TravelPlaces To GoTop 10 National Trust spots for a sprinkle of romance this Valentines Top 10 National Trust spots for a sprinkle of romance this Valentines
08/02/2010
Love is in the air, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for some romantic inspiration this Valentines then look no further than the National Trust. We’ve highlighted 10 idyllic havens of romance; beautiful places which are perfect for a romantic stroll and some time together, a world away from daily life.
1. Stourhead - Wiltshire
The 18th-century gardens at Stourhead near Bath are the perfect place to forget the hustle and bustle of 21st century life and enjoy a day together exploring the timeless wonder of this fairy- tale estate.
Take a romantic stroll along the lake, passing temples and follies (not to mention the odd grotto or two), and finishing with the awe-inspiring views from the Temple of Apollo - a place so romantic, it was used as the location for Mr Darcy's declaration of love for Elizabeth in the recent adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Mathew McFadden and Keira Knightley.
The garden is open all year, every day of the week from 9am-6pm and the house opens on the 13th March. For more information please call 01747 841152
2. Killerton, Devon
Visiting Killerton feels as though you have just stepped back in past times and you will instantly feel at home as the relaxed atmosphere of this place takes hold of you. Nestled within this tranquil spot amongst the majestic lawns and sweeping lawns are the stories of the lives of the Acland family, which have their very own sprinkle of romance. For 17-year-old Thomas Acland, it was love at first sight when, in 1804 he was introduced to Lydia Hoare. The teenagers embarked immediately upon a adolescent love affair and at the age of 21 it was decided that they would be married. On the 13th and 14th February, Killerton will be hosting its very own Valentine's week with the chance to pen a love poem for your Valentine and even learn the
romantic language of the fan.
Normal admission charges will apply, with event charges of £3.50 per adult.
The park is open all year and the house is open weds- sun from 2pm-4pm
until the 21st Feb. Then from the 10th March the property is open every day of the week 11am-5pm.For more information please contact 01392 881 345.
3. Giants Causeway, Country Antrim (Pictured above - photo by Rod J Edwards)
They say that the coastline at the tip of Northern Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking views around and this is so true of Giant’s Causeway.
Known around the world, Giant’s Causeway still maintains an air of mystery, magic and yes, romance too. Left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, the basalt stone columns are a perfect backdrop for a Valentines stroll.
This year, as part of a £2.25million fundraising appeal to support the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site, the National Trust have developed a perfect Giant gift to help you fall in love all over again. Why not ‘Spread some Giant Love this St Valentines’ and adopt one of our 38,000 basalt columns. You can wrap up a virtual Valentines stone from as little as £25 for a bronze certificate, and cupid will do the rest. We will send your special person a lovely ‘Giant certificate’ from Finn McCool and cupid, and if you wish to adopt a silver, gold or platinum virtual stone, we will send a few more treats to make your Valentines gift all the more special. Find out more at http://agiantcause.nationaltrust.org.uk/sponsoragiantstoneGiants Causeway is open all year, ever day from dawn to dusk. For more information please call 028 2073 1582
4. Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire
The scale, grandeur and beauty of Stowe has inspired writers philosophers, artists and indeed all who have visited from the 18th century so is the perfect romantic getaway this this Valentines ; from spring time walks through follies and temples – of which there are 40 so you’ll be spoilt for choice, to sitting by the lake and breathing in the tranquillity that seems to seep from its very pores.
And if wedding bells are starting to tinkle then Stowe is perfectly placed to help your big day be something truly unforgettable. From the 13th-21st February (10.30am-4pm), Stowe will be showcasing its wedding offering ; the licensed temples will be dressed for a ceremony and staff will be on hand to talk you through how your perfect day could play out at this perfect place.
The gardens are open at weekends until the 28th February and are then open from the 3rd March weds – sun 10.30am – 5.30pm. For more information please call 01280 822850
5. Gibside, Tyne & Wear
The perfect place to take your Valentine if you’re both into the glorious outdoors.
Gibside is a ‘grand design’ of spectacular sights; from a romantic stroll along the windy paths to the grassy open spaces where you might just get a glimpse of red kites flying high in the sky there is a wonderfully tranquil feel to this special place. Don’t miss the beautiful Palladium style chapel- the perfect spot for a proposal perhaps?
And gentlemen,if you’re struggling to find the right words for your proposal then Gibside is here to help you. On the 13th February a widely published author with over 20years experience will be on hand to help you say what your heart feels- plus you’ll be able to take home your letter home written on a decorative, handmade scroll tied with a ribbon and a handmade heart decoration – your loved one can’t fail to be impressed by this much effort!
Normal admission charges apply. Cost of the event is £10 and booking is essential – please call 01207 272218
The landscape garden is open every day of the week from 10am-4pm from the 2nd Jan. For more information please call 01207 541 820
6. Chirk Castle, Wrexham
The last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I which is still lived in today, Chirk is a medieval magnificence dramatically brought to life and boasts one of the Trust's most exciting little known gardens
On February 13 and 14, the garden is hosting a snowdrop walk; perfect for couples who want to spend some time together. There's also the chance to take home a Valentine's souvenir, with potted snowdrops available to buy on the day.
The garden and castle tower are open from the 6th February. For more information please call 01691 777 701
7. Polesden Lacey, Surrey (photo by John Miller )
This beautifully sunny place is alive with the spirit of is its most celebrated owner- Mrs Ronald Greville whose zest for life and vivacious sparkle made for a whirlwind of weekend parties and the odd spot of romance too as in 1923, the future George VI and Queen Elizabeth spent part of their honeymoon nestled in the beautiful landscape of the North Downs
Taking in these charming formal gardens is a lovely way to spend Valentines and something not to be missed is the beautiful Rose Garden.
On the 13th and 14th February there will be plenty on offer to satisfy the most ardent of lovebirds as a Valentines fair will be taking place – chocolates, flowers and other romantic treats you can’t fail to be bitten by the love bug.
There is also a Valentines’s dinner dance being held on the 13th February- held in the Courtyard Restaurant, what better way to treat your loved one at Valentines than with a sumptuous dinner for two
Booking is essential – tickets are £35. For more information and to book please call 01372 452 048
The garden is open every day of the week from 10-5pm from the 13th February , with the house opening on the 3rd March ( weds- thurs 11am-5pm)
8. Attingham, Shropshire
Attingham in Shropshire is a grandiose classical home which has seen the fortunes of its owners, the Berwick family, rise to extravagant heights and fall to equally extravagant lows, lies comfortably at the heart of a great estate between Shrewsbury and the River Severn The mile long ambulatory walk – a very popular garden feature with the mid 18th century mansion house owners - is particularly lovely at springtime. After your romantic stroll you can present your loved one with a gift that will be around for many Valentine’s Days to come by planting a tree in the grounds.
Normal admission charges apply but booking is not needed for this event. For more information please call 01743 708 162
The park and walled garden are open all year , every day from 9am-6pm and the house is open for winter tours at weekends until the 7th March ( 11am-3pm)
9. Lyme Park, Cheshire
Lying on the edge of the Peak District, nestling within sweeping moorland, lies the magnificent Lyme Park. Its wild remoteness and powerful beauty contrast with one of the most famous country house images in England. As the backdrop to where Darcy meets Elizabeth in the ever remembered TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice- romance oozes from this glorious setting. In spring time the wooded slopes and rolling moorland, grazed in by ancient herds of red deer will give you a real feeling of being miles from anywhere, in your very own romance classic.
The parkland is open every day, all year from 8am-6pm. The house and gardens open from the 27th Feb. For more information please call 01663 762023
10. Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire’s grandest country house, Wimpole, was home to a man who had a very important part to play in Britain's romantic history. Phillip, the first Earl of Hardwicke, purchased Wimpole in 1740 and 15 years later played an instrumental part in the passing of the Marriage Act of 1754 - establishing the legal basis for the conduct and definition of marriages in England and Wales. The gardens are Wimpole’s crowning glory with its trees – oaks, beeches, limes and ashes giving a stunning backdrop to the gardens.
The garden is open now, and the hall opens on the February 27. For more information please call 01223 206 000