Roses are red, violets are blue - but, if you’d like some fresh Valentine’s Day ideas, we wouldn’t blame you!
Fortunately, the magical New Forest is packed with wonderful places to see and experiences to enjoy and many of them are completely free so, for some fun date ideas this February 14, read on!
Paddle Up
For a truly different Valentine’s date, book one of the weekend paddle trips from New Forest Activities. The two of you can explore the beautiful Beaulieu River in a Canadian canoe, or a kayak for two and the organisers will even keep you topped up with hot drinks. Check out the other New Forest adventure sport companies for some of the other waterborne experiences you can try together
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Romantic wander
Walk your loved-one up Piper’s Wait at Bramshaw, the New Forest’s official highest point. Or take a turn along the coast at Milford on Sea, maybe hiking to the end of Hurst Spit. If the weather’s kind, pack up a picnic and chow down at Lepe Beach - or see if you can claim the tiny scrap of sand at Tanner’s Lane for feast, before the tide comes in. For routes and ideas to suit all types of walkers, take a look at our walking routes.
Little arrows everywhere
Spend some quality time outdoors, learn a new skill and nail the Cupid Thing by booking you and your partner in for an archery taster session with New Forest Activities which will provide tuition and equipment to keep you safe.
Image - New Forest Activities
Bicycles made for two
The best way to see the New Forest is on foot or by bike so why not take to two wheels and hire a tandem for a day or a morning? Cyclexperience, based in Brockenhurst, will sort you out, plus give tips on good trails to ride and you can also hire from New Forest Cycling, The Woods Cyclery and Jaunt-e Bikes. Don’t fancy a two-some? All our fabulous bike hire companies can sort you for individual machines, plus safety equipment, too.
Image - Cyclexperience
Spa-ing partners
If your idea of true romance is blissing out two-gether, check out our tranquil New Forest spas, because many can provide treatments a deux.
Lime Wood’s Herb House Spa does a couples day designed to detox both the mind and body, to help reduce stress, restore balance and leave you both feeling revived and refreshed.
Over at SenSpa in Careys Manor Hotel, they have two couples’ rooms – perfect for enjoying their signature Thai-inspired massage.
Or, for extra romance, why not book into one of the many Twilight Spa experiences you can find on our dedicated pages? Perfect for busy lives, they make the ideal Valentine’s Day experience.
Image - Lime Wood Hotel
The food of love
Food is one of the thigs we do best in this part of the world; whether you want full-on, five-star awesomeness, or a cosy pub or inn with a roaring fire. Check out the restaurants at our pubs and hotels, or you can book for one of the following special Valentine’s menus
Take your pick from… Le Blaireau, the Paris of the New Forest and French bistro par excellence at Carey’s Manor, which is doing a three-course menu for February 14…the six course tasting menu at The Terrace, Montagu Arms, Beaulieu, available on February 14, 16 and 17…The Royal Oak, Hilltop at Beaulieu, where the chefs have curated a special Valentine’s Day menu…The Woolpack Inn at Sopley, which is cooking up a Valentine’s Day storm, as is the Chewton Glen at New Milton, which has a romantically-themed six course menu featuring baked oysters, Chateaubriand to share, and passionfruit and mango sorbet.
Image - The Terrace
- For more fabulous foodie experiences plus more amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day, visit thenewforest.co.uk