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.

Something Old

York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps and whilst a tour to the top of the tower might leave you breathless, the views over York’s historic streets is breathtaking. For the die-hard romantic, wander around and look up at the Great West window to see the heart shape worked into the tracery, 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.

Or let the North York Moors Railway transport you to a bygone era? Enjoy heart-stopping 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.

If this isn’t quite 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.

Something New

If all that screams old hat to you, then how about something a little more pioneering? In Staintondale, Pesky Husky offers a different way of exploring the North York Moors: attached to a sled dog. Hiking (on foot) or trekking (on bike) are available options. Fall in love with your pack.

If that hasn’t got your pulse racing, how about trying Via Ferrata? No, this isn’t Yorkshire dialect for Beer for Arthur, but Italian for ‘iron road’. Head to How Stean Gorge at Pateley Bridge to discover an iron ‘road’ made out of cables bolted to the gorge’s rock-face. Don’t worry, they’ve also got a café where you can connect with your inner-Italian with a cone of gelato or cappuccino.

Something Borrowed

To slow things down a notch or two, why not visit these idylls and share a tale of bygone romance?

Beggar’s Bridge in Glaisdale was built by Thomas Ferres in the 17^th Century (you can spot the date, 1619, and his initials carved into the bridge). The story goes that as a young man, Thomas had to wade across the river to woo his future bride, Agnes. When Agnes died, he built this bridge in her memory.

If you prefer your romances filled with fantasy, you’d do worse than to head to Brimham Rocks for a story that’s been embedded in stone and (mainly) folklore for generations. Take your mind back to a time when men were called Edwin and women were called Julia. These two were madly in love with each other but Julia’s father forbade them to see each other. Unable to bear the thought of life without one another, they decided to leap from a promontory at Brimham Rocks and spend eternity together. According to the legend, they floated softly to the ground instead of plummeting and, miraculously, their impetuous leap influenced Julia’s father to consent to their marriage. Their launch pad into matrimony is now known as ‘Lovers’ Leap’ or ‘Lovers’ Rock’.

Something Blue

Lavender is one of the prettiest shades of blue and one of the most romantic. Just ask the family who run the Yorkshire Lavender farm outside York. In summer, their lavender fields bloom in a stunning array of colour – from white through a range of blues, lilacs to magnificent purple.

… and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Instead of a sixpence, why not kick out some grit and gravel from a walking boot during a trek through Yorkshire’s finest countryside?

Or ask us to recommend our favourite outdoor spots which include Aysgarth Falls, Farndale (renowned for its daffodil walk in Spring), Hackfall Woods near Maham, the appropriately named Lovesome Hill in Hambleton and the picture postcard coastal village of Runswick Bay. We could also help you pack the picnic. In fact, at The Lawrence we are unapologetically romantic and we’ll go out of our way to meet your requests for a personal touch. Plus, if you stay for a couple of nights or more we’ll throw in a bottle of Prosseco with our complimentary selection of tray-baked cakes.

Still searching for inspiration? Read our tips for the perfect romantic break in York