Love is in the air this year in Herts and we’re celebrating in the best way we know how – sharing our time, our experiences, and our food (well, maybe not that last one) with that someone special. Whether you fancy reconnecting with nature, going on an overnight adventure, or tucking up somewhere familiar, you can find all you need this Valentine’s Day right on your doorstep. Whatever your love language may be, read on and discover how you can make this year’s day out together unforgettable.
Walk and Talk
Nothing beats the simple pleasure of going for a walk with the person you love, taking in the landscape and having a moment of reflection. Lucky for us, Herts has got some of the best spots for doing just that. From the vast, open Chilterns to the wooded, picturesque Tring Park, there’s a walk for everyone. Why not go on the Ridgeway Walk in the Chilterns, exploring all that the countryside has to offer, and finishing the journey at local pub, The Greyhound Inn. Full of charm and character, this is the perfect spot for a romantic drink and bite to eat (and hey, if you really fancy it, why not stay the night in one of their rooms just next door?)
There’s snowbody quite like you!
If you’re looking for some excitement and thrill seeking this Valentine’s Day, why not head on over to The Snow Centre? Whether you’re the next Shaun White or you’ve never seen snow before, you’re sure to enjoy your day as you ski, snowboard, or slide down their 160m slope. Once you’re done, head on through to The Lodge and be transported to an Alpine restaurant with great food and drink choices.
Love on screen
These past few years, we’ve seen some of our favourite spots throughout Herts make their on-screen appearances; from Knebworth House in The Crown to Hemel Hempstead in After Life, there’s just no stopping this county from being in the limelight. This Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d bring alive that oh-so-special on-screen romance for you and your partner, by telling you all the spots where movie magic has taken place throughout Herts. Have a delicious dinner at the place where stars have dined, stroll through the estate where the cast of Bridgerton played out their drama and romance, or even treat yourself to a day of wizarding wonder. Create some cinematic moments this Valentine’s Day, exploring the fantastic places throughout Hertfordshire on your doorstep.
They've got history
For those of you who like to wander about, snap pics, and dip your toe into different things, then a day out in St Albans is the perfect Valentine’s Day date. Of course, there’s the picturesque St Albans Cathedral, photo ready any time of year, where you can stroll around and soak up all the history. For a mixture of traditional and modern, head down the road to St Albans Museum and Gallery, where you can find over 2,000 years of priceless heritage, as well as fantastic contemporary works. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, stop off at Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen, where you can enjoy a range of locally sourced dishes, all while sat in a modern and spacious setting that overlooks the Vintry Gardens. For something a bit more rustic and cosy, pop in for a drink at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, where you can settle down for the afternoon, warm up after your day of adventures, and enjoy the time with that someone special.
Beautiful rings and countryside flings
While in St Albans, if you're looking for something special to gift that someone special, be sure to stop off at Galios jewellers. With a collection of beautifully designed wedding and engagement rings, you'll find the perfect token of your love. Or (if you're not quite there yet!) say "I love you" with an exquisitely crafted birthstone, charm, or necklace. Just a wander down the road, and you'll find yourself in the charming St Michael's Village, fit with all of the quaint countryside views that your Instagram feed craves. Stop off at the Roman wall remains in Verulamium Park, stroll through Heartwood Forest, and take in all the calming surroundings for the perfect day.
Smooth sailing
Dreams of an unforgettable overnight stay this Valentine’s Day? Chiltern Canal Boats are here to give you and your loved one a night to remember in the Chiltern Hills aboard their 2 berth canal, the Mini Escape, for just £85 a night. Enter your own world as you step through the doors and enjoy all the luxuries you’ll need for your night on the water. Fit with a double bed, log burner, DVDs, games, and an area outside to sit and bask in the beautiful outdoors, you couldn’t ask for much else in a relaxing getaway. Explore the surrounding areas of the Hertfordshire countryside before returning to your own little haven of comfort and cosiness this Valentine’s Day.
Local and lovely
Since we’re on the topic of food, we’ve got to talk about Tewinbury Farm – a place to eat, learn, and stay, right here on your doorstep. Local, sustainable, and natural are at the heart of what the team at Tewinbury make and do, and it definitely shows. The brilliant chefs at the Cowshed Restaurant have curated the perfect 4-course set menu for you and your partner to indulge in, all with a complimentary glass of champagne! To make the most of your evening, stay overnight in one of their rustic bedrooms, set on the 700 acres of beautiful countryside farm. If you fancy heating things up a bit, then head on over to the Tewinbury Cookery School on the 11th February and learn how to make the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner – fit with oysters, champagne, indulgent desserts, and more!
Shake things up
Set in 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is the ideal five-star retreat for you and that someone special this year. Shake things up and try out their Valentine’s Cocktail Making Class for 2, where you’ll make a range of colourful, bubbling, fizzing, and misting drinks! While you’re here, have a bite to eat in one of their fantastic restaurants, choosing from charcuterie boards at the Potting Shed to sushi in the Lounges, and everything else in between. And you just might want to stay the night to make the most of the spa, golf course and the beautiful surrounding area!
Tea for two
Nothing says “I love you” like correct tea drinking etiquette! At Sopwell House, you and your loved one can enjoy the delights of their Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea, fit with pastries, scones, Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry preserve, and traditional finger sandwiches. Add in a glass of champagne if you’re feeling fancy, or even stay overnight in one of their luxuriously comfortable rooms. If you’re looking for something that you can fill up on, Sopwell are also offering Valentine’s Day meals in their two restaurants Omboo, for those Asian cuisine lovers out there, and their Brasserie, if you’re looking for a mix of flavours from Britain and overseas. The choice is yours this Valentine’s Day!
Love at first bite
The classic meal for two will never fail to bring a spark of intimacy and romance to a relationship. At Aubrey Park Hotel this Valentine’s Day, treat yourself and your partner to something extra special and dine in the AA Rosette award-winning Brasserie. For only £35pp, enjoy a three-course meal, complete with a glass of prosecco. And why not go all out and stay the night, for just an extra £50? Wake up to the rolling hills of Hertfordshire as you’ve never seen them before, and (most importantly) to a Full English Breakfast. Nothing says love like the gift of food!