Best things to do in York for couples
With winding cobbled streets to explore and an extensive list of cosy pubs and wine bars, York is a hub for couples looking for a relaxed weekend break away.
Whether you’re an outdoorsy couple, want to unwind at a luxurious spa, or just appreciate some cosying up in a classic Yorkshire pub, there’s lots to do and see in this historic city.
To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled our list of the best things to do in York for couples.
If you’re looking for Valentine’s inspo, check out our gift guide for couples, too, from weekend getaways to romantic restaurants.
Starting your day off just right
They do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and York does it just right. Buttery pastries or a proper full English paired with an expertly made iced coffee.
Heppni Bakeri
Heppni is a gorgeous bakery and coffee spot. Pastries are fresh, crisp and innovative, and a wander down the cobbled street of Swinegate for a coffee and breakfast here is a lovely way to start your morning exploring York.
Owner India is inspired by her travels, with predominantly French and Scandinavian baking techniques used, so you can expect quality pastries straight from their open kitchen. Heppni is an independent business with a true community feel, certainly worth a visit.
Old Liquor Store
Next up is a popular city brunch spot, housed within a Grade II former Terry’s chocolate factory. The Old Liquor Store is a neighbourhood restaurant, bar and wine shop.
With Italian influence, they have ricotta pancake stacks, delicious deli sandwiches and accompanying coffees to get your day off to the best start. This historic and delicious visit is one of the tastiest things to do in York for couples.
In the evening, they serve Italian small plates.
Robinsons
Another breakfast spot worth a mention has to be Robinsons – a firm favourite with eager tourists and locals of Bishopthorpe Road alike. Huge stacks of American-style pancakes drizzled with caramel, or moreish savoury plates like their Turkish Eggs ( pictured here).
You’ll likely need to be prepared for a bit of a queue, especially if it’s the weekend. But rest assured, once you’ve popped in here for brunch, it’s certainly worth it.
Exploring the city
Now you’ve properly woken up, it’s time to explore some of our favourite bits of the city.
Walk the York walls
First up, walking the York walls is one of those classic things to do in York for couples.
Travel back to the Roman times as you wander across the York Walls. There are lovely views of the York Minster and surrounding architecture, and the walk itself is relatively short.
We’d recommend grabbing a coffee and your camera to scope out the city in this appealing morning activity.
Visit The Shambles and Shambles Market
It wouldn’t really be a visit to York without a wander down the Shambles, now would it?
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The Shambles is a preserved, medieval shopping street, and some properties still have shelves and metal hooks, reminders of when meat was displayed from the open windows. Now, tourists peer into the boutiques, chocolatiers and antique shops which make up this quirky street.
In the neighbouring courtyard, Shambles Market is full of small businesses selling mouthwatering street food, crafts and clothes.
Unwind at a luxury spa
We’re lucky to have many gorgeous spas in Yorkshire and the surrounding countryside.
However, right in York’s city centre, The Grand’s brand new SubRosa Spa covers all bases. With atmospheric spa facilities set in former vaults, try their innovative wellness treatments and dine in their spa restaurant
Something new for couples
There are plenty of unique activities for couples to get involved with and discover in York, so why not try something a little different?
Uncover York’s chocolatey history
If you get the timing right, you can still smell tempting chocolate at dawn in the York City Centre. That’s because the city is home to many chocolatiers and confectionary factories which are still running today.
Rowntree’s chocolate factory was founded in York, in 1862 and is best known for supplying the nation with iconic sweets like Quality Street and Smarties.
Now, visitors can explore York’s rich history at York Chocolate Story, or visit one of York’s independent chocolatiers like York Cocoa House, who often hold chocolate workshops and classes for those who want to get stuck in.
Cookery class at The Grand York
The Grand York Cookery School, located within York’s 5-Star Hotel, offers insightful cookery classes catering to all kinds of abilities, tastes and ages. The classes are led by Cookery School Director, Marc Williams.
Whether you are eager to perfect a warming Thai curry, or like to pretend you’re under the watchful eye of Mary Berry in the bake-off tent, there are plenty of classes to choose from.
It’s interactive and a chance to learn something new, making our list as one of the best things to do in York for couples.
Spooky activities
Deemed by many as one of the most haunted Cities in the UK, there’s no shortage of spooky activities to get involved with in York.
The infamous Golden Fleece is a community public house, rumoured to be haunted, but also conveniently with lots of local draft ales and comfort pub food.
As night falls, join a ghost tour or, book yourself into an immersive evening of jump-scares at The York Dungeons.
Where couples should go for a pre-dinner drink
SORA Sky Bar, Malmaison
For sky-high sights of the city, SORA is rooftop Pan- Asian Tapas & Cocktail Bar. With live music on Saturdays and Sundays and the occasional DJ appearance, it’s an exciting drink stop.
There’s an extensive signature cocktail list, blending classic ingredients with the likes of miso, coconut, lychee and yuzu. Sip while you delve into fresh sushi and small plates.
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The Hi Ho Club
Up next is Hi Ho Club, a hidden gem (quite literally) and a fantastic spot for an intimate pre-dinner drink. Quirky interiors and fantastic selection of innovative cocktails are tucked within this hidden bar.
Live music helps the scene of a 1920’s speakeasy, as this bar goes from a chilled atmosphere, to buzzing as the evening goes on.
Evil Eye
Evil Eye is a fun, eclectic cocktail bar – and you will be overwhelmed with drink options. Their team of mixologists are chatty and really do know their stuff.
With shimmery silks, winding staircases and different rooms to explore, Evil Eye offers a truly unique cocktail experience detached from the rest of the city centre.
There’s certainly no shortage of bars to pick from in York.
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Pairings Wine Bar
Sister duo Kelly and Kate opened Pairings in 2015, an award-winning wine bar just down the road from Cliffords Tower.
As expected, their drinks menu is substantial, with sparklings, champagnes, red, white and ports. Pair with a handful of smoked roast nuts, olives or a charcuterie board for the full feast.
For those passionate about their wine, or as a great surprise gift idea, you can book bespoke Sommelier guided wine tastings.
Dining destinations that promise to impress
A busy day of shopping and sightseeing can always build up an appetite, so it’s time to cosy up at one of these top York restaurant picks for couples – whether you’re into tapas for two, a casual Yorkshire gastro-pub or fine dining.
Pearly Cow
Pearly Cow celebrates what hails from the dales, moors, vales, and the nearby North Sea. Headed up by exceptional chef Lawrence Yates, Pearly Cow’s small plates and mains are delicious.
Delve into Waterford Farm’s 45-day salt-aged steak, with herb-crusted bone marrow, chimichurri or peppercorn sauce.
The York site was the first Pearly Cow to be born, and with a stylish interior, it has an intimate but elegant date-night feel which makes it perfect for you and your partner. One of Yorkshire’s most romantic restaurants.
The Fat Badger
The Fat Badger is an informal but homely pub just a stone’s throw from the iconic York Minster. With real ales, comforting gastropub classic dishes and what’s said to be the best beer garden in the city, The Fat Badger just had to make our list.
It’s a popular spot for locals and those visiting for a weekend break, with beer & burger Mondays, tapas plates and indulgent desserts.
Bosuns
It’s a little out of the city centre, but if you and your other half are looking for a luxurious date night then Bosuns restaurant at The Riverfront is the place to be. It offers panoramic views of the river and a dining menu that celebrates the best of Yorkshire’s seasonal produce.
Between their standard A-la-Carte offering, sumptuous Sunday lunch, Thursday steak special, or afternoon tea – there is sure to be something for everyone.
You can even hire a boat at Bosuns to take a leisurely outing on the water or extend to stay at one of their gorgeous riverfront glamping pods or cabins.
The Legacy at the Grand, York
Michelin recommended Legacy at The Grand, York offers a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired menu of carefully curated flavours and locally sourced ingredients.
Situated in York’s only 5 star hotel, Legacy lives up to its name and offers award-winning tasting menus with paired wines for couples looking for a fine-dining experience.
The restaurant’s expertly designed interior pays homage to the pioneering spirit of the inspiring engineers and architects of the city’s past.
Nola
Next we have Nola, a city centre restaurant and jazz bar, which bases itself on Louisiana food and drink. The building used to be an old congregational chapel and is brimming with character.
Expect a 1920s Art Deco theme, candlelit tables and fantastic small sharing plates. From land to sea, there are plenty of options to choose from. Including garlic chilli prawns, pulled pork arancini and oyster mushroom bao.
One of the highlights however has to be their fantastic live jazz musicians, who play every Tuesday and Sunday between 8 pm – 10 pm and Friday between 9 pm -11 pm. It’s got to be one of our favourite things to do in York for couples.
Heading further afield? We have plenty of other events, news and foodie offers to keep you occupied in Yorkshire.
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Written by
13/01/2026