This year Valentine’s Day falls on Wednesday during half term!
From where to eat out in York, to Valentine’s fun for kids or date night ideas at home, we’ve got it covered! Use the links below to jump to a section of our Valentine’s Day Guide or scroll the whole post and get planning your perfect Valentine’s Day in York! 💜
If you are looking to support local this Valentine’s Day in York, take a look at some of these fantastic dining and entertainment options and enjoy a special night out in York.
SPARK* believe Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, including love for friends and oneself. That’s why they have something for everyone, whether you’re single, a couple, or a group of besties.
Join SPARK* on 14th February for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their weekly popular quiz-bingo lovechild Quingo! Round up your pals or significant other half and head down at 7pm in teams of up to 6. Expect two rounds of fun general knowledge questions and lots of banging tunes!
Or why not have a little me time and treat yourself to an energy-boosting session of yoga, barre, or pilates run on Wednesdays by the lovely gals over at Ossie Studio? Plus, the street food traders and bars will have you covered so you can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
📍Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York. YO1 9PB
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Afternoon Tea is always a treat, but Forest have created something a little different & very special! Did you know that their hotel, Galtres Lodge is named after the Royal Forest of Galtres? During the second quarter of the 17th century, the forest was subject to disafforestation as a result of the Crown’s desperate need for ready money, & the forest disappeared. They have taken inspiration from their history & created a “Forest Afternoon Tea” – the most exciting Afternoon Tea in York (if not beyond!).
Four courses of Yorkshire goodness including items such as a piping hot shot of woodland soup, smoked salmon sandwiches, mini Yorkshire puddings with Swains family butcher braised beef, home-made cherry scone and other sweet treats! Each course is lovingly paired with loose-leaf teas from Hebden Teas (plus a cuppa of Yorkshire Tea with the mini Yorkies – of course!). £25 per person.
Tel: 01904 622 478
📍54 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HZ
Cosy night in? This Valentine’s Day you could have a date night in and experience Pairings in the comfort of your own home with their takeaway offer.
Enjoy Pairings finest selection of three meats, three cheeses, pork pie, Haxby Bakehouse sourdough slices, gordal olives, chutneys, crackers, cornichons and a bottle of wine. Serves 2. Gluten-free available on request.
Choose between a White, Red, Cava, or Rose Wine.
Available to order for collection before Sunday 18th February 2024
Email hello@pairings.co.uk to place your order.
📍Collect from Pairings Wine Bar, 28 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RP
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Celebrate Valentine’s this year with a romantic night of candlelit love songs on Saturday 10 Feb from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Performed by the fantastic Ebor quartet, and later accompanied by Alistair Griffin, let them take you on a musical journey of love song classics.
Set in the beautiful Guildhall in the centre of the city, treat yourself to a glass of fizz whilst being serenaded in the soft glow of a thousand candles. Each ticket holder will automatically be entered into a draw to win a romantic meal for two after the show!
📍Guildhall York, St Martins Courtyard, Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL
Enter the banquet lit by torch-bearing Vikings and dine in style at the beautifully atmospheric Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. Enjoy three courses of delicious fare and raise your glass to the Gods as skalds tell Sagas of Viking romance – this dining experience is not to be missed. Skal!
Tickets for the event are £95 per person (over 18s only), with final bookings to be made by 31 January.
The event is part of this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival, which runs from 12 – 18 February at venues throughout the city of York. You can find out more about the JORVIK Viking Festival here!
📍Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, The Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD
This year, Rosa’s Thai will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a free dessert or bubble tea giveaway. Guests visiting any Rosa’s restaurant on 14th February will be in with the chance of winning a complimentary sweet treat – all they have to do is pick a card from the deck presented by the Rosa’s team, and if they pull a heart suit, they’ll get a free bubble tea or Thai-inspired dessert.
This is open to all diners, not just couples, making Rosa’s a go-to for a low-key date night or dinner with friends this Valentine’s Day.
📍1-3 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL
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Indulge in the sweetest Valentine’s Day at York’s Chocolate Story, where passion and chocolate converge for an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of chocolate on a captivating guided tour, discovering its integral role in the celebration of love. Elevate your romantic rendezvous with our specially curated bespoke experiences, ensuring your day is nothing short of extraordinary.
Choose from a delectable chocolate masterclass, where you and your loved one craft delicious treats together, or opt for the VIP Valentine’s masterclass in the evening, which transforms you into a true chocolatier for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. For a unique blend of education and indulgence, embark on a tour and truffle rolling experience, where you’ll delve into chocolate’s rich history and create, dip, and decorate exquisite champagne truffles.
Make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of love and decadence at York’s Chocolate Story.
📍3-4 King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
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Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at Dobbies Treat a friend or Valentine to a delicious Dobbies Afternoon Tea from only £19.99 per person. Includes a glass of fizz plus unlimited tea and coffee refills! Children’s Afternoon Tea menu also available if you have a plus one or two!
📍Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6QE
Valentine Steak Night at Lysander Arms Enjoy a delicious date night and steak night at Lysander Arms this Valentine’s Day. Start with a garlic & rosemary baked camembert fondue, followed by two prime beef fillets, two portions of pomme frites, peppercorn sauce and two sides of your choice. Finish with a chocolate cream pavlova. Enjoy the whole meal with a bottle of wine for just £70 per couple!
📍Manor Lane, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 5TZ
Treat your loved one or someone special this Valentine’s Day by shopping online from a wonderful local business in York.
Uniquely Local Experiences is a York-based business featuring a range of Yorkshire gift experiences on their website. The unique experiences are all run by independent local businesses, artists and makers who are passionate about the activities and workshops they offer. The Uniquely Local team handpicks experiences that they would be happy to give or to receive themselves and try out most of them personally.
With a range of over 300 experiences from alpaca walking to pottery making, afternoon teas to glamping getaways, Uniquely Local have a fantastic selection of romantic Valentine’s day gifts suitable for all budgets and tastes. All unique, all local. Why just give chocolates when you could make them together?!
0800 7720 825 | hello@uniquelylocal.co.uk | WEBSITE| FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Local maker Sarah, owner of Blossom Tree Social has created some stationery and gifts to help spread some positivity. Such as positive notebooks, bookmarks, prints, postcards, cards, painted canvases and ceramic hearts. Items can be purchased via website or social media and at various stall events in York.
For Valentine’s Day, Sarah has created some gorgeous cards and gifts including handmade cards and ceramic hearts. Stock is limited, you can find more information via her website or see her latest creations on Instagram and Tik Tok!
York artist, Laura, from Brushstrokes and Blooms creates stunning floral watercolour paintings, with several bespoke options that can be tailored to create wonderful thoughtful gifts.
Why not sign up for one of her spring painting workshops, either as a gift for a loved one, or as something different to do for a ‘date night’ together? Hurry though, February dates are filling up fast! Laura hosts workshops at her home in York, with homemade cake, a glass of fizz and plenty of fresh seasonal flowers helping to create a lovely chilled break from the chaos of the outside world! Find out more on our blog here.
She creates beautiful floral watercolour paintings, many with bespoke options to share a truly thoughtful and one-off gift. Original hand-painted gifts are available from £45.
brushstrokesandblooms@gmail.com | WEBSITE| ETSY SHOP | INSTAGRAM
Find out details of the Valentine’s themed events and activities happening for kids in York!
Valentine’s Disco at The Little Gym Enjoy a Valentine’s Disco at The Little Gym, York Community Stadium, Monks Cross on Wednesday 14th February.
Two time slots are available which are open to members and non-members, 4.30 – 6.00 pm or 6.00 -7.30 pm
Sign up for just £15 (ages 3 – 12 years) – contact The Little Gym to book – 01904 307404
Rhythm Time Valentine’s Day SpecialWed 14th February 2024, 10am
A 75-minute session of a themed Rhythm Time class followed by cake, crafts and photo area.
Held at Acomb Sports Club, £11 each. Siblings (0-5 years) £8. Prebooking required. Message 07751 768331 to secure your place.
Find a Valentine’s Day Hearts at York Designer OutletFind a Valentine’s Day Heart and win a McArthurGlen Gift Card.
On Cupid’s mission to spread love around York Designer Outlet this Valentine’s Day multiple red hearts have been hidden around the centre containing McArthurGlen Gift Cards for you to find.
Look out for the hearts from 9.30am on 14th February, if you find one simply take it to Guest Services to claim your gift card. Gift cards will be up to the value of £50!
Find out more on the York Designer Outlet website here.
📍 St Nicholas Avenue, York, YO19 4TA
Visit LUSH York this half-term for their Palentines Event! From 12th to 14th February inclusive, get hands on by making your own Love Letter bath bomb, playing games and taking home a goody bag!
📍 3 Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL
Kids’ Valentines Disco at Acorn Rugby ClubFor age 12 and under. Music, games and a lot of fun! Doors open 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Come dressed in pink or red (optional).
Entry £1 per child (adults free). Hot dogs available £1. Proceeds to junior rugby.
📍 Thanet Rd, Acomb.
There are some fantastic places where you can enjoy Afternoon Tea as a couple for a Valentine’s Day treat in York or go together as a family for a family-friendly afternoon out.
We’ve listed some of our favourite family options over on our Family Friendly Afternoon Tea blog! Below is a small taster (sorry, no actual cake supplied) to give you an idea of the variety of options. So why not treat everyone and yourself at the same time!
🍰 Cakes d’Licious – Clifton Green, York
This Vintage Tea Room offers a range of food and drink, plus offers Vintage style afternoon teas or can prepare a perfect treat box for collection or delivery.
🍰 City Cruises – King’s Staith Landing, York
Enjoy an afternoon tea on the River Ouse. During your cruise, you will be served a delicious afternoon tea, served with refillable tea or coffee!
🍰 Forest at Galtres Lodge – Low Petergate, York
Delight in the “Forest Afternoon Tea” which comes complete with carefully paired teas with each course.
🍰 Impossible Wonder Bar & Tea Rooms – St Helen’s Square, York
Experience afternoon tea with an Impossible twist at the latest modern addition to iconic St Helen’s Square.
🍰 Love to Eat – Moor Lane, York
Thinking about treating your loved ones this Valentine’s Weekend (12 & 13 February 2022), then order a delicious Afternoon Tea box!
🍰 Middletons – Skeldergate, York
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea served daily in the restaurant, it’s a treasured tradition of delicious and imaginative offerings full of tempting flavours.
🍰 The Grand – Station Rise, York
Indulge in a family-friendly afternoon tea in York in the heart of the city. A Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available for all generations to enjoy!
🍰 York Cocoa Works – Castlegate, York
A chocolate lovers afternoon tea enjoy a unique take on Afternoon Tea in the surroundings of our Chocolate Manufactory.
More details, including prices and how to book, can be found on our Family Friendly Afternoon Tea blog.
If you are on a tighter budget we’ve got some great ideas for a free or cheap date night. Or perhaps you can’t get a babysitter for Valentine’s Day out in York, but have an afternoon off together take some inspiration from our list or just want to do something fun as a family at home.
Go for a romantic walk – need some inspiration of where to go? Check out our 50 Family Friendly Walks blog. Walking without the kids is a great opportunity to check in with your partner to see how they are doing. In the hustle and bustle of family life it can sometimes be hard to check in with each other properly without any interruptions.
Geocaching – If you have never heard of Geocaching check out our guide on what it’s all about and where you can find them in York. It’s not just for kids, grown ups can have just as much fun hunting down these hidden treasure chests around the city. Why not tackle some in the city centre and grab a bite to eat while you are out and about.
Trails & Treasure Hunts – Did you know that there are loads of FREE trails around the city of York including a cat trail, tree trail and even a squirrel trail? Check out our handy guide and download a free map to start your adventure.
Puzzle or games night – Put down the remote and grab a puzzle or board game. Board games are a great way to have some fun on a budget, and if you are bored of the usual suspects why not check out some recommendations here and discover something new.
Bake together – get out your cookbooks and get ready to bake! Why not make something new, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to bake a cake so make something special for the grown-ups to enjoy, maybe add a splash of wine or liqueur to your recipe for a truly indulgent treat! BBC Good Food is also a great source of inspiration for recipes.
Go Star Gazing – You might have to travel a little outside of York to get a good view of the stars so why not take a picnic, watch the sunset and enjoy a spot of stargazing together.
Make a family bucket list – Why not spend the evening planning your family bucket list. It’s hard to find time to stop and think about what things you want to enjoy as a family before the kids grow up and leave home. So why not use this as an opportunity to write down all the things you’d like to do together.
Cocktail making night – Discover some new recipes or create some of your old favourites from the comfort of your own home! Cocktail making is a great activity to do together, first of all spend some time researching some new recipes you’d like to try then have fun concocting and enjoying them together.
Family Photo Album – Why not spend an evening going through old photo’s and make a photo album together. You’ll have lots of fun remembering the good times and the kids will love looking through the results with you.
A Homemade Pamper Night – An at-home pamper or spa night might not be quite the same as the real thing, but it will certainly be cheaper! It is also a great excuse (if you needed one!) to get into your dressing gown and slippers early! You could try making your own homemade beauty treatments and enjoy a relaxing facial mask or conditioning hair treatment from ingredients you already have in the kitchen.
Travel Inspired Meal – Pick a place you really want to travel to, or have travelled to and cook a meal together inspired by that country. It doesn’t have to be complicated. From a French-themed cheese and wine platter to a Greek meze feast or a homemade pizza to a Mexican nachos tray!
Are you looking for things to do with the kids this Valentine’s Day? Whether you embrace Valentine’s Day traditions or not, it’s a great excuse to have some fun with the little ones.
We’ve got lots of FREE DOWNLOADS for you to enjoy at home. Plus for even more Valentines’s Day activities and ideas check out our Pinterest page.
💜 Download and colour in your very own Valentine’s Card
💜 Download and complete a Valentine’s Breakfast Activity Place Mat
💜 Download and play our Love Bug Game
💜 We hope you enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s Day in York 💜
