10 Best Things to Do for Couples in York

The York City Walls are an ideal place for strolling and getting lost in history as you explore ancient ruins that go back hundreds of years. This free activity lets you walk a few miles of beautifully preserved walls built in the 13th century. It takes just about an hour to walk the entire length of the walls at a brisk pace, but you’ll want to stop for photo opportunities together. It’s a serene and peaceful activity that lets you feel like you’re escaping all the hustle and bustle, without leaving the city centre.

To learn more about what you’ll see, you can download a Friends of York Guide. This guide gives you locations, access points and information.

The Shambles offer the chance to explore a historic street with ancient buildings hosting plenty of opportunities for shopping and having a romantic meal. This historic street has been voted the prettiest street in Great Britain, which makes it an ideal romantic activity. The quaint cobblestone avenue is lined with independent boutique shops, gift stores, arts and crafts vendors and peaceful small cafes where you can sit with a cup of tea or coffee and watch the world go by together.

Locals say that the most romantic time to be here is early morning before the crowds arrive when the streets are truly magical. The Shambles are in the heart of the city centre.

Betty’s Café Tea Rooms is a traditional tea house where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle and relax in elegant and classy surroundings. These historic tea rooms opened in 1936 with exteriors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner. Even today the decor remains true to its original style and vibe, and when you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to an elegant cruise ship from the early-mid-20th century. Even better, however, the food and drinks are absolutely delicious.

This particular shop is popular with visitors and locals alike, so be prepared to queue for a spot during peak hours on weekends. It’s in the heart of the city centre.

The River Ouse is an iconic and scenic river that cuts right through the city, offering romantic waterfront strolls or cruises to see the city from the water. A scenic boat ride down the river offers the chance to not only see the city in a whole different and truly romantic way, but the opportunity to learn all about the city’s history. Learn the role the river has played in its development like how cargo boats played in bringing cocoa beans to the city in the late 19th century.

The boats offer bars and light food, and the tours have been rated as among the best activities in York. Tours set out from the heart of the city centre.

York’s Chocolate Story offers the opportunity to see, learn and even get involved in the history of making chocolate from its earliest days to the use of modern technology. If you love chocolate and you love museums, there are few better ways to combine both into one, as you explore 3,000 years of chocolate history complete with all the samples you can stomach. You’ll get to explore hands-on exhibits and even take chocolate-making workshops. You can even finish the tour by creating your own candy bar to take home with you.

This is a fun, quirky and sweet way to celebrate your romance. It’s also centrally located in the heart of the city.

York Minster is an elegant historic building that offers stunning architecture and glorious grounds to explore as you get lost in the serene surroundings. This awe-inspiring building was erected in the 7th century and towers over the heart of the city with stunning architecture and interior stonework, furnishings and decor. You can climb to the top of the tower for stunning photos and views that go on for miles in every direction. For a nominal fee, you can also see the Undercroft to explore the complete history of the building.

Just adjacent is an elegant green space and urban park you can explore in the shadow of the Minster. From serene relaxation to stunning views, it’s the height of romance.

The Museum Gardens offer the opportunity to walk into the past and explore an elegant and tended park with historic origins and onsite ruins that are centuries old. These gardens comprise hundreds of colourful flowers and plant life backed by astounding riverfront views and ancient monuments. It’s completely free to wander the gardens, and you can have a picnic on the lawns. In addition, the gardens constantly host events and exhibitions tracing the history of York from Rome to public art installations and even a look at the prehistoric times of England.

You can even walk ancient ruins while you’re here. It’s all directly in the heart of the city centre.

The Guy Fawkes Inn is a historic restaurant where you’ll get the chance to experience the most infamous plot in history with immersive experiences. The inn is an authentic medieval building which has functioned in this capacity for centuries, though today, the interior is updated to offer modern amenities in an AA rosette restaurant. It stands in the shadow of the birthplace of Guy Fawkes. You can learn all about Fawkes and his Gunpowder Plot while enjoying classic British food with regional craft ales.

Even better, if you want to expand your stay and experience even more romance, you can book a night or two in one of 13 en-suite bedrooms onsite. It’s located in the city centre.

Rustique is a restaurant offering delicious dining in elegant surroundings where the two of you can simply relax and reconnect in a truly romantic atmosphere. The restaurant describes itself as upbeat Bistro-style French dining in the centre of York. The food here is all traditionally prepared. It was established in 2004 and offers a vibrant and welcoming space with a wide and varied menu with first-class dining.

Al fresco dining is also available on the outdoor terrace, which is first come, first serve. Tables inside are booked by reservation. Many of the menu items come paired with the perfect wine, so you’re sure to have the ideal romantic evening out.

The York Theatre Royal is an active venue for live performances of all types housed in a historic building where you can dress your best for a classic night out. The theatre is in a historic building which dates back to 1744 and is the spot for all forms of live performance in York. Here you’ll see traditional Shakespeare on one night, modern musical theatre the next, a standup comedy show on the third night and a rock concert on the weekend. The venue is cosy and welcoming, a truly classic way to have a romantic evening.

Check the venue to see what’s happening while you’ll be in town. It’s directly in the heart of the city centre.