Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean the same old dinner-and-drinks routine, and especially not in Teesside. From its dramatic coastline to its hidden creative corners, this slice of the North East is packed with romantic possibilities that feel thoughtful, memorable, and a little bit different. Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating years together, or just looking for an excuse to do something fun as a couple, there’s plenty here to spark a connection.
This guide is all about dates that feel special without being stuffy. Think experiences that make you laugh, give you something new to try, or let you see Teesside in a fresh way. They could be cosy, adventurous, playful, or even unexpected. If you’re ready to swap cliches for something more meaningful, these 20 fun Valentine’s date ideas should give you plenty of inspiration!
See also: 6 Romantic Restaurants in Teesside
For adventure seekers
Air Trail – ever thought about taking your love to new heights? You can do that on the Air Trail at the Tees Barrage! This is the biggest high ropes course in the UK with a huge number of obstacles to cross and two zip lines. It’s a whole lot of fun and will have you both on an adrenaline rush. Find out more about the Air Trail on their website.
Paddleboarding at the Tees Barrage – not only will you find the Air Trail at the Tees Barrage, but there’s a whole host of water sports, including paddleboarding. If it’s something you’ve both always wanted to try, why not try together? Book a taster session to give it a go, and who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a new favourite hobby! Find out more about paddleboarding at the Tees Barrage here.
For nature lovers
Roseberry Topping – pull on your hiking boots and head up the iconic Roseberry Topping together for unrivalled views of the region. You can see absolutely everything from the sea, to the countryside, to the industry. Park up at the bottom, walk to the top, then enjoy some food at The King’s Head afterwards.
Walk the Teesdale Way – the Teesdale Way is a 92 mile (148km route) that is perfect for people who love walking and nature. Of course, I’m not suggesting you do all 92 miles, but there are different sections to walk, each with their own personality. Try Darlington to Hurworth, Middleton One Row to Yarm or South Bank to Redcar. Find a map and the different routes here.
For the foodies
Pasta workshop at The Pasta Shop, Darlington – any sort of cooking class is so much fun to do as a couple and these pasta workshops are no exception. Learn how to make your own pasta from scratch, then take your creations away with you (plus a sauce) to enjoy at home. It’s such a fab experience! Find out more on The Pasta Shop’s website.
Bottomless raclette at Koze, Saltburn – Koze is a top spot for charcuterie and perfectly paired wine, but did you know they do bottomless raclette on Sundays? For just £12pp, you can indulge in endless raclette and bread (and upgrade on the day to add charcuterie), then buy drinks while you enjoy. Book your tables here.
Movieats at Bloom Middlesbrough – this is a truly unique experience that could only be made better with a date. Watch a movie on the big screen while a menu of themed dishes is brought to the table in line with scenes of the film! There’s always a bunch of different films coming up, so you could book for later in the year as a Valentine’s gift. Take a look at the upcoming Movieats here.
For the culture vultures
Art gallery crawl – Middlesbrough is an absolutely fantastic spot for art fans and you could totally spend a day crawling the different galleries. Of course, you’ve got MIMA, where you’ll find a range of contemporary art exhibitions. But there’s also lots of smaller independent galleries to see, including The Auxiliary, Platform A and The Zoo.
Museum date – there are a number of museums across Teesside, so if you’re a couple who loves history, there’s plenty for you to choose from. Hopetown Darlington is ideal for steam railway history buffs. Land of Iron takes you to the site of the first ironstone mine in Cleveland. Preston Park Museum has a range of exhibitions to see and a Victorian street to wander. There’s lots of options!
A trip to the theatre – not only are there plenty of museums in Teesside, but there’s a huge number of theatres too. Find large and touring shows at Stockton Globe and Darlington Hippodrome. There’s always something on at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm, you can see some smaller shows at Middlesbrough Theatre, and there’s comedy and amateur theatre at The Majestic.
For fans of animals
Alpaca walk at Alpaca Alpaca – if you love fluffy animals and having a little stroll, you can fuse the two at Alpaca Alpaca in Leven Valley. You’ll take the alpacas on a walk around the valley and learn some facts before a quiz at the end. It makes for a very cute date! Find out more on the Alpaca Alpaca website.
RSPB Saltholme – if you’re an outdoorsy couple that loves birds, RSPB Saltholme is the place for you. This is the only RSPB nature reserve in the North East and features a range of walks, all mainly flat, with lots of hides for bird watching. It’s a really lovely spot nestled in amongst industry, and it’s perfect for a Valentine’s walk out.
For the party goers
Karaoke at Black Market – nothing says romance quite like karaoke. There are a few different karaoke rooms at Black Market in Stockton and they’re ideal for a double or group date. The place has a stunning vibe and cool, laidback decor. When you add that to the cocktail menu, you’re on to a winner. Find out more on their website.
Cocktail masterclass at The Dickens – if you’re looking for another group date idea that’s ideal for the party animals, give a cocktail masterclass at The Dickens a go. You can book for between 8-20 people, so lots of couples can join in with making three different cocktails. Find out more on The Dickens’ website.
For the spa enthusiasts
Rockliffe Hall – this 5* star hotel is an absolute must visit. Their spa facilities are second to none, including a 20m pool, a hydrotherapy pool, multiple heat therapy rooms and a Spa Garden (which can be booked for an extra cost). Why not indulge yourself and book a spa day with treatments and food? Find out more about the Rockliffe Hall spa.
Blackwell Grange Hotel – this is one of the newest spas in the list, but it’s already making waves, especially for couples. You’ll find a pool, sauna, steam room and more, and you could team it up with afternoon tea to make a trip of it! Find out more about the Blackwell Grange Hotel spa.
Wynyard Hall – this spa is much more focused on treatments, so why not whisk your other half away for a massage or luxurious facial? Alongside the treatment menu, you’ll find a herbal steam room, sauna, rasul mud chamber and outdoor hot tubs. Don’t miss the lake view from the deck! Find out more about the Wynyard Hall spa.
For people who want something a bit different
Axe throwing at Asgard Axe Hall – what could be better than hurling axes on Valentine’s Day? This is always such a fun activity and I can’t recommend it enough if you’ve never tried it! This spot is great for both beginners and experts, and there’s a bar to enjoy afterwards, so it’s a recipe for a great night. Find out more on the Asgard Axe Hall website.
Shuffleboard and bowling at Larry’s Lanes – if you like a bit of healthy competition, look no further than Larry’s Lanes. They’ve got bowling lanes, so you can challenge your other half to hit the perfect strike. There’s also shuffleboard for a bit of table top curling and AR darts, which is always such a laugh. Find out more on the Larry’s Lanes website.
Escape room at Cluedini or Project Escape – an escape room is perfect for duos or for a group, and these are two of the best in the area. Each spot has a variety of different rooms, so pick your favourite and ready yourself for puzzles, clues and questions. This is guaranteed to be such a laugh and great way to test your communication skills!
Which of these Valentine’s Day date ideas will you be trying?
