Valentine’s dates on the East Coast mainline
Looking to make this Valentine’s truly special? Grab your partner, a Two Together Railcard and head to one of these exciting destinations…
1. London
Test your love in SOHO’s Little Las Vegas
Once you’ve had enough of Soho’s fantastic restaurants and thronging bars, why not dip into the Las Vegas Arcade and challenge your loved one to some of the great games on offer – everything from In The Groove to air hockey. What better way to say I love you than to pip your partner to the finish line in a game of Mario Kart?
Who for: Gamers
Cost: £
2. Harrogate
Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea
What better way to spend a romantic day than to wonder the beautiful cobbled streets of Harrogate before settling down for a civilised afternoon tea in Bettys. Serving a sumptuous selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, Bettys is situated on bustling Parliament street. Or, if you don’t fancy battling the Valentine’s Day crowds in Harrogate, you could always try Bettys in Northallerton or York– both easily to reach on an LNER train.
Who for: Foodies
Cost: ££
3. Glasgow
Snuggle into the most intimate cinema
Tucked away down the eclectic Ashton Lane, in a skinny former printer’s building, is the remarkable Grosvenor cinema. There’s simply no better place for two film buffs to enjoy a romantic evening. Get up-close-and-personal with new and classic films in this delightfully retro cinema, complete with leather chairs plus its own café/restaurant serving everyone’s favourite Valentine’s Day staple – brunch.
Who for: Film fanatics
Cost: £
4. Alnmouth
Stroll along the Northumberland coast
Alnmouth is one of the lesser-known stops on the East Coast mainline, and yet one of the closest to the sea. This picturesque village lies in the middle of the Aln Estuary, at the Northumberland Coast AONB. It’s the perfect starting point for a hike up England’s East Coast, through other equally as romantic villages as Boulmer, Howick and Craster.
Who for: Walkers and adventurers
Cost: Free!
5. Edinburgh
Take a Gin Distillery tour
If there’s a more romantic city in the whole of the UK, no one sent us the memo. Situated in the heart of Scotland's capital, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery guided tours and tastings are sure to be one to remember. The distillery offers a variety of experiences to suit any budget, from a 45 minutes Gin Discovery Tour to a 3 hour bespoke Gin Making Experience.
Who for: Gin lovers
Cost: £-£££
6. York
Experience modern dining at skosh
On York's historic street, Micklegate and only a short walk from York station is Skosh. This contemporary dining experience is housed in a recently refurbished Grade II listed building and serves an array of internationally inspired snacks and small plates to delight the senses.
Who for: Foodies
Cost: £££
(Photograph by Karen Turner © Skosh)