THIS MONTH
News and events to put in your diary
Perfect romantic getaways across the country
Palatial Blenheim
Beautiful Blenheim Palace, in the heart of Oxfordshire, is a wonderfully romantic day out. Birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, this World Heritage Site is packed with interest. Take a walk through the palatial staterooms before escaping to the formal gardens for a stroll in the maze. Annual pass (adult) £35.
blenheimpalace.com
Stay at… Diamond Caravan Park
diamondpark.co.uk
Magical Portmeirion
Built by renowned architect Clough Williams-Ellis on a peninsula on the North Wales coast, the glorious Italianate village of Portmeirion (1)
has a magical romantic quality that makes it unique. Recreate your own version of The Prisoner (the cult 60s TV series was filmed here) as you explore the picturesque piazzas and porticoes alongside manicured gardens. Tickets cost £10.
portmeirion.wales
Stay at… BlaenCefn Leisure Park
blaencefnleisure.co.uk
Land’s End sunset
Enjoy a clifftop stroll from beautiful Sennen Cove, heading west over the hills towards Land’s End. Keep an eye out for dolphins and basking sharks in the waters below. As the sun sets, sit in peaceful companionship and revel in the beauty of nature.
Stay at… Sennen Cove C&CC Site
www.campingand caravanningclub.co.uk
Steamy Sussex
Nothing says romance quite like a steam train and if you’re in the mood for your own brief encounter, take a trip on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. Explore Sheffield Park and Garden before boarding at Sheffield Park Station. Adult Rover tickets cost £23.50. As a special treat, why not book a table for two (£230) on the Valentine’s Day Golden Arrow? bluebell-railway.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden Stay at Long Acres
Caravan & Camping Park
longacrescamping.co.uk
Grecian yearn
Inspired by the classical architecture that he saw on his honeymoon,
Sir Charles Monck later built Belsay Hall, in Northumberland. This fine Greek Revival villa is set in 30 acres of exquisite gardens, with its own medieval castle. The gardens are packed with exotic plants and the 14th-century castle tower affords splendid views. Tickets cost £10.
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/belsay-hall-castle-andgardens/things-to-do/
Stay at Tranwell Farm
tranwellfarm.com
Legendary Tintagel
With the castle dating back to the 13th century and a settlement here since Roman times, Tintagel is truly steeped in history. The ruins on the North Cornwall coast offer dramatic sea views, and legend has it that the medieval castle was home to King Arthur. Today’s Guineveres and Lancelots can reimagine their own love story here. Tickets cost £14.80.
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/tintagel-castle/
Stay at… Trewethett
Farm CAMC Campsite
caravanclub.co.uk
Brave hearts
The five-star Cameron House Hotel offers Scottish luxury in restaurants such as The Boat House, where you can dine in grand style right beside the loch. Treat yourselves to a day at the state-of-the-art spa, with its rooftop infinity pool. The luxury two-hour thermal and hydro experience costs £55 per person.
cameronhouse.co.uk
Stay at… Lomond Woods
woodleisure.co.uk
Here be dragons!
Mighty Dunluce Castle, on Northern Ireland’s Antrim coast, puts you and your partner amid some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern hemisphere. Like much of the area, it is, of course, a film location for Game of Thrones – as the great castle of Pyke, stronghold of House Greyjoy – so you can unleash your inner dragon and let fiery romance commence! Tickets cost £12.
discovernorthernireland.com
Stay at… Ballyness Caravan Park
ballynesscaravanpark.com
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