Top 10 most romantic places to spend Valentine's Day in The Lake District
The Lake District, Cumbria is renowned for its wildly romantic scenery providing the perfect place for a fabulous Valentine's break. Read on to find out where to stay on the most romantic day of the year.
1. Stay in a stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century. Askham Hall near Penrith has recently been transformed from a stately family home into a stylish and contemporary luxury romantic retreat. Its luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home which is up-to-date, full of charm and somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and enjoy a weekend of romance. With 13 bedrooms, a restaurant spread through three unique rooms, sauna and private gardens it has all the vital ingredients for the perfect place to spend the most romantic day of the year. askhamhall.co.uk
2. The Lakeside Hotel & Spa Valentine's Celebrations 2014
Nestled on the southern shores of Lake Windermere, Lakeside is the ultimate retreat for a romantic two night break. Cosy lounges, traditional bars and open fires still retain the oak panelling and beams of a 17thC coaching inn. On Friday14th February enjoy a candlelit 5 course dinner with live smooth jazz. On the following day Chef will be preparing a special Valentine's 'sharing' menu for you to enjoy with your loved one... lakesidehotel.co.uk
3. Everything about Broadoaks Country House Hotel is romantic, from the 4 course gourmet dinner in the Oaks restaurant to romantic bedrooms with four poster beds and large spa baths to the twinkling fairly lights around the grounds at night. Arrive on the 14th of February to a warm welcome and afternoon tea served with a glass of pink bubbles whilst strawberries dipped in chocolate along with a pack of homemade valentine cookies await you in your room. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing before cocktails and canapés with the resident pianist playing romantic classics in the music room. broadoakscountryhouse.co.uk
4. Whisk your loved one away to an exclusive quayside retreat, set against an iconic backdrop of mountains, lakes and rolling countryside. Nestled on a quiet inlet just off England's longest lake, a chic new waterside penthouse at Windermere Marina Village offers a uniquely Cumbrian take on the French Riviera. Complete with spacious, southerly-facing balconies, plush interiors and all mod cons, it's the perfect way to retreat from the outside world. Or if you prefer, you can unwind with a spot of tapas and a glass of wine as the sun goes down at the Marina's new Boathouse restaurant. A three day stay in a new two bed penthouse apartment starts from £290 for a midweek break and £446 for 7 nights. windermeremarinavillage.co.uk
5.Fall in love with 'Discover Paradigm', two idyllic romantic hideaways set against the majesty of the Lake District - one even offers a private hot tub and luxurious spa bath where couples can sip champagne by candlelight. Set against a natural 60 foot waterfall in six acres of pretty orchards, lawns and woodland, these two very special properties offer plenty of privacy for a romantic getaway; yet they're only four miles away from Cockermouth, the birthplace of the ultimate Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth. Guests at both properties will enjoy chilled champagne, home-make chocolates/cake and a sumptuous welcome hamper, bursting with Cumbrian foodie treats.
Both The Barn and Paradigm House are available for short breaks of 3 or 4 nights for £600, or weekly lets at £1,200. discoverparadigm.com
6. Gilpin Lake House is perfect for ultimate romance. The exclusive Lake House property is nestled within 100 acres of private woodland and overlooks its own private lake. Fully staffed with just six suites, bar, lounge, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, a chauffeur service and in-room spa treatments, it is an ideal setting to instil a sense of calm and romance. The Lake House's new spa jetty trail is geared up for specially for couples, including a aromatherapy consultation for two followed by a private swim in the 30 foot heated - unwinding in the warm salt snug with an aroma spritzer. Guests then follow a lovely trail through the woods to a private spa suite, for relaxing massages with their bespoke oils, lit fires and spectacular views. Couples can also enjoy a short chauffeur-driven drive to the main hotel, for a candle-lit dinner in the AA 3 rosette-rated restaurant. Suites from £500 per night (DBB) inc. complimentary transfers to and from the main Gilpin Hotel for dinner; based on two sharing. The jetty spa trail is £280 for two people. thegilpin.co.uk
7. Spend a night in the Lake District's only luxury 4 star Town House Hotel. The Waterhead hotel sits serenely in its prime location at the head of Lake Windermere, on the fringes of Ambleside, with views across Lake Windermere to the Lake District fells. This stunning hotel cleverly combines traditional Lakeland elegance with the comfort and luxury of a contemporary town house hotel, making it ideal for couples wanting an exquisite, modern experience in the Lake District. The stunning scenery provides an ideal backdrop for Valentine's Day and with the jetties adjacent to the hotel can easily combine a romantic lake cruise into your stay. englishlakes.co.uk/hotels/lake-district-hotels/ambleside-hotels/waterhead-hotel/
8. Romantic Valentines Breaks on the edge of the Lake District
Appleby Manor Country House Hotel provides luxury accommodation, with an award-winning restaurant, cosy lounge with real fire, 2 acres of woodland gardens with magnificent views of the Eden Valley and the Lake District fells. Book a Valentines Break Package (2nights) from £99 pppn available 8th - 17th Feb. 2014 including a cruise for 2 on Ullswater Steamers, complimentary half bottle of pink champagne, box of handmade chocolates, a single red rose and a romantic 4 course dinner and free use of indoor Leisure Club. applebymanor.co.uk
9. Romantic retreats just for two at Monkhouse Hill's Lake District cottages
A holiday for two at one of these cottages is all about taking time out and enjoying each other's company. Superbly presented cottages with those special features you'd love to have at home - spa baths or saunas, cosy log burners, outside hot tubs, four poster or canopied beds. Each cottage offers a different combination. Set in landscaped grounds, with low fell walking on the doorstep and higher fells a short drive away, the cottages provide a perfect base to combine reinvigoration with relaxation. All bookings for couples include a bottle of wine, a box of locally handcrafted chocolates, free membership of the North Lakes Spa, and access to our ordering service for suppers and champagne breakfasts. monkhousehill.co.uk
10. Romance on the Lake with Sail 'n' Dine... Sail 'n' Dine is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the English Lake District, sailing on Windermere combined with fine wines and first class food all from the comfort and luxury of a top of the range sailing yacht. For Valentines they have teamed up with 4 star Guest House Blenhiem Lodge blenheim-lodge.com to offer an 'exclusive 'Romance on the Lake package'. Guests will be treated to an exclusive charter of a luxury yacht, "Maddie Too" complemented by a 2-night stay in the "The Fairfield" room at Blenheim Lodge, Evening Sail n Dine.
