Romantic Days Out and Valentine’s Day Treats in Yorkshire

Surprise your soulmate, treat a friend… or take yourself on a date!

We think you might agree, this Valentine’s Day we could all do with an extra helping of love. After being stuck at home for much of the last year, chances are we’ve taken our partners for granted and missed our close friends. It’s time to make up for that. And, if there’s no one special in your life right now, you have the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a romantic day out in Yorkshire.

For inspiration, here’s a reminder of 5 romantic Yorkshire locations   

Walking clears the head, lifts the heart and heals the soul.  A good walk also sparks conversation, creativity and laughter. Check out the Cleveland Way on the Yorkshire coast for some inspiring routes. Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay and Bridlington to Fraisthorpe are two of our favourites.

For a wild and dramatic backdrop, visit the Yorkshire Moors (think Cathy and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights), Ilkley Moor, North York Moors or the Yorkshire Peak District.

Take a drive or cycle through the gentle rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales (All Creatures Great and Small countryside), explore pretty market towns like Richmond or Grassington and stop off at some brilliant pubs.

Rievaulx Abbey is one of the loveliest ruins in Yorkshire and you can walk there from the fabulous town of Helmsley, with its Castle, magical walled garden and wonderful tea shops. Other historic locations – where you can combine a great walk with a traditional pub lunch or fancy afternoon tea – are Skipton Castle, Bolton Abbey and Whitby Abbey.

If walking isn’t your thing, maybe put on your poshest frock/togs and take a Valentine’s Day tour of one of Yorkshire’s romantic stately homes and gardens. In the Leeds, York and Harrogate triangle you’ll find Harewood House, Castle Howard, Beningbrough Hall and Newby Hall (location of Mansfield Park).

 

Alternative ways to enjoy ‘V’ Day in Yorkshire

Creative folks in Leeds might like to take themselves and a group of friends to the vibrant venue of the Soap Factory for their renowned Art Party with Prosecco and afternoon tea.

For the real ale lover in your life, you could splash out on this incredible beer and food tour in Kelham Island, Sheffield.

Another brilliant idea – to enjoy with your Valentine or your fabbest friend -is a Dance Experience for two. Suitable for all levels, a professional dance instructor will adapt the class specially to suit you. You might choose to re-enact a dance from a film or musical, learn a new dance technique (from ballet to burlesque, salsa to street dancing) or work on a routine to your favourite song. This is an experience we’re itching to try!

If the timing happens to be right this Valentine’s Day and wedding bells will soon be ringing, the Introductory Wedding Dance Lesson at the Dance Studio in Leeds makes an ideal gift experience for ‘soon to be wed’ couples.

For a great night out with a group of friends, The Everyman Cinema has put together a cult buddy movie, raunchy comedy and a fun ‘chick flick’ for Valentine’s season.

Another fun option for girlfriends is a workshop for two or more people to make two cosmetics (from a choice of soap, bath bomb, body butter, scrub, solid shampoo, moisturiser or lip balm) plus afternoon tea.

 

Finally, perhaps our ultimate romantic option for couples, escape to the country for two nights, staying in a fabulous characterful and luxurious barn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Take a look at our full list of experiences for more romantic gift ideas.