Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
Whether you’re spending a romantic break with your special someone, reminding a friend how much they mean to you or celebrating the person you love, check out our top 10 ways to make it an extra special day.
Relax and be entertained
If you’re planning a night out for two, a trip to the Theatre Royal Winchester is a great focal point to your evening. With concerts, performances and jazz brunches there is something for everyone.
Clink glasses with your loved one
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a great place to explore the journey of Bombay gin and see the distillery whilst getting to know your special someone a little more…or at least which gin cocktail they prefer.
Experience the romance of steam travel
Sit back and relax on the Watercress Line as views of the South Down National Park pass by the window, a great place to enjoy the company of your Valentine’s.
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.
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!
Chawton House Snowdrops
A visit to Chawton House could be the perfect way to spend a romantic day in the district, especially as the grounds are currently filled with snowdrops. Why not extend you celebrations and visit on Sunday 16 February when they will be celebrating their Snowdrop Sunday. Make sure you stop into the tearoom for a snowdrop-themed treat.
Toast to your future
Discover the secrets of Hattingley Valley this Valentine’s Day and take an in-depth tour of the vineyard to find out how this English sparkling wine is made…and of course sample a glass of this multi award-winning wine.
Retail therapy
Take a wander through the winding streets of Winchester and 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.
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.
Grab a cocktail
Start your date night in style and get cosy at your favourite table with great cocktails from the Cabinet Rooms. Explore the exciting wine list or discover some original cocktail concoctions, along with some classic favourites.
As night falls
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.
See the stars
If you haven’t visited the planetarium at the Winchester Science Centre then this is a must. Have a unique Valentine’s Day flying through the Universe and exploring the galaxy.
Enjoy a meal
Winchester has a whole host of places to eat no matter what you are in the mood for. But, if you are looking for an open fire, oak beams and delicious, locally sourced food then it has to be the Chesil Rectory. Once voted the third most romantic restaurant in Britain by The Times newspaper this beautiful restaurant could be the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day.
For an alternative 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.
Enjoy a mini-break
Escape to Winchester for a romantic mini-break this Valentine’s. Have you stayed at the Mercure Wessex? Book your ‘Ready for Romance’ package now and enjoy chocolates on arrival, a three course dinner, glass of bubbly for two, plus breakfast and late check-out until 2pm.
