12 of the best places for a picnic on the Yorkshire Coast
We asked you for your favourite picnic spots - here’s what you said!
Last updated 15th Jul 2021
There are many perfect locations for a family picnic in the great outdoors on the Yorkshire Coast. From town centre parks and attractions in Whitby, Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington to secluded, historic, woodland and riverside picnic places in the North York Moors.
Be sure to check any Covid-19 restrictions or admission charges at the venues on our list.
Scarborough Mere
A 16-acre natural lake in the Weaponness Valley, at the foot of Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough Mere has been a popular visitor attraction for decades. It used to boast rowing boats, a putting green and a miniature Spanish galleon - the Hispaniola – that would carry tourists to 'Treasure Island'. It’s a pleasant spot for a waterside picnic.
Peasholm Park, Scarborough
This oriental-themed park on the north side of Scarborough opened in 1912. It was extended to include the Peasholm Glen ravine in 1924. The Peasholm Park boating lake still hosts mock naval battles. There are pedalos, a putting green, cafes and plenty of picnic place options.
Filey Country Park
With ample parking, a play area and café, Filey Country Park is a favourite for flying kites, dog walking and bird watching. A trek along the Brigg offers some of the best views of the Yorkshire Coast. It’s the point at which the long-distance walking routes “The Cleveland Way” and “The Wolds Way” meet. There is loads of space to lay down your picnic rug.
Filey Dams Nature Reserve
A hidden gem on the western edge of Filey, it is the last remaining freshwater marsh in the area. At Filey Dams Nature Reserve you will see migratory birds, small mammals and amphibians.
Glen Gardens, Filey
Glen Gardens were part of a private estate when first built in the 1830s. A café now stands where the grand private house used to be. There is a play area, boating lake and plenty of open space for ball games and picnics.
Ravenscar
Boasting incredible views across to Robin Hood’s Bay, the clifftop village of Ravenscar has a lot to offer. You can explore the remains of the Alum Works or walk or cycle along the cinder track. There might have been even more to see – Victorian developers drew up elaborate plans for a purpose-built holiday village – but the scheme was abandoned soon after work began. There are many choices for a coastal picnic with a view.
Whitby Abbey
The first monastery stood on this site in the 7th century. Famously the place Count Dracula comes ashore in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Whitby Abbey has survived Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1540 and a 1914 attack by German battlecruisers. Today the gothic ruins attract visitors from around the world. You can explore the ruins and picnic in the grounds. Now an English Heritage attraction, so admission charges apply.
Pannett Park, Whitby
Found on Whitby’s west side, the 3.3 hectare Pannett Park offers a state of the art play area and Floral Clock centrepiece. The park is home to Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery. The paths are steep in places, but there are plenty of picnic spots to choose from.
Sewerby Hall & Gardens
A Grade I listed stately home set in 50 acres of formal gardens, woodland and parkland with spectacular views down the coast to Bridlington. The house was first built around 1720 but extended many times in the 1800s. Today you can see Sewerby Hall as it would have been in the early 20th century. The grounds offer many family-friendly attractions – including a zoo. Admission charges apply.
Bempton Cliffs
An RSPB Nature Reserve on the North Sea coast where half a million seabirds gather to nest between March and October. It is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. Bempton Cliffs has a visitor centre and café and ample picnic places around the reserve. Admission charges apply.
Danes Dyke near Bridlington
A Local Nature Reserve on the coast between Sewerby and Flamborough. A spot for woodland walks leading down to the rocky beach. Danes Dyke has a café, car parking and lots of green spaces to set-up your picnic.
Dalby Forest near Pickering
Found north of Thornton-le-Dale, Dalby Forest is a favourite with walkers and cyclists. Miles of woodland trails, lakes and spectacular moorland views. There’s a state-of-the-art visitor centre, café and two play areas. It’s operated by Forestry England. Charges apply.
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