Planning a date can be hard – that’s why we’ve taken the trouble out of it for the penny pinchers amongst us.
So, throw on a winning outfit and get ready to make a grand gesture that won’t blow the bank, because here are 19 of the best cheap date ideas in Leeds –
Who said that Venice is the only city with gondolas? While these vessels might look different to their Italian counterparts, the water taxis in Leeds are equally romantic. Enjoy the gentle ripples of the water and the soft hum of the boat's engines as scenic views pass by for just £2 per person. And once you arrive at Leeds Dock, there's plenty for bargain-loving couples to explore. (Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
With its moody scarlet interior, cosy seats and ambient lighting, Hyde Park Picture House is the perfect place to snuggle up to your Mr or Mrs Right. The matinee showings are just £6 a ticket, so why not pick out a sugary romance and treat yourselves to afternoon of movie magic?
Park Square is a romantic oasis in the heart of the city, unlike anywhere else in Leeds. Sitting in the well-manicured garden under the shining sun, a romantic couple could convince themselves they were sat in an expensive London borough rather than in Yorkshire. On a summer's day, it's the ideal location to unwind with a picnic. Throw a bottle of wine, some cheese and bread into a bag and relax on a blanket in the tranquillity. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
There's a whopping 12 Wetherspoons pubs in Leeds, the chain renowned for its cheap drinks. If you're on a tight budget but still fancy a tipple with your beau, this is the place to go. And despite the low price-tag, some of the city's spoons are housed in the most gorgeous buildings in Leeds. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Show your partner your an intellectual as well as a looker. This free game in Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery, is a giant version of the popular parlour activity. Set against the hustle and bustle of the city, you can lose yourself in the contemplative nature of the stimulating and romantic activity. And it's completely free. (Photo: Gary Longbottom)
Stargazing requires a clear night with no artificial light, which is why Ilkley Moor presents a romantic escape for city-dwelling lovers. People often say that your love was written in the stars, so why not spend the evening trying to spot your initial in the cosmos? This, of course, will have no effect on your wallets. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
Trinity Kitchen is a surprisingly romantic destination. Located in the Trinity shopping centre, there's an eclectic mix of cheap food vendors with plenty of opportunities to grab a bite from a number of outlets. Not only does this ensure variety, it also means that there'll be no arguments about which restaurant to go to. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
A lover of art? Why not embark on a walking tour of murals in the city, which is home to vibrant and thought-provoking street art. Reflecting on Leeds' masterpieces, like this portrait of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow near one of the city's universities, could spark conversation if you're meeting a new love interest. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
Naturally, a list of the most romantic venues in Leeds would not be worth its salt if it failed to mention Roundhay Park. With its luscious, sprawling hills and serene lakes, who could resist falling in love against this bucolic backdrop? Just like Park Square, it would be ideal for a picnic - or enjoy a treat from the park's celebrated cafe. Whether you take a stroll around Waterloo Lake, have a workout on the exercise equipment or simply frolic amongst the greenery, it's the ideal haven for couples seeking romance in the city. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
What could be more romantic than watching planes take off at this popular cafe? Enjoy a warm meal and a drink, as exclamations of "ooh", "aah", and "wow" punctuate what is sure to be a unique date. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Steeped in history, the Leeds Library, in Commercial Street, is an elegant and intimate venue. While it's usually reserved for members, guests can take a peek at its expansive collection - and couples will be sure to brag about their VIP experience long after the date's over. Snuggle up under the soft glow of a reading lamp and share your favourite books with each other. What could be more romantic? (Photo: Steve Riding)
Wander through the vibrant enclosures of Tropical World, located in Roundhay Park. Getting up close and personal with cute creatures, like these Pygmy Marmosets, could awaken your romantic side. And the prices aren't anything to scoff at. Adult tickets for £8 are usually unheard of in the zoological world. (Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
If you bring a bottle of wine and sit next to the water, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal might as well be the banks of the River Seine in Paris. It's a enchanting and romantic date idea - and your soulmate will be sure to remember this special day. The charming towpath and the peaceful ambiance should set the scene for scintillating conversation, and perhaps even a kiss or two. (Photo: Gary Longbottom)
The ancient ruins of Kirkstall Abbey provides a unique spot for a first date. If you're not the traditional Casanova, this strangely romantic backdrop could bring out your inner lover. Just as this monument's skeleton has transcended time, so will your connection (if you play your cards right). Why not brush up on a few historical facts beforehand? That way, you can impress the lucky companion you've brought along.
Your knight in shining armour could pick up some new clobber at this romantic venue. Famous for its grandiose atmosphere, couples can explore the impressive collection of arms and armour, with majestic displays and expert guides making this the perfect date for the thinking couples. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Temple Newsam, with its Tudor-Jacobean charm and meticulously landscaped grounds by Capability Brown, creates a gorgeously romantic environment for a date in Leeds. Stroll hand-in-hand through the cultivated gardens and ornate rooms of the estate. (Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
It might sound counterproductive to leave a city as romantic as Leeds, but there are plenty of beautiful towns nearby that can be reached for just £2, including quaint destinations like Harrogate. Day trip anyone? (Photo: James Hardisty)
With its blend of arts and culture within a historic mill complex, Sunny Bank Mills could be great for the indie couple. A date here would require an appreciation of the arts and a love for independent shops, but certain couples are bound to love the art and the romance alike. There are bargains to be picked up here, too. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
A walking tour of Leeds' blue plaques would let you test your partner's knowledge of history and heritage. Each blue plaque represents a chapter in the story of Leeds, just as your romance is the latest story. This plaque to Pablo Fanque, Britain's first black circus owner, is bound to get you discussing the amazing stories of yesteryear. (Photo: Steve Riding)
Carrie Johnson is a doting mother of three to her sons Wilfred and Frank and daughter Romy. On Saturday the mother-of-three shared never-before-seen photos of her little girl. See here.
A star-studded congregation rose to its feet and danced to the Pogues’ classic Fairytale of New York as Ireland laid singer Shane MacGowan to rest on Friday.
Lionel Dahmer, who has died aged 87, was the father of the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and author of a memoir in which he sought, without much success, to understand why his son’s mind was invaded by demons and whether he was in some way to blame for creating a monster.
Newly single Oasis star opens up about his excitement about his new London pad after leaving his £8m Hampshire mansion, dinners with his famous friends, and raucous nights out in Amsterdam
The King and Queen of Bhutan have shared the name of their baby daughter and released the first photos of her after the young princess was born in early September
While he is being remembered for his contributions to several of the best films of the 1970s, Ryan O’Neal enjoyed a complicated legacy, rocked by fraught personal relationships and abuse allegations
Princess Beatrice of York looked beautiful in tartan with velvet boots to join husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Christopher 'Wolfie' Woolf at Kate Middleton's Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey
Authorities in Israel don't know, and may never know, how many people were sexually abused by Hamas on 7 October, but evidence that many women were subjected to rape and assault has grown over recent weeks. Many of the dead were then buried quickly under Jewish law before the testimonies of sexual violence were properly realised or understood. Securing convictions for sexual violence are incredibly hard.
