York
When it comes to places and if it’s a full day out that you’re after, York takes the top spot for the most romantic city in Yorkshire. Often coming out on top of the charts in various surveys across the UK, this year York featured in a quiz survey as the UK’s third most romantic city for date night. So, what makes it so romantic? Think history-filled, quaint streets to cosy up together in, good food and heaps of tradition. It is said to be home to 84 perfect couple activities within the city walls, as well as 103 couple-friendly restaurants. The survey particularly honed in on the tiny walkways and wynds that allow you to live out your Lady and the Tramp spaghetti-sharing romantic dreams.
Middleton Lodge Estate
With a recent new spa addition to the beautiful North Yorkshire UK’s top wedding venue estate, Middleton Lodge is certainly one of the most romantic spots to visit in the county. It’s no surprise that it tops the charts for romance as one of the best venues to marry in, but it’s also been crowned as one of the UK’s best hotels this year, too, by both Conde Nast Traveller and The Independent, as well as the most romantic by The Telegraph. The estate offers an incredibly romantic spa with outdoor pool, beautiful countryside walks without having to leave the grounds, award-winning food, but also has cosy hotel offerings to stay in. Think outdoor bathtubs, intimate private courtyards and shepherd’s huts.
Barmston Beach
Does a walk along the beach conjure up images of romance for you, too? For many, it gets no better than strolling hand in hand along the sand, with the waves crashing beside you. Barmston Beach in East Yorkshire was recently voted as the best kept secret for a perfect romantic destination by Parkdean Resorts. The little-known stretch of sand is beautifully untouched, incredibly quiet, and stretches off long into the distance – perfect for intimate strolls. The village of Barmston is wonderfully picturesque, too.
Fountains Abbey
For years, people have felt drawn to the historic Fountains Abbey, and it really does deserve
a place on the most romantic hitlist. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated just outside of Ripon, is steeped in both history and stunning views. There’s something very magical about wandering the scenic waterways, woodland follies, and the deer park, all with the ancient ruins as a towering backdrop. There’s a reason Reader’s Digest voted it as one of the most Instagrammable National Trust sites in the UK. Head on over for the day with your loved one this Valentine’s.
Bronte Waterfall Walk
A stunning viewpoint and feeling of rugged remoteness is a brilliant way of conjuring up images of romance. Blow away the cobwebs and take a walk out of Haworth in West Yorkshire to the Bronte Waterfall walk, and lean into the wild and natural Bronte inspiration. The inspiration for Wuthering Heights is considered to be a fairly challenging walk, so you’re likely to feel as though you’re up there on your own with your loved one, perfect for feeling like it’s just the two of you while enjoying the incredible views from Top Withens.
Richmond
The small market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales has graced the top spots for best places to live in the UK for years and, in 2023, won big on being voted the most romantic place in the north east of England by Hotels.com, too. Think ancient cobbled pathways, small wynds to stumble closer together in, an abundance of quaint pubs, roaring waterfalls and medieval castles, incredible views to wander around and you’ve got a picture perfect idea of what to expect from Richmond.
Harrogate Turkish Baths
The ornate Moorish-style bath house was built in the 1900s and was once known as the leading destination for European high society – it’s the perfect setting for soaking up old-style romance and luxury. Do something a little bit different this Valentine’s Day and spend a few hours switching off together in the medicinal waters, following the ritual of heating, cooling and cleansing. Why not experience one of the romantic side-by-side couple’s massages while you’re there?
Camp Katur
It doesn’t get much more cosy than falling asleep while staring up at the amazing, unpolluted views of the night sky. If holing up and hiding away in something cute, off-grid and tiny is your idea of love-filled joy, then Camp Katur in Bedale is surely one of the most romantic spots in the county. You can choose between geodomes hidden away in the forest where you can sleep looking at the stars, tiny hobbit huts to really snuggle up in, or other glamping options that will allow you to switch off from the world outside and think only of
your loved one and the beautiful surroundings.
The Tan Hill Inn
With the title of the highest pub in England, it’s no surprise that the views and remoteness of this traditional and quaint countryside pub make it one of the most romantic places in Yorkshire. What makes it even better for a visit around the month of love is that it’s also one of the few places in the country that has earned the Dark Sky Club Accreditation, meaning you’re likely to get an amazing performance from the stars while visiting. If views, a good glass of wine and the chance of seeing shooting stars or the Northern Lights gives you warm, fuzzy feelings, then we think this is where you need to visit this Valentine’s Day.
The Piece Hall
If you’re looking out for something rare and precious this Valentine’s Day and you love nothing more than soaking up history and uniqueness, then the Piece Hall in Halifax is sure to feel like one of the most romantic places in Yorkshire for you and your loved one. The Grade I listed architectural and cultural phenomenon is absolutely stunning and stocked full of wonderful shops to meander around before cosying up in a brilliant restaurant. In fact, Time Out magazine even said that the beautiful surroundings are more Florence than Halifax! So, if you want to soak up a sense of Italian romance this year, you know where you need to go.
