A guide to the most romantic days out in Yorkshire

Yorkshire means dramatic scenery, incredible views, hidden waterfalls, cobbled roads, historic manor houses, quaint cottages, meadows of flowers and moors full of heather. No wonder one of the world’s most romantic stories was born right here! Pack your bags and bring your Heathcliff (or Cathy) and start your love story for Yorkshire now.

Below, we’ve lovingly created three perfect itineraries for a romantic days out in Yorkshire and the Dales, all of which are suitable all year round.

Let’s begin this love story with The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, Bolton Abbey, the perfect base for a romantic break in the Yorkshire Dales for couples and small families.

The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa is a romantic charming country house located on the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate, home to fine dining, luxurious décor and first class service. Staying in one of the luxury or superior four poster bedrooms is the pinnacle for a romantic break.

Starting your morning not dissimilar to a Disney movie, waking up in a four poster bed with luxurious linen, flinging open your curtains to an incredible country view and opening the window to listen to the bird’s merry tune, the only thing we can’t guarantee is the local wildlife coming to help dress you for the day!

After a delicious breakfast in The Burlington Restaurant (Eggs Benedict comes in highly recommended by the way) it’s now time to start your day, so let us whisk you away into your most perfect romantic day out in Yorkshire and the Dales.

Love to RELAX - couples only.

One of the most romantic things to do in yorkshire is to start your morning with some relaxation. Hidden behind The Devonshire Spa is a secret village of bell tents, perfectly furnished for a day of pampering in your own little corner of the Yorkshire Dales… welcome to the Secret Spa! Snuggle by the wood-burning stove in fluffy robes or maybe catch some rays on your own sun beds all before heading off to enjoy both treatment and spa facilities. You even have a choice of brunch or afternoon tea to enjoy in your tent… can this get any more romantic?

This experience must be pre-booked in advance.

After a session of pampering, before getting ready for dinner in The Burlington Restaurant, how about an early evening stroll along the River Wharfe to the dreamy ruins of Bolton Abbey? This time of the day is magic. It’s peaceful and quiet, the crowds have left for the day and the sun is low and hazy, perfectly illuminating the river with all its glory – an obligatory selfie is a must! This lovely circular walk can start from The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa and should take around 1.5 hours or you can drive to the village carpark and start from there to reduce the time to 1 hour.

And now for the finale. Dressed to impress, you’ll be greeted with canapés and pre-dinner drinks in the Cocktail Lounge before being seated in the 3AA Rosette Burlington Restaurant for an evening of taste sensations created by our Head Chef and his team.

After dinner, arrange for drinks to be sent to your room before the curtains close.

Love to EXPLORE - suitable for families.

“He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

Just a 30 minute drive from The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, today’s adventure starts in Haworth. World famous as the home to the Brontës sisters. This dreamy quaint little mill town will take you back in time with its timeless shops, cobbled streets, curious corners and open moorland. This is where Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre came to life, created by Brontës sisters, who took inspiration for their stories from this small Yorkshire town and the countryside surrounding it.

Begin your day at The Parsonage, home to the Brontës sisters. Here you’ll step back in time to the lives of the Brontë family and find out how they lived for over half a century in this beautifully preserved Georgian house.

The house is open from 9am to 5pm each day and tickets should be booked in advance.

Walk in the footsteps of the sisters into the moorland only minutes from The Parsonage along the adjacent path running down the side of the house. From here a 15 mile trail winds through the moorland, valleys and villages, all with names that you’ll recognise from their novels. Now wait a minute, before you panic about this 15 mile walk, we’re not suggesting you do it all, but why not pick a direction and take a stroll, then simply turn round when you’ve had enough. Even a 5 minute walk will have you wondering if you just heard the ghostly cries of the characters as you explore! This really is one of the most romantic things to do in Yorkshire.

By now I’m sure you’re ready for some lunch, so you’ll be pleased to know that only two minutes away from The Parsonage you’ll find The Fleece… a proper pub with proper Yorkshire beer and grub! There’s nothing more romantic in Yorkshire than a pint of beer and pie and The Fleece do both of these things perfectly.

Now it’s time to work off lunch with a lovely walk along the cobbles and some retail therapy. Howarth’s unique, specialist shops are quirky and full of character. We bet you could spend half a day browsing through their stunning window displays alone. One shop that is an absolute must is the Rose & Co Apothecary, a restored chemist which the Brontë family used. Now selling beautifully scented bath salts, perfumes to the rich and famous… oh, and us folk from Yorkshire… along with other products which aim to relieve ailments.

So your day here in Haworth is done! Enjoy your scenic drive back to The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa. Take this time to relax, kick your shoes off, take a dip in the roll top bath, watch a movie or have a nap, either way this is your time to relax before heading to The Devonshire Fell for dinner.

The Devonshire Fell is the little sister to The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa located in the beautiful village of Burnsall and only a 15 minute drive from Bolton Abbey. For those wanting to leave the car behind, we offer a complimentary ‘Home James’ chauffer service (restrictions may apply during the COVID-19 pandemic) to our guests dining at The Devonshire Fell. Just be sure to pre-book this in advance when making your hotel booking, ask your reservationist who’ll be happy to make these arrangements for you.

The Devonshire Fell has the most stunning views of the famous Burnsall Bridge and river Wharfe. It has two AA Rosettes and the Head Chef is known for innovative creations with a French classical theme and love for desserts. This really is an experience you’ll remember, we highly recommend you save enough space for a dessert!

You’ll be sorry to say goodbye to The Devonshire Fell but your love story can always have a part two, with another visit to the Dales!

Love to ADVENTURE - suitable for families.

Is it just us, or does anyone else agree there’s something nostalgic and rather romantic about a train ride? A short walk from The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa take a ride and go back in time on a vintage steam train. Travel along a scenic route of the Yorkshire Dales with the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. For something a little more memorable, travel first class and enjoy the lovely surroundings of the newly-restored coach. We’ll keep in the French words for the carriage descriptions as they sound so much better than the English translation. With its plush chestnut-leaf moquette (carpet), white antimacassars (fabric head rest) and a small table, you’ll be transported back in time while you enjoy some of the best views in Yorkshire from your own cosy private compartment. For anyone seeking an opportunity to propose, this could be a magical one!

We recommend a morning train ride, these tend to be quieter especially at the weekend, and is one of the most romantic days out in Yorkshire.

Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

Next stop is Parceval Hall and Gardens. This stunning hall and gardens is just like the backdrop to the famous story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll. You’re very likely to see quite a few rabbits during your visit, but stay away from the white ones!

This 24 acre garden is a real hidden gem nestled in the bottom of a valley and will leave you "curiouser and curiouser!" to discover what’s hidden around every corner. With romantic meandering paths of formal gardens, woodland, trickling streams, rock gardens, rose paths, hidden hideaways and hillside gardens you’ll be amazed by what nature can offer with a helping hand.  

Currently, bookings are not required to be made in advance. Late afternoons are typically one of the best times to visit the garden when the sun is at its highest point, everything is golden and so dreamy! You’ll truly appreciate this afternoon trip to Parcevall Hall and Gardens.

Finally the best way to end a perfect day is food! We recommend a visit to The Brasserie at The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, the perfect spot to relax over dinner and unwind with drinks.

Offering a mouth-watering menu, one particular dish proven very popular is the crispy pork belly, Asian salad with sweet soy and sesame… simply delicious. If you’re a wine lover you’re in the right place, with an impressive selection of wines available by the glass or bottle you’ll be spoiled for choice!  We recommend pre-booking dinner in advance. After dinner why not take a moonlit stroll around the grounds back to the hotel before settling down for the evening, perhaps order a cheeky night cap to your room?