Romantic Ideas to Inspire You This Valentine’s Day

Consider yourself a bit of a romantic at heart?

While Valentine’s Day in 2021 is set to look a little different from previous years, there are still plenty of ways to show some appreciation for your better half.

If you live together and are based in one of these cities across the North of England and Scotland, you’ll find loads of fantastic options to enjoy. Dinner and dancing may be off the table, but you’ll still be able to relish some quality time together, either at home or in the great outdoors.

Need some tips? Here are a handful of ideas to help inspire romance on the 14th February:

Tuck into a decadent takeaway afternoon from Betty’s in York

Celebrations are usually about treating yourself and those closest to you – and Valentine’s Day is certainly no exception! If you live together in York, why not shower affection on your partner with some tasty treats from one of the city’s best tea rooms?

York residents will know just how delicious Betty’s afternoon tea is! The venue on St. Helen’s Square has been a mainstay on the city’s café scene for decades and is the go-to place for mouth-watering cakes, buns and savoury bites.

While lockdown restrictions mean you can’t dine on petits fours, mini sandwiches and fat rascals (fruit scones) at the tearoom itself, you can still order a Betty’s takeaway afternoon tea. There’s a huge range of treats to choose from (including vegetarian options), plus you can collect your box at a time of your choosing.

Hire electric scooters and explore the riverside in Liverpool

If you and your partner live together in Liverpool and want to feel like a pair of teenagers again, this unique activity is for you! Liverpool is scattered with great outdoor spaces, including its huge Mersey riverfront which you can walk along for miles. But why not choose a more fun way to explore the river route, by hiring e-scooters? They’re currently part of a year-long trial in Liverpool and cost £1 to unlock and then £0.20 a minute to use. You can hire them from various points around the city using the Voi app.

Whizz along the waterfront, passing key landmarks like the Albert Docks, the Cunard Building and the Museum of Liverpool.

Stroll hand in hand round the scenic Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh

Prefer a more classic Valentine’s activity? A stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh should definitely be on the cards.

Those who live together in Scotland’s capital will find this lush spot in Stockbridge, just north of the city centre, and it’s a stunning spot for a romantic walk. While the greenhouses packed with tropical flora and fauna are currently closed to the public, you can still wander around the gardens for free. Highlights include the enchanting Woodland Garden and the Scottish Heath Garden that’s bursting with native plant species.

Do a virtual gin tasting with Manchester Gin

Just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t get dressed up and enjoy a few cocktails at home! The Manchester Gin company usually hosts gin tasting sessions at its trendy distillery behind the Manchester Central Convention Centre. But with current restrictions preventing venues from opening, why not try a virtual tasting experience instead?

Cohabiting couples hoping to sample some of the company’s excellent gins can order sets for two through Manchester Gin’s online shop. These cost £40 and include small bottles of four different gins, plus tonics and some stunning glasses to fill up with gin. You’ll be able to follow a pre-recorded online tutorial on tasting the gins led by one of the distillery’s experts.

Hike in stunning scenery along the Hadrian’s Wall route from Carlisle

Call the capital of Cumbria home? Carlisle is a great jumping off point for some epic treks with your other half. The cream of the crop has to be the trail which traces the ruins of the ancient Hadrian’s Wall.

Dating back to 128 AD, the historic wall can actually be reached on foot from the centre of the city, meaning you can stay off the roads. While it’s possible to do the entire route over a few days, restrictions on overnight stays means that’s not currently an option.

Instead, why not embark on a shorter walk by jumping on the Hadrian’s Wall Path just behind the Sheepmount Athletics Stadium? You can follow the path (which sits adjacent to the river) for as long as you like before turning back.



Just because we’re in a lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t spoil the special someone you live with on Valentine’s Day this year! Remember, if you do venture outside for one of these amazing activities make sure you’re following government guidance, stay safe and keep your distance from people who are not in your household. 

Need to take an essential journey by train? Book your train tickets online or on the TPExpress app to save time and help limit contact at stations, and make sure you follow COVID-19 safety procedures onboard.