8 Fun Ideas for Valentines Day in the North East

*This post includes past collaborations

This is your "one week to go" reminder that it's Valentines Day next week and before you all start grumbling about "Hallmark holidays" I'm here to remind you that February 14th doesn't have to be a day of boring cliches and overpriced gifts. Here are 8 fun ideas of how to celebrate with your Valentine in the North East.

The Best Rose in Toon at Katherine's Florists

Nothing says romance quite like a bunch of beautiful red roses and if you're going to surprise your partner with some roses this Valentines make sure you avoid the tired, battered bunches in the supermarket and shop local. Katherine's Florists in Newcastle and Gosforth have a huge range of roses available for every budget and if you're feeling extra fancy you could order one of only ten luxury rose bouquets, "the Best Rose in Toon" features 12 stunning Supra Red Naomi Roses and they really are something else!

Take a look at Katherine's Florists Valentines Collection here.

Snuggle up at the Drive Thru

There's something so romantic about snuggling up in the car watching a film at the Drive In Movie. We experienced the Drive in Cinema at South Shields for the first time last year and had the loveliest evening sitting in our car watching Grease - we ate sweets and indulged in a bit of car karaoke (well I did, Simon was a little reluctant to use my bottle as a microphone!). The Drive in Cinema has returned to the seafront especially for Valentines and between 13 and 24 February you can watch some great movies including The Greatest Showman, A Star is Born and the slightly less romantic Deadpool!

Read all about our experience at the Drive in Cinema here

Romantic Glamping at Hesleyside Huts

Imagine escaping to a Northumberland woodland for a cosy night for two in your very own hut. Toasting marshmallows on the camp fire and snuggling up under the duvet before taking a long hot soak in the most beautiful copper bath tub. Sounds a bit like a dream but this place does exist and it's our most romantic discovery of last year. Hesleyside Huts are ideal for couples wanting to escape real life without losing any of their creature comforts - the huts include hot water, electricity, a fully functioning kitchen and luxury bedding - meaning the only thing you have to worry about is if it will be clear enough to see those famous Northumberland dark skies.

Read all about our experience at Hesleyside Huts here

Dining at Spanish City

We have had so many dates at Spanish City and it really is one of our favourite places in the North East to enjoy some time together. Perhaps it's the historic romance of the building (I love to think about all the past generations of couples who have met under the Dome) or maybe it's just that the place is beautiful and the food is so good but we just can't keep away. Spanish City gives you loads of options to celebrate Valentines Day, whether you want to go all out with an afternoon tea, enjoy a couple of drinks with stunning seaside views or maybe fancy some fish and chips. It really has become our "go to" when we're planning a date and if you're yet to discover the new look Spanish City for yourself let Valentines be your perfect excuse!

Read all about my Afternoon Tea experience at Spanish City here

Gin Bar Crawling round Newcastle

For my birthday last year we enjoyed a gin bar crawl round Newcastle and it ended up being one of my all time favourite dates. There are so many fantastic gin bars in the Toon and if you love a huge Copa glass and endless choices of gin then you really do live in the best city. Our favourite date night location is Dacantus - the gin choices are endless, it has the loveliest vibe and there's free tapas with your drinks. From there we love to move onto The Continental but if you really want to go all out then you need to check out my full guide!

Read all about The Best Gin Bars in Newcastle here 

Escape Down the Rabbit Hole

If you're yet to visit The Rabbit Hole in Durham then Valentines is the perfect excuse to experience it for the first time.  A 1920s Shanghai inspired speakeasy, jazz bar and supper club you are welcomed in through a secret door to the  most beautiful warren of corridors filled with private booths, velvet curtains and tasseled chairs. Dress to impress, leave your cares at the door and get ready for something you've never experienced in the North East before!

Read all about our date night at The Rabbit Hole here

An Indulgent Staycation at Wynyard Hall

We love Wynyard Hall so much we stayed there twice last year! The first time we were invited to do a review but we enjoyed ourselves so much we decided to return a few months later to celebrate our wedding anniversary. It is the most beautiful hotel and manages to be somewhere that you can enjoy a taste of the finer things in life yet still maintains a wonderful warm and friendly atmosphere. The spa is beautiful, the bedrooms are so plush, the food is fantastic (I highly recommend their afternoon tea) and their grounds offer the perfect place for a romantic stroll with your other half. Valentines heaven!

Read all about our hotel and spa experience at Wynyard Hall here 

A Cosy Cottage for Two on Hadrian's Wall

Imagine a cosy cottage for two in the Northumberland countryside complete with wood burning stove, super king sized bed and a mammoth bath tub with a little table especially designed to stash your Prosecco! With a kitchen filled with local produce and Netflix on tap it's the perfect place to shut away the world and spend some much needed quality time with your partner this Valentines.

Read all about our stay at St Oswald's Farm here 

I'd love to know if you have any Valentines plans yourselves this year!

For even more ideas for Valentines Day check out my previous blog posts 10 Fun Date Ideas in the North East for Valentines and 10 Romantic Dates in the North East for Valentines Day