What is Valentines Day?
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14th.
Originating as a Western Christian feast day, honouring one or two early saints named Valentinus, Valentine's Day is recognised as a cultural and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.
The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").
Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Around 1 billion valentines cards are exchanged on Valentines Day each year globally, which makes it the second biggest seasonal card sending time of the year!
Where is the best place to spend Valentines Day?
Here at Tingdene Lifestyle, we are all about the British coast and countryside, so we have put together some of the best valentines ideas in our amazing holiday home locations.
The UK gives plenty of opportunity to be a romantic, even in mid February! With so much beautiful scenery to enjoy and plenty of excellent shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels & places to escape to, it's not difficult to find something special to celebrate Valentines Day with the one you love.
The beach, of course, is an amazingly romantic place. The ‘norm’ may be to book an expensive restaurant, but wrapping up warm and packing a picnic and bottle of bubbly for a beach picnic may, in fact, win you more points for originality. Plus, you will be the envy on Instagram with your thoughtful idea and bespoke drawings in the sand.
Check out these ideas for places to be when romance is in the air.
ROMANTIC things to do IN SUFFOLK
Explore RUINED CHURCHES ON THE SUFFOLK COAST
Any beautiful beach along the Suffolk coast is an ideal place for a romantic walk or picnic; our favourites are Dunwich Heath, among a list of National Trust sites in Suffolk, or Benacre Broad, a stunning coastal lagoon just next to Covehithe beach.
At both Dunwich and Covehithe, you’ll find ruined churches offering a beautifully romantic vista for your Valentine’s date. Dunwich Greyfriars is the remains of a 13th-century friary, first established by Franciscan monks. In Covehithe, you’ll find St Andrews, a 14th-century building that was partially dismantled in the 1600’s, with a small church still in use today.
Enjoy a ROMANTIC SUNRISE AT NESS POINT
Close to Ness Point in Lowestoft is where you can start your Valentines Day - and every day for that matter - with the earliest sunrise in the UK. The earlier the day starts the more time you have together. How romantic is that?
Sample Sumptuous Southwold
Or, why not head to the iconic Southwold and explore the galleries, independent shops and beach. Don’t forget Adnam’s brewery - who doesn’t feel romantic after a beer or two?
Channel the Greatest Showman in Ipswich
Starting on Valentines Day until March 9th, you’ll find Circus Fantasia at Trinity Park Showground in Ipswich, before it travels the UK throughout the year.
Just next to Ness Point is Tingdene North Denes, the UK’s most easterly caravan park. It’s possible that part of its popularity is the romance of early sunrises. Although, it’s also because it’s a calm and tranquil spot, yet within easy reach of some of East Anglia’s leading attractions. Go to Great Yarmouth for the fun of it, or stroll around Southwold for the charm of it. North Denes is a great place for your UK holiday home. And it could be a great place for romance.
Tingdene Broadlands Park and Marina in Suffolk has been called a ‘village within a village’, and is just a 25 minute drive from Southwold. A ‘gateway to the Broads’, it’s perfectly placed for this most romantic part of the East Anglian landscape, the Broads National Park. Pottering about in a boat, tucking into a pub lunch by the water and enjoying luxurious dip in the pool at Broadlands is all super romantic. Why not do that any time of year, not just on Valentines Day, with your own UK holiday home.
Enjoy a romantic night at the cinema in Lincolnshire
Romantic things to do in Lincolnshire
classic dates to the Cinema
What’s more romantic than going to the movies together? And if you’re looking for a special night at the cinema it doesn’t come more intimate than a visit to the The Kinema in the Woods. This unique cinema opened for business in 1922. Multiplex it isn’t, this is a 92 seat gem of a place.
Cathedral and Castle walks in Lincoln
On a grander scale Lincolnshire won’t fail you for romantic locations. There’s Lincoln itself - with its castle and cathedral. Or there’s the wonderful coastline to wander - just the two of you. And then there’s Steep Hill. They say it’s one of the ‘most atmospheric’ streets in the country. that has to bode well for romance doesn’t it?
Great Lincolnshire Halls and Houses
Lincolnshire is home to a variety of heritage halls, from Victorian Houses to Elizabethan Mansions. You could head to Doddington Hall for Valentines Afternoon Tea, Belton House for their annual Snowdrop walks, or even Tattershall Castle to scope it out as a wedding venue. How much more romantic can you get?
With all those places to visit, it’s no wonder Tingdene Mablethorpe Chalet & Caravan Park is a favourite location for a holiday home. Its traditional cedar chalets and contemporary caravans are exactly right for an area of beauty, history and heritage. You’ll love it, all year round.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railways
Romantic things to do in North Yorkshire
Delectable dinner dates
North Yorkshire is an area famous for romantic restaurants; head to Michelin mentioned Melton’s in York for an “immaculate collection of local and international dishes”, The Farrier in Cayton, for “unpretentious first class service in a wonderfully luxurious yet relaxed and friendly setting”, Crocodïle in Whitby for fusion tapas in a cosy and unique setting, or Embers in Scarborough for “the best locally sourced Yorkshire produce”.
Walks and Wanders in the North York Moors
North Yorkshire has got a lot of lovely places to visit, like the North York Moors.
The iconic Roseberry Topping (that even sounds romantic doesn’t it) is one not to be missed, assuming the February weather is kind. Many a couple has made it to the top together, all 1049 feet, to take in the stunning scenery.
The Dark Skies Festival 10th Anniversary starts on Valentines Day across a variety of northern National Parks, including the North York Moors. What’s more romantic than stargazing with your loved ones?
Romance on the railways
Romance and railways have always been something of a pairing; The North Yorkshire Moors Railway could prove just the ticket for you. And then there’s Whitby, with its delightful town and Abbey. Plus, there’s Dracula, which is a love story deep down.
All of this North Yorkshire loveliness is on the doorstep of Tingdene at Redcar Beach. Just east of the River Tees, and a firm favourite UK holiday home location, it’s somewhere you could fall in love with.
Explore the Broads by boat with your special someone at both Broadlands Park and Marina & Waveney River Centre.
ROMANTIC places to go IN Norfolk
Let laughter and love intertwine
The Comedy Store, a premier name in comedy with 40 year’s experience, appears at Gorleston Pavilion starting on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy ‘The Best in Stand Up” from around the globe, with further dates in May, September, and December.
Enjoy a romantic holiday on the Broads
Tingdene Waveney River Centre, with its wooden lodge holiday homes, are perfect for those romantic getaways amidst the peace and tranquility of Carlton Marshes and the Waveney Valley.
Or, for a romantic retreat at any time of the year, take advantage of our fantastic price offers when buying your own holiday home at Waveney River Centre.
Discover history and culture in Norwich
And of course, there’s the fine city of Norwich. The historic city is full of fabulous things to do, see, eat and drink. From fine dining to street food, wine bars to traditional pubs - it’s all there to be enjoyed. With its winding alleyways and glorious streets, this is a very romantic city to get lost in.
Revel in Romance on the railways
According to the North Norfolk Railway, “steam trains are the epitome of romance”, so head to Sheringham on Valentines Night for a memorable evening on the dining train, The North Norfolkman. Enjoy a three course meal, welcome drink and a relaxing journey to Holt and back from a bygone era.
With so much within striking distance there’s no wonder people love Tingdene Caldecott Hall Country Park or Tingdene Waveney River Centre as a place for their holiday home. Make it your romantic retreat.
Romantic places in East Yorkshire
A little something to sip
Few things conjure up a romantic evening more than a glass of wine. Drinking responsibly goes without saying but it’s a lovely thing to do to get some romance in the air.
Did you know East Yorkshire boasts its own vineyard? Little Wold Vineyard harvested its first crop in 2016 and now grows five different grape varieties for white wine, and two for red. And here’s even better news. They offer Winter tasting tours, so you can buy a bottle on the 9th Feb to take back for that special night.
Wine and dine in Yorkshire’s finest restaurants
If you’re thinking of going out, then East Yorkshire won’t disappoint. Whites Restaurant at Beverly is Michelin starred and Tickton Grange offers much - including a fabulous afternoon tea. Try Manchot in Bridlington for tapas fusion flavours, and try The Wellington Inn in Driffield for clasic pub grub.
Wintery walks to see the Snowdrops
Head to Burnby Hall in Pocklington between 10am & 4pm and you’ll find over 100 varieties of Snowdrops growing in the gardens. Snowdrops in the Gardens runs from 10th - 19th Feb, with themed talks on the Wednesdays from the Trustee Peter Williams and Head Gardener Jill Ward, followed by a short Garden tour.
Tingdene South Shore, just south from Bridlington is one of the north’s most sought after holiday home locations. It’s in an area people have loved to holiday in for decades, and it’s got a real sense of community. It’s romantic.
So there’s some fantastic places to think about in February. Five lovely locations to get loved up about. And one great big idea to get your head around. A UK holiday home of your own.
Heading out to on a date is great, but not leaving the confines of your UK holiday home, meaning you can stay in the comfort of your PJ’s, may have a bigger appeal; especially if you are in a lazy and relaxed mood! Find the best romantic comedy, reach for the popcorn & chocolate and make your holiday home living room your own mini cinema.
It makes so much sense. And sometimes it does make sense to be ruled by your heart, not your head. Especially around Valentines…
