With good food and stunning scenery, it appears that Cumbria really does have it all when it comes to setting the scene for romance.
There are so many experiences, venues, activities and locations to explore, that however you want to celebrate this Valentine’s Day there is a date for you.
Why not allow you both to relax and enjoy the day, by taking away the hassle of driving and jumping on board a Stagecoach bus.
Here we’ve compiled our top 10 list of romantic experiences from across the county – plus a handful for those of you looking to escape the hearts and roses.
A boat ride on Derwentwater
Imagine gently motoring along the tranquil waters of Derwentwater, taking in the wild and romantic scenery of Skiddaw, sitting beside the person you love. Stagecoach’s Bus and Boat ticket will help you take all the stress out of travel this Valentine’s Day. Hop on and off any boat ride on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch, and make it a day to remember.
Bus service: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Bus stop: Keswick Bus Station
A Couple’s Spa
Bus service: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus stop: Low Wood Bay, Windermere
Spoil yourself and your loved one with a truly indulgent couple’s spa day and afternoon tea at The Hideaway Retreat, based in Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Windermere.
The hotel’s most exclusive treatment room has indoor and outdoor facilities, including an incredible fellside infinity pool, heated treatment beds, a rustic salt bath and a unique buckwheat bed all overlooking Windermere.
After your body is truly relaxed, complete your day with a wood-fired afternoon tea.
A Romantic Picnic
Bus service: X4, X5 & 555
Bus stop: Nether Place / Ashtree House / Castle Lane (15 minute walk to Stone Circle)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Blencathra, there are few more spectacular spots for an intimate picnic for two than Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick.
Pack your favourite treats in a basket, grab the picnic blanket and soak up the scenery as you sit in the shadows of one of Britain’s earliest stone circles.
This inexpensive idea allows you to get away from it all, and enjoy time for the two of you – just don’t forget a coat.
Cocktail Hour
Bus service: 555
Bus stop: 5 minute walk from Low Wood Bay, Windermere
Take the opportunity to dress up and sip a cocktail in The Reverie. This hotel bar is based within The Samling Hotel, and is perfect for a Valentine’s evening as the bar takes its name from a Wordsworth poem which reminisces about a romantic dalliance with a young woman in the hotel grounds.
If you’re feeling particularly fancy, treat your date to The 22.5 – the bar’s signature cocktail which comes garnished with 22.5 carat gold flakes and is served in a Cumbria crystal champagne flute.
Bracing Beach Walk
Bus service: 400
Bus stop: The Green, Silloth
Nothing shouts romance more than a star-lit stroll, hand-in-hand along a beach. While Cumbria may not boast the white sands of the Caribbean, you will still find romance along the shores of Silloth. Wander the beach, soaking up the peace and tranquillity, before pausing to gaze out across the Solway Firth, as you enjoy simply being together.
A Night At The Theatre
Bus service: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Bus stop: Keswick Bus Station
Witness a night of wild adventure at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, as Valentine’s Day also coincides with the Banff Mountain Film Festival – Blue Film Programme.
From extreme skiing to base jumping, get your heart racing as you enjoy six thrilling new films from around the world being shown live in the theatre’s Main House.
Alternatively, add some laughs to your romance and watch a performance of Richard B Sheridan’s School for Scandal, billed as a “hilarious comedy of mischief and manners”.
Soak Up The Sunset
Bus service: 78
Bus stop: Borrowdale
Surprise View is a popular proposal spot because of its exceptional views, easy access, and tranquillity. For a date filled with romance, check the sunset times and take a seat to watch the sunset over Derwentwater.
As the dying rays catch the ripples in the lake’s surface, why not bring a flask of something warm to share and enjoy Mother Nature at her finest with this breathtaking spectacle.
Be Dazzled
Bus service: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stop: Carlisle Bus Station / Carlisle Market Hall
This February, experience the extraordinary, as Carlisle plays host to a spectacular sound and light show. ‘Crown and Coronation’ has been produced by Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis, and will see visitors explore the history of coronations in an immersive visual show and emotive soundscape.
This will be projected on some of the city’s most famous landmarks and locations – including Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle, between Thursday, February 15, and Saturday, February 17.
A Waterfall Walk
Bus service: 508 from Penrith to Glenridding, return from Aira Force
Bus stop: Matterdale, Aira Force. The bus stop is right in front of the Aira Force Car Park
For an alternative escape from the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, why not head to Aira Force.
Take a romantic stroll with your loved one through the woodland, keeping an eye out for the wildlife – will you spot a woodpecker or a red squirrel.
Stop to marvel at the power of the beautiful waterfalls, as they tumble into the river below, as you enjoy being in a place where time seems to truly stand still.
Retrace Wordsworth’s Steps
Bus service: 555 & 599
Bus stop: Wordsworth Grasmere
Why not take inspiration from one of the original Romantic poets, William Wordsworth. Head to Grasmere, where he once called home, and revel in the village he once described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.
Take a tour of his former home – Dove Cottage, wander the small beach on the south shore, hire a rowing boat or show them how much you really care and treat them to some Grasmere Gingerbread.
You never know, some of Wordsworth’s passion may rub off on you.
However, for many February 14 brings with it feelings that they’d rather forget. In recent years people have begun using the day as an opportunity to treat themselves or spend quality time with friends. In fact, February 13 has even been named as Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day.
Here we outline a couple of things you could do to celebrate good friends this February.
A Trip To The Cinema
Bus service: 30 & 300
Bus stop: Dunmail Park
Whether treating yourself alone or heading out with a group of mates, nothing beats a trip to the cinema.
Parkway Cinema in Workington has six screens, each fitted out with electric leather reclining seats, meaning you can relax in style as you indulge several hours of entertainment.
Whether watching the latest blockbuster or a screening of the special My Favourite Things – Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, you can top the evening off with a coffee or cocktail in the cinema foyer.
Escape It All
Bus service: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Whitewater Hotel, Backbarrow
Ulverston is proud to host Cliffhanger Rooms, ranked among Cumbria’s top escape room experiences.
Whether there are two of you or six friends out together, lose yourself as you attempt to pull off a heist at the Hatton Garden safe or search for the Pieces of Eight to buy your freedom off Blackbeard’s haunted pirate ship.
Whatever your adventure, it’s a great way to celebrate Palentine’s with mates.
THE HERDWICK NEWS 