Dreamy detours to South East England

Treat your other half to a romantic break in South East England this Valentine’s Day. Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire are packed with a number of romantic hotels, restaurants and attractions.

This year, February 14th falls on a Saturday, making it a great excuse for a short break. Couples can enjoy Vespa rides and ballet performances in Brighton; spa breaks in Chichester; private cruises along the River Thames; romantic retreats on the Isle of Wight and much more.

Valentine’s Vespa rides and ballet in Brighton, East Sussex
Impress your loved one with a romance-packed day in Brighton this year. Couples can spend the day scooting around the countryside on a chic Vespa, stopping off along the way for romantic strolls along the South Downs Way and aphrodisiacal delights at Brighton’s classy oyster and champagne bar, Riddle & Finns, near the seafront. To top the day off, lovers can enjoy a performance of arguably the greatest romantic ballet of all time, as Swan Lake will be performing at the Theatre Royal Brighton over the Valentine’s weekend. Vespa hire starts from £30 per day with Vroom by the Sea and ticket prices for Swan Lake start from £25 per person.
Visitbrighton.co.uk

Romantic spa breaks in Chichester, West Sussex
Set the heart a-fluttering this Valentine’s with a stay at the luxurious Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa in the charming country market town of Midhurst. The boutique hotel is offering a special two-night Valentine’s weekend break from £277 per room per night, including dinner, bed and breakfast. The package also includes a bottle of champagne on arrival and full use of the Aquila Spa, which boasts an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, beauty centre, three treatment rooms and a fully-equipped gym. With the seductive South Downs, beautiful beaches, charming antique shops and an abundance of fabulous restaurants to enjoy, Chichester makes the perfect romantic retreat.
Visitchichester.co.uk

Love on a luxury cruise along the River Thames
In honour of Valentine’s Day, Rainbow Cruisers is offering a special deal when hiring a delixe cruiser to sail along the River Thames - £400 for two days/one night. Couples can climb aboard one of the stylish self-drive boats and cruise along the Royal River at a gentle pace, stopping off at their pleasure to visit cosy pubs, picnic hot spots, interesting attractions and to enjoy some fishing. The beauty of the River Thames is well known for providing the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’. All Rainbow Cruisers come equipped with a microwave, DVD player, stove, fridge, heating, linen and toiletries – making them a fantastic home from home.
Visitthames.co.uk

Escape to a private retreat on the Isle of Wight
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend in a luxurious converted barn in the scenic village of Niton, South Wight. The characterful Tennyson Barn offers charming accommodation surrounded by acres of picturesque countryside, making it the ideal destination to embrace privacy and enjoy some romantic ramblings outdoors. Departing on 13th February 2009, a three-night self-catering Wightlink Green Getaways break in Tennyson Barn costs from £205 per person based on two sharing. A week’s stay starts from £276. Prices include return Wightlink car ferry crossings from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Wightlink.co.uk

Spread a little love on the streets of Portsmouth, Hampshire
Why not confess your love on the pavements of Portsmouth this Valentine’s Day and scrawl a romantic message on the street for a loved one to see? On Saturday 14th February 2009, there will be free chalk at selected sites throughout Portsmouth for romantics to leave a simple, meaningful message of love. Sites throughout Portsmouth include the world famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is home to the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior and will be open over the Valentine’s weekend for couples to meander around. It is free to leave a chalk love message and all materials are supplied. Adult tickets to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard cost £12.
Visitportsmouth.co.uk

Half-price Valentine’s deals in Oxford, Oxfordshire
Couples wishing to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a shoestring can take advantage of some fantastic 2-for-1 savings at a number of venues throughout Oxford. First Great Western’s 2-for-1 deals range from historic landmarks like Blenheim Palace to gastronomic experiences and luxury resorts, including The Big Bang restaurant and the deluxe Randolph Hotel. There is no limit to the number of 2 for 1 offers people can claim, or the number of times they visit the featured attractions, restaurants and hotels – meaning they can enjoy the ultimate romantic Valentine’s Day weekend for half the price.
Firstgreatwestern.co.uk/2for1offers

White Cliffs of Dover weekend, Kent
Go for beautiful strolls over the White Cliffs of Dover and visit some of Kent’s most historical landmarks including one of England’s oldest castles, Dover Castle, when enjoying a discounted stay at The Churchill Hotel. Accommodation for two at the contemporary hotels costs just £75 for two nights when bookings are made by 31st March 2009 through southeastoffers.com. The Churchill Hotel benefits from a classically styled restaurant with panoramic views of the English Channel and Health, Hair & Beauty facilities where couples can enjoy the use of a sauna, gymnasium, hair salon, beauty treatments and sun beds.
Bw-churchillhotel.co.uk

Wine and romance at Denbies Vineyard, Dorking, Surrey
Visit Denbies Vineyard this Valentine’s Day and learn all there is to know about the wine making process at the UK’s largest vineyard. Couples can take advantage of a special 2-for-1 offer on Denbies’ indoor wine experience with bookings made through southeastoffers.com. The indoor wine experience starts with an impressive circular cinema experience with 20 minutes of film and special effects. They will then be transported through the working winery whilst comfortably sitting in the estate’s ‘people mover’, learning all about the wine making process – from the grapes to bottled wine – along the way. The tour ends in the sprawling Denbies cellars where a tasting of local Surrey wine will take place. Denbies also offers two restaurants offering fantastic views over the vineyards for couples to enjoy.
Denbiesvineyard.co.uk.