Yorkshire offers couples the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s to remember
From rolling countryside to historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of places where love can flourish across Yorkshire. Here are ten of the most romantic spots for Valentine’s Day and what you and your significant other can do to make the most of your visit.
10 of the Most Romantic Places and Things to Do for Couples in Yorkshire
CASTLE HOWARD
Nestled in the Howardian Hills, this stately home is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yorkshire. Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. Explore iconic architecture and beautiful interiors when you visit the House, including the Great Hall which rises 70 feet into the air. The Gardens and Grounds at Castle Howard include lakes, follies, woodland, temples, and statues – all of which bring out the colour and drama of the four seasons. The grandeur of Castle Howard, with its sweeping gardens and ornate interiors, makes it a magical destination for couples.
Things to do for couples
Stroll hand-in-hand through the landscaped gardens, take a boat ride on the Great Lake, and enjoy afternoon tea in the Courtyard Café.
WHITBY
Whitby’s cobbled streets, dramatic cliffs, and historic abbey create an atmosphere brimming with romance. As the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this coastal town has a touch of mystery alongside its undeniable charm. Many flock to Whitby for its boutique shops and quirky streets, where you will find unique Whitby jet jewellery and other fascinating items. The town is also home to several annual events including the Bram Stoker International Film Festival and the Whitby Goth Weekend. There are countless options for those interested in walking in the North York Moors National Park, as the clifftop walks along the coastline are part of the Cleveland Way, and the Lyke Wake Walk finishes by nearby Ravenscar.
Perfect for couples
Share a portion of fish and chips by the harbour, climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey for breathtaking views, and take a romantic evening walk along the beach as the sun sets over the North Sea.
BOLTON ABBEY
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Abbey offers serene beauty with its riverside trails and the ruins of a 12th-century priory. At the heart of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting. The land was gifted to the Augustinian canons by Alice de Rumilly in 1154. The canons lived and worshipped here until 1539 when the dissolution of the monasteries stripped the Priory of its assets. History lovers will enjoy the story of Prior Moone and how he negotiated with Cromwell to secure the nave as a place of worship for the local community and how the church continues to thrive to this day. It’s a perfect spot for couples seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Perfect for couples
Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot by the River Wharfe, cross the famous stepping stones hand-in-hand, and explore the picturesque woodland trails together.
YORK
York is a city steeped in history and its centerpiece, York Minster, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The city’s winding streets, medieval walls, and vibrant atmosphere make it ideal for a romantic getaway.
York is a marvellously mysterious place, so make sure you join a tour to experience it at its best. You will pass by famous landmarks and have some of their surprising secrets revealed; Bettys, Bootham Bar and York Minster to name but three. You’ll learn the unknown truths of York’s most infamous characters Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Your savvy guide will point out treasures hidden in plain sight that even locals don’t know about; concealed courtyards, unusual statues, secluded snickelways, and curious artefacts that are so often simply passed by.
Perfect for couples
Climb to the top of York Minster’s central tower for panoramic views, take a leisurely boat ride along the River Ouse, and end the day with a candlelit dinner in one of York’s many fine dining restaurants.
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
This quaint fishing village is a hidden gem along Yorkshire’s rugged coastline. Its narrow streets and historic cottages make it feel like stepping back in time. The North Yorkshire coast and moorland is a haven for flora and fauna. Whether it is birdwatching, rock pooling, looking out for sea mammals or admiring the diverse plants and flowers that adorn the cliffs, meadows, woods and moorland – there is much to enjoy outdoors in Robin Hood’s Bay and the surrounding area.
Perfect for couples
Explore the tidal rock pools, enjoy a cosy drink in a traditional pub, and watch the waves crash against the cliffs from the coastal paths. For an extra dose of romance, visit during a quiet weekday when you can have the beach nearly to yourselves.
HAWORTH
The home of the Brontë sisters, Haworth, is a must-visit for literary lovers. Its cobbled streets and moorland scenery are straight out of a romance novel. In 2025, the Brontë Parsonage Museum will explore perceptions of Haworth, the Parsonage and surrounding moorland, starting with the exhibition ‘From Haworth to Eternity’. As filming begins for the most recent Brontë adaptation, Emerald Fennel’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ starring Margot Robbie, the new exhibition will focus on how the many previous film and TV adaptations of Charlotte, Emily and Anne’s novels have impacted the small Yorkshire village and will include letters, manuscripts, souvenir albums and items from the Museum’s drama archive.
Perfect for couples
Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, take a walk across the wild and romantic moors that inspired Wuthering Heights, and enjoy a traditional cream tea in one of the village’s charming tearooms.
RIEVAULX ABBEY
Set in a tranquil valley near Helmsley, Rievaulx Abbey’s ruins are both haunting and beautiful. Discover Rievaulx Abbey’s fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called the Abbey their home. Explore the elegant museum displaying previously unseen artefacts, which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.
Wander the extensive ruins of the abbey to discover more about the building and how it looked at various stages of its development. Take in the stunning views from the visitor centre while enjoying a tasty treat in the tearoom and appreciate why St Aelred’s ‘everywhere peace, everywhere serenity’ description of Rievaulx Abbey could quite easily have been written today. This English Heritage site is perfect for a romantic day out steeped in history.
Perfect for couples
Wander through the ruins together, enjoy a peaceful walk along the nearby Cleveland Way, and have a picnic in the abbey’s serene surroundings.
NORTH YORK MOORS
For couples who love the great outdoors, the North York Moors offer a breathtaking escape. With heather-clad hills, dense woodlands, and expansive views, it’s an ideal place for adventure and solitude. And what is more romantic than staring up at the stars with your loved one? The North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks’ Dark Skies Festival starts on 14th February and will be their tenth event since the first one in February 2016. Since the first Festival, both National Parks now have a comprehensive network of dark skies-friendly businesses (accommodation, cafes, pubs and hotels as well as experience providers) that make it far easier for people to appreciate, and learn more about, the wonders of the Universe.
Things to do for couples
Take a scenic drive or hike through the moors, ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on a vintage steam train, and visit charming villages like Goathland, known as the filming location for Heartbeat.
MALHAM COVE AND GORDALE SCAR
This geological marvel in the Yorkshire Dales is a natural wonder that will take your breath away. Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. The vertical face of the cliff is about 260 feet high. The top of the cove is a large area of deeply eroded limestone pavement, of a strange pattern rarely seen in England. The majesty of Malham Cove looks out over the village of Malham and has been attracting visitors for centuries. Gordale Scar is one of the jewels in the crown of the National Park. The stunning hidden gorge at Gordale has wowed visitors for hundreds of years and inspired famous artists and writers.
Perfect for couples
Walk up to the top of Malham Cove to see the stunning views, discover the hidden waterfall at Gordale Scar, and end your day with a hearty meal at a nearby country inn.
FOUNTAINS ABBEY
This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines history and nature in one spectacular setting. The abbey’s ancient ruins and the elegant water garden make it one of Yorkshire’s most romantic destinations. The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas.
Perfect for couples
Wander through the abbey ruins, admire the beautifully designed water features, and enjoy a quiet moment together by the Moon Ponds.
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At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
