Kiss at Carnforth Station, Lancashire
Have your own Brief Encounter at this Lancashire station, the setting of the 1945 David Lean classic. Restored to its 1940s glory, there’s an exhibition on the film while the movie plays throughout the day, or recreate the famous kiss under the clock.
Follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps
You needn’t travel to “fair Verona” to have your own taste of Shakespeare’s famous romances — only to Warwickshire. As well as visiting Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where the man himself may have fallen in love, you can dress up as star-crossed lovers at Shakespeare’s Birthplace or place a message on the Valentine’s tree at Hall’s Croft Garden to make a wish for your loved one.
New Forest for lovers
Where better for romance than the village of Lover in the New Forest — it might be pronounced ‘low-ver’ but you can keep that secret while posing (safely) next to the road sign. Although the whole area, with its roaming ponies and pretty villages is great for a weekend away, don’t miss seeing the 600-year-old Knightwood Oak, under which Henry VIII is reputed to have sheltered … perhaps while wishing for more romantic success.
Take a Valentine walk in Surrey
Head to Claremont, home to Princess Charlotte Augusta, heir to the British throne, in the early 19th century. The gardens will be recreating the story of her romance with future husband Prince Leopold from February 11-14 including a Valentine’s walk around the 49-acre estate. Sadly her story didn’t have a happy ending, but you can hang a memento for your loved one at the old beech known as the kissing tree. Entry costs from £8.
Love letters in London
Keats House in London is where John Keats fell in love with Fanny Brawne, writing some of his most famous poetry during his time there. Now a memorial to the poet, the house has Fanny’s engagement ring, locks of hair, and letters exchanged between the lovers.
Star-gaze in Bristol
l It’s still a bit chilly to sit under the stars so head to AtBristol science centre where you can gaze on the wonders of the universe from a comfy seat indoors. Planetarium Nights, for ages 16+, run throughout the year including February 16, with the chance to be transported to the stars together.
Indulge in the food of love
Shakespeare may have called music the food of love, but he never got to try chocolate. Discover London’s chocolate history with Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, including an evening tour option with a chocolate cocktail included and plenty of tastings along the way. There are also tours in Brighton and a planned version coming soon in York. Tours cost from £33.
Discover Yorkshire’s Wuthering Heights
l The wild, desolate moors around Haworth, home to the Bronte sisters, helped inspire the famous tale of love and revenge in Wuthering Heights. Visit with your own Cathy or Heathcliff, then stop at the Bronte Parsonage Museum, once the family home, now holding the world’s biggest collection of Bronte literary paraphernalia along with information on their lives.
