If you’ve brought a picnic to York (or bought takeaway food), the biggest city in North Yorkshire, at some point you will be looking for somewhere to eat it. One thing you will definitely want to do is sit down. You can’t move for cafes in York these days, but nothing beats just sitting on a bench and eating a picnic.

There are loads of benches dotted around the city centre but my criteria for inclusion on this list was that a family of at least three people could comfortably eat together. Many of the city centre benches are full of people non-stop, and pigeons are a problem, too, such as around Parliament street.

To make this list, the picnic spot had to give you a half-decent chance of eating without being robbed by a pigeon and without someone trying to sit on you. It also had to be within the walls or very close to a landmark or place of interest.

At some of these locations, you can unfurl a blanket to sit on the grass but at most of them, you will need to keep your picnic in its bag and pull out what you want to eat individually.

Remember to always find a bin to throw your rubbish away and don’t be a litterbug!

At places with grass to sit on, use your common sense and judgement, examine the area before laying your blanket down to check for duck, squirrel or dog poo (or other nasties).

Here are the 6 best spots to eat a picnic in York:

1. Tower Gardens, York: Across the road from Clifford’s Tower hides a tiny park where you can sit and contemplate things. There’s a cafe by the river, here, so if plans change and you need a hot coffee or cake, you can find those, too. Benches, or grass if you want to set out a blanket, although there might be duck poo as it’s next to the river.
2. Dame Judi Dench Walk, York: On the other side of the city, if you go down the stone steps to the left of the York Museum Gardens, you can find a riverside walk with plenty of places to sit and rest.
3. York Minster Gardens (aka Dean’s Park): To the left of the inspiring York Minster lies the Minster Gardens. You can sit here amid tranquil surroundings and regroup before your afternoon activities. Benches, or grass for picnic blankets.
4. York Museum Gardens: This is a fabulous place to sit down with a picnic. There are squirrels to feed as well, as well as the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. Benches, or grass for picnic blankets.
5. Memorial Gardens: On the other side of the river, near the railway station, the Memorial Gardens are an especially convenient place to eat a picnic if you’re headed to the National Railway Museum. Benches, or grass for picnic blankets.
6. The John Snow Memorial: Found on Wellington Row, this small and out-of-the-way memorial park has benches and a river view.

That’s my top 6 spots to eat a picnic in York. Which is yours? Let me know in the comments!