Six ideas for a romantic festive day out

But this doesn’t mean you have to settle for a Netflix flick at home with a bottle of red. There’s still plenty of romantic – even festive – date options which are budget-friendly for couples,

It doesn’t mean you have to settle for a Netflix flick at home with a bottle of red. There’s still plenty of romantic – even festive – date options which are budget-friendly for couples, says Claire Beatson, of York's independent and ethical jeweller Nightingale.

Here are some of the best festive date-nights

Carols by Candlelight, Wakefield Cathedral, Thursday December 22 at 7pm

One of our flagship festive events of the year, Carols by Candlelight returns for 2022, a fabulous evening of carols and Christmas music with Wakefield Cathedral Choir.

As well as entry, your ticket will also get you a free mince pie and a mulled wine during the interval to really get you into the festive spirit.

Tickets: 01924 373923.

Go ice skating

SKATE at The Piece Hall, Halifax, runs from now until Saturday December 32.

Wrap up warm, strap on your skates and get ready to glide! The Piece Hall’s spectacular outdoor skating rink will be the sparkling centrepiece of its Christmas season.

Tickets: https://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/

Whitby Ice Rink returns for its second year and is on from now until set to be bigger and better than before. The family-focused rink will be open until Monday January 2.

Tickets: https://www.whitbyicerink.com/tickets/.

Scarborough ice rink, North Street car park, from now until Tuesday January 3, daily from 11am to 8pm

Enjoy the perfect festive activity for first dates, play dates, best mates and fun for all the family.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried ice skating before, all abilities are welcome. For safety reasons, children need to be over the age of four to go on to the ice. There are dedicated facilities for visitors with mobility issues, including wheelchair users.

As well as the rink, there is a bar and roaring fire inside the next-door large tipi.

Tickets: https://www.scarboroughicerink.co.uk/

Escape to an enchanted forest, Stockeld Park, Wetherby

Stockeld Park makes for a perfect date setting any day of the year, but during the festive season you won’t want to miss its award-winning winter illuminations which sees the enchanted forest come to life.

Dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape, and animated installations come together through almost a mile of beautiful, ancient woodland, making this a date night to remember, all from £15 per adult.

Tickets: https://stockeldpark.co.uk/

Vineyard tour, Yorkshire Heart Vineyard in Nun Monkton, York

Date night in winter would feel wrong without a glass of red or two. At Yorkshire Heart Vineyard you can experience the true spirit of English wine on their vineyard tour.

At £25 per person, this includes a welcome glass of the vineyard’s sparkling wine, followed by a look at the vineyard and winery, finishing with the tasting of 3 of the vineyard’s still wines accompanied by a plate of nibbles to compliment.

The vineyard is set on 17 acres and is located in the beautiful region of Nun Monkton. If you’re looking to extend your date, why not start off with a crisp, winter walk in the local area before finishing at the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and treating yourself to a tipple.

https://yorkshireheart.com/tours-tastings/

See the deer at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon

For history lovers, why not visit the beautiful and historic Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. While you do have to pay an admission fee of £17 per adult, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy at the weekend which will prove a memorable date.

You can take a free guided tour of the abbey and water garden which is available every Saturday and Sunday. If you’re looking for something a little more festive, the abbey is hosting a free ‘music and lights’ spectacular on weekends throughout December.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

The Christmas Experience ,Lotherton, near Wakefield, until Saturday December 31

The event includes a festive woodland walk. Follow our twinkling lights, down winding paths and you’ll discover enchanting installations of Christmas traditions.

https://thechristmasexperience.co.uk/