Did you know… in 2013 Harrogate was named one of the world’s most romantic destinations coming ahead of Paris, Rome and Vienna! From date nights and romantic days out, to alternative experiences and adventures for couples, we’ve got you covered when it comes to date ideas in Harrogate.
Turkish Baths Harrogate
Take some time out and relax in the Turkish Baths. “A Turkish Baths ritual is a journey of heating, cooling and cleansing the body, promoting a sense of relaxation and a clear mind. At the end of the session many of our clients say they feel exhilaration, euphoria, total relaxation and absolute cleanliness”
A session lasts around an hour and a half where you move between rooms of varying temperatures with a dip in the plunge pool in between each one. A reassuring hand to hold might be needed for the plunge pool!
Mixed sessions are available from £20-£33pp.
Harrogate Tipple Gin School
Now that sounds like my kind of school! Starting with a tour around the distillery in Ripley you then head to the Gin School where you create your very own gin in a miniature copper still, choosing from over 80 dried and 60 seasonal fresh botanicals.
The Gin School experience lasts around 3 hours and costs £125pp
This is a little pricey (especially if you are a couple) but a few days ago I got to try the gin school myself and it was so much fun and I can see now why its £125pp. Our hosts were so lovely and kept bringing us G&Ts (we got at least 4!) and canapés all afternoon, plus we got to take home our full size bottle of gin. It was a full afternoon experience, one that you should definitely leave the car at home for!
See a show at The Royal Hall or Harrogate Theatre
There is always so much choice when it comes to entertainment in Harrogate. Our favourite has to be the monthly Hyena Comedy Club. Twin it with a romantic meal out for the ultimate date night.
What’s on at Harrogate Theatre?
Mud Rasul Ritual at Rudding Park
This traditional moorish mud treatment begins with an application of smooth warm mud selected specially for its mineral rich properties, to each other’s face and body.
The sensation of warmth transfers deeply into your skin as the chamber fills with steam, opening pores and allowing your body to naturally absorb the mud’s natural nutrients. As the temperature rises, the mud dries and draws out impurities, before a gentle rain shower helps ease the mud away.
Rasul, Spa and lunch packages are available at Rudding Park from £86pp
Axe Throwing at Ripley Castle
For competitive couples why not try something new and go axe throwing in the grounds of Ripley Castle with Live for Today Adventures. They also offer escape rooms, paddle boarding, archery and more.
The other half and I are big fans of Live for Today and have tried all sorts of their activities. I have learnt that in a Zombie apocalypse I’m much handier with a crossbow than with an axe lol!
More choices are available including quad biking and crossbow shooting if you travel a bit further to Hazlewood Castle.
Axe Throwing with Live for Today is £30pp
Harrogate Ghost Walk
How about a romantic stroll around Harrogate…with a bunch of strangers…being told ghost stories?! It’s not for everyone but I for one would absolutely love this! It’s also featured in my ‘Days out for Teens & Tweens’ blog.
Paul, who runs the ghost walk has some of the spookiest and scariest stories to tell about our town. Having done the walk myself, I can highly recommend it and would definitely pop into Hales Bar for a cheeky drink afterwards, but I’ll leave it to Paul to explain why!
The Harrogate Ghost Walk takes place on the first and last Friday of the month and is £8pp
Bettys and Harlow Carr Gardens
A slightly more traditional suggestion! I can think of nothing more relaxing than brunch at Bettys followed by a stroll around Harlow Carr gardens. A great tip would be to have your breakfast/brunch/lunch in Bettys Cafe and then head to the shop and buy yourself a sweet treat, find yourself a bench by the Queen Mother’s Lake and have your dessert alfresco enjoying the view.
You could also use the same theme and visit Bettys in Harrogate town centre followed by a stroll around the Valley Gardens just down the hill.
Clue HQ Escape Room
If you are the sort of couple who can be locked in a room together and solve puzzles to try and escape, without killing each other, this could be the date for you. Could you escape the tomb of Cluetankhamun and make it onto the leader board? Or would you be locked in Cell Block C forever, never talking to each other again? I think you are either one or the other, if you’re the latter, maybe just have a nice meal out!
I’m proud to say we escaped the Dungeon of Doom and made it on to the leader board!!
At Clue HQ a two player team costs £46 per room
Slingsby Gin Experiences
Slingsby’s town centre location is perfect for a date and they offer various experiences from cocktail making, to their ‘Master Distiller’ experience where you can create your own 70cl bottle of gin to take home.
“Sit back with a G&T in hand whilst we take you through the fascinating history of gin. We’ll take you right back to the original styles of gin, tell you all about the misery of the London gin craze through to how the spirit has developed today. Throughout you will sample different styles of gin (we have more than 100 gins to choose from!) and enjoy a selection of signature serves crafted with the award-winning Slingsby range.”
Slingsby’s experiences start at £30pp
Ripon Scenic Cruises
One of my latest and favourite local finds is the mini cruises along the canal in Ripon run by Ripon Scenic Cruises. At only £5.50 for adults its a bargain and different activity to try. Or if you’re feeling flush why not book a private hire for an hour (from £95). Pair it with lunch or dinner at the Water Rat which has beautiful views over the river towards the cathedral.
How Stean Gorge
If you’re looking to get out into nature but with a twist then a visit to How Stean Gorge could be for you?
Choose to walk the ravine and through the tunnels with your torch and hard hat (£8pp) or maybe book one of their activities like rock climbing, abseiling or canyoning.
How Stean Gorge has one of the coolest cafes with a glass floor so you can admire the gorge from above whilst warming up with a hot drink. They also have lodges with hot tubs on site now so you could make a weekend of it if you wish.
Well I hope that has given you a few traditional and alternative date ideas for couples in Harrogate. As always if you have any other suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
