Valentine's Day

With a mix of charming countryside and dynamic city culture to explore, there are plenty of places in Nottinghamshire to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart. Whether you want to celebrate with a delicious meal, escape to the countryside, or do something completely different - there is something for you in Nottinghamshire. 

Read on to find ideas of where to spend the day or take a look at these quirky date ideas for more inspiration. Don't forget to check out all the great Valentine's events, special offers and gift ideas to make the most of this romantic time of year, and enter our Valentine's Day competition if you're feeling lucky.  

Find a Cosy Retreat in Nottinghamshire...

For couples looking for a perfect city-centre retreat, there are a number of stylish, independent hotels to choose from for a Valentine’s Day to remember. Situated on the edge of the historic Park Estate, the divinely decorated Walton hotel provides the perfect base for a stylish city break, in a quiet location close to the city centre. To be in amongst the action, book a stay in the historic and luxurious Lace Market Hotel, which is only a stone’s throw away from the city’s finest shops and restaurants. Or check out Hart's, one of the city's top boutique hotels - their calm and contemporary rooms offer gorgeous views over their private garden and the Nottingham cityscape beyond, while their renowned restaurant serves up amazing modern British cuisine.

If it’s countryside charm you are longing for, head to rural Nottinghamshire for peaceful, scenic landscapes and inviting spaces to relax in. Treat your Robin Hood or Maid Marian to an escape in a tranquil cabin nestled amongst the pine trees. The cosy Golden Oak Hideaway cabins at Forest Holidays, designed with couples in mind - complete with hot tub, wood burning stove, a double hammock, sunken bath and a panoramic view of the forest through your window. For secluded charm, the award-winning Browns of Holbeck is hard to beat. Situated in a peaceful rural hamlet on the historic Welbeck Country Estate, their three gorgeous en-suite Garden Rooms feature four-poster beds fitted with Egyptian cotton bed linen, and beautiful views of the garden terrace. For a luxurious rural retreat, the 4* Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa – a lovingly restored 17^th century coaching house full of traditional period features, antiques and rich furnishings – is the place to go. 

Go Fabulously Unconventional...
 

For those looking for something a little different, Tropical Butterfly House is a top choice for Valentine’s dates. If the weather is cold, the walkthrough Butterfly House will transport you to a tropical paradise and couples can also get extra close and personal with the red-ruffed lemurs, cheeky meerkats or comical parrots.

In the heart of Sherwood Forest, thrill-seekers can become a real life Tarzan and Jane at Go Ape at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, leaping off Tarzan swings and flying down zip slides. Also in Sherwood Pines, visitors can enjoy a romantic stroll on one of many walking trails or explore the magnificent forest on two wheels, via bicycle or segway!

If you really want to see how your relationship holds up, why not try one of Nottingham's exciting escape rooms? Race the clock, use your excellent teamworking skills and have fun solving puzzles at iLocked, Escapologic, Cave Escape or Logiclock. If you're both in one piece and still talking by the end of it, you will know you're onto a good thing.

For more inspiration for things to do that are anything but ordinary, take a look at our quirky date ideas. 

Explore Wild Romance in the Countryside...
 

What could be dreamier than a day spent with your darling exploring the landscapes which inspired one of Britain's most romantic poets? Newstead Abbey, home of infamous poet and lover Lord Byron, is set within 300 acres of enchanting gardens and parkland, where peacocks roam amongst paths that meander past lakes, ponds and waterfalls. A must-visit for romantics everywhere - bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake for an idyllic afternoon or book a stay at the Gardener's Cottage located within the Abbey’s grounds for the ultimate lovers escape.  

Whether or not you believe in the legend of Robin Hood and his beloved Maid Marian, the majestic Sherwood Forest is sure to transport you into your own fairytale. Explore the ancient oaks and take a trip to the nearby town of Edwinstowe, whose 800 year old church St Mary's is said to be where the pair wed.

One of the most sought after wedding venues in Nottinghamshire, Hodsock Priory boasts a wonderful display of Snowdrops at this time of year. A little further south, get lost together in the wild trails of the rustic Clumber Park, which was voted the most romantic place for a date in the East Midlands by Great Date Guide.

Wine and Dine Your Lover...

Nottingham’s vibrant restaurant scene is full of fabulous venues perfect for a special evening, whether you’re looking for a candlelit fine-dining experience or something a little different. Don’t forget to check out the special offers section for some amazing deals.

The Larder on Goosegate is one of Nottingham's finest independent restaurants and is listed in the Michelin, Harden's and Good Food Guides. Housed in the beautiful Grade II listed building that once was home to Jesse Boot's first apothecary, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views of the streets of Hockley below. One of the city's most unique romantic spots is Derby Road's The Hand & Heart, whose restaurant is set in the caves at the back of the building. Decorated with candles and twinkly lights, and serving up fine pub classics with a twist, you can enjoy an unforgettable and intimate dinner with your beau. With its lovely riverside location, the charming and characterful Tom Browns Brasserie is most definitely the perfect place for a romantic meal for two - it boasts two AA rosettes too!

The quirky and effortlessly cool The Hockley Arts Club , tucked away for bustle of Nottingham’s most vibrant district, is a stylish spot for an intimate dinner or a celebratory cocktail or two. Immaculately decorated and full of character from the mid-century Danish inspired ground floor to the ever-evolving Electric Garden – currently a gorgeous cherry blossom filled cocktail den styled on an 'Oriental Spring Garden'. For an unforgettable - and a little unconventional – evening, why not drift along the scenic River Trent enjoying an amazing three-course meal with Princess River Cruises. Along with lovely views you'll receive a rose for the ladies, a complimentary drink for the gentlemen, plus a bottle of wine to share in their Valentines package.