1. Discover Whitby West Cliff Beach from the sea and see its Shipwrecks
Whatever outdoor pursuit you enjoy, it is sure to be available at the Whitby West Cliff Beach. For the real adventure seeker, if you have dive equipment, why not go and explore one of the shipwrecks that are in the shallow waters of West Cliff Bay? A different way of seeing the landscape is looking back at the bay from the water, looking up toward the Cliffs. For the adventure seekers, taking to diving the shipwrecks in the Bay is a fantastic ice breaker.
2. Sightsee in the Moors National Park
The Moors National Park Centre is a stunning spot on the banks of the River Esk. It is a beautiful backdrop for a picnic or a gentle stroll along the river. Should you want, it can be used as a great starting point to explore further afield. It is the gateway to the North York Moors. You can access historic buildings, farmland, woodland, moorland, and miles of hedges and drystone walls from the Moors National Park.
3. Head for the Dales
You cannot come to this area without heading for the Dales, a stunning area in the Pennines that is a fantastic place for those who love the outdoors. The Yorkshire Dales is extremely diverse, with beautiful stone-built villages, lakes, and moorland. Finding someone who is “outdoorsy” and wanting to enjoy the countryside lifestyle is a must.
4. Visit Goathland
You may not know the village as Goathland, but it was the village used for filming in Heartbeat. You probably know the village by the name of Aidensfield. If you are a fan of the series, you will recognize a large portion of the village, including the stores, garage, funeral directors, the public house, and the railway station. The drive up to Goathland is breathtaking, so take time to stop and take in the views.
5. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Mersey
Why not head into Liverpool and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mersey? You can take a stroll along the newly renovated riverside, watching the boats on the river. If you are a water lover, there are a number of boat trips that take you sightseeing up and down the Mersey taking in the dunes, the river banks, and the metropolitan city.
6. Walk through Holwell Nature Reserve
Holwell Nature Reserve in nestled 5 miles north of Melton Mobray, and is perfect for those wanting to do a short walk and take it the beautiful and abundant wildlife. Quarrying supports perfect conditions for many species of wildflower, including both bee orchids and common spotted orchids. What says romance more than wild blooming orchids? If it is wildlife that you want to see, in the spring and summer months, you can see an array of dingy skipper and green hairstreak butterflies, as well as a large colony of common blue butterflies.
7. Take a day trip to Ireland
For those who fancy a little more adventure and want to take a trip to the Emerald Isle, there are a number of services running to Ireland. A lot of the ferries offer day trips (24 hours), so you can go to the cultural city of Dublin or head to the bustling capital of the North in Belfast. As you depart Liverpool, go out on deck and enjoy seeing Liverpool from a different angle. At the right tide you can sometimes see seals and porpoises at the river mouth – a romantic date if ever there was one!
8. Investigate Bamburgh Castle
A unique little castle, this castle was once the seat of the Northumbrian Kings. It is set high on the Cliffs, and is actually situated on a volcanic outcrop. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you really feel like you are on top of the world. It is still inhabited, and even has a treasure trove. Everyone wants to find that someone special – maybe your Northumbrian King or Queen awaits you?
9. Visit Lindisfarne
An unusual church set on the holy island of Lindisfarne, the church and island can only be accessed at Low Tide. It’s a bit of a different day when you walk out at Low Tide and watch the causeway close behind you. Or why not head to the mainland at just before sunset with a picnic and some bubbly? At the right time of year you can see the sun set directly behind Lindisfarne.
10. Cycle the Five Weirs Walk
For the keen cyclists and walkers out there, the Five Weirs Walk is one of Sheffield’s best kept secrets. It is an eclectic mix of the industrial and the countryside, showing Sheffield in a different light with some interesting and very different views along the way. If you find sitting and having dinner or a drink a little hard, then donning a bicycle or walking gear and taking to the great outdoors can really help ease those dating nerves.
11. Go to Cragside
Cragside is a lovely mansion house with beautiful architecture. It was actually the first house to be fitted with hydroelectric power and set within beautiful sculptured gardens alongside stunning streams. With over 1,000 acres to explore, the estate is really diverse and very captivating.
12. Visit the birthplace of Shakespeare
If you are a budding playwright, or enjoy the works of one of the greats, then visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace is a must. Based in Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, the house is a typical tudor style, and the grounds are incredibly stunning. For something a little more special, why not go to one of their out-of-hours events? The landscapes and house look stunning at dusk.
13. Wow yourself at Warwick Castle
Arguably one of the most beautiful castles in the region, Warwick castle is an iconic clifftop fortress, with dungeons. You can easily lose yourself for a full day exploring the castle, its dungeons, and the grounds. Catch your breath from the top of the cliff and just enjoy it with that special someone. There is no place better and there is bound to be someone who wants to explore the mysteries of the castle with you,
14. See Worcester Cathedral
A stunning Cathedral, it is usually open weekends and school holidays, and attracts many visitors. If you want a different view, climb the tower at the Cathedral. The views across Worchester on a clear day are beautiful. Don warm clothing, a flask of tea ,and go for a unique first date on a crisp winter’s morning at the Cathedral Tower.
15. Visit Studley Royal Park
A glorious Abbey and beautiful gardens just outside York provides a lovely romantic visit. Thrill yourself with the deer park and the ancient Georgian water garden. The Deer Park is something really special, and the ruins of the Abbey are also quite breathtaking in the mist. The entire estate is just glorious, and has stunning views over Ripon. A nice date could be a walk around the grounds, followed by tea and cake at one of the two on site tearooms.
16. Enjoy the Quarry Park
Created in 1719, the Quarry is set in 29 acres, and features sunken pools and glorious flower beds. Maybe someone will be waiting for you with some flowers when you arrive? Where will your first stop at the Quarry together be?
17. See Lord Hill’s Column
Set in Shrewsbury, Lord Hill’s Column dominates the skyline. You can actually climb the column – it offers lovely views over Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas.
18. Explore Haughmond Abbey
An Augustinian Abbey, the extensive remains and the grounds are beautifully maintained and perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially if you want to combine a love of history, love of the outdoors, and beautiful landscapes.
19. See the animals or go for a stroll at Graves Park
Not what you expect to see in the middle of Sheffield, Graves Park has a urban farm with a variety of animals. The woodland and lakes are particularly pretty, especially during early spring when you can see Bluebells, and sometimes Daffodils, in bloom. In autumn, the colors in the lakes and woods are glorious. Taking a stroll with someone alongside the lakes, or a gentle cycle ride is a great ice breaker, and gives you lots to chat about.
20. Climb up to Souter Lighthouse and the Leas
A glorious red and white lighthouse built in 1871, it was the first lighthouse in England to be powered by electricity. Enjoy a date with a breathtaking view. For something with a little twist, how about a breakfast date up on the cliffs overlooking the sea?
21. Meet the Angel of the North
No trip to Tyne and Wear would be complete without climbing up to see the Angel of the North, which has magnificent views over the Northumberland countryside. It can be tough getting up there should you chose to walk up, but it is a good angle to see both the Angel of the North and the surrounding countryside. Plus, there is the sense of achievement if you have both made it up there together.
22. View the Tyneside Bridges
On a clear day when the water is still, you can’t help but be wowed at these stunning bridges. Venture up either at dawn or dusk to have a truly unique experience.
23. Visit the Island of St. Mary’s
This small tidal island is just North of Whitley Bay and features a picturesque lighthouse. It makes a nice end to a cycle ride or a walk. If it’s a nice day, why not pack up a picnic with some home-made goodies and really wow your date?
24. Discover Segedunum Roman Fort
This building is actually part of Hadrian’s wall and features evacuated areas of the wall, as well as a viewing tower. The views of the surrounding area are pretty good on a clear day, and it is great seeing the mix of Roman History with the modern day living interspersed. During certain times of year there are fireworks, which are incredibly popular. Featured photo credit: Unknown via hiveminer.com
