5 staycations for a Valentine's getaway
Pressure is high to deliver an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, so take the hassle out of travel by looking at these destinations closer to home.
In the UK we are blessed with thriving cities where you can experience a vibrant food scene and nightlife, and rolling countryside to escape the hustle and bustle. Ditch the short-haul flight – consider a staycation this Valentine’s and experience what’s waiting right on your doorstep.
Seeking the great outdoors
For the adventurous couple, The Secret Yurts, near Welshpool, Wales offers a secluded haven that even has a ‘Car-free’ option where they will arrange a station transfer for you. You can enjoy the countryside by foot or hire a bike from Lake Vyrnwy to reach local activities such as canoeing, kayaking or caving then unwind back at the ‘glampsite’ with a dip in the private hot tub. It’s got the added bonus of the planet at its core, using sustainable firewood for the log burner, solar panels for energy and rainwater harvesting. Stay here from £340 for 2 nights, minimum stay.
Images courtesy of Tracey Phillips, The Secret Yurts
Eat, sleep, eat
If food is at the front of your mind when choosing a getaway, the Wash House in Suffolk delivers breakfast in bed complete with apples, blackberries and rhubarb grown on-site and goodies from the local bakery. The tasty treats don’t stop there – you’ll get something chocolatey on arrival and there’s access to award winning restaurants just a stone’s throw away that cater for plant-based diets. Prices at the Wash House start at £125 for one night, but decrease to just £110 for subsequent nights.
Images courtesy of Mike and Polly from The Wash House Studio
Brush up on your wine expertise
Why travel all the way to Provence when English vineyards are right on our doorstep? If the weather is fine, a train tour of Denbies wine estate is a beautiful way to explore the vineyards and learn about the grapes they grow, but fear not, if you don’t want to venture out in the cold they offer indoor wine tastings too. Stay at their Vineyard Hotel with traditional breakfast served in the bright conservatory with prices starting at £165 per night.
Images © Stevie Mann for Denbies
Something a bit different
If bedrooms are too mainstream for you, Brooks Guest House in Bristol has an alternative. Stay in a rooftop rocket from £80 per night in Bristol’s city centre, just a stone’s throw from the trendy St Nicholas market and the bustling Harbourside. They’ll even add a touch of romance to your room for £25 extra, in the form of prosecco, chocolates and a rose.
Brooks Guest house site
Wanting to cosy up?
For the couple who just want to cosy up by the fire and chill out by the pool, Cowley Manor in The Cotswolds provides day spas from £95 or an evening spa with overnight stay and meal package from £370. They cater for plant-based diets in the restaurant and a stroll around the Grade II listed gardens is perfect for relaxing after a long day of… well, relaxing.
