6 of the most scenic Leeds locations for a summer picnic

Summer has most certainly arrived here in the UK, with a glorious heatwave still bringing endless days of sunshine across the country.

And with the good weather set to continue, there's no better way to make the most of it than by getting out of the house and enjoying a spot of al fresco dining.

With July marking National Picnic month, it's the perfect time to pack up some tasty snacks and head to one of these scenic spots around Leeds for a meal in the sun.

The Cow and Calf

(Photo: Simon Hulme)

You beat the views from the lofty heights of the Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor, and you'll certainly work up a bit of an appetite tackling the steep climb to the top.

The rocks are so named because the large and small formations sit side by side like a cow and calf, and local legend claims the calf was split from the cow when a giant named Rombald stamped on it while fleeing an enemy.

Visit: Ilkley Moor, Ilkley, LS29 9RF - visitbradford.com

Golden Acre Park

(Photo: Gary Longbottom)

Home to beautiful gardens, sprawling parkland, a lake, streams and woodland, Golden Acre provides a wonderfully picturesque setting to enjoy a wander in the sunshine, before settling down for a peaceful picnic.

Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, LS16 8BQ - leeds.gov.uk

Kirkstall Abbey

(Photo: Gill Link)

Stretching across 24 hectares, there's plenty of open space to enjoy some al fresco dining against the backdrop of the magnificent Kirkstall Abbey ruins, and with a wealth of sports and play areas, there's lots to keep you entertained in between eating.

Visit: Abbey Road, LS5 3EH - leeds.gov.uk

Roundhay Park

(Photo: James Hardisty)

Ideal for a whole day of outdoor fun, Roundhay Park overs more than 700 acres of rolling parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens to enjoy, providing a scenic setting to bathe in the sunshine.

And with sports pitches, two playgrounds and a skate park also on site, there's certainly no time to be bored.

Visit: Mansion Lane, LS8 2HH - leeds.gov.uk

Otley Chevin

(Photo: Steve Davey)

Boasting glorious views across Otley and the Wharfe Valley, Otley Chevin is the place to head for a picnic with a view.

There's a beautiful woodland area to explore after eating, as well as some challenging hill climbs which rise to 280m above sea level.

Visit: East Chevin Road, Otley, LS21 3DD - leeds.gov.uk

Yeadon Tarn

(Photo: Paul Goodyear)

Popular with all ages thanks to its wealth of things to do, including a playground, BMX track, bowls and water sport activities, visitors can enjoy an active or a leisurely day out at this 42 acre park, with excellent views of the planes taking off at Leeds and Bradford Airport.

Visit: Cemetary Road, Yeadon, LS19 7UR - leeds.gov.uk