Best picnic spots in South Yorkshire
Some of our favourite spots for a family picnic in South Yorkshire.
We've picked some of the best picnic spots South Yorkshire has to offer. From the relaxing atmosphere Sheffield Botanical Gardens provides within the hustle and bustle of Sheffield to the grandeur of Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham. There are many great places to lay down a picnic.
Due to the current circumstances surrounding Coronavirus, please check before you travel as some facilities may be temporarily closed or you may have to pre-book online before visiting. Remember to stick to guidelines and stay safe.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
A stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Sheffield city centre is Sheffield Botanical Gardens. The 19 acres of gardens is free to enter and open all year round. Not only is there plenty of green space to pitch up a picnic, but also many winding paths leading to 18 different gardens of different themes.
Continuing the fun for all the family is a rare Grade II listed Bear Pit nestled between Mediterranean and Himalayan gardens. Once the fun has been had and it is time to eat Curator’s House Restaurant and Tea Rooms has plenty to offer or if you have brought your own sandwiches why not lay your blanket down by the Glass Pavilions or under a tree on the central Broadwalk.
Main entrance: Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield S10 2LN
Dearne Valley Country Park, Barnsley
Less than a mile from Barnsley town centre, Dearne Valley Country Park is a hot spot for all things nature and perfect for a peaceful picnic. Unsurprisingly, at the centre of the park is the River Dearne which attracts plenty of wildlife and is said to be the one of best places to see kingfishers in the Valley at any time of year. The site proves popular with all types of walkers so is the ideal place to burn off energy once your picnic has been consumed.
191 Pontefract Road, Barnsley S71 1HS
Forge Dam Park, Sheffield
Situated in Fulwood, Sheffield this enchanting park will offer you a magical atmosphere during your picnic. The park's café is a family-run, family friendly business so you can be assured of a warm welcome and delicious sandwiches, drinks, cakes and much more if you don't fancy making your own food. Woodlands, ducks, stepping stones and even a Shepherds Wheel can be found on the short walk from Forge Dam to Endcliffe Park, two parks for a free, family orientated, jam packed adventure before or after your picnic!
9 Whiteley Lane, Sheffield S10 4GL
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Home to the Polar Bears (and many other animals), Yorkshire Wildlife Park is not only a great family day out, but it is also a brilliant location for a picnic. Ensure the sandwiches are filled, as Yorkshire Wildlife Park will ensure your day is filled with fun and facts about their 400 animals and 70 different species! The park has numerous food outlets with an array of choices for those not wanting a traditional picnic and for those with a burst of energy, the site also has an abundance of indoor and outdoor play areas.
Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HQ
Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
If you want your picnic to have a sense of grandeur, then Wentworth Woodhouse is for you! One of the largest houses in Europe and the longest façade of any country house in England, the Grade I listed property is situated five miles (approx.) from Rotherham centre. Wentworth stands in extensive grounds and gardens, 87 acres to be exact, there is green space a plenty to set up a picnic, some of which includes a deer park and lakes; the perfect picturesque setting to take in the sights, sounds and floral smells of this magnificent location. This is another choice that has a café for a picnic pick me up!
Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ
Locke Park, Barnsley
This popular Barnsley Park has plenty of green space for running around, a kick about or you guessed it, a picnic! For those parents that are in a rush and forget the ball, kite and other self made fun, don't worry, Locke Park also has a play area with climbing frames and swing for the little monkeys once they have munched on their crisps and sandwiches. Other facilities also include a café, car park, public toilets, bowling green and pavilion. A bandstand and a listed tower are the main focal points within the parkland.
Park Road, Barnsley S70 1YG
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster
Experience what life was like as a Victorian at Brodsworth Hall, a stunning country estate a short drive from Doncaster and protected by English Heritage, 'conserved as found'. There are 15 acres of quaint gardens to explore which tell a history and are award winning. Sit among an awash of colour next to the flower beds and relax at the view of the restored summerhouse. Once your picnic has been consumed, explore the grounds and then pop into the tearoom for a snack on the Tea Terrace.
Brodsworth DN5 7XJ
Clifton Park and Museum, Rotherham
Next on our list is fun for all the family and an education too! Situated in the heart of Rotherham is Clifton Park and Museum. Getting the kids to sit down for some food may be a struggle as there is so much to see and do here!
The park boasts the biggest free play park in Yorkshire, mini golf, fun park with roller coasters and much more, a water splash with 70 water jets of fun, a land train, skate park, tennis courts, football pitches and who could forget the museum which brings Rotherham's history to life... got all that!? Once the little ones are exhausted from all the fun, peacefully sit in the park's gardens, choose from the Walled Garden, Memorial Garden or Carpet Bed and Rock Garden while a cold drink and refreshment are purchased from the café or ice cream kiosk.
40 Doncaster Road, Rotherham S65 2BH
Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley
Not far from Barnsley is Cannon Hall Farm, the definition of a jam-packed family day out and multi award winning. Don't forget your picnic because you'll need to refuel after all the fun that can be had; but if you do there are numerous food outlets on site, including a farm shop. The working farm will ensure your littles ones can see everything, from sheep, lambs, goats, pigs, and there is even a reptile house! While the adventure playground with its tube maze, slides and towers will give a new meaning to adventure and provide hours of entertainment.
Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT
Sheffield Manor Lodge and Farm
This 16th century ruin has something for all the family, including an animal farm! Not only is the Tudor architecture something to take in while you have your picnic at Sheffield Manor Lodge, but there is also plenty of wild meadows, trails and green spaces for the children to run around when they can't sit still for any longer. The Rhubarb Shed Café offers plenty of yummy refreshments if needed.
197 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UJ