As we're fast approaching Valentines Day I thought that for February's guide I would share my tips for the most romantic dates in the North East.
These ideas aren't specific to Valentines Day and can be enjoyed all year round, don't forget that love and romance isn't just for 14 February!
Simon and I love the walk from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay. The stretch of coastline is gorgeous and there are some wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy along the way. Our top tip would be to have brunch at Dil and the Bear before a very slow amble along the seafront to Cullercoats where all that fresh air and exercise will definitely justify an ice-cream at Beaches and Cream. For the ultimate romantic date ask for one spoon and share a mammoth sundae.
See the stars at Kielder Observatory
This is something we haven't done ourselves yet but it's high on our wish list and I think it would be perfect for a romantic date night. The Kielder Observatory hosts events all year round including Aurora Night where you have a chance to see the famous northern lights. Snuggle up in blankets, drink hot chocolate and spend your evening gazing at the stars with your love.
Have dinner in a tree house
Another thing on my wish list that we're yet to do is have dinner at the Alnwick Garden Tree House. Dining up in the trees, sitting by a roaring fire and surrounded by twinkling fairy lights sounds so romantic and I imagine that eating here is pretty special.
An overnight stay in Northumberland at St Mary's Inn
Don't worry if you can't afford to whisk your love away to Paris, who needs to go abroad when we have beautiful countryside hotels right on our doorstep. St Mary's Inn in Stannington serve delicious local produce, have plenty of romantic fireplaces to sit by and the most gorgeous rooms to stay in. Surprise your other half with a countryside staycation and you'll be scoring yourself a serious amount of brownie points.
Spa Day at the Garage
Something else we haven't done yet, but we have just booked ourselves in for my birthday next month and to say I'm excited would be an understatement. The Garage Spa is a luxurious rural spa hidden away in Couty Durham. Relax in the Shepherds Hut Log Sauna, discover the outside hot tub in the Secret Garden and when it all gets too much book yourself a treatment and enjoy some lunch.
Afternoon Tea at the Running Fox in Felton
It's not only Newcastle where you'll find amazing afternoon teas! The Running Fox at Felton have one of the best afternoon teas in the North East, making it a great place for romance. With the freedom to create your own cake stand you can pick your own sandwich fillings, select what quiche and pie you want and even choose which cakes to enjoy
Hire a private chef
Unfortunately we've not all been blessed with natural talents in the kitchen so if the thought of preparing a romantic dinner for your date leaves you feeling a bit stressed then why not hire a private chef to do the hard work for you? Paul's Private Dining offers a bespoke service to create the perfect evening of your dreams. You may think that having a private chef for the evening would be very expensive but Paul's prices are no more than enjoying a slap up meal in the Toon, not only that but he'll even do most of the washing up for you!
Stay in a fancy suite at the Vermont Aparthotel
It's my dream to stay in every luxury hotel in Newcastle, so far I've only made it to Jesmond Dene House so I really do need to work harder! The Vermont Aparthotel on Newcastle's Quayside gives you a little taste of luxurious city living and is a great place to play "dream home".
Cruise the Farne Islands
Yet another thing that's still on the list. Explore the Farne Islands on Serenity and see the puffins and seals. For the ultimate romantic date sunset cruises depart from May until September, where you can watch the sunset behind the beautiful Bamburgh Castle.
Eat Lunch in the Cheese Loft
I think Simon may take some convincing before he agrees with me that cheese is romantic, he really doesn't get my obsession with it. I'm dying to take a trip to the Northumberland Cheese Company and enjoy one of their tours. Doing something different with your other half is a great way to spend a romantic date and I think learning how to make cheese followed by a feast in the Cheese Loft would be a fantastic way to spend a day.
Glamping at Druridge Bay
Not the best idea for the Winter months, but definitely something to save for the Summer. The Bells of Hemscott offer wild glamping and camping experiences, perfect for a romantic weekend away with your partner. Simon and I stayed in the Shepherds Hut last year and loved the experience. If camping isn't your thing then you'll probably enjoy a stay in the beautiful Poppy Cottage or, perhaps the most exciting news I've heard so far this year, the Bells of Hemscott now have alpacas! I am going to start seriously dropping some hints to Simon about going alpaca walking this year!
Let me know if you have any other ideas for romantic dates in the North East, I'd love to add some more ideas to my list.
Such lovely unique ideas! I think dinner in a cheese loft actually sounds really cool :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the shout and don't forget to join me this year.
ReplyDeleteThe cream tea looks so good! Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteLizzie Dripping
I love all these ideas! Isn't Alnwick Garden Tree House one of the venues for a Don't Tell the Bride Wedding? I don't live near Newcastle but I definitely hope to pay it a visit or two and these are so lovely, especially Keilder Observatory, how beautiful would that be!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to tick off all the ones you'd love to do soon!
Issy | MissIsGoode xox
Ah I LOVE the Cheese loft, it's a real hidden gem. I recommend their cheese soup on a cold day! Yum (They also offer an afternoon tea that's good value) x
ReplyDelete