Visit Winchester > Blog > Valentine’s Day 2024

Valentine’s Day 2024

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Couples celebrating Valentine’s will find plenty to make an Instagram worthy romantic album in Winchester this year.

Romantic days out

The city of Winchester has witnessed many romantic scenes including the marriage in Winchester Cathedral of Queen Mary Tudor to King Philip II of Spain.

Follow in the footsteps of the English Romantic poet John Keats and admire the same views that inspired his sensuous ode ‘To Autumn’.

Visit Winchester Cathedral to stand where The Crown’s actors took their vows as Charles and Diana. With spring around the corner it’s also time to see if you can spot Winnie the Peregrine returning to her nest in search of her mate.

Step inside the Great Hall, home to King Arthur’s legendary Round Table, believed to have been gifted to King Arthur as part of the dowry of marriage to his beloved Guinevere.

Animal and nature lovers might prefer to spend their day in the countryside or discover our quaint and quirky Market Towns. Alternatively, admire the baby animals making an appearance at Marwell Zoo, which has developed quite a reputation as the place to ask a question that some partners might think is just right for on Valentine’s Day!

Dining

For a fine dining experience, head out to the market town of Alresford for a trip on The Watercress Belle Fine Dining train. On board this  Valentine’s Day Special you will enjoy a delicious, contemporary three course meal and fine wines while savouring the opulent comfort in the 1st Class carriages of this beautifully restored, 70 year old train.

From characterful pubs to cosy restaurants with roaring log fires, there is plenty of choice for foodies. Rick Stein’s Valentine’s specials are available from Saturday 10th to Wednesday 14th February where you can start your evening with a cocktail or glass of chilled Champagne before sharing a hot shellfish starter, a dish made up of mussels, scallops, razor clams, oysters, cockles, clams and prawns.

As night falls…

Sunset Walk

As night falls, take your valentine on  a Sunset self-led walk around the city. This popular walk takes you off the beaten track through historic eastern Winchester and up St Giles Hill, a tranquil spot with superb views across the city – an idyllic setting for a picnic or a twilight stroll.

Upon returning to the city, you’ll be able to head to Middle Brook Street and Kings Walk for Glowing Galaxies. This free event will be best enjoyed after dark as the area will be transformed with twinkly lights, stars, planets and swirling galaxies.

 

Indulge your sweetheart to a candlelit concert at the Hospital of St Cross on Saturday 17 February. Lumos Live brings you enchanting concert experiences in spectacular locations and churches across the UK, paying homage to world famous artists – an experience nothing short of magical.

Amur tigers grooming each other

Why not make a break of it and escape to one of Winchester district’s cosy retreats or luxury hotels.

Choosing the perfect gift

Shop for an eclectic and unusual gift in one of Winchester’s Independent Boutiques and savour a hot chocolate or sweet pastry for a little Valentine’s indulgence. Our market towns also offer a mix of gift shops and florists.

If you can’t decide which perfume will suit your loved one why not let them create their own signature fragrance and buy tickets to Hattingley Valley’s perfume workshop  on Thursday 22 February in collaboration with Ilya Parfums. Ilias Kakis, Ilya Parfums’ creator perfumer will be on hand to demonstrate how the arts of perfumery and winemaking have a natural synergy. Following the workshop, a tutored wine-tasting from Hattingley’s current range will also take place, accompanied by some delicious snacks.

VIC gift shop for a gift

Our awarding winning Visitor Information Centre stocks a variety gifts such as jewellery from local makers, pop in when you are next passing if you need inspiration.

Read our top spots for asking *that question*.