Valentine’s Day Ideas

Looking to improve on last year’s Valentine’s Day? With the UK in lockdown, there was only so much magic to be squeezed from a ready meal and rose from the garage. With a bit more ”Normal” this Valentine’s Day comes with more anticipation and excitement than ever, with a lot of venues (especially those on reduced capacity) already booked up.

You haven’t sorted anything yet? We promise your secret is safe with us. And don’t worry, with romance back on the menu, it’s an ideal opportunity take it one step above the local curry house. With a range of activities from the adventurous to the full-on romantic, it’s time to get your game on and heat a blue Monday up to the red-heat of passion!

HMY Britannia, Edinburgh

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The Queen’s beloved former private yacht, for over 44 years the Royal Yacht Britannia carried the Royal Family millions of miles in style, hosting glittering state visits, official receptions, Royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays, and becoming one of the most famous ships in the world. Now firmly moored, and heralded as one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, spending time on this historic vessel guarantees a brush with Royal history, and no chance of getting seasick!

Starting in the Royal Yacht Museum Visitor Centre, learn the history of Royal Yachts through exhibits, photos and models. Then grab an audio guide and walk the gangplank onto the Britannia herself. Explore all five decks, including the sun lounge, engine room, and the Royal deck tea room, where many a Royal traveller enjoyed a cuppa with a view. You can also peek into the State Apartments, arranged as if guests like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill have just stepped out, and the gleaming Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which used to transport the Royals shoreside. The epitome of luxury, it’s the perfect destination to cosy up at the rails and gaze into the sunset together before you disembark.

Granta Moorings, Cambridge

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Who wouldn’t swoon at a romantic punting trip punting along the peaceful river Cam, among Cambridge’s classical architecture and historic bridges? Based in the heart of the city, Granta Moorings’ experienced and friendly team are on hand to help coordinate your romantic trip. Let the professionals do the hard work on a piloted trip; smartly decked out in traditional boaters and waistcoats, they’ll pilot you on a delightful tour including the famous Bridge of Sighs, Kings Chapel and eight riverside Colleges.

Be as laid back or hands-on as you want, with the option to practice your own punting skills during the trip. Or if three’s a crowd, keep it intimate with a self-hire option of one of their smashing new punts or canoes- all decked out with blankets (and umbrellas) as standard. Choosing your own itinerary and pace, there’s plenty of opportunity to stop off at grassy riverbanks- just remember to bring the hamper, and definitely a bottle-opener!

Oxford River Cruises

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If you’re closer to England’s other famous University town, we’ve got you covered, thanks to Oxford River Cruises. Their sightseeing river tours, boat trips and private hire cruises take in stunning scenery on the tranquil river Thames in and around Oxford. Designed to suit all tastes, from lazy lunchtimes to elegant dinner cruises, and of course romantic trips, options include sightseeing, Oxford Experience, Afternoon Tea Cruise, Picnic Cruise, Sundowner, and Cruise and Dine in partnership with The Folly Restaurant

Private boat hire options allow you to tour the river at your own pace and escape from the busy areas of Oxford to more secluded parts of the river, where cares drift away with the gentle flow of the water. Staff are also brimming with tips for excellent riverside restaurants and ancient inns to enjoy intimate dining, or step ashore a stone’s throw from majestic Christ Church College and enjoy exploring the best of collegiate Oxford.

Blackpool Tower

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If your head’s in the clouds, why not sweep your beloved off their feet (over 500 feet) high in the sky! Blackpool Tower is one of Britain’s best-loved landmarks, where visitors have stood in awe of the remarkable design, immense scale and ornate decorations since it opened in 1894. Even today, as attractions have evolved and developed within the Blackpool Tower, visitors are astounded by its inarguable wow factor, not least the spectacular 'Eye' viewing deck with views to the Lakeland fells, the Isle of Man and Ireland- or dare you gaze down and walk over the solid-glass SkyWalk?

Inside, 11 different rooms within 5 amazing attractions around the Tower complex add up to a great day out. Incorporating plenty of venues for dining and raising a glass, enjoy a Valentine’s Day with a difference at the screamtastic Blackpool Dungeon below the Tower. Slow the pace with a tour of the fascinating creatures, next door in SeaLife Blackpool, or of course enjoy a whirl on the dancefloor or sumptuous afternoon tea in the home of romantic pas de deux: the famous Tower Ballroom - it’s Strictly the Best!

Go Ape Thetford, Brandon, Suffolk

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A surge of adrenaline is said to spark romantic feelings, so where better to test this out than the Granddaddy of the hugely popular Go Ape treetop adventure centres. Set inside Thetford Forest where the Go Ape story first began in 2002, the winding drive deep into the centre of the forest sets the scene for this breath-taking location. Then the fun unfurls as you navigate your way along the cleverly designed horseshoe shape treetop crossings and slacklines in a Treetop Adventure- or dialling it up to the Treetop Challenge.

This stunning location in the heart of the forest has loads to offer for both the thrill seekers and those seeking steady hand-in-hand exploring. Towering trees and dense forest provide an ever-changing seasonal backdrop to further feet-on-the-ground fun, including Forest Segways, cycle hire, Lookout Archery, orienteering, and- of course- romantic strolls among the pines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

• Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) - Click Here

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Valentine’s Day Ideas and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out