With its rolling hills, incredible history, picturesque countryside and idyllic villages, there’s no denying the romantic beauty of the Lake District. So, what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year, than in a beautiful boutique hotel in the Lake District.
Whether you’ve been together for years, or are starting in a new relationship, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let your partner know how much they mean to you, yet figuring out what to do can tend to be a bit overwhelming. Because you’re here, you’re likely in search of something special to do this Valentine’s Day.
In this blog, we’ll unveil the magic of Valentine’s breaks in the Lake District and offer a few of our favourite date ideas for Valentine’s Day.
What is Valentine’s Day?
For many, Valentine’s Day is a special time in the year when people show their affection for another person by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. Many couples choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner or a luxurious hotel staycation.
The day is thought to be named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. There are many stories about Valentine, but the most popular is that during his lifetime, Emperor Claudius II decided to ban marriage as he believed men who were married didn’t make good soldiers. This led Valentine to arrange marriages in secret and he was later found out and jailed.
Legend has it that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and when he was taken to be killed on 14th February, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine”.
When is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day, which is also known as St. Valentine’s Day, is celebrated every year on the 14th February around the world.
What to do on Valentine’s Day in the Lake District
Romantic Dinner in the Lake District
With the right location, a romantic dinner can be a magical way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Lake District. Thankfully, there are so many romantic restaurants in Bowness on Windermere and the Lake District region to choose from, that you can hardly go wrong. Whether you’re after home comfort or extravagance, there’s something to suit every couple’s tastes here in the Lake District.
If you’re looking for fine dining right here in Bowness on Windermere, Porto is a wonderful independent family-run restaurant that offers an exciting modern dining experience with an easy-going vibe and consistently good food in the heart of our charming town. For a romantic dining experience a little out of Bowness, The Old Stamp House in Ambleside is a real treat. This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases a unique menu long influenced by the Cumbrian landscape, celebrating local farmers, fishermen and producers.
Boat Cruise on Lake Windermere
There’s nothing quite like taking a lake cruise on Windermere, England’s largest lake. No matter where you start your journey, be it Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside, the spectacular voyage gives magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.
Whether you’d prefer a tour on the iconic Windermere Lake Cruisers or your own private skippered cruise, a boat trip on Lake Windermere is a fantastic experience if you’re looking for something different and exciting to complement your romantic stay in the Lake District.
Romantic Walks in the Lake District
With rugged peaks, beautiful waters and abundant wildlife, the scenery in the Lake District is worth the visit any time of year, but who better to admire it with than the one you love? As well as the region’s many popular fells, if you’re more pressed for time, there are plenty of easy walks in the Lake District to discover during your romantic getaway.
Imagine tracing the lakeshore with your loved one or disappearing off into the rural countryside in search of that perfect spot to pop the question. Afterwards, you can call into one of the many fantastic pubs in Bowness on Windermere for a bite to eat and return to the comfort of your charming boutique suite to kick back and relax to the fullest.
Picnic in the Lake District
Valentine’s Day in the Lake District doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact the personal touch is often far more appreciated. So, pack up your picnic hamper, take a blanket and crack open a bottle of wine as you snuggle up on the lake shore beneath the stars.
Head to the supermarket beforehand and pick up your partner’s favourite snacks or prepare some tasty treats at home. Make sure you check the weather forecast before trying out this Valentine’s Day date idea as even in summer the weather can be a tad unpredictable here in the Lake District.
Romantic Spa Break in the Lake District
The Lake District isn’t all about outdoorsy activities on the fells or water. It can also be a place to just kick back and be pampered in a spa. Spa hotels in the Lake District boast beautifully designed networks of showers, steam relaxation rooms and saunas, a wide range of body massage treatments and lavish infinity pools overlooking some of the UK’s most idyllic scenery.
Even better, at Aphrodite’s Boutique Suites we combine spa treatments and relaxation areas with romantic getaways that make a dreamy Valentine’s Day retreat. We have several luxury hotel suites to choose from, all designed with romantic breaks in mind, some with their own hot tubs, private gardens, Swedish Barrel Sauna’s and much more.
Where to Stay on Valentines Day in the Lake District
A romantic staycation in the beautiful Lake District National Park is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day as it offers a peaceful and intimate setting for you and your partner to unwind, connect and enjoy each other’s company. Situated in the Lake District in Bowness on Windermere, we at Aphrodites Boutique Suites have a number of beautiful spa suites with everything from outdoor hot tubs to Swedish barrel saunas and relaxation rooms, which create a superb ambience for romantic Valentine’s breaks. We can even arrange a host of surprises on your behalf including personalised room decorations such as scattered rose petals, flowers and a display of balloons to make your stay that extra bit more magical.