Best Spots in Lancaster for a Student Date Night This Valentine’s Day

by | Feb 6, 2022 | Accommodation, Lancaster, Students

With January happily behind us for another 12 months, now is the perfect time to start thinking about making plans for Valentine’s Day. For many people worldwide, February 14th is considered the most romantic day of the year and an occasion that encourages couples to share their love, affection, and appreciation for each other.

There are lots of different ways for students to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from going out for a romantic candlelight dinner to spending the entire day doing all your favourite things – you don’t even have to spend a lot of money.

If you’re a student in Lancaster wondering how you and your partner can celebrate your Valentine’s Day within the city (and without breaking the bank), here are some of our top picks.

Keep it Traditional with a Restaurant Meal

One of the most popular, if not the most popular, ways to spend Valentine’s Day is to go out for a romantic meal together. Luckily, you’re not short of options when it comes to eating out in Lancaster.

If Chinese food is your favourite, The Rocking Horse Chinese, Golden Jade, or the Golden Dragon are great choices.

For something spicier, consider making a booking at the Sultan of Lancaster.

Lancaster is also home to traditional tapas restaurants, such as Casa Pepe Tapas, and Seafood speciality restaurants such as The QuarterHouse and Quite Simply French.

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

Enjoy a Tipple or Two

Lancaster has an abundance of pubs and bars to enjoy a drink or two with your significant other. There is something to suit everyone, from cocktail bars such as Tipple and the Crypt to specialised gin bars such as Hogarths or popular all-rounders such as The Corner House and The Study Room.

Female couple out on date for cocktails taking a selfie

If you’re looking for a more traditional pub, you could head to The Stonewell Tap, Ye Olde John O’Gaunt, Wetherspoons, or The Three Mariners.

Go for a Romantic Picnic

You don’t have to go for a 3-course meal to spend some quality time with your significant other. Lancaster has a whole host of beautiful outdoor spots that are perfect for enjoying a delicious picnic in the fresh air.

Williamson Park offers visitors 54 acres of stunning park and woodland, making it an impressive backdrop for a romantic outdoor picnic with your loved one. There is even a fully licensed café within the grounds where you can treat yourselves to a small bottle of wine. If you’re not looking to drink, then there is an extensive range of hot drinks on offer to keep you warm in the February chill.

For those looking for somewhere closer to water, we recommend taking your picnic to the Crook O’ Lune. Located alongside the River Lune, the Crook O’ Lune is an incredibly popular picnic site among locals. It’s an easy walk from Lancaster City Centre or is also accessible easily by bike along the cycle track.

And if you don’t fancy putting together a DIY picnic, nearby foody hotspots such as The Barn at Scorton always offer takeaway afternoon tea options.

Wherever you choose, we suggest you wrap up warm and take a blanket.

Romantic valentine's day picnic

Go For a Stroll Together

For couples who already have food plans or plan to eat at home, there are other ways to enjoy each other’s company that doesn’t involve spending money.

Lancaster offers plenty of walking routes for those looking to stay active this Valentine’s Day. Some of our favourite walking routes include:

Glasson Dock – Just south of Lancaster, located at the mouth of the River Lune, this walk offers you a gentle and scenic view of the Lancashire Coastal Way.

Nicky Nook – Situated at the edge of the Forest of Bowland, this walk is a short and friendly 214 metre fell walk that is perfect for couples looking to get in their steps whilst spending time together.

For something a little more intermediate rather than a beginner, there is:

Clougha Pike – A walk that takes you on an 8.9km route around the Forest of Bowland (a few miles east of Lancaster). It offers some stunning views of both Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. The trail should take around 2-3 hours, giving you ample time to spend talking to each other.

You don’t even have to go far to enjoy the beautiful sights of Lancaster. Taking a stroll around the city offers some historic views at every turn, including Lancaster Castle, Lancaster Cathedral, and Lancaster Priory.

Choose Lunch Over Dinner

If you’re saving your evenings for snuggling up and watching Netflix, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants open during the day to enjoy a leisurely lunch instead.

For a lunchtime Italian, you can choose from several popular eateries, including Molly’s, Bella Italia, Spaghetti House, and Buccelli’s. Check out their websites for menus; some might even offer a happy hour for those eating early.

Couple on a romantic coffee date

If you want to enjoy a tasty Brunch before moving on to other plans, Lancaster is home to some fantastic independent cafes, including:

Journey SocialWith an ever-changing menu that boasts delicious dishes such as banoffee French toast, a halloumi brunch, and avocado on toast, you’re sure to find something you both love.

Brew –An independently owned café located on Brock Street, its menu boasts traditional and modern brunch options and tea/coffee, all made from fresh local ingredients.

Music RoomA hidden gem, the Music Room is tucked away in Lancaster’s Sun Square and offers high-quality coffee and teas. It’ll provide some privacy for you and your partner to enjoy each other’s company in peace.

Stay in With a Takeaway

And of course, there is the option to stay in your student accommodation and order one of the many takeaways on offer. Then, utilising one of the many delivery apps, you have Chinese, Indian, Tapas, etc., at your fingertips.

We hope we’ve sparked some ideas for your Valentine’s Day plans! And remember, if you’re thinking about moving to university and are looking for student accommodation in Lancaster or Lancaster University postgraduate accommodation, please consider Student Housing Lancaster. Please browse our website, or get in touch to see what we have

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