7 First Date Ideas in York
This picturesque Roman river city has a rich history dating back to 71 AD, combined with a fascinating cultural heritage that makes it a charming place for a first date. Its quaint cobbled streets and medieval buildings ensure it’s especially conducive to romance and easy to navigate, whether you’re native or not. So if you’re a local seeking some new inspiration, or you’re travelling in to meet someone from further afield, here are some great first date ideas in York.
1. Share some thrills on the Ghost Bus Tour
There’s no shortage of spooky attractions in York; from haunted pub trips to the Dungeons. But if you want lots of giggles alongside your (very mild) frights, opt for this schlocky experience. You’ll board a vintage Routemaster bus, fitted with special effects, eerie lighting, and jump-scare sound effects to create a light-heartedly ghostly backdrop to your journey through time. Your on-board guide will regale you with the stories of old in what straddles stand-up comedy and history tour. It’s a great way to break the ice and have you both in fits of laughter.
2. Go on a cat walk
No, not the kind models frequent, but the famous York Cat Trail. This features over 20 inanimate cats hidden around the city in a variety of forms and places. It was created in 2018 by local artist, Tom Pearcy, in homage to the city’s cat population. Each has a unique design and is placed in a pertinent location; for example, there’s a cat statue outside a fishmonger and another on a windowsill looking onto a busy street. Download a map of the trail from the Visit York website and/or purchase a York Cat Trail passport, to collect stamps at each statue you find. Completing the trail takes approximately two hours, an ideal duration for a first date.
3. Explore the Snickelways
If felines aren’t your thing, try The Snickelways Trail, which takes you on a historical journey of York's medieval streets. This network of narrow alleyways and hidden paths wind their way through the city providing you both with some exercise and adventure. They're a quirky way of exploring nooks and crannies you may not otherwise and doing so won’t cost a penny. Take a map and see if you can find all of the Snickelways – it's a challenge, but it’ll keep you moving and chatting.
4. Try speed dating in York
Pop along to a speed dating event in York — you don’t even need a date for this one, but chances are you’ll get one afterwards. You’ll expand your social circle and meet people who you might not otherwise have the chance to meet in the city. It’s a low-pressure environment, with short conversations and zero obligation to exchange contact information with anyone you don't want to. Plus it’ll save you time as compared to traditional dating, given how much ground you can cover in just a couple of hours.
5. Tuck into some vegan “junk” food at Döner Summer
The pretty garden at the eatery Döner Summer is so Instagrammable, making it a super cute setting for your first meal together. All of the seating is alfresco (wooden rustic-style booths), with heat lamps and blankets to keep you cosy on cooler days. You’ll be surrounded by flowers and fairy lights as you tuck into the plant-based dishes in this animal-product-free zone.
6. Visit the National Railway Museum
You don’t have to be a train enthusiast to appreciate the National Railway Museum (although you’ll love it if you are). Most visitors find this attraction to be very interesting. And if you find your date falls on a rainy day (always a possibility in Yorkshire) it’s a free option to keep you dry. Many of the carriages hark back to the Golden Age of Travel, so you can get all Brief Encounter together and recreate the classic movie’s romantic scenes.
7. Avoid the tourists at a car boot sale
York residents may prefer to avoid the city centre, particularly during peak times. For a quirky alternative to the more standard first date activities, pay a visit to Rufforth Car Boot. Open every Sunday, this is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of curios. Challenge one another to seek out the weirdest and most wonderful find — the loser buys a drink for the winner!
If you’ve been inspired by our first date ideas in York, seize the day and drop your crush a message inviting them to one. Or, if you’ve been finding it difficult to meet singles in person or online, consider coming along to one of our events to make your dating journey a whole lot easier.
Related Questions
Is York good for couples?
Certainly! The narrow streets, medieval walls and picturesque alleyways create a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a stroll hand in hand with your loved one. Foodie couples will enjoy sampling the fare in the many restaurants and cafes and there’s ample opportunity to skipper a launch on the river (take a champagne picnic for extra brownie points with your other half). York is without doubt an atmospheric place to begin your journey as a couple.
What is an ideal fun first date?
Personal preferences and interests will come into play here, but here are a few suggestions that could work well for many people include: mini golf, outdoor adventures (think bike rides, geocaching or paddleboarding), comedy shows for an evening date and cooking classes (anything from sushi to pizza making from scratch).
What makes a first date awkward?
Your own feelings of awkwardness and discomfort can project, particularly if it stymies the chat. Similarly, not having a plan can leave you both a bit lost. The solution to both is to have some ice-breakers and conversation starters prepared and practised and plan something to do.