Valentine’s Day in South East England
Treat your other half to a romantic break in South East England this Valentine’s Day.
With ideas for weekend retreats, unusual day trips and free experiences there is something for every budget that is certain to impress, so all you have to do is sit back and let Cupid do his thing…
Body-Casting Breaks in Brighton, East Sussex
If you are looking for an unusual break to set the pulses racing, why not head for a ‘body-cast’ break in Brighton? Get a cast of your other half’s body, face or more intimate areas, if you prefer, from Brighton Body Casting; prices start at just £25. Combine this with three nights at The Oriental Boutique Hotel, oozing with style and designed with passion in mind – think hot pinks, reds and purples - it’s the perfect place to spice things up for the weekend. Three nights cost from £300, based on two people sharing on a room only basis.
visitbrighton.com
Wine & Dine your loved one beside the Thames at Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Treat that special someone at the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel beside the Thames at Marlow over Valentine’s weekend 12th – 13th February. With its stunning river views and candlelit dining rooms, this incredibly romantic hotel is sure to set the mood for love, with a delicious four-course Valentine’s Day menu designed to excite more than just the palette. A double room costs from £142 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, with the Valentine’s meal costing from £59 per person, including a glass of bubbly and a fresh rose for your partner. To book visit MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/CompleatAngler.
visitthames.co.uk
See the twinkle in her eye in Chichester, West Sussex
The cold, dark and clear evenings of the winter months provide great opportunities for stargazing, so why not wrap up warm and treat your other half with a guided tour of the winter night sky? With the chance to see the magnificent patterns of Orion and other prominent constellations, you are guaranteed to sweep her off her feet and over the moon! The tour is free of charge and takes place on 13th February, but you need to book in advance.
visitchichester.org
Escape to a spa on the Isle of Wight
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend in the four-star West Bay Country Club and Spa, set in 28 acres of landscaped grounds in Yarmouth, West Wight. The romantic Valentine’s Day package includes two nights in a self-catering cottage, a three course meal at the brasserie, a 60 minute spa treatment for two in the double treatment room, unlimited use of the leisure and spa facilities and champagne and chocolates on arrival. The two night break with Red Funnel costs from £201 per person based on two sharing. For more information visit redfunnel.co.uk. Super Saver tickets with Wightlink ferries cost from £36 per car, wightlink.co.uk.
Speed-dating Georgian Style in Portsmouth, Hampshire
Single this Valentine’s Day? Well not for long, The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) will be hosting its very own Georgian-masked speed-dating event in one of the museum’s prestige galleries. The event will include a drink on arrival, a live string quartet to accompany the evening, the opportunity to view some of the museum’s most romantic love letters which will be on display for the first time and of course the chance to meet up to 50 like-minded single people in a unique setting. Taking place on 12th February, tickets cost £30 and should be booked in advance. To book, email rowannah.martincottee@nmrn.org.uk.
Treat her like a lady at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
If you are looking for inspiration for a romantic gift this Valentine’s Day, book a luxurious Champagne Tea at Blenheim Palace. Served in the Indian Room inside the Palace, overlooking the beautiful Water Terraces, the teas include a delicious selection of mini pastries and cakes, scones and Cornish clotted cream, a selection of finger sandwiches and two glasses of Champagne, as well as a range of teas or coffee. Tickets cost from £26.95 per person.
blenheimpalace.com
Wine and Chocolate Tasting Tour at Denbies Vineyard, Surrey
The way to the heart is through the stomach, or so they say, so why not indulge in a Wine & Chocolate Tasting Tour at the UK’s largest vineyard, Denbies? Here you will learn all about the wine making process, as well as having the opportunity to sample some fabulous chocolates. The tours will be taking place on 12th & 13th February and tickets cost from £14 per person.
denbies.co.uk
Have her running into your arms at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent
Make yourself a hero at this new ghost tour of the Smithery, which explores the history of the Dockyard, telling tales of murder, mystery and intrigue - you’ll have her cuddling up to you in no time. Tickets cost from £10 per adult.
thedockyard.co.uk
Treat her like a princess, with a trip to Rochester Castle, Medway, Kent
Towering over the River Medway, dominating the skyline, Rochester Castle is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. It is also an unusual but interesting spot to woo your Valentine and impress with the romantic stories of Kings and Queens in days gone by. Entry costs from £5 per person.
visitmedway.org