Valentine’s Day weekend has arrived and so for those in the mood for some date inspiration, not just now, but throughout the year, then why not try out one (or all!) of the fabulous dates below. Hopefully there is something to appeal to everyone, so whoever you are planning it for, they are sure to be delighted!
1
Hot Air Balloon Ride Adventure
There seems something both thrilling and romantic about the idea of a hot air balloon ride. Hot air ballooning is the oldest form of aviation and began over 200 years ago and is now a popular experience the world over. I still find the sight of one magical and serene.
Virgin Balloon Flights are a great place to start if you are looking for one of these breathtaking experiences. With over 100 launch site locations across England, Scotland and Wales, you are sure to find somewhere close by to take your flight from.
They offer a range of tailored gift packages to suit your requirements from flights at sunrise to birthday and adventure experiences. However, as Valentine’s Day beckons, I vote for their Romance Experience for Two, which amongst other things, includes a one hour balloon flight, a champagne toast after landing, milk chocolate champagne truffles and a ‘love is in the air’ balloon in a box.
Cost: £289
2
Windsor Horse Drawn Carriage Ride and Lunch for Two
Historic Windsor in Berkshire, is one of England’s premier tourist destinations. As well as being the official residence of the Queen (Windsor Castle being the largest permanently lived in castle in the world), it is renowned for its historic buildings, excellent hotels, bars, eateries and shops.
With so much to experience, what could be better therefore, than a day trip experience for two that includes a 50 minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the stunning Windsor Great Park and a three-course lunch at a leading local restaurant.
Available through Truly Experiences
Cost: £180
3
Driving Experience at Goodwood Motor Circuit
For the classic and supercar enthusiasts amongst you, why not try an amazing track day driving experience for you and your loved one at glorious Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Mithril Racing offers driving package experiences which give you the opportunity to drive the historic circuit behind the wheel of a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin or Porsche, or perhaps a classic such as an E Type Jaguar, Aston Martin DB4 or muscular Cobra.
Whichever car you choose from their large range, you will enjoy the thrill of driving 3 laps of this famous racetrack with an instructor.
Cost: £230 or £115 per person
4
Romantic Spa Break at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
If you are looking for a really special luxury break full of relaxation and pampering, then Chewton Glen is the experience you’ve been waiting for. Only 90 miles from Central London by car and set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, it is one of the finest luxury hotels in the UK and was listed as ‘One of the World’s Best Hotels’ by Conde Nast Traveller readers in 2014.
The New Forest luxury health spa at Chewton Glen offers guests an indulgent spa experience in a world-class retreat environment. It has a wide range of facilities to suit your needs including everything from a stunning 17 metre ozone treated swimming pool, specialised therapy rooms and health and beauty services to a state of the art gymnasium and outdoor whirlpool.
The award winning hotel has 70 bedrooms and suites including 12 Treehouse suites.
If you are visiting for the day then the Classic Chewton Glen Weekend Spa Day could be just what you are looking for.
The experience includes a breakfast box on arrival, lunch and refreshments throughout the day (excluding fresh fruit smoothies and alcoholic beverages), full use of all the award winning spa and leisure facilities, a personalised massage and holistic facial as well as a Chewton Glen gift candle to take home with you.
Cost: £245
Spa breaks including a stay at the luxury hotel are also also available with costs ranging from £640 for a midweek overnight stay to £2,710 for a luxurious 3 night break for two in one of their fabulous Croquet Lawn Bedrooms or Junior Suites, including a 60 minute treatment per person, continental breakfast and full use of the spa and facilities.
5
Afternoon Tea at Claridges
The world famous Claridges Hotel set in the heart of Mayfair, London, has been a firm favourite of royalty and the rich and famous for over 150 years. It was born from humble beginnings when William and Marianne Claridge who were running a hotel in a single house at 51 Brook Street, ambitiously expanded their business by buying the adjoining five buildings in 1854. Claridges first opened its doors in 1856 and in the few years that followed its reputation grew to the point it was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It soon became a favourite amongst heads of state and royalty across Europe.
Since then it has played host to a long list of famous guests including iconic movie stars Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to modern day A-listers Brad Pitt, Victoria Beckham, Mick Jagger and royals such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I imagine if the walls of Claridges could talk, the stories it would tell, would be extraordinary…
With so much history and such world-class reputation, a visit to Claridges is well worth the time. Afternoon Tea has been a traditional part of the Claridges experience for a century or more.
As part of your Afternoon Tea experience, you will be served a combination of freshly served finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicious pastries along with, of course, the tea itself. Henrietta Lovell is Claridges own tea connisseur and has carefully selected wonderful teas from the four corners of the world to ensure your tea compliments your food perfectly.
With the splendour of Thierry Despont’s art deco inspired, magnificent Foyer to greet you, Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s truly is a magical experience.
Cost: £58 per person plus 12.5% discretionary service charge.
6
Polo at Cowdray Park – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup
The sport of polo is a game that has long been associated with glamour and privilege and somewhat a world unto itself in the sports arena. With a reputation for attracting the wealthy and the famous to its tournaments, its the glamorous side of polo, with its well dressed, champagne sipping spectators, that draws much of the media attention. Attending a match is as much for the people watching therefore, as it is for the game.
Reputation aside, the game itself is a thrilling equestrian team sport normally played outside with four polo players on each side. The object of the game is to score goals against the opposing team whilst pushing a plastic or wooden ball on horseback using a long handled mallet down the field. There is, of course, the obligatory divot stomping at half time, where spectators are encouraged to push the earth back down with the soles of their brogues or Jimmy Choos.
The world renowned Cowdray Park Polo Club in Sussex, hosts the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup each year, with players from across the world competing and it’s the premier polo tournament in the world. The 2016 Gold Cup starts on the 21st June with the all important final on Sunday 17th July. Newcomers to the game could not have a more exciting introduction than to attend one of the prestigious matches.
Cost: Tickets range from £17.50 to £36 depending on seating and are available to book from May.
7
Walk Across the Top of O2 Arena, London
For those of you who are not phased by heights, then why not try a spot of ‘urban mountaineering’ with a daring walk across the top of the O2 Arena! This is an experience that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping but there is no need to fear because you will have an experienced guide with you every step of the way.
Kitted out in a climb suit with boots and harness to keep you tethered and completely secure, you’ll ascend all the way to the top of The O2 with other explorers, via a walkway, suspended 52m above ground level. Expect to experience spectacular views of London as you make your way to the top.
You can take your walk during the day, at sunset or for those looking for a real thrill take a trip in the dark to enjoy London’s spectacular evening views.
Cost: £28 weekdays or £35 at weekends
8
A Day at the Races
You don’t have to be a regular fan of horse racing to enjoy a fabulous day out at the races. With events such as the world renowned Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood at the top of the list, a day at the races is a fantastic day out.
Famed for fancy hats and fast horses, both Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood will give you the opportunity to dress up in your finest attire and of course finest hats! There is always a buzz of excitement during the races as spectators watch eagerly to see if the horse they backed is a winner.
Spread over 5 days in June, the meeting is one of the busiest weeks of the year for Ascot, with the daily Royal procession at the start of each day adding to the pomp and ceremony of the spectacular event. The Qatar Goodwood Festival (or Glorious Goodwood as it is traditionally known) is also spread over 5 days (this year between the 26th-30th July) and promises to be every bit as exciting as Royal Ascot.
Cost: Tickets are available to book now and prices start for as little as £17 at Glorious Goodwood or £27 at Royal Ascot with an increase in price for the more exclusive enclosures.
9
Dinner Cruise on the River Thames
How about a dinner date with a difference? With spectacular views of London’s favourite landmarks gently passing by as you enjoy an intimate candlelit meal with your loved one, a dinner cruise on the River Thames is the ultimate romantic experience.
Bateaux London Cruises offer guests the freshest British cuisine and breathtaking river views along with superb live entertainment and excellent service as part of their two and three quarter hour cruises. Rated as ‘excellent’ on Trip Advisor, the boat will take you past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London amongst other famous landmarks. With such a unique perspective of London in such a relaxed setting it is sure to be a hit with that special someone.
Bateaux also offer lunchtime and afternoon tea cruises for those who prefer to see London by day.
Cost: Prices vary from £79 per person for a four course a la carte dining experience, onboard the Harmony, to £155 per person for the best seats in the house and a five course a la carte dining experience, with half a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne, onboard the Symphony.
10
Visit an Art Gallery followed by Drinks at The Shard
There are art galleries all across the UK but the most famous of them reside in Central London with galleries such as The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Serpentine and Saatchi Gallery to name a few of the most popular. If you are looking for some culture then visiting an art gallery (most of which are free to enter but ask for a small donation) is a great experience and with so many to choose from in the capital then there really is something for everyone. I will be visiting The National Portrait Gallery this weekend to view the Vogue 100: A Century of Style Exhibition and literally can’t wait! I will be talking more about the exhibition in a post coming up soon.
Once you’ve enjoyed looking round the art gallery of your choice, why not ease yourself into the evening whilst enjoy stunning views of the City with drinks or cocktails at The Shard? Made from 11,000 glass panels on the exterior and 72 storeys high, it is considered London’s new emblem and is immediately recognisable. The impressive skyscraper is home to some of the best offices, restaurants and hotel rooms in London. Situated at London Bridge, it is a great place to go for either fine dining or drinks. Aqua Shard’s spectacular three-storey high atrium bar is the place to be if you are looking for a sophisticated crowd and breathtaking views of London.
Cost: Most art galleries are free to enter but the food in the restaurants tends to be expensive. Drinks at The Shard are, as you would imagine, pricier than your local pub but with good reason. How much of your bank account funds you get through while you are there though, is entirely down to you!
These are just some of the amazing experiences available to you in the UK but I am sure there are many more! Please let me know if you have any great ideas yourself or recommend something you have tried and loved by leaving a comment below. Thank you.
