York is a beautiful city found in the North of England. It’s a wonderful city for a romantic weekend away packed with things to do in York for couples.

Known as one of the most beautiful historic cities in England, it really is no surprise that York is a popular destination for a trip away with your partner.

York was voted as “the UK’s third most romantic city” in 2023 and is packed of things to do for a wonderful trip away. We recently spent a lovely weekend here so here are our top 16 romantic things to do in York for couples.

If you’re looking for other things to do in UK for couples then you might enjoy Best Things To Do In The Cotswolds For Couples.

The best things to do in York for couples

1. Get spooked at York Dungeons

Maybe not the most romantic thing to do in York, but hey, who says a bit of fear can’t bring a couple closer? It will certainly give you a chance to cosy up to each other!

Similarly to The London Dungeons, York Dungeons takes you on a trip from the Vikings to the Plague, through the darkest times in history, using humour and actors to bring the experience to life. You will be taken through 10 rooms, each with a different story to tell; the whole experience takes around 90 minutes.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also attend an 18+ evening events with even more horror and risque humour than the regular visit. Such a fun thing to do in UK for couples!

2. Wander around the Shambles – one of the top things to do in York for couples

Step into the world of fantasy at The Shambles in York. Allegedly the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, this mediaeval shopping street is famous for its beautiful shop fronts that look and feel like they’re straight out of a movie. The street is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe dating back to the 14th century. It was smaller than we thought it was going to be (just one main street). However, it’s lovely to walk around and a really unique part of history.

Once home to butchers’ shops (many with their own slaughterhouses out the back!), the Shambles retains its historic charm, now hosting a variety of quaint shops, cafes, and boutiques.

The Shambles were our favourite part of York with its winding cobblestone lanes and overhanging buildings.

If you would like to take a photo here then make sure that you visit around sunrise or early in the morning as the street can become extremely busy during the day with customers queuing to enter shops, take photos themselves or to simply walk around the famous street.

If you are looking to grab a bite to eat whilst visiting The Shambles then head to the famous the Shambles Kitchen. A must-visit eatery that sits right in the thick of the action. Famous for its sparkler-loaded Guy Fawkes barbacoa butties. Not great if you’re vegetarian like us, but, if you’re not then we’ve heard it’s amazing!

If instead, you’re looking for tea and cake then make sure to try a traditional cream or afternoon tea at Earl Grey Tea Rooms. Or grab a pint of Yorkshire-made spirits from Ye Old Shambles Tavern, known for its speciality ales.

Visiting the Shambles is one of the top things to do in York for couples, it might not be one of the most unique things to do in York but, it’s a highlight to any visit and is one of the best free things to do in York.

3. Enjoy brunch together at one of the many cafes in York

There’s a really great brunch scene going on in York so when visiting be sure to enjoy this! York has SO many wonderful cafes and restaurants to choose between. It’s brunch scene has really come along over the years and now it is one of the top things to do in York for couples. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Here are some of the spots that we recommend:

Rise Brunch – A gorgeous brunch spot serving epic food and coffee. We loved their banana bread and mushrooms on toast.

Brew and Brownie – Whilst we didn’t manage to eat here because the queue was always too long, but their pancakes look INCREDIBLE (probably why the queue is always so long).

Drift In York – A really cool spot serving amazing food. We had the french toast and the homemade beans and avocado on toast. Both did not disappoint!

Cafe at No. 12 – Priding themselves on fresh, homecooked food using local ingredients. Cafe at No. 12 is the perfect spot to pop into if you’re looking for a wholesome brunch in York.

4. Join a York Ghost tour

It’s not just the York Dungeons that are home to York’s ghosts, the streets are packed full of them as well. York has previously been voted the most haunted city in England with a history packed full of ghosts and ghouls making it the perfect spot for a ghost tour. 

Join a walking tour throughout York and visit all the popular ghostly spots, with tales and legends being brought to life by your guide. 

This is a great budget-friendly, fun thing to do in York for couples. Another great excuse to grab your partners hand and let them look after you as you discover all of the ghosts that live within York.

5. Enjoy a pint at one of York 365 pubs

Did you know that York famously has 365 pubs? One for every day of the year! It’s a great place to get to know each other a bit better over a few pints. Here are some that we loved to not be missed:

Guy fawkes Inn York – The spot where the infamous Guy Fawkes, who nearly blew up parliament, was born!

The Golden Fleece York – Claiming to be the most haunted pub in York, The Golden Fleece is a historic pub dating back to 1503.

Ye Olde Starre Inne – Tucked away down a narrow alley, Ye Olde Starre Inne is one of the oldest pubs in York, dating back to 1644.

6. Visit the iconic York Minster

York Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral that has dominated the skyline for centuries. Explore its intricate architecture and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Admire it from the outside or explore inside York Minster.

7. Walk the York city walls

Surrounding the wonderful city of York are its 13th-century limestone City Walls. 

The city walls are 3.4 kilometres long and well worth the walk for anybody visiting York. Not only are the walls one of the best free attractions in the city, but they also offer some great views. Throughout the walk, visitors will come across some amazing photo opportunities showcasing York Minster in the background.

York city walls are available to walk along every day, from 8am until dark. To walk the full length of these well-preserved medieval walls takes around 2-hours. The walk offers a picturesque walk around the city and wonderful views over it. In the evening, after the walls have closed, you will see them lit up.

8. Explore Cliffords Tower

Climb this medieval tower for panoramic views of York and learn about its turbulent history, including its role in medieval England’s conflicts and the tragic events of the Jewish Massacre of 1190. Romantic, eh?

9. Watch the sunset over the city together – one of the most romantic things to do in York for couples

Nothing says romance like watching the sunset together. During sunset the whole city becomes bathed in a golden glow, it’s a beautiful thing to witness with your loved one. Make sure to check when the sun sets in advance and head out for a walk during this time.

10. Wander around York art gallery

Housed within a beautifully restored Victorian building, the gallery showcases an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts.

 11. Enjoy an afternoon tea on a York bus

The York afternoon tea bus runs every Saturday and costs £45 per person including the journey, a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and teas as you travel on a double-decker bus. The experience lasts 60-minute and will take you past York Minster, Micklegate Bar, Clifford’s Tower and more!

12. Join a chocolate workshop

One of the most fun things to do in york for couples: a chocolate workshop! Here you can learn about the history of chocolate, where it comes from, how it’s made and of course, enjoy some samples. Spend some time bonding over your love for chocolate together; romantic York at its best!

In York, chocolate-making dates back over 300 years starting in the 18th century when wealthy Quaker families established chocolate-making businesses in the city. The city of York was once known as the Chocolate City, the air would smell of chocolate and a thick chocolate dust would cover every surface.

It’s the perfect things to do in York today, especially with a loved one (and if you like chocolate!)

13. Go on a York Brewery Tour

As we have already discovered York is a great city for enjoying a pint. What better place to go on a brewery tour? Discover the art of brewing together with a guided tour of York’s breweries, learning about the brewing process, sampling a variety of craft beers, and enjoying a relaxed evening of beer tasting.

14.  Enjoy a stroll through the Museum Garden

Take a leisurely stroll hand in hand through York’s beautiful Museum Gardens. Admiring the vibrant flower beds, historic ruins, and relaxing atmosphere surrounding the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.

 15. Go on a romantic River Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat trip along the River Ouse, taking in the picturesque views of York’s historic landmarks and charming riverside scenery while enjoying each other’s company.

16. Enjoy some live music

York has an epic indie music scene with some wonderful little live music venues dotted all over the city. Attend a live performance at one of its cozy pubs or intimate music venues, and enjoy a diverse range of musical genres from jazz to folk to indie.

There are many amazing things to do in York for couples. Whether that be enjoying a pint at an historic pub, meeting the ghosts of York or enjoying a romantic river cruise, York makes for a perfect weekend away!

What’s your favourite thing to do in York? Feel free to share it below!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about 16 amazing things to do in York for couples