10 Surprisingly Romantic Things to Do in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is full of surprises, particularly when it comes to spending a few days, or even a couple of wistful hours, exploring its romantic side. So sit back, relax and let us show you how to put the ‘aww’ in Y‘aww’kshire when staying at our luxury holiday apartments, York.

The Heart of Yorkshire

York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps, and while a trip up to the top of the tower might leave you breathless, the views over York’s historic streets are breathtaking. For the die-hard romantic, wander around and look up at the Great West window to see the heart-shape worked into the design, known as the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’. According to legend, all loved up couples that kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window will stay together forever!

Luxury Steam Train Dining

Heading out of the city, why not let the North York Moors Railway transport you to a bygone era? Enjoy stunning views of North York Moors National Park from a carriage of the heritage railway line that cuts through 24 miles of the county from Whitby. You could even take the experience up a notch by enjoying an unforgettable meal in the dining carriage – a perfect way to spend a special anniversary with your loved one!

Indulgent Spa Day

If this isn’t entirely your kind of steam, you could always lose your train of thought at the Harrogate Turkish Baths in the spa town that beat off competition from Paris a few years ago to be named third most romantic destination in the world! A spa day with your partner is a great way to treat yourself, especially if your day-to-day life is hectic and you find you don’t always get quality time together.

Get Lost in a Maze

Back in the peak of English maze design and creation, some three to four hundred years ago, mazes were seen as places for secret trysts and flirtation! You can replicate the secretive and fun meetings of bygone lovers at the award-winning York Maze or Copleys Corn Maze, though they are seasonal attractions only open in the summer.

Pulse-Racing High Wire Course

Get your pulse-racing by trying Via Ferrata, an activity that is ideal for couples who love to seek thrills and try something different for their dates! Meaning ‘iron way’ in Latin, Via Ferrata, is a high-wire course of cables, ladders and beams which cross through How Stean’s Gorge. The course is a lot of fun and exciting, as you are suspended ? feet above the ground – but completely safe as you are always attached to the cables.

Day Trip to the Coast

Though there is plenty to do in York, the coast isn’t far away, and the Yorkshire coastline boasts some of the UK’s most rugged and charming attractions, from rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and picture-perfect fishing villages. Though a trip to the coast can be chilly in autumn and winter, it is romantic to walk hand-in-hand, wrapped up in cosy hats and scarves, and tucking into a warming hot chocolate at the end of the day.

Discover the Romantic History of Brimham Rocks

Brimham Rocks in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a lovely place to visit, and you may be surprised because it is a very romantic spot too! One story tells the tale of a couple called Edwin and Julia who were madly in love, but the girl’s father forbade them from seeing each other. Unable to live without each other, they decided to leap from Brimham Rocks, but instead of falling, floated softly to the ground. The leap influenced Julia’s father to approve their marriage, and the rock they jumped from is known as Lover’s Leap and is a fantastic photo opportunity.

Wander the Lavender Fields

A romantic activity for the summer, wandering the gardens and fields at Yorkshire Lavender, located outside York is a lovely way to spend the day with your loved one. The family-run lavender farm covers 60 acres, and there is a shop to purchase the many lavenders, herbs, teas, and other products they make. The idyllic landscape around the gardens makes it an excellent location to while away the afternoon.

Romantic Boat Trip on Rivers or Canals

Yorkshire has dozens of rivers and canals which crisscross the beautiful countryside, and you can take a boat trip down many of them. You can try navigating a narrowboat down canals for the day, take a quick boat trip down the River Ouse on a passenger boat or opt for self-drive day boats that operate from the York Marina.

Candlelit Dinner for Two

A romantic dinner might be a cliché, but you can’t go wrong with a classic! York is brimming with great places to eat, from gastropubs, delightful cafés, chic bistros and fine-dining restaurants. Choose from Italian, British, French or Asian cuisines, among others, to treat you and your partner to a meal you won’t forget about in a while! Alternatively, you could use the kitchen at your apart-hotel to have a homecooked meal – what’s more romantic than that?!

Still searching for inspiration? Read our tips for the perfect romantic break in York, and contact us today to find out more about our accommodation in York and Harrogate and things to do when you visit.