15 Fun Things to Do in Yorkshire for Couples

One of the most beautiful parts of the UK is Yorkshire, a region of northern England that offers everything from gorgeous National Parks and stunning coastlines to bustling cities and famous historical landmarks.

With such distinctive landscapes and must-see destinations, it’s among the most romantic locations for couples looking for a weekend break or longer holiday in the UK.

This historic country is subdivided into four smaller counties, each worth exploring: West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Due to it being such a large area with plenty to discover, there are many things to do in Yorkshire for couples. Check out this blog for inspiration.

1. Have a day out by the coast

With the North Sea to the east, Yorkshire has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK. The rugged seascapes and expansive beaches provide the perfect setting to explore and see what incredible scenery the country has to offer.

If you’re into hiking, there are plenty of routes you can follow up and down the coast with incredible views out to sea.

There are also some incredible towns along the Yorkshire coast that are great destinations for day trips from York and other cities inland, with Whitby and Scarborough being must-see places to visit in the area.

Whitby

One of the best things to do in Yorkshire for couples who want to see the coast and feel the sea breeze in their lungs is to visit Whitby.

This historical town is full of interesting streets to explore and lots to discover, including the ruins of an abbey on the cliffs above that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

There are many things to do in Whitby for couples, whether you’re planning a weekend break here or just looking for activities as part of a day trip.

Scarborough

For a different kind of seaside experience, try out Scarborough a little further south down the coast from Whitby.

With amusements and a great beach, there are plenty of fun things for couples to do.

2. Go on a city break

Within Yorkshire you’ll find some of the most exciting and interesting cities worth visiting in the UK, especially as part of a romantic getaway.

Due to their useful transport lines, these locations are great UK city break locations by train if you’re after a weekend getaway or a day trip in Yorkshire for couples:

• York. As the namesake town in Yorkshire, there are many fun things to do in York for couples, from seeing the beautiful York Minster to taking a romantic cruise down the River Ouse. There are also many great independent restaurants for a memorable night out.
• Leeds. One of the busiest cities in Yorkshire is Leeds. This thriving metropolitan hub has a lot to offer, including lots of places to go shopping and a range of incredible museums, including the Royal Armouries Museum.
• Sheffield. In South Yorkshire, Sheffield is a fantastic destination for a city break. Explore the botanical gardens, city centre, and museums as part of a fun day out.
• Hull. Head into East Yorkshire and visit Hull for an exciting time in Yorkshire. Being the home of The Deep, an impressive aquarium, is enough of a reason to visit.

3. Explore one of the National Parks

Some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the UK can be found in one of the two National Parks located in Yorkshire: the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

North York Moors

The rugged scenery of the North York Moors is unique to Britain, with the bleak but beautiful moorland providing a great backdrop for some great hiking trails.

Yorkshire Dales

The rolling hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales offer scenic views of very traditional-looking English landscapes, with some incredibly quaint and cute villages worth discovering.

4. Visit historical landmarks

Yorkshire is rich in history, with plenty of castles, abbeys, country homes and other sites of interest that are worth visiting. One of the funnest things to do in Yorkshire for couples is to pick a few of these sites and visit as many as you can over a weekend. Here are the best historical landmarks in Yorkshire that you should swing by in the area:

Best castles in Yorkshire

• Bolton Castle
• Clifford’s Tower (in York)
• Scarborough Castle

Best stately homes and historic houses in Yorkshire

• Castle Howard
• Bramham Park, Wetherby
• Nunnington Hall
• Sewerby Hall

Best old abbeys to visit in Yorkshire

• Bolton Abbey
• Whitby Abbey
• Rievaulx Abbey
• Fountains Abbey

5. Discover the beautiful towns and villages of Yorkshire

Yorkshire is full of beautiful towns and villages nestled within its verdant hills and valleys, and many are worth discovering, whether you’re passing through for an hour or seeking a day trip out from York or one of the other local cities.

These are some of the best locations to visit:

• Knaresborough
• Harrogate
• Haworth
• Skipton
• Kettlewell
• Boston Spa

6. Visit Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is one of the most romantic locations in Yorkshire, being amongst the most well-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.

Many visitors come to see the remains of this beautiful abbey, but it’s also the perfect location for couples to head to for a memorable date in Yorkshire.

Nearby the ruins, you’ll find many serene spots for a picnic, as well as plenty of places to enjoy a scenic walk

7. Enjoy a wine tour

Yorkshire is home to several vineyards and wineries, such as Holmfirth Vineyard, located in the beautiful Holme Valley.

Here you can take a tour of the vineyard, learn more about its history, and enjoy a guided wine tasting where you’ll be able to try a selection of locally-produced wines.

For the most special experience, vineyards like these often offer a delicious lunch menu with each course being paired with a different wine.

8. Get lost in York Maze

York Maze is a thrilling and immersive adventure park located just outside of York, and while it may be advertised mostly towards families, it’s a lot of fun for couples too. 

You’ll find a vast range of activities to try out, including a large maize maze which is the standout attraction.

You can also go quad-biking, play with remote control boats, or find your way out of one of the other mazes, such as the Maze of Illusion.

9. See the Brimham Rocks

Brimham Rocks is an area of heather moorland which you can explore on foot, with a spectacular prehistoric rock formation created by a river over 100 million years ago.

The view from the top of these rocks is stunning, and arguably making it one of the most romantic locations in Yorkshire.

This Site of Special Scientific Interest also has a great visitor centre that even contains a second-hand bookshop.

10. Look around The Deep

If you’re planning a trip to Hull or an area nearby, make sure to swing by for a visit to The Deep.

Being amongst the most impressive aquariums in all of the UK, a trip here is one of the most fun things to do in Yorkshire for couples.

Make sure to pre-book before coming, and you’ll be able to see everything from sharks and octopi to penguins and turtles.

11. Go on a river cruise

Yorkshire contains many beautiful winding rivers that are perfect for couples looking for a relaxing and romantic way to spend some time together.

One of the best places to enjoy a river cruise is in York, where you can travel up and down the River Ouse with a tour guide offering fascinating insights into the many riverside landmarks that you pass.

If you’re after an even more romantic experience, consider booking an evening cruise and you can sip on a glass of prosecco as you glide down the river.

Book a river cruise along the Ouse for an unforgettable way to see the beautiful city of York.

12. Go to Yorkshire Wildlife Park

For animal lovers, a day out to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is definitely among the best things to do for couples in the UK. 

Here you’ll find a large range of animals to see, from polar bears and tigers to capybaras and baboons.

For an even more memorable romantic trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, you can even book an animal experience and get up close to some of the inhabitants including leopards and giraffes.

13. Head to Flamingo Land

If you’re looking for fun date ideas in Yorkshire, look no further than Flamingo Land.

This theme park has several thrilling rides that are guaranteed to get your hearts racing, including Mumbo Jumbo, which has a 112° vertical drop.

There’s also a zoo on site where you can see animals such as rhinos, wallabies, and donkeys, making Flamingo Land a perfect destination for a day out in Yorkshire for couples.

14. Explore Dalby Forest

Within the North York Moors National Park, you’ll find one of the most beautiful areas of Yorkshire to explore – Dalby Forest.

The 8,500 acres of woodland contain a range of fantastic walking and cycling routes, as well as an orienteering course if you’re feeling more adventurous.

You can discover quiet spots in Dalby Forest for a picnic with spectacular views, or conquer your fear of heights and have a go at the Go Ape course located here.

15. Look inside Mother Shipton’s Cave

If you’re visiting Knaresborough or passing through the area, make sure to visit the unique Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Home to legendary prophetess Mother Shipton, who supposedly predicted the Great Fire of London in 1666 amongst other events, this cave is one of the most peculiarly fascinating tourist attractions in the UK.

The rock formations here a beautiful to explore, and it’s worth going to see the Petrifying Well which is reportedly England’s oldest visitor attraction, having had travellers visit it for hundreds of years.

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