7 fun and romantic days out for couples

3rd February 2023

Is it your turn to organise date night? If so, make a day of it and surprise your partner with a mini adventure instead. Take a romantic stroll in a historic city, conquer a mountain hand in hand or spend the day sipping wines at a British vineyard. 

 

Whatever your thing, the UK has plenty of awesome days out for couples, all easily reached by train. And when you travel with a Railcard, you can even save on your tickets, too. Who said romance is dead? 

 

1. Try surfing in Newquay 

Head to the UK’s surf capital for a day in the waves at Newquay. 

 

This cool Cornish town has 2 epic beaches but it’s Fistral Beach where you’ll find the best action.  

 

Half a mile away from the town centre, Fistral attracts surfers of all abilities with its quality surf and soft sand. Get in touch with a local club for a taster session. 

 

Nearest station: Newquay 

 

2. Bag a munro in the Cairngorms 

If you’re a couple that loves walking, take to the wild peaks of the Cairngorms for a day of fresh air and munro bagging. 

 

There are 50 munros (mountains over 3,000 feet tall) in the Cairngorms National Park, one of Britain’s finest natural spaces. 

 

The Cairnwell, at Glenshee, is one of the easiest peaks to climb, at just over 900 feet, while Ben Macdui is the tallest (at around 4,295 feet).  

 

Nearest stations: Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge 

 

3. Stroll along the cobbled streets of Norwich 

Often overlooked, medieval Norwich is the perfect spot for a romantic day out. 

 

All cobbles and half-timber houses, this Norfolk beauty has all the charm of York and Durham without the crowds. It was even named the UK’s most romantic city in 2021! 

 

Stroll through the serene Plantation Gardens, shop in the boutiques of Upper St Giles, and stop for lunch at a cosy riverside pub – you’ll soon see what the fuss is all about. 

 

Nearest station: Norwich 

 

4. Sip wines at a Yorkshire vineyard 

After a different kind of day out? Tour the vineyards of Yorkshire. That’s right, England does wine too! 

 

A handful of wineries – Yorkshire Heart, Ryedale Vineyards and Little Wold to name but a few – have popped up in Yorkshire, making use of its rich soil and green surroundings for winemaking. 

 

Book a tasting session and learn about the process of English winemaking – and then relax with a glass or 2.  

 

Nearest stations: Leeds, York, Hull, Hammerton, Malton 

 

5. Gallery hop in London 

Looking for a day out that isn’t going to break the bank? They don’t come much cheaper than a gallery day in London. 

 

Every major gallery in the capital is free to enter – and with such a huge choice of places, there’s art for every taste. 

 

Scratch your head at Tate Modern’s contemporary collection, explore the many wonders on display at the V&A – the jewellery section is a winner – marvel at homegrown talent at Tate Britain and see a bit of everything at the National Gallery.  

 

Nearest stations: King’s Cross, Paddington, London Bridge, Waterloo 

 

6. Catch rugby fever in Cardiff 

 

If you’re the kind of couple that loves all things sport, a day trip to Cardiff won’t disappoint. 

 

Almost a religion, rugby is a big deal in the Welsh capital. Get caught up in the carnival spirit of a national game at the Principality Stadium, where both the men’s and women’s sides play. 

 

If there are no national fixtures, head next door to the Cardiff Arms Park to watch the Cardiff Blues in action. 

 

Nearest station: Cardiff Central 

 

7. Soak up the culture in Newcastle  

Famed for the convivial Geordie hospitality and its fun-loving party spirit, Newcastle is always a great day out for couples. 

 

First, head to the Grainger Market for some lunch and a bit of browsing, then visit one of the city’s brilliant galleries – the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is one of the best in the north of England – and then enjoy a stroll through leafy Jesmond Dene. 

 

If you’re getting a later train home, try to catch some live music at the iconic Sage Gateshead. No time for a show? It’s worth visiting for the architecture alone. 

 

Nearest station: Newcastle 

 

Save up to 1/3 on your rail fare when you travel as a couple with the Two Together Railcard. 

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