Dinner, drinks and roses are all Valentine’s Day staples, and for good reason. But let’s be honest, they can begin to feel a little overdone.

This year, it could be time for you and your loved one to try something fresh and new. The Harrogate district is brimming with quirky romantic possibilities.

Here are six alternative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in and around Harrogate.

Spend an evening with The Carpenters

An evening of music celebrating the timeless hits of The Carpenters will take place in Masham. Singer Claire Coupland will perform a selection of well-known classics for music lovers.

The show provides a charming Valentine’s outing option, with an intimate atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening. 

£15.40 per person, 7pm, February 13, Masham Town Hall, Little Market Place, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4DY

Test yourself with an escape room

An escape room at Clue HQ Harrogate offers visitors a fast-paced indoor activity built around teamwork and problem-solving. Designed to work just as well for two players, the 60-minute sessions challenge pairs to solve themed puzzles together, making it a focused and engaging way to celebrate the occasion.

Clue HQ is open all day from 10am-10pm, making the escape room a great choice as part of a wider day of fun.

£27 per person (based on two players; prices may vary if more players join), Clue HQ Harrogate, 1 Prospect Crescent, Harrogate HG1 1RH

Cruise down the Ripon canal

A Valentine’s cruise along the canal in Ripon offers guests a short scenic outing on the water. Couples can enjoy lovely views while sipping a warm drink and sampling a tray bake included with the trip.

The half‑hour cruises run between late morning and mid‑afternoon, providing a relaxed pace and a light-hearted way to mark the weekend with something a little different. It’s an easy option for anyone looking for a calm, enjoyable experience this Valentine’s Day.

£9.95 per person, 11am-3pm (cruises depart within this window), Ripon Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Ripon HG4 1AQ 

Go for a hike

The Harrogate district is home to some stunning walks for couples to enjoy this Valentine’s weekend. A particularly interesting walk is the Roman Ramble around Boroughbridge and Aldborough.

The route takes in riverside paths along the River Ure, historic battle sites and the remains of a Roman settlement at Aldborough, offering both scenery and a sense of local heritage.

It’s around 3.5 miles (5.5 km) and typically takes about an hour and a half at a steady pace, making it a pleasant outdoor option for those wanting to explore the countryside and local history together.

Free, starts near St James Square, Boroughbridge, YO51 YAW (follow signs for Roman Ramble)

Complete a scavenger hunt

Couples can explore the charming streets of Knaresborough while solving clues and completing fun challenges on this interactive scavenger hunt. From hidden corners to historic landmarks, the adventure turns a typical date into a playful, memory-making experience.

Along the way, players can take a pitstop at the famous Blind Jack's pub, current holder of the title Best Beer Pub in the UK.

The hunt is app-based, and tickets and full instructions can be found here.

£12.99, starting from central Knaresborough, HG5 9AU.

Go further afield and try stargazing

As part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival, a stargazing and night photography event will take place on Valentine’s Day in the heart of the national park. The evening focuses on observing the night sky and learning simple night photography techniques within one of the UK’s designated dark sky reserves.

The event offers a chance to spend time together in a quiet, outdoor setting, guided by the stars above. Open to beginners and those with some experience, it centres on shared appreciation and learning rather than formal instruction.

£10 per person, 7–9pm, February 14, Ashes Farm Bed & Breakfast & Holiday Cottage, Ashes Farm, Settle BD24 0JB