12 of the best places for a picnic in Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales
We asked you for your favourite picnic spots - here’s what you said!
Last updated 22nd Jul 2021
There are many perfect locations for a family picnic in the great outdoors in Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales. From town centre parks and attractions in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Skipton to secluded, historic and riverside picnic places in the Yorkshire Dales.
Admission charges apply at some of the venues on our list.
RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Found on the western edge of Harrogate, Harlow Carr first opened to visitors in 1950. It now covers 58 acres. Picnic among the plants or snack at their cafes. Admission charges do apply.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate
17 acres of Grade II listed gardens in the heart of Harrogate. A favourite with Victorian tourists here for the rejuvenative powers of Harrogate’s spa waters, The Valley Gardens is still a well-used local favourite and easily reached for a last-minute family picnic when the weather obliges.
Ripley Castle near Harrogate
Just three miles from Harrogate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this 14th century country house is Grade I listed and overlooks a lake and deer park. Ripley Castle is a great place for a picnic with a view. Admission charges apply.
Brimham Rocks near Pateley Bridge
A 454-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest, 8 miles north-west of Harrogate. Brimham Rocks is best-known for its ancient rock formations but is also home to rare species of heather. 70 bird boxes at the site make it a draw for twitchers. There are many options for a picnic spot - many with stunning views. Admission is free at this National Trust site but car parking charges apply.
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
On the banks of the River Nidd in Knaresborough is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of the famous Prophetess. It is next to the Petrifying Well – with waters that turn objects to stone. The park offers plenty of places for a picnic. Admission charges apply.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal near Ripon
A World Heritage site with ancient Abbey ruins and a beautiful Water Garden found a few miles south-west of Ripon. The extensive grounds at Fountains Abbey offer plenty of picnic places. It’s a National Trust attraction, so admission charges do apply.
Hackfall Wood, Ripon
In the Yorkshire Dales, to the north-west of Ripon, Hackfall boasts follies, grottoes, surprise views, waterfalls and a fountain among the trees. A £1million lottery grant funded a major restoration project in 2007. You’ll find the car park at the Masham end of the wood. Pick a picnic spot among the trees.
Newby Hall near Ripon
A Georgian country house sitting in 25 acres of grounds, you will find it three miles south-east of Ripon on the banks of the River Ure. The Newby Hall grounds offer many family-friendly attractions and plenty of picnic places. Admission charges apply.
Malhamdale
Malham is a pretty Yorkshire Dales village, with a stream running through it. Found to the north of Skipton, it is best admired from Malham Cove, a 260-foot high curving formation of limestone rock. There is a huge choice of picnic spots in Malhamdale.
Bolton Abbey near Skipton
The Yorkshire seat of the Duke of Devonshire, it has been in the family since 1755. You will find Bolton Abbey just off the A59 between Harrogate & Skipton. The Priory ruins stand on the banks of the River Wharfe. You can enjoy riverside and woodland walks, picnic on the banks and hop across the water on the stepping stones!
Fewston & Swinsty Reservoirs near Blubberhouses
Two neighbouring reservoirs in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They offer waterside and woodland walks and plenty of places to stop for a picnic!
Aireville Park, Skipton
In easy reach of the centre of Skipton, Aireville Park dates back to 1830. Today, you will find a wealth of sporting facilities and play areas bound to keep the kids entertained before or after your picnic.
Meet the famous faces from Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales:
Andrew Scarborough
A familiar face from "Downton Abbey" - he played Tim Drewe - but perhaps you know him better as Graham Foster in "Emmerdale". The character met a grisly end in early 2020 after three years on the show. Andrew was born in Harrogate and went to Harrogate Grammar School.
Jim Carter OBE
"Downton Abbey" fans will instantly recognise the butler Mr Carson. Jim Carter was born in Harrogate and went to Ashville College. He was Head Boy in his final year. Married to fellow actor Imelda Staunton, Jim was made an OBE in 2019.
Tom Lister
Tom Lister hails from Ingleton, on the western fringes of the Yorkshire Dales. Known to many as Carl King in "Emmerdale", he left the show when his character was killed off in that dramatic 40th anniversary live episode in 2012.
Claire King
And another from "Emmerdale" we can claim as our own is Claire King. Born Jayne Claire King over the border in Bradford, she grew up in Harrogate, attending Harrogate Ladies College. She had a decade-long stint on the soap in the 90s as one of one show's most iconic characters Kim Tate.
Olly Alexander
The Years & Years lead singer Olly Alexander was born Oliver Alexander Thornton in Harrogate but grew up down south on the border between England and Wales. With two Top 3 albums so far, you'll know the bands biggest hits including: "King, "Shine" and "If You're Over Me". You'll also recognise him from his starring role in in the Channel 4 drama "It's A Sin".
Jack Laugher
Olympic gold-medal winning diver Jack Laugher is from Harrogate. He went to Ripon Grammar School. He first got a taste for diving at Harrogate Hydro Swimming Pool. A springboard specialist, he and 3m synchro partner Chris Mears became Team GB's first ever Olympic diving gold medallists at Rio in 2016.
Hugo Speer
Best remembered as Guy in the film "The Full Monty", TV and movie actor Hugo Speer was born in Harrogate. He was a student at Harrogate Grammar School. In recent years you'll have seen him playing Lucius in the Sky/Amazon Prime fantasy drama "Britannia".
Paul Zenon
Comedy magician Paul Zenon was born Paul Collins in Skipton. Starting out in Blackpool hotels, his skills have taken him on worldwide tours and been showcased on countless TV shows. Maybe you've read his books – or even seen him in Dictionary Corner on "Countdown"!
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