DAYSOUT
ROMANCE BLOOMS in the Garden of England
CUPID WILL BE BUSY WITH HIS BOW IN FEBRUARY, SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE IN THE RUN-UP TO VALENTINE’S DAY. While the God of Desire will once again do his best to set lovers’ hearts racing, couples can play their part by making the most of the Garden of England’s wide range of romantic attractions, restaurants and luxurious hotels.
Hever Castle
And with Visit Kent offering dozens of 2FOR1 entry offers at Kent’s top venues and My Kent Big Weekend 2012 - showcasing the best of the county’s tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses to thousands of residents – the time has never been better to enjoy a dreamy St Valentine-inspired day out.
Leeds Castle Nestling in the heart of the Kent countryside, Hever Castle is one of the most romantic castles in the country. Spend a delightful weekend in one of their private houses – Medley Court is a luxurious 5-star Gold Award, four-bedroom cottage and guests benefit from a pass to visit the 13th century double moated castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Guests also have access to the award-winning gardens, lake and parkland in complete privacy during times when the grounds are closed to the public. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Hot Chocolate
Treat the one you love like royalty this Valentine’s Day with a romantic evening at the magnificent Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Enjoy a champagne reception in the Library, with live music from a harpist, before taking a predinner guided tour of the castle, and then enjoying your meal served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. Guests will then be able to retire to the drawing rooms to relax with coffee and friends and enjoy the sounds of a piano accompaniment. The Valentine’s dinner costs £145 per person and there is also the option to stay overnight in one of the castle’s bedrooms and enjoy the romance of the historic grounds and gardens. Dine and sleep packages start from £225 per person. www.leeds-castle.com
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
This Valentine’s Day do something wildly romantic at Port Lympne. Start the day with an African experience safari, followed by a cocktail and 3course meal served in the 1920s mansion. Afterwards, relax over coffee and mints before strolling around the animal park to see some of the world’s rare and endangered animals. www.aspinalfoundation.org/portlympne
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Disco chart-toppers Hot Chocolate will perform live at the Valentine Lovers Party Night at The Britannia Theatre, Dickens World, Chatham, on Friday, February 10th. The legendary pop outfit, famed for hits including ‘Sexy Thing’ and ‘It Started with a Kiss’ will top the bill at the romance-fuelled night, with support from special guests and host DJ ‘The Marvellous One’. Tickets cost £25 in advance. For more information and bookings call 01634 890421.
Biddenden Vineyards
Add a touch of sparkle to your Valentine’s Day with one of Biddenden Vineyard’s awardwinning wines or pick up a few tasty treats to toss into a homecooked feast. Alternatively, stay the night in The Loft, a cosy apartment attached to the main Farmhouse with its own access. Sleeping two and set in a rural location with views across the Vineyard, The Loft is the ideal place to spend a romantic night. www.biddendenvineyards.com