Checked rugs and sausage rolls…

We really don't want to jinx the weather so it continues to rain but we're going to risk it and give our local lowdown on top picnic spots. When the sun shines (and we must believe it will!), who doesn't want to head outside with a picnic rug and hamper stuffed with tempting goodies, and spend a day paddling and playing with the kids?


From Aireville Park in Skipton to the many miles of possible picnic smiles across the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales at places like Malham tarn (click here to find out what they've got planned for their open day on Saturday 6 August), finding top local places is as easy as (picnic) pie. All of the walks so far on www.moobaakids.co.uk feature places for snacks but we couldn’t leave it there. So pack the pink lemonade, sneak in a slice or two of cake, throw in a few scotch eggs, cut the crusts off your sandwiches just this once and follow us! (But before you do, you might want to print off a Woodland Trust nature detectives picnic activity booklet) 


Bolton Abbey – So it’s six quid per car to get in but once you’re in, you’re spoilt for choice! There is so much to do here by the riverside in this beautiful setting with fantastic pushchair-friendly walks taking in the aquaduct, stepping stones, money tree, strid and much more. They are happy for you to picnic on the estate and even barbecue in the southern section of the Sandholme car park!


Burnsall – We know it gets crazily busy on a fine day but that’s because it’s just such a perfect picnic spot. The magnificent five-arched bridge is a beautiful backdrop with grassy banks and benches along the river. There are plenty of shallow areas for paddling and you could even take a stroll upstream to the wobbly bridge! There’s a handy village shop and The Red Lion’s on the green too. Parking in the field car park costs £4 all day and there is a toilet block there to use.


Nearby Appletreewick is also on an exceptionally beautiful stretch of the river Wharfe. There are plenty of shallow places with large flat stones for paddling around - don’t forget your bucket and net for crayfish! The river can be approached at various points along a good path from Burnsall, or from a very short footpath off the main road through Appletreewick, near Mason’s campsite. This is signposted ‘Riverside’ and though there is a stile, the gate was also unlocked for use when we were there a couple of weeks ago. There are two family-friendly pubs in the village – The Craven Arms and the New Inn.

Linton Falls is another one of those places that attracts lots of visitors and can easily be walked to from Grassington down the walled footpath Sedber Lane or ‘Snake Path’ (it’s quite steep), off Hebden Road at the National Park Centre, where there’s also parking. There is a footbridge straddling the river and lots to see such as the falls, white water sections near the old mill sluice gates and there are stepping stones too. The gentle grassy areas make a perfect picnic place to take it all in.

We know there must be some more lovely remote spots we could have included but with little ones in mind, we’ve stuck quite close to civilisation for these suggestions! So you don’t get caught out don’t forget the suncream, baby wipes, and lots of drink (for them, not the grown-ups!) Oh, and it completely goes without saying but we feel like we just should – pay special attention to any little ones playing near water.


If you have any brilliant ideas for local places to picnic, any hidden gems or hints on tasty treats to put in the hamper we'd love to hear them x

PS We'll be running a competition (via our facebook page) tomorrow so that people who share their suggestions and tips for great parks to visit and places to go for picnics, could win a family day ticket to the forthcoming Beacons festival... watch this space!