The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
With rolling countryside, rugged hills and beautiful villages, there’s no shortage of waterside picnic spots for you to enjoy in Yorkshire & North East.
And remember, whether you’re on the towpath or in a designated picnic area, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly. If there aren’t any bins around, take your litter home with you to discard.
Picnic benches situated near the historic Bingley Five Rise locks mean that you can indulge in a spot of gongoozling whilst tucking into your sandwiches. This is the steepest lock staircase in Britain, and it can take boats 45 minutes to go up them all. That’s plenty of time for you to grab a coffee from the nearby café.
Once you’ve taken in the stunning views of the Aire Valley, have a wander along the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to the nearby Three Rise Locks.
Bingley Station is just a few minutes away from the canal. Parking is available at the station or on-street, with several pay & display options in town.
Just five miles from Leeds, Woodlesford Lock is a lovely setting for a picnic with benches available right beside the lock.
Take a stroll along the towpath of the Aire & Calder Navigation, or let the kids explore the Gruffalo Trail. St Aiden’s Nature Reserve is within easy reach, as is Thwaite Mills – one of the last remaining water-powered mills in Britain. Don’t miss Woodlesford Village Park if younger family members want to let off some steam.
Parking is available beside the lock and in the village centre. Woodlesford Train Station enjoys a regular service from Leeds.
Spotbrough Lock is a peaceful spot surrounded by woodlands and a nature reserve. Escape the city to enjoy country walks and easy bike rides.
Pack up a picnic and head to one of the loveliest spots on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations. The grassy banks of the River Don are within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Nature-lovers should head for Spotbrough Flah Nature Reserve, which is one of the richest wildlife sites in South Yorkshire.
There is a small, free car park for visitors.
There are many charming lunch spots by the Pocklington Canal where you can enjoy a picnic and feel better by water.
Most of the Pocklington Canal lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest – meaning that this is one of the best place on the canal system to spot wildlife.
If you fancy an adventure, you can take a boat trip from Melbourne. Or walk along the towpath to the fully restored Church Bridge and Swing Bridge.
There is a small free car park at Canal Head plus on-street parking at Melbourne
Part of Yorkshire's River Ouse navigation, Naburn Locks were once busy with boats transporting goods to and from York, Hull, and beyond. Today, they’re the perfect place for picnics, country walks and wildlife-watching.
You’ll find plenty of picnic benches available on the island and by the World War II bunker. Don’t miss the nature trail and sensory garden, or the historic buildings around the locks.
There’s free parking on-site, or you can take advantage of the Naburn Lock River Bus into York.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at the Tees Barrage – from wildlife-watching to water sports. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, with something for all the family to enjoy.
The Tees Barrage is part of a newly formed Tees Barrage Park that pulls together the barrage structure itself, the Tees Active white water course and the nearby nature reserves on the north and south side of the river. After you’ve admired the marvel of modern engineering that is the Tees Barrage, you can go seal-spotting, enjoy a boat trip or even take on the high ropes adventure course.
There is a large, free car park close by the Barrage and Thornaby station is a 15-minute walk away.
Keep an eye out for otters as you enjoy your picnic in Roberts Park in the beautiful Victorian village of Saltaire.
Saltaire was built by wool baron, Sir Titus Salt, to house his textile workers. Today, Saltaire has UNESCO World heritage Status and is a wonderful place to explore. Don’t miss Salts Mill, which is home to Europe’s largest collection of work by Bradford-born artist, David Hockney.
A ten-minute stroll along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal; will take you to Hirst Wood Lock and the seven-arch aqueduct over the River Aire.
Free parking is available at Salts Mill. Saltaire station is a three-minute walk from the towpath.
Looking for a perfect place to relax and unwind? Download your free regional guide today
Last Edited: 10 March 2025
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