Choosing the perfect destination for your romantic getaway can be an overwhelming task with such a wide array of options available. To get started, we spun our top date night cities in the US for the UK, analysing the country’s most populated towns and cities based on ten different dating categories, to create a perfectly curated list of romantic destinations – ideal for first dates, proposals, wedding anniversaries or Valentine’s Days.
As we understand that there are as many preferences as there are couples, we have included a searchable list of cities at the bottom of this article to help you compare the destinations based on the categories that you and your loved one find the most important.
To help you choose, we took into account the following factors in our scoring:
?? Average Price for a Meal for Two People
?? Average Price for a Bottle of Wine
??? Average Price for Cinema Tickets for Two People
??? Number of Romantic Restaurants (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Bars and Pubs (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (Per 10,000 People)
???????? Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Romantic Hotels (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (Per 10,000 People)
The UK’s Top 5 Date Night Hotspots
1. Bath (10 Out of 10)
Bath is officially the best date night hotspot in the UK, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10. Nestled in the picturesque county of Somerset, Bath sets the stage for a captivating romantic retreat with its charming cultural attractions (including the Roman Baths the city was named after) and its beautiful streets. Bath has the most romantic restaurants, couple-friendly attractions and romantic hotels per 10,000 people in the entire study. The city was also named a UNESCO heritage site back in 1987 and was later added to the transnational World Heritage Site known as the “Great Spa Towns of Europe” in 2021.
Bath’s most popular attractions include the Thermae Bath Spa – a fantastic spot to enjoy a relaxing soak – the magical Bath Abbey and the Pulteney Bridge, which is a perfect spot for a romantic stroll.
We’d also recommend embarking on a romantic boat trip along the River Avon – it’s a perfect way to take in the Georgian architecture Bath has to offer. If you’re both into something a bit spooky, join one of the guided ghost walks. These tours take you through the city’s dark alleyways and tell tales of its haunted past, providing a unique and memorable experience.
Tip: Start your date with a visit to the Spa and then explore the rest of the city’s history and buildings via a boat trip or a stroll along the Pulteney Bridge. Complete your date with a few cocktails in one of Bath’s stylish bars, such as Sub 13 or The Canary Gin Bar, where you can toast to a memorable date amidst the city’s charming ambience.
Bath Scored in the Top 10 in the Following Categories:
??? #1 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (10.02 per 10,000)
???????? #1 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (10.97 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (8.97 per 10,000)
?? #2 for the Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (3.69 per 10,000)
?? #3 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (15 per 10,000)
?? #4 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (4.11 per 10,000)
2.Brighton (8.90 Out of 10)
Brighton takes second place for the best date night hotspots in the UK, earning a high score of 8.9 out of 10. Renowned for its lively atmosphere and eclectic charm, Brighton offers an array of romantic activities, with the city having the highest number of fun date night activities and games, cafes, bakeries and dessert shops, as well as spas and wellness centres per 10,000 people.
Immerse yourselves in the city’s dynamic nightlife, which offers a wide range of music events and gigs. We’d also recommend exploring Brighton’s chic eateries for something a little different – The Salt Room is a great spot. Whether strolling along the pebbled beach, exploring the city’s cool graffiti or having a sunset picnic, Brighton promises an unforgettable blend of entertainment and romance.
Tip: Begin your evening with a romantic stroll along the Brighton Pier, taking in the breathtaking views of the sea. Enjoy a thrilling performance at one of the city’s renowned venues, such as the Brighton Dome or Komedia. Then, savour the flavours of the city at the vibrant Brighton Food Market, indulging in fresh seafood while soaking in the coastal ambience.
Brighton Scored in the Top 10 in the Following Categories:
?? #1 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (6.19 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (10.14 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (3.74 per 10,000)
??? #4 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (7.41 per 10,000)
???????? #4 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (6.12 per 10,000)
3.Newcastle upon Tyne (7.96 Out of 10)
Newcastle upon Tyne ranks in third place amongst our top date night hotspots, with a score of 7.96 out of 10. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the city offers one of the highest number of fun date night activities and games within the study, ranking second for the factor.
The picturesque River Tyne adds an extra layer of allure, providing the perfect setting for leisurely walks along its banks. Whether discovering the city’s thriving arts scene in the BALTIC or Laing Art gallery or exploring the city’s cool bars along the renowned Quayside, Newcastle’s inviting atmosphere ensures a memorable date night for couples seeking Northern warmth and historic beauty.
If you fancy something a little different, there is the Escape Room, where couples can test their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Choose from various themed rooms across the city and work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues to escape within the time limit.
Tip: Kick off your evening with a romantic stroll through Newcastle’s historic district, admiring its architectural gems and scenic views. Then, treat yourselves to a delightful dinner at one of the city’s cosy restaurants, such as Babucho, or The French Quarter. Finally, end your night with a moonlit walk along the Quayside, soaking in the riverside ambience.
Newcastle upon Tyne Scored in the Top 10 in the Following Categories:
?? #2 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (4.42 per 10,000)
?? #5 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (7.07 per 10,000)
??? #5 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (7.12 per 10,000)
??#5 for Average Price of a Bottle of Wine (￡.8.50)
?? #7 for the Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (2.34 per 10,000)
???????? #9 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (6.61 per 10,000)
4. York (7.93 Out of 10)
In fourth place, we have the historical city of York, with a high score of 7.93 out of 10. Offering medieval allure and rich heritage, the city sets the perfect stage for a romantic date night. York earned its high place due to scoring second for the number of romantic hotels and restaurants, as well as the number of couple-friendly attractions.
The tranquil flow of the River Ouse adds an extra layer of romance, as well as York’s celebrated culinary scene, featuring traditional flavours such as Yorkshire pudding wraps, enabling couples to enjoy some great food with their date night. We’d also recommend visiting one of York’s many charming pubs, with traditional English charm – perfect for a quick pit-stop after a day exploring.
Whether admiring the beauty of York Minster, wandering through its lush gardens, or embarking on a horse-drawn carriage ride, York promises couples a romantic retreat filled with timeless charm and medieval enchantment.
Tip: Commence your evening with a romantic stroll along the historic walls and York Minster, soaking in panoramic views of the city. Explore many of the shops York has to offer and then indulge in a candlelit dinner at one of York’s cosy restaurants such as Bill’s or Lucia for a perfect date night.
York Scored in the Top 10 in the Following Categories:
?? #2 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (7.54 per 10,000)
???????? #2 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (6.57 per 10,000)
??? #2 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (8.87 per 10,000)
?? #3 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (8.19 per 10,000)
?? #8 for the Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (2.28 per 10,000)
?? #9 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (7.55 per 10,000)
5.Edinburgh (7.93 Out of 10)
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh completes our top five date night hotspots, scoring 7.82 out of 10. Known for its medieval charm and cultural vibrancy, the city scored highly due to its high number of couple-friendly attractions, number of cafes, bakeries and dessert shops, as well as the number of spas and wellness centres.
The scenic shores of the Firth of Forth add a touch of romance, providing the perfect backdrop for coastal walks and boat trips with views of majestic cliffs and historic landmarks.
Whether exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle, strolling through the lush Princes Street Gardens, or browsing through quaint shops on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh offers something for every couple. The city’s culinary scene is worth exploring, as well as the traditional pubs on offer for a romantic drink with a cosy setting.
Tip: Kick off your date night with a leisurely exploration of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where you can explore medieval architecture and quaint alleyways. Treat yourselves to a sumptuous dinner featuring local delicacies at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. Conclude your evening with a romantic stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway, where the sound of flowing water and the silhouette of Arthur’s Seat create the perfect romantic ambience.
Edinburgh Scored in the Top 10 in the Following Categories:
???????? #3 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (6.37 per 10,000)
?? #4 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (8.32 per 10,000)
?? #5 for the Number of Spas and Wellness Centres (8.24 per 10,000)
??? #7 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (6.17 per 10,000)
Top 10 Date Night Hotspots in the UK
What do these findings tell us?
Fintan Costello, founding director of BonusFinder.co.uk, delves into the findings of our latest study:
“Our research not only highlights the romantic potential of these top-ranking cities and towns but also underscores a broader point: many UK residents may overlook the abundance of romantic spots within their own country. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and overlook the hidden gems that lie right on our doorstep.
From bustling cities to serene countryside retreats, the UK offers a diverse array of romantic settings waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a charming village pub nestled in the countryside, a historic castle, or a tranquil lakeside hideaway, there are endless opportunities for couples to escape the ordinary and create lasting memories together”.
With our research as a guide, couples can uncover new and exciting destinations to explore. By shining a spotlight on the UK’s best date night hotspots, we hope to inspire couples to venture beyond their familiar surroundings and embrace the romance that surrounds them. After all, couples can discover hidden treasures right in their own backyard”.
Cheers to love and unforgettable experiences in the best date night hotspots across the UK!
Read more:
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