The Best Picnic Spots in York

The sunshine we are expecting all summer long gives you the perfect chance to dine outdoors, and York has some fantastic spots where you can sunbathe while tucking into some delicious picnic food. Our holiday apartments, York, boast a central location, meaning you can pick any of these spots for when you want to have lunch al fresco.

Museum Gardens

In the summer months, the Museum Gardens are a thriving hub in York, and the ten-acres of space gives everyone plenty of room. The gardens were built in the 1830s and stretch between the River Ouse to York Art Gallery and Marygate to Museum Street. There are loads of benches and grassy areas to park yourself as well as places nearby to get an ice cream to cool you down from the midday sun, such as The Full Moo ice cream boat on the river. There are also the stunning ruins of St Mary’s Abbey if you fancy exploring the gardens further.

Dean’s Park

Dean’s Park, on the north side of York Minster, gives you great views of the Minster and is a favourite spot for many locals and visitors of York. It is open from 7am to dusk daily. Dean’s Park is ideal if you want to avoid the midday sun, as you can sit comfortably in the shade of the Minster, and it is just enough distance from the bustle of the city centre to find some peace and quiet.

City Walls

A stroll along the city walls gives you a chance to find some quiet and also provides loads of great views of the city. The city walls are the longest medieval city walls in England, and you can walk nearly all the way around the centre without stepping down onto the street below. Along the walls, there are areas to sit down, so you can take a picnic with you for when you want to sit down and relax after a wander along the walls.

Rowntree Park

Head away from the city centre to Rowntree Park which is situated right by the River Ouse. It has gone under redevelopment in recent years, and there are tennis and basketball courts, a skate park and children play area in addition to large grassy areas. You can also take a woodland walk along some of the tree trails in the park after enjoying a summer picnic.

Our holiday apartments are fully serviced, so you can make your own lunch before heading out for the day, and there are also loads of great cafes and restaurants too. Contact us at The Lawrance to find out more about our accommodation and activities and attractions in York.