Make up for missing Valentine's with these suggestions

13th January 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Please note, the UK is currently under a national lockdown, please do not travel. These suggestions are for future reference only. 

While it looks like Valentine's Day might have to be cancelled as the UK's current national lockdown looks to continue until February half term, that doesn't mean you can't treat your loved one later in the year! As the vaccine roll out begins and restrictions begin to lift in the spring and summer, you'll be able to treat your loved one to a romantic break, so here are a few suggestions of what you can do in Devon to show your love and appreciation, regardless of it is your spouse, your best friend or just someone you want to spend some time with in lovely surroundings.  

Devon’s moors, coastline and abundance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty make it an ideal location for a romantic break, whatever time of year, and with the many luxury accommodation options and fine dining restaurants, there are plenty of things to choose from for a special weekend away.

One of the county’s most beautiful locations is Salcombe, with its countryside surroundings and coastal areas, it is perfect for romantic walks, lazing on the beach and watching the waves crashing against that beautiful golden sand. One location surrounded by gorgeous views and offering tranquil and restful breaks is Ocean Reach Holiday Homes.

Image: Ocean Reach

The site has three different homes giving you views over Burgh Island, Thurlestone and Bigbury Bay and on clear days you can even see as far as Lizard Point. Whichever home you choose for your break will give you panoramic views and easy access to both the sea and countryside. All the properties are tastefully decorated with beautiful furnishing and free wifi as well as parking, so you can plan day trips from the property or choose to stay in streaming movies together – whatever you want to do! There are several places nearby for you to enjoy on days out if you want to explore, including the surrounding Bolberry Down area, the main Salcombe region, Burgh Island and other areas of South Devon.
The properties also come with fully equipped kitchens, so you don’t even have to leave for food if you don’t want to.

Another option for a day out in the Salcombe area is stopping by the spa at Gara Rock for a bit of couple’s pampering. Treat yourself and your other half to some incredible treatments or spend time in the jacuzzi or sauna to wash away the stresses of everyday life. Speaking of Gara Rock, you could always book your romantic break there. Located in Salcombe itself, Gara Rock is easy going and down to earth but with all the luxuries you would expect.

Image: Gara Rock

It is well known for its food and drink offering but there is no formalities or dress codes, making it a great place for a comfortable few days away. With easy access to the South West Coast Path and extras onsite including the cinema room, you can spend time together doing what you enjoy.
You can even choose the perfect accommodation to suit you as a couple, the site has everything from suites, apartments and even a few more alternative options, known as their Out of the Ordinary Accommodation.

Neighbouring Salcombe is Kingsbridge which is a delightful place to visit for the day or even to use as your base while staying in Devon. Kingsbridge is within easy reach of many of south Devon’s beaches and you can easily venture into Salcombe, Dartmouth or just explore the town.

Image: The Whitehouse

While we’re in south Devon, the Thurlestone Hotel in nearby Kingsbridge is a four star luxury hotel set in stunning grounds with a spa, leisure facilities and golf course all onsite. The hotel has been family owned for over 100 years and the service is first class, easily combining comfort and luxury with a home from home atmosphere. As well as luxury accommodation, the Thurlestone Hotel has its own award winning restaurant, ideal for those intimate meals for two as well as the Terrace Bar where you can enjoy food and drink while overlooking the gardens and their own 16^th Century village inn for a more relaxed dining experience.

Somewhere else with a spa and onsite leisure facilities is the Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa which can be found within the Dartmoor National Park, providing excellent views, traditional character and a laid back vibe so you can unwind however you like. The panoramic setting provides plenty of romance to your trip and with the facilities, you won’t need to go far to relax and spend time together. 

If you do want to venture out, the House of Marbles  is less than 3 miles away and makes for a fascinating day out. With a fully licensed eatery, shops, museums and the Teign Valley Glassworks, you can easily spend hours there. Teign Valley Glass is a working glassworks with a team of highly skilled glassmakers using traditional techniques that you can watch from the viewing platform before buying their products in the shop. Or visit the four museums full of games of old, as well as pottery, glass and marbles so there really is something for everyone. Not only that, but it is dog friendly, so if you choose to bring your four legged friends along on your romantic trip, you won’t have to leave them behind!

Image: Becky Falls

Or if you’re more outdoorsy, Becky Falls is another option. It’s a spectacular spot where you can enjoy over 50 acres of woodland walks and spend your days looking for local wildlife that are abundant in the area.

Another Dartmoor based hotel ideal for romantic breaks is Glazebrook House Hotel which can be found near Ivybridge. The hotel is enchantingly decorated with nine rooms all uniquely themed around Alice in Wonderland so you can really escape your every day life for a few days.

The hotel is home to a popular restaurant serving up the freshest, seasonal produce and the secluded setting makes it a great place for a rural retreat. Being on Dartmoor you can easily go for romantic walks through the dramatic scenery, re-imagining yourself as Elizabeth Bennet before returning to your normal routine! If you don’t fancy eating onsite, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this part of Devon, especially if you’re a fan of locally sourced food and drink.

Further south towards Plymouth is Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, a 5* luxury manor house in a traditional Elizabethan style with imposing stone towers, secret archways and more hinting at its rich history. The hotel’s grandness really makes it a special location for a romantic get away and with the onsite spa, you can really pamper yourself and be looked after by the team of trained staff. There are very few places in the world that share the same ambience of this dramatic and stunning hotel, not just in décor but also in architecture. If you do choose Boringdon Hall for our stay, make sure to time your visit alongside one of the monthly special edition Afternoon Teas which are held regularly. Afternoon Tea is something of a ritual here and with Devon being so famous for the quality of its cream tea, you can be sure of something really special.

Image: Boringdon Hall 

While we’re sure the hotel’s grounds, communal areas and the Gaia Spa will keep you busy during your stay, Plymouth city centre with its many eateries and attractions is just a short journey away. For those of you who like a tipple or two there is Plymouth Gin, one of England’s oldest distilleries where you can not only sample some of their excellent gin, which continues to be made to the same traditional recipe, but you can also join in with tours and stop for a bite to eat at their restaurant.

Alternatively, the National Marine Aquarium makes for an interesting day out, particularly for those of you interested in the natural world or The Box, Plymouth’s latest cultural destination is the place to go for art and history fans. There are several permanent exhibitions as well as seasonal ones, so there is always something new to enjoy.

Just because you’re heading out on a romantic break doesn’t mean you’re confined to a hotel. There are plenty of accommodation options that are perfect for couples all of which suit a range of styles and budgets.
For the active couple, why not choose somewhere like Westward Living?

Image: Westward Living

Also, being in the north of the county, there are plenty of opportunities for watersports, especially being so close to the coast and the region’s premier surfing beaches.This award winning holiday site in Westward Ho! comprises of a collection of luxurious holiday cottages just a five minute walk from the South West Coast Path and the blue flag beach as well as being close to the Royal North Devon Golf Club. Because it is a resort, Westward Living has a host of facilities right on site including pools, hot tubs and other leisure facilities making it perfect for anyone who likes to be active during their breaks away.

You could also choose a cosy cottage stay or a holiday apartment. In Teignmouth in the Torbay area of Devon, you’ll find Riviera Apartments, a collection of five self catering apartments on the seafront.
Each of the apartments offer a real home from home experience allowing you to truly relax and spend quality time together and the views from the bedrooms allow you to see all along the seafront across the Torbay, Shaldon, the estuary and towards Dartmoor. When you’re not at home, you can spend time exploring Teignmouth together, it’s a beautiful town full of Victorian heritage, including the Victorian pier and a working harbour, as well as all the attractions you would expect from a small, seaside town.
You can also easily explore the wider English Riviera by hopping on the train towards Torquay, Paignton or onwards, visiting the many attractions that can be found in this popular region of Devon.

If you want something a bit more out of this world for your romantic break, why not give glamping a try? Glamping is becoming more and more popular and you don’t even have to worry about getting cold and damp when visiting in February for Valentine’s Day. The glamping sites in Devon give you all the fun of camping with the luxuries you would expect from a top quality hotel. Many of the properties have proper beds, running water and even heating!

One glamping site is The Orchard Retreat near Crediton in the middle of the county. You can choose from cottages or one of the handcrafted yurts which have their own private bathroom and kitchen facilities. The site has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained and being in Crediton means you’re well placed for exploring, with many National Trust properties nearby as well as the city of Exeter where you can find the famous Exeter Cathedral as well as eateries and attractions.

Image: Wolf Wood Treehouses

There is also the opportunity to spend your break in a treehouse with Wolf Wood Treehouses located near Okehampton. This is the ultimate combination of luxury and wilderness with the treehouses in the heart of a secluded 13 acre woodland in a hidden valley to the North of Dartmoor and just outside the village of Bratton Clovelly.
Each of the treehouses have their own secluded spot as well as their totally private deck baths allowing you to enjoy a nice bath while staring up at the unpolluted night sky – what could be more romantic than that?

If you like the idea of being in the wilderness, Roadford Lake is just along the road with its many outdoor activities including boating, walking and more.

Another romantic option is staying in a castle – something that you can do by booking a room with Tiverton Castle. The main castle building has three large self contained apartments as well as other property within the castle grounds. If you or your other half have ever had fantasies about being in a fairytale, this is the accommodation for them! All the apartments within the castle are accessed through either one of the turrets or via the magnificent 17^th century staircase – when it comes to being swept off your feet for Valentine’s Day – this is one place that is guaranteed to make your other half swoon!

Need some more inspiration for romantic breaks in Devon? You can see a whole range of properties here.

The UK is currently under a nationwide lockdown, so don't make your booking just yet, we'll be happy to welcome you and your loved one (s) back when it is safe to travel. Once we are able to enjoy a trip to Devon, you'll find that there are covid safety measures in place at many of Devon’s attractions and accommodation providers. Please make sure to check when booking of any requirements and to follow all guidance.

For the most up to date information about restrictions and travel, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.