14 Things to Do in York For Couples (You Haven’t Done Before)

There’s nothing like a race to get your heart thumping, especially if your teammate is your significant other.

Race Across the World: The Experience is the official live experience of the award-winning hit TV show, and it’s now available in York. 

Work together to unravel a route that involves strategy, teamwork and quick thinking, as well as every couple’s favourite thing to do: budgeting. You’ll also solve physical, escape room-style puzzles and stop off at sensational checkpoints (some even come with an exclusive discount!). 

Important Info: You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. The experience is designed to be accessible and inclusive. See FAQs for details.

If your partner won’t and can’t stop listening to creepy true crime podcasts, you’ve got to give this a go. 

This murder mystery game transforms you and your significant other into an indomitable detective duo unlike any other. Together, you’ll solve a cold case that took place inside York’s city walls. But there’s a twist…it occurred over 6 centuries ago.

Solve tricky puzzles, follow clues and discover more about York’s medieval secrets while being immersed in a gripping story line that will appeal to true crime fans, murder mystery lovers or anybody who can’t stay away from medieval lore! 

PSST: This game comes with optional stops at top-recommended cafes, pubs and bars for when the pair of you need to reassess your case file!

If you ask me, there’s never a bad time to visit York Minster.

Whether you’re there for the history or the gorgeous architecture  (I really recommend doing the guided tour if you’re interested in either of these things), anyone and everyone can find something to appreciate about this glorious building.

But if you want to take your experience up a notch or two, make sure you check out the gorgeous Great West Window. Local legend says that couples who kiss under the "Heart of Yorkshire" (the window’s heart-shaped stone tracery) will stay together forever.

There’s a time and a place for a fancy lunch or dinner date, and since you’re here - we’re guessing now isn’t it.

If you and your partner are always having the passive-aggressive “I don’t mind what we have for lunch/dinner” chat, you’ll be delighted to hear that all of your problems are solved by heading here. 

Nestled in one of York’s most iconic historic streets, the Shambles food court allows both of you to take your pick from whatever tickles your tastebuds most, whether that’s curry, a stir-fry or a classic sandwich. 

Looking for things to do in York for couples who are obsessed with all things mythological? This is for you. 

Based partly on history and embedded with legends, monsters and myths, The Drowned City is an outdoor escape room game that sees you and your partner become York’s heroes. Together, it’ll be your job to race against the clock and save the city from “impending doom”.

Along the way, you’ll meet the many layers of European deities that influenced York, including a Roman Emperor, a Norse monster and a Greek goddess. Solve puzzles, follow clues and become the power couple you’ve always been capable of being! 

In a city like York you’ll find scones, cream and jam galore. But this one is my particular favourite for a few reasons. 

There’s something about sitting in a stunning medieval building and tucking into a cosy, homemade scone and sipping on a tea. 

This incredible place was built by the citizens of York in the mid 14th century so if walls could talk, I’d order myself four or five pots of tea and a tray of scones to hear the many stories this hall must have to tell. But I’ll settle for sitting opposite my partner nibbling on a freshly baked scone.

York is incredibly popular with the dearly departed of centuries past. In fact, it’s nearly as popular with ghosts as it is with tourists - which explains why there are so many ghost walks dotted around the place.

However, this isn’t your typical ghost walking tour. Firstly, it’s self-guided (which is ideal, because you’re unlikely to want strangers gatecrashing your alone time with your partner). Secondly, it’s gamified, making it more immersive and spooky - you have to interact with the ghosts and read their stories firsthand as you plot your way around York. 

Finally, without giving you any spoilers, the ghosts on this walk aren’t the kind of ones you can Google. You’ll follow in the footsteps of former York locals, including Roman legionnaires, a woman accused of witchcraft, a gold-obsessed nobleman, a drunk monk, and a Viking who was skinned alive…to name a few.

When your free time or funds are low, take a step back and remember that it’s the quality of time spent together that matters - and that’s true wherever you are.

If you’re looking for somewhere like that within the city walls, well, take your pick. For me, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey will always be a favourite because there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy some quality time. 

And while you’re there, have a chat, play some cards together (always a favourite hobby of mine) and just enjoy spending time in each other’s company. Bonus points if you keep your phones in your pockets!

Paired up with a sports fanatic? Then you’ve got to visit Headingley.

It’s legendary for a reason, so whether you’re fans of rugby league, rugby union, or cricket, the stadium will almost certainly provide an exhilarating atmosphere to share your excitement and cheer on your favourite teams – or even discover a new passion. 

Check out what’s on in advance and try to grab yourself some tickets.

PSST: Visiting Leeds? You’ll find more treasure hunts from us there.

Some of us just need time to relax so if you or your partner has been complaining about having a stiff back, bad posture due to desk work or an overactive brain, this is for you.

Our bodies are all created differently and there’s no getting around the fact that our flexibility varies enormously. That said, it’s never a bad idea to try to fix that. 

Perfect for beginners and seasoned yogis alike, the classes at Stables Yoga Centre offer the pair of you the chance to relax, stretch, and connect with each other in a peaceful, supportive environment.

The best thing about finding your soulmate is being able to share the most random of interests with each other. And even if you’ve never once in your life thought that trains could be cool – think again.

We all love to complain about trains being delayed and how you never seem to get a seat anymore (that last one might just be me), but this museum reminds us just how cool trains really are. 

Take a wander around majestic locomotives, hum Kylie’s cover of the Loco-Motion, learn about railway heritage, and take a look around historic train carriages and memorabilia. There’s some really cool stuff in here from all over the UK (and even as far as Australia!).

For a quirky date idea in York, I recommend taking a leisurely shopping trip through York’s array of independent and unique shops. 

From rare books to vintage clothing, these unique boutiques offer treasures that can’t be found anywhere else. There’s plenty of independent and interesting shops dotted about, you’ve just got to sniff out the best ones dedicated to your particular interest.

There are also unusual shops dedicated to all manner of things including armoury, retro games, and of course, York ghost merchants.

For those of you who want to find things to do in York for couples that involve the arts, head to York Art Gallery.

It never ceases to amaze me how underrated this art gallery is because as soon as you step inside, you realise it contains an incredible collection ranging from old masters to contemporary artwork. 

Perfect if you just want to spend some quiet time with your partner, you’ll find art in all its many forms here, including iconic pieces of art to 17th century pottery.

Get to grips with York’s sweet-making past by visiting this interactive museum that takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate making in York – and believe me when I say it’s as interesting as it is appetite inducing!

If you didn’t already know, York is the home of the humble KitKat, Smarties and everyone’s Christmas favourite, the Terry’s Chocolate Orange. 

Together, you’ll learn about how York’s confectionary industry grew from a grocer’s shop in town to provide every corner of the world with globally-recognised favourites.

Once you’ve learnt about the history of chocolate making in York, there’s plenty of time to refine your own palate by sampling some chocolates (and learning how the pros do it), as well as visit the shop to bring some goodies back with you.