6 Secret Yorkshire Picnic Spots Near Kiplin Lodge Park That Locals Love
The perfect picnic isn't about the food.
It's about the view that takes your breath away while you eat it.
As spring fully embraces the Yorkshire Dales, those picture-perfect picnic days are finally here. The kind where sunshine warms your face and a gentle breeze carries the scent of wildflowers. But where should you spread your blanket?
Let me share some local secrets that most visitors never discover.
Why Yorkshire Picnics Hit Different
There's something magical about dining al fresco in the Dales.
The dramatic landscapes may make even a simple sandwich taste extraordinary. Or perhaps it's the peace you can't find in busy parks and tourist spots elsewhere.
Want to know the real secret?
It's the variety. Within minutes of Kiplin Lodge Park, you can picnic beside ancient ruins, overlooking vast valleys, or next to babbling brooks – sometimes all in the same day.
6 Local-Approved Picnic Spots You Won't Find in Guidebooks
1. Kiplin Hall Lakeside (5 minutes from lodges)
The closest spot to your lodge offers surprising seclusion and beauty.
Perfect for: Impromptu picnics when the sun suddenly appears. The flat, accessible grounds make this ideal for families with small children or those with mobility considerations.
Local tip: The north side of the lake gets morning sun, while the east bank offers shade under ancient oaks for afternoon picnics.
2. Easby Abbey Riverside (10 minutes drive)
This peaceful spot combines history with natural beauty. Ancient abbey ruins create a dramatic backdrop for your picnic photos.
Visit on weekdays to have this spot almost entirely to yourself. The grassy area just east of the main ruins offers the best river views while remaining sheltered from the wind.
The driving distance from Kiplin Lodge Park to Easby Abbey is approximately 8 miles and takes 10 minutes by car. The abbey sits in a picturesque location alongside the River Swale, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic with historical interest.
3. Jervaulx Abbey Wildflower Meadow (35 minutes drive)
Unlike formal abbey grounds elsewhere, Jervaulx's relaxed approach allows picnicking among the ruins.
It is perfect for Romantic picnics and wildflower enthusiasts. By late March, the first spring blooms create a colourful carpet.
Local tip: Bring a cushion. The stone remnants make perfect natural seating, but they can get uncomfortable after a while!
4. Richmond Riverside: (15 minutes drive)
For a riverside experience, follow the path from Richmond Castle down to the banks of the River Swale. This peaceful spot offers the perfect soundtrack of gently flowing water as you enjoy your sandwiches.
The riverside walk between Richmond and Easby Abbey provides several idyllic spots to stop and unpack your picnic while watching the river meander through the Yorkshire countryside.
Take the disused railway path along the river if you're after something more secluded. About a mile along this flat, accessible route, you'll find quiet spots with stunning views back towards Richmond Castle perched dramatically on its rocky promontory.
5. Ellerton Lake Hidden Cove (5 minutes drive)
This little-known spot at the reservoir's western edge offers privacy and beautiful water views.
Perfect for: Peace-seekers and birdwatchers. The sheltered cove attracts various waterfowl.
Local tip: The morning light here is spectacular – worth an early start with a breakfast picnic.
6. Hudswell Woods Riverside (20 minutes drive)
These ancient woodlands managed by the National Trust offer secluded river spots.
It is perfect for Nature lovers and families. The shallow river edges are perfect for children to paddle (under supervision) on warmer spring days.
Local tip: Follow the path marked "River View" rather than the main trail to find the best picnic spots most visitors miss.
The Ultimate Yorkshire Picnic Packing List
Want to picnic like a local? Here's what Yorkshire folk know to bring:
- A waterproof blanket (Yorkshire ground can be surprisingly damp even after days without rain)
- Windbreaks or a pop-up shelter for more exposed locations
- Local cheeses – Wensleydale is a must!
- Yorkshire Tea (obviously)
- Reusable containers (help us keep the Dales beautiful)
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- A small first aid kit for unexpected nettle stings or bramble scratches
The Kiplin Lodge Park Picnic Advantage
After researching the best picnicking locations in North Yorkshire, I've discovered that Kiplin Lodge Park is uniquely positioned to access an impressive variety of picnic environments within a short drive.
According to Visit Richmond Yorkshire, the area surrounding Kiplin offers some of the most diverse landscapes in the region, from riverside meadows to dramatic moorland vistas.
Here's why our guests love using their lodge as a picnicking base:
- Fully equipped kitchens for preparing your perfect picnic
- Staff recommendations for weather-appropriate locations each day
- Cooler bags available to borrow
- Local farm shops and delis are within easy reach for supplies
- A warm, cosy lodge (and hot tub!) to return to if the weather suddenly changes
Ready for Your Yorkshire Picnic Adventure?
The daffodils are nodding in the breeze. Lambs are frolicking in the fields. The Yorkshire Dales are setting the perfect stage for your spring picnic memories.
Will you discover your own favourite spot?
Many of our guests return year after year, exploring new picnic locations while revisiting old favourites. Some even keep their special finds secret, sharing them only with close friends and family.
Book your spring escape today and create your map of perfect Yorkshire picnic spots.
Remember to pack your sense of adventure along with your picnic basket. The Yorkshire Dales reward those willing to venture just a little off the beaten path.
