Kissing and Kit-Kats
Time for a Romantic City Break in York
There’s many ways to show someone you love them and there’s plenty of big romantic gestures that will sweep them off their feet but there’s one simple little thing that lovers can bond over, taking them to the heights of ecstasy. No, it’s not champagne (although that works too) and it’s not anything illegal. It’s chocolate. Now I’m not talking about lazing on the couch with a family sized bar of Galaxy – it’s time to grab your other half, hop on a train and head to one of the most beautiful cities in England and it’s also the home of chocolate.
Come, take a peek…
The ancient city of York is steeped in history and in some ways, you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a by-gone era. The medieval streets and historic buildings look so well-preserved it’s like time has stood still. Just wait until you see The Shambles. The Shambles is an old thoroughfare with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some of which date back the fourteenth century. A bit like Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.
One of the first things you’ll see, dominating the city skyline, is the magnificent Gothic cathedral, York Minster – arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Britain. I was privileged to attend evensong during my visit and was blown away by the spine-tingling choral magic of the choir. It was quite a service and I came away feeling uplifted and all fuzzy inside. Regardless of your religious convictions, do make the effort to visit this majestic place of worship – even just to admire the craftsmanship and how beautiful a building it is.
The whole city just feels romantic and full of olde worlde charm – the perfect setting for a romantic break a deux. Stroll hand in hand along the quaint, cobbled streets, stopping for food or wine and generally just losing yourself in each other’s company for a few days.
There’s loads of cool stuff to see and do in York with attractions aplenty such as York Dungeons, Jorvik Viking Centre, The National Railway Museum and York’s Chocolate Story (more on that later!) However, you’re here for a bit of romance and quality time together so here’s some of the loved-up things you can do while you’re here.
Where to Stay
Without doubt, one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in that will tick all the boxes for your weekend in York is The Grand. Slap bang in the centre of town, not far from the station, this peach of a hotel is the last word in comfort and quality. The location is great if you don’t want to walk too far for anything but you will love the ambience of this stunning hotel. The spa is quite something too and if you want to kick start your morning with a refreshing dip in the pool or the Jacuzzi, you’ll be off to a great start. I had the place to myself on a quiet Sunday morning and I felt like I had landed in my own private heaven. If you do decide to stay here, try to make use of the facility – with or without your other half, it’ll set you up for the day, leaving you relaxed yet revitalised.
Kissing
Yes, kissing is on the agenda if you’re going to enjoy the romance of York. The perfect spot for that all-important selfie is by York Minster. Woven into the Great West window is the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’ and according to local folklore if you kiss the person you’re with in its shadow, you’ll stay together forever. Ahhh. Might be a nice place to propose or is that taking things too far?
Cruising
Why not see the city from the water by taking a romantic, leisurely cruise on the River Ouse? Cuddle up on deck as you admire the passing scenery – unless you only have eyes for each other but it would be shame to miss the views.
Check out www.citycruisesyork.com
York’s Chocolate Story
Now we’re talking…who would deny their loved one the pleasure of chocolate and its magical restorative powers. This place is a chocoholic’s paradise where you can unwrap the secrets of how chocolate is made and enjoy fun and informative demonstrations. I mean, where did you think your Kit Kats and Chocolate Oranges were invented?
Stock up on some tasty treats to take back to the hotel in case you have any midnight cravings.
Afternoon Delight?
No trip to York would be complete without a trip to the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms. Pass an hour of your afternoon sipping refreshing tea from elegant china cups and devouring delicious cakes and scones. It’s true what they say – the way to someone’s heart is through the stomach.
Table for Two
If ever there was an authentic, cosy dinner setting it’s Delrios on Blossom Street. Tuck into mouth-watering Italian fare in this atmospheric cellar restaurant. The little candlelit alcoves are just perfect for an intimate dinner for two.
(Closed Sundays and Mondays)
Love to Shop
Okay, so trawling around shops isn’t romantic but nothing says, ‘I love you’ like a surprise purchase from your other half – especially if they’ve clocked you eyeing something up but you’ve walked away, knowing you don’t need it or more to the point, can’t afford it. How lovely is it when they then pipe up “Oh, let me buy that for you – my treat” Bullseye! Cupid’s arrow right through the heart.
York has some great shops – all the high-street favourites and there’s also the joy of wandering through The Shambles where you can pick up some nice bits and bobs too.
Getting to York is easy – either by car or by train and you don’t need to worry about excess baggage – a good thing if you’ve stocked up on your stash of chocolate for the journey home. York is lovely but don’t take my word for it, go and see it for yourself now that you know where to stay, where to eat and more importantly, where to kiss.
Pucker up…
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.