Roses are red, violets are blue - and the best place we know to celebrate Valentine’s Day is in the magical New Forest.
Yes, we know it doesn’t rhyme - but it’s true!
We’ve got Valentine’s experiences for all kinds of couples on all kinds of budgets.
If you want an added touch of luxury, look no further than the Chewton Glen and make this the year you treat your loved-one to some 5* luxury. A stay at the Chewton Glen near New Milton is everything you’d expect – world-class dining, top-notch wines and champagnes, exclusive spa, and peaceful gardens to wander through.
Prefer things a little more relaxed? Book Lime Wood near Lyndhurst for the chance to relax in its exquisite Herb House spa – and maybe spot a few of the celebs known to frequent its stylish dining room and bar.
If spas are your thing, you won’t want to miss the chance to take a break at SenSpa, the Thai-inspired, super-luxe retreat at the elegant beauty of Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst.
Nearby, The Pig is ideal if long, romantic walks punctuated by great food and giant sofas beside roaring fires is your idea of bliss.
Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst will give you beautiful views of the ponies which roam its parkland, as well as use of their excellent spa and a cosy dining room serving classic dishes.
From Friday 11th to Monday 14th, The Forest Foodie are offering a special 3 course ‘Dine at Home’ dinner, with petit fours and homemade sloe gin. The perfect way to treat your special someone to a luxury night in. Available to be delivered within 10 miles of Lymington, or collection is available too.
Prefer to wake up nearer the sea? Macdonald Elmers Court near Lymington fits the bill, with plenty of opportunities for a romantic coastal ramble.
Seafood lover? The Master Builder’s Hotel at Buckler’s Hard is a great choice for lunches and dinners, as well as romantic stays and so is The Montagu Arms at Beaulieu. Combine your stay with a visit to Palace House and the National Motor Museum which is a short walk away.
The Crown Manor House Hotel puts you in the centre of the New Forest’s ‘capital’, Lyndhurst, with plenty of luxe boutiques to browse and great places for walking and drinking.
If you fancy spending quality time outdoors, you can nail the Cupid Thing by booking you and your partner in for an archery taster session with New Forest Activities, where tuition and equipment will be provided. Or jump into a canoe for two and enjoy a gentle paddle along the stunning Beaulieu River.
Hire some all-terrain bikes from one of our excellent bike hire companies and have a whole-day cycle safari, seeing the forest from two wheels and stopping for lunch and a warm-up at some of our beautiful pubs and inns along the way.
If you want to extend your stay into the evening, check out our many quality B&Bs which welcome cyclists - with secure shelters and cleaning stations for your bike – because they deserve a bit of love, too!
Or why not venture further afield, to Marwell Zoo near Winchester, the perfect destination for all lovebirds! Spend the day walking hand in hand through Lemur Loop, then get cosy with a hot chocolate in the cafe. With hundreds of animals across 140 acres of parkland, there’s plenty to see and do.
And if you can’t make it for February 14 – or you’re one of those people who believe that every day should be Valentine’s Day - we couldn’t agree more.
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most romantic spots. We’ve also just been voted in the Top Ten of all natural parks in the world by TripAdvisor. We’re packed end-to-end with ancient pubs and intimate, award-winning restaurants and eateries in which to enjoy a lingering meal.
So, if you’re stuck for time, why not treat yourselves to a break later in the year and surprise your loved-one with a gift voucher?
*Find out more at newforest.co.uk