Date spot in York
Clifford's Tower
Climb the steep steps up the mound to the 13th-century stone keep of York Castle, then walk out on its roof deck for a view over the city to the Minster.
Tower Street, by York Castle Museum
Address: Tower Street, York YO1 9SA- Culture
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
Why it's a good date: A short, sharp climb with one of the best views in York at the top. Go on a clear day, and save the Castle Museum next door for when it rains.
Photo: Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
More from our York guide
Museum Gardens and St Mary's Abbey
Museum Street, by Lendal Bridge
Address: Museum Street, York YO1 7FR- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Stroll the botanical gardens by the river and the ruined arches of St Mary's Abbey, with the Yorkshire Museum's columns behind.
Why it's a good date: A calm, green spot right in the centre, ideal for a picnic or a slow walk between other plans. The abbey ruins are especially lovely in late-afternoon light.
Photo: Stephen McKay, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Bettys
St Helen's Square
Address: 6-8 St Helen's Square, York YO1 8QP- Café
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Cosy
- Foodie
Queue for afternoon tea, a Fat Rascal scone and a pot of Yorkshire tea in the famous tea rooms on St Helen's Square.
Why it's a good date: A proper old-fashioned treat, with waiting staff in uniform and cakes in the window. The queue moves, but go mid-morning or late afternoon to keep it short.
Photo: Spudgun67, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
The Original Ghost Walk of York
The King's Arms, King's Staith, by Ouse Bridge
Address: The King's Arms, 3 King's Staith, York YO1 9SN- Event
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Halloween
- Big night
Meet outside the King's Arms on the river at eight for the ghost walk that's been leading people round York's darkest corners since the 1970s.
Why it's a good date: Spooky enough for a good excuse to hold hands, with plenty of laughs too. Go in autumn or winter when it's properly dark, and warm up in the King's Arms afterwards.
