocolate and salted caramel mousse and a mouthwatering creme brulee doughnut – are total crowd pleasers. For the full experience, our children were delighted to be presented with a pot of tea each! We won’t disclose how many sugar cubes they added to their cups… The service is warm and welcoming and it’s a lovely place to spend time and watch the world go by.

The Ivy, 2 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – Visit The Ivy’s website for more details

Three other places in York for great tea and cake….

• Crumbs Cupcakery: A sweet little cafe in the shadow of York Minster, Crumbs Cupcakery specialises in cupcakes galore. 10 College St, York YO1 7JF; visit the website
• Brew & Brownie: Well known for their amazing pancakes, Brew & Brownie (and their sister cafe the Bakeshop, just along the road) also serve fantastic cakes and pastries. They make a cracking coffee too. Be prepared to wait during busy periods. 5 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT; visit the website
• The Pig & Pastry: It’s worth swapping town for Bishopthorpe Road to sample the many delights of the Pig & Pastry’s cake and pastry selection. They also make a mean donut, and their mince pies and hot cross buns are a joy to behold. Prepare to share a table during busy periods, or take home and enjoy in private. 35 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA; visit the website