Love is in the air in England as we approach Valentine’s Day – the perfect excuse to get soppy and whisper sweet nothings. From romantic dining in Plymouth to sipping bubbly at the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome, there’s a plethora of Cupid-inspired events across the country this Valentine’s Day. For those avoiding Cupid’s arrow, never fear – we’ve included the best anti-Valentine’s activities to shun the loved-up vibes.
Dreamy #datenights
How deep is your love? Dine ‘under the sea’ at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium on 14 February. There’s plenty of fish in the aquarium, but only one special someone for you loved-up couples. This Valentine’s Day, the UK’s largest tank will be hosting its first ever Valentine’s evening event, with a special dinner in the company of lemon sharks, sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and the only white-spotted eagle rays in Europe. Prices are £50 per person which includes a glass of champagne on arrival, a three-course set menu and bottle of wine.
Go wild for each other at Eden Project, Cornwall
10, 14 & 17 February
Treat your Valentine to an intimate dining experience in the Rainforest Biome with bubbly, canapes, a three-course meal and entertainment. Stroll through the Rainforest Canopy Walkway and listen to stories of love and romance from the storytellers before settling in the Spice area of the Biome, where you’ll enjoy a locally sourced three-course set menu, followed by coffee or ‘Love’ tea and petits fours. You will also be treated to a small token gift of Eden love to take away. A table for two costs £120 and includes free entry to Eden on the day of the meal and the following day, so you can explore all that Eden has to offer.
Win a declaration of love projected onto Norwich Castle on Valentine’s eve, Norwich
Are you the country’s most romantic couple? This Valentine’s, true romantics have the chance to win a personal message of love projected onto Norwich Castle at 6pm on the 13th February, a magnificent building built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. The winning message will be the most heartwarming and honest declaration of love as judged by a panel, it is hoped that with Norwich being UNESCO’s first English City of Literature, entries will be inspiring and creative. Entries must be received via the competition page.
If music be the food of love: relish in the Valentine’s Late Night Piano Recital, London
14 February
If words don’t come easily, say it through song this Valentine’s Day with an evening of romantic piano music, performed by one of the UK’s leading concert pianists, the phenomenal Warren Mailley-Smith. Set in the beautiful Anglican church, St James’s Piccadilly, in the heart of London’s West End, this Valentine’s event is timed to allow for a relaxed, romantic evening of dinner and drinks without missing a second of the performance, which runs from 9.30-10.30pm. £25 per person, each pair of tickets includes a red rose.
Get starry-eyed, Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
15 February
If you can pull your gaze away from your loved one, look up to a sky full of stars and discover the science behind them at Isaac Newton’s birthplace. Get a glimpse of space as local astronomers are on hand with a travelling planetarium with plenty of hands-on activities, talks and demonstrations, and weather permitting, some actual stars. Adult £10, Child £4.75. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor.
Overnight stays for smooching:
Dine and stay at Hever Castle, Kent
Sweeten your dreams at the historic Hever Castle where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn fell in love. The one-night Valentine’s package includes a private drinks reception to the backdrop of a professional harpist, whilst enjoying a ‘Love Martini’ in front of the fire; dinner in the Grand Tudor Suite; and the gift of a Hever rose plant for every couple. Accommodation is in the adjoining 5-star B&B attached to the castle. Tickets cost from £200 per person, based on two people sharing.
How about a romantic break at Tudor Farmhouse in the Forest of Dean?
Romance like a royal at Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
Thornbury Castle is the ultimate retreat for locking eyes with your loved one – an authentic 16th century castle with vineyards, Tudor gardens and 27 regal bedchambers. In some there are four-poster beds and the Tower room boasts a super-super king-size bed at 10-ft wide. An Ultimate Romantic Weekend break package including a stay in a Classic Bedchamber, wine pairing with dinner and a five-course tasting menu costs from £450.
Indulge at the Pudding Club at Three Ways House Hotel, Cotswolds
With rooms including the Chocolate Suite, the Sticky Toffee and aptly named Date room, the seven-room Three Ways House Hotel in Mickleton is an alternative choice for those who believe the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Home to the Pudding Club, offerings include special chocoholics breaks where chocolate is included in every meal along with a wealth of chocolate extras from in-room treats from The Cotswold Chocolate Shop, to a chocolate car treasure hunt and a DIVINE Chocolate Cookery demonstration and tasting. The chocoholic package costs from £145 per person including one night accommodation, chocolate dinner, car treasure hunt, full English breakfast – as well as lots of chocolate extras – available on selected dates including 17/18 February. A standard rate costs from £135 for two people sharing a double room.
Get enchanted at the Wordsworth Hotel & Spa, Grasmere, Lake District
Nestled in the village of Grasmere and surrounded by some of the region’s most iconic scenery, the Wordsworth Hotel is simply made for romance with all the necessary elements to celebrate the most romantic time of the year. Stay in a luxurious superior room where you’ll find a chilled bottle of Champagne and locally handmade chocolates waiting on your arrival. Head out for a walk taking in some of England’s finest scenery before enjoying a four course dinner with canapes. A Bucks Fizz breakfast will be delivered to your bedroom the following morning making it the perfect start to the day. Valentine’s breaks start from £229 Sundays to Thursday and £249 Saturdays and Sundays.
Anti-Valentine’s – what’s love got to do with it?
Laugh at love with The Breakup Monologues, Poplar Union, London
13 February
If your love life feels like one big joke, you can only laugh – tragedy equals comedy, right? This themed comedy storytelling night is hosted by award-winning comedian, author and Radio 4 regular, Rosie Wilby, and features a rotating cast of acclaimed performers. The show follows Rosie’s trilogy of solo pieces on love and relationships and her book, Is Monogamy Dead? Small print: Poplar Union holds no responsibility for drunk texts to exes or despicable Snapchat behaviour. £7 / £5 concession. More information: www.poplarunion.com/event/the-break-up-monologues
Get spooked with a cemetery tour and Corpse Bride film at Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol
14 February
If the ‘V’ word is enough to send shivers down your spine, why not roam amongst gravestones at a cemetery? Hear about love beyond the grave, forbidden love and spot secret love signs on gravestones, through 45 green acres of spectacular Victorian Garden Cemetery. End up at the candlelit Anglican Chapel for an indoor screening of the Tim Burton classic, The Corpse Bride. Tour and film tickets: £15. More information: www.visitbristol.co.uk
Reject the battle of romance at Knights/ Medieval Banquet at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire
16 & 17 February
Cast your mind to bigger battles when Simon de Montfort bought his army to battle in 1265, and join the Knights for a ‘last night of merriment.’ Or live like Lordes and Ladyes at the Medieval Banquet on Saturday 17 February, a feast fit for a King and Queen. Overnight stay special package from £175 per room (based on two people sharing), includes two tickets to the banquet, which is a 4-course meal, an arrival drink of mead, wine and ale with the meal, a full stage show and a post-banquet disco. More information: www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/event
Speed dating like never before with Valentine Murder Mystery, Colchester
17 February
Roses are red and violets are blue, on Valentine’s night someone is coming for you! The “Last Dates” restaurant usually throws open its doors to people looking for love but on Valentine’s Day all they’ll find is murder. Pull up a chair and order a cocktail at the most exclusive Whodunit dining event of the year. But who has the most to lose? The French Maître d’ with something to hide? The spirited barman who asks, “What’s your poison?” The waitress from hell or the date with a grudge? Tickets including three course meal: £43.50 per person. Rooms on the 17th from £155. More information: www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/last-dates-valentine-murder-mystery
For information on what’s new for 2018 visit: www.media.visitengland.com
