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, which makes it the second biggest seasonal card sending time of the year!
Where is the best place to spend Valentines Day?
Of course here at Tingdene Lifestyle, we are all about the 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. Of course the ‘norm’ maybe seen as booking an expensive restaurant, however wrapping up warm and packing a romantic picnic and bottle of bubbly 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.
1. Suffolk
Close to Ness Point in Lowestoft is where you can start your Valentines Day - and every day for that matter - with the earliest sun rise. The earlier the day starts the more time you have together. How romantic is that?
The reason for the day starting early of course is that this is England’s most easterly point. In fact, 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.
Enjoy a romantic night at the cinema in Lincolnshire
2. Lincolnshire
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.
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? You should consider a visit to Washingborough Hall too. Lincolnshire isn’t short of romantic places to eat and drink, but this place is pretty special
It’s no wonder Tingdene Mablethorpe 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
3. North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is an area famous for romantic restaurants. It’s also got a lot of lovely places to visit, like Roseberry Topping. That even sounds romantic doesn’t it? Many a couple has made it to the top, together, to take in the stunning scenery.
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. It is, really.
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.
4. The Broads
Tingdene Broadlands Park and Marina has been called a ‘village within a village’. They also say it’s like a ‘gateway to the Broads’. Either way, it’s perfectly placed for this most romantic part of the East Anglian landscape. Pottering about in a boat or a pub lunch by the Broads. A luxurious lounge and a dip in the pool at Broadlands Park. All these activities tick a lot of romantic boxes.
Or try Tingdene Waveney River Centre, with its very romantic wooden lodge holiday homes. They’re perfect for those romantic getaways amidst the peace and tranquility of Carlton Marshes and the Waveney Valley.
You could wander over from either of these parks to Southwold and explore the galleries and independent shops, plus there’s Adnam’s brewery. Who doesn’t feel romantic after a beer or two?
Or there’s Wroxham, at the heart of the Broads. 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.
With so much within striking distance there’s no wonder people love Tingdene Broadlands Park and Marina or Tingdene Waveney River Centre as a place for their holiday home. Make it your romantic retreat.
5. East Yorkshire
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 tasting tours so you can buy a bottle to take back for that special night.
If you’re thinking of going out, out then East Yorkshire won’t disappoint. Whites Restaurant at Beverly is Michelin starred and Tickton Grange offers much - including a fabulous afternoon tea.
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…
