Things to do in York for a Valentine’s weekend getaway!
Forget Paris, York is the city of love, or at least we think so! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we thought we’d share our best recommendations for celebrating with a loved one, whether it’s a partner, family member(s) or friend(s) in the beautiful city of York.
Love Food?
York’s food scene is going from strength to strength, so it’s no surprise that there’s an excellent selection of special Valentines offerings…from a traditional sit down meal to fun foodie experiences. So, if you and your partner regard yourselves as ‘foodies’, York is the place to be!
York’s food scene is going from strength to strength, so it’s no surprise that there’s an excellent selection of special Valentines offerings…from a traditional sit down meal to fun foodie experiences. So, if you and your partner regard yourselves as ‘foodies’, York is the place to be!
Love Cooking together?
Cookery School at The Grand, York – Friday 14th February, 6pm-9pm
As a qualified chef, Bea, who is now a great member of our team, highly recommends The Grand Hotel Cookery School. They’re hosting a Valentine’s special for two ‘Let the Romance Be-Gin’ at which you and your partner can create a two course meal to enjoy in The Grand’s exclusive dining room with a glass of wine or refreshing gin and tonic.
As a qualified chef, Bea, who is now a great member of our team, highly recommends The Grand Hotel Cookery School. They’re hosting a Valentine’s special for two ‘Let the Romance Be-Gin’ at which you and your partner can create a two course meal to enjoy in The Grand’s exclusive dining room with a glass of wine or refreshing gin and tonic.
With a menu of Chateaubriand and Lemon Posset, with Rhubarb and Masons Lavender Gin Sorbet for dessert, you and your partner can have fun deciding who makes the main and who does dessert!
Purchase your tickets for £150 each to experience this fantastically fun evening!
Looking for a romantic treat?
The Bow Room at Gray’s Court
Experience a 10 course tasting menu, created from seasonal and homegrown ingredients, and wash it down with an excellent bottle of wine in the Bow room at Gray’s Court Hotel.
Experience a 10 course tasting menu, created from seasonal and homegrown ingredients, and wash it down with an excellent bottle of wine in the Bow room at Gray’s Court Hotel.
The restaurant is positioned in a prime stunning location near York Minster within a Grade 1 listed building bursting with history.
Betty’s – Afternoon Tea and delicious gifts!
When in Yorkshire, afternoon tea at Betty’s is a must. Indulge in delicate sweet and savoury treats with traditional Betty’s tea or a glass of prosecco and admire the view of St. Helen’s Square. It’s the perfect treat for a loved one or to catch up with your best friends.
When in Yorkshire, afternoon tea at Betty’s is a must. Indulge in delicate sweet and savoury treats with traditional Betty’s tea or a glass of prosecco and admire the view of St. Helen’s Square. It’s the perfect treat for a loved one or to catch up with your best friends.
The Rattle Owl
A favourite amongst residents, The Rattle Owl is a wonderful independent restaurant with a mouth-watering menu of Yorkshire produce and an excellent complimentary wine list. For Valentine’s Day there’s a divine tasting menu including coley, dressed white crab, langoustine bisque and a scrumptious hot chocolate tart with banana ice cream and peanut tuile!
A favourite amongst residents, The Rattle Owl is a wonderful independent restaurant with a mouth-watering menu of Yorkshire produce and an excellent complimentary wine list. For Valentine’s Day there’s a divine tasting menu including coley, dressed white crab, langoustine bisque and a scrumptious hot chocolate tart with banana ice cream and peanut tuile!
Situated on Micklegate, right in the city centre, this unique characterful eatery will not disappoint.
Love Chocolate?
York’s famous chocolate heritage is interlaced through the streets – from famous chocolatiers and factories, including Terry’s the makers of the moreish chocolate orange and Nestlé, best known for the classic KitKat.
York’s Chocolate Story – Valentines Tour, Friday 14th February
If you and your partner share a love of chocolate, York’s Chocolate Story Valentines Tour is the sweetest treat!
If you and your partner share a love of chocolate, York’s Chocolate Story Valentines Tour is the sweetest treat!
Experience an indulgent evening chocolate making with a glass of prosecco and chocolate dipped strawberries then finish the evening with a Valentine’s themed tour.
Located just near Shambles, York’s Chocolate Story will be holding its extra special tours at 6:30pm, 7pm, and 7:30pm for £18.95pp.
Love to relax and unwind?
The Spa at The Grand
If you’re thinking of treating your loved one to a blissful break to escape the chaos of everyday life, why not book a spa package to really help you both unwind.
If you’re thinking of treating your loved one to a blissful break to escape the chaos of everyday life, why not book a spa package to really help you both unwind.
Annabel, another member of our lovely team, suggests The Spa at The Grand. Book a ‘Blissful Afternoon Tea’ for £49.50 per person and indulge in delicious sweet and savoury treats. Then relax using any of the spa facilities – you’re sure to feel rejuvenated afterwards. Keep your eyes peeled on the website as there’s always a great range of spa packages and treatments to choose from.
Fancy staying nearby? Just a five minute walk is 203 Westgate - a centrally located one bedroom apartment on the River Ouse, a perfect base for your Valentine’s weekend.
Love sight-seeing?
Escape York’s busy city centre rush and enjoy York from a unique perspective, whilst onboard the York City Cruiser along the River that once brought the Romans and Vikings to this magnificent city. Learn about York’s historic past whilst enjoying views of York you typically can’t see on foot.
As part of a special Valentine’s weekend, City Cruises are offering a ‘Gold Package’ for two adults to enjoy a romantic cruise with a bottle of sparkling wine and a box of heart shaped chocolates.
There will also be a special floodlit evening cruise on 14th and 15th February at 7:30pm and 9pm. Relax as you take a 60-minute trip down the River Ouse, complete with atmospheric music, and a couple of glasses of wine and chocolates. Don’t worry about the cold, it is within the fully heated saloon where the onboard bar is located! For £30 each, this is a great experience to complement an evening meal at one of York’s wonderful restaurants.
Fancy a romantic apartment with river views? 30 Woodsmill faces onto the River Ouse, making it a perfect spot to access the river cruises and scenic river walks whilst also being in a great central location.
Love Cinema dates?
A trip to the cinema is always a hit so why not make it extra special with a viewing at Everyman Cinema on Blossom Street, just a 10 minute walk from York Station.
After a spectacular transformation in 2017, the grade II listed art deco building now accommodates 4 viewings screens, all fitted with sofas so you can cosy up and enjoy the latest blockbusters or independent and classic films. Enjoy a warming glass of red wine, perfectly complimented by freshly made pizza, all served to your seat – impressive! Make sure to have a look at show listings and book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Celebrating ‘Galentines Day’ with your closest friends? Amanda, who works in our office, suggests booking tickets to see Everyman’s special viewing of iconic chick flick Thelma & Louise on Thursday 13th February. Enjoy an evening of laughter and friendship…and a small popcorn with your BFF for £10.00.
A 5-minute walk from the Everyman cinema is a stunning 1 bed apartment, 123 Nunnery Lane, which is a perfect spot for your Valentine’s break in York.