Perfect Picnic Spots Along the Yorkshire Coast

Celebrate Picnic Week on the Yorkshire Coast with Anchor Bay Holidays.

There’s nothing quite like unpacking your favourite nibbles, laying out a cosy blanket, and enjoying lunch with a view. This National Picnic Week, we’re celebrating everything that makes the great British picnic so special – and what better place to do it than along the stunning Yorkshire coast?

At Anchor Bay Holidays, our self-catering holiday cottages are perfect for packing up the family favourites before heading out to explore the seaside. Whether you love a traditional scotch egg and sausage roll combo or prefer a gourmet spread of cheeses and local treats, your next picnic spot is just a short stroll or drive away.

Here are some of our favourite places to roll out the blanket and soak up the sea air:

Picnic at Filey Bay – Sands, Sea, and and Scenic Picnic Spots

Filey Bay is a fantastic location for a picnic along the Yorkshire Coast – and it’s no surprise it’s often listed among the UK’s top spots for outdoor lunches. Whether you’re in search of a family-friendly park, a quiet patch of beach, or a peaceful nature reserve, Filey has something for everyone.

Here are some of our favourite picnic spots around Filey:

Filey Country Park

Set atop the cliffs with panoramic views over the bay, this park offers a designated picnic area and easy access to walking trails – perfect for stretching your legs after lunch. It’s a popular choice for families and couples alike looking to combine scenery with convenience.

Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park

This hidden gem is ideal for families. Wander through the animal enclosures, meet the birds, and then relax in one of the many picnic areas on-site. It’s a full day out with plenty of charm and entertainment for little ones.

Filey Beach

This traditional seaside stretch offers plenty of peaceful locations for a picnic – especially if you venture towards the quieter, less commercial areas. Bring a blanket, kick off your shoes, and enjoy your sandwiches with the sound of waves in the background.

Filey Dams Nature Reserve

For a more tranquil, wildlife-focused experience, Filey Dams on the western edge of town is a must. Popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers, it offers a calm, natural setting to unwind with a bite to eat.

So whether you’re craving sea views or the shade of a country garden, Filey Bay delivers picnic-perfect spots for every kind of holidaymaker.

Picnic in Bridlington – Victorian Charm with a Picnic Twist

Bridlington’s South Beach is ideal for a family picnic, with plenty of open space and views of the boats bobbing in the harbour. Head a little further north to Bridlington’s Old Town and you’ll find lovely green spaces perfect for a quiet lunch – or combine your picnic with a trip to the Sewerby Hall and Gardens, just a short walk away.

Picnic at Sewerby Bridge and Gardens – Picnic with a Historic Backdrop

Sewerby Hall and Gardens is more than just a picnic spot – it’s a day out in itself. Bring your hamper and relax among beautifully landscaped gardens, with views stretching across the cliffs. There are plenty of picnic benches, a zoo, and activities for kids, making it one of our top family picks.

Picnic at Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs – Wild Views and Wildlife Picnics

For the adventurous picnickers, Flamborough Head is a must-visit. With its dramatic chalk cliffs, hidden coves, and the iconic lighthouse, it offers one of the most striking picnic backdrops on the Yorkshire coast. Whether you’re watching the waves crash below or spotting seals along the shoreline, it’s the ideal place for a wild and windy lunch with a view. Just don’t forget a flask of tea and your warmest jumper – the breeze can be bracing, even on sunny days!

Not far from Flamborough, you’ll find RSPB Bempton Cliffs, another fantastic option for nature-loving visitors. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a picnic here. The reserve has dedicated picnic areas with tables and grassy spots where you can relax and take in the incredible birdlife – including puffins during the summer months. There’s also an on-site café offering snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, and even kids’ meals during peak season, making it easy to mix your picnic with a little extra comfort if needed.

Whether you’re exploring cliff paths or watching seabirds swoop overhead, this stretch of coastline is a true haven for scenic, wildlife-filled picnicking.

Walk and Picnic: The Best of Both

If you like to earn your lunch, why not combine your picnic with a coastal walk? In our recent blog “5 Coastal Walks on the Yorkshire Coast – Explore the Bay and Beyond”, we shared some of the best walking routes near our cottages. Bring a backpack, fill it with treats, and enjoy a picnic en route – from cliff-top rambles to gentle seaside strolls.

Self-Catering Stays, Made for Picnics

All our Anchor Bay Holiday Cottages are self-catering, making it easy to whip up your family’s picnic favourites before heading out for the day. Whether you’re preparing a full-on feast or just grabbing a few local goodies, you’ll have everything you need to dine al fresco in comfort.

So why not celebrate Picnic Week with us this year? Explore, eat, and enjoy the fresh sea air with a perfectly packed picnic – and make memories that last long after the crumbs are gone.

Ready to book your next coastal escape? Browse our cottages and plan your perfect picnic getaway today