From Leeds with Love: How Yorkshire Celebrated Valentine’s Day 2026

It turns out romance is very much alive in Yorkshire! While we've just passed Valentine's Day, our latest data shows that the "Cost of Loving" didn't stop us from celebrating. Across the UK, an estimated 30 million people had big plans this year, and our region was leading the charge.

Our research found that 59% of adults planned to mark the occasion. Interestingly, people are now choosing shared experiences over traditional gifts; 56% of those celebrating prioritised a night out or a short break over a physical present.

The UK's Most Romantic Cities

Our travel data reveals which UK cities have seen the biggest Valentine's Day booms over the past few years:

Valentine's travel hotspots:

• Leeds: Journeys up 86% since 2021

• Cardiff: Up 70% since 2021

• Bath: A stunning 116% increase since 2021

• Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Bristol: Consistently high demand year after year

Historic cities and coastal destinations like York and Portsmouth remain popular for romantic getaways—perfect for couples looking for overnight stays and scenic backdrops.

Northern Cities Leading the Romance Revolution

One particularly interesting trend? Northern cities are driving the Valentine's travel boom.

• Leeds is for Lovers: Since 2021, Valentine’s Day taxi journeys in Leeds have surged by 86%.

• Going the Extra Mile: People in Yorkshire and the Humber were among the most likely to travel further for love, whether heading into the city for a fancy dinner or booking an overnight stay.

• City Hotspots: Alongside Leeds, cities like York saw consistently high demand as couples flocked to historic landmarks.

• Safety First: Over half of those celebrating (51%) said they were likely to book a taxi, with many choosing it so they could enjoy a drink without driving or to feel safer travelling at night.

Why? Northern cities offer vibrant restaurant scenes, excellent nightlife, and stunning countryside nearby—making them perfect for romantic escapes that don't require flying abroad.

The Bottom Line: Love is Worth It

"Veezu's data shows that Britain is a nation of romantics," says Sally Krouma, our Brand Activation Manager. "Millions plan to make memories with loved ones, and we're seeing that reflected in a sharp rise in journeys as people head out for long dinners, weekends away, or catch-ups with friends."

In a world where everything feels expensive and stressful, people are choosing to invest in experiences, connection, and time together. And honestly? That feels like the most romantic thing of all.

Whether it was a traditional date night, a "Galentine’s" celebration, or a local pub visit with friends, we were delighted to play "Cupid" and get you to your destination safely.

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Ready for your Valentine's plans? Book your ride now and leave the driving to us.

Planning a romantic weekend away? Pre-book your airport transfer or city travel through the Veezu app.