Szofi Zekov takes a look at the best ways to spend 14 Feb, or thereabouts. And hey, even if you’re not a romantic, these are great places to go any time of year!
Afternoon tea at Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan
Maybe you fancy a calm and quiet afternoon with your partner, perhaps surrounded by a vast Edwardian garden. Dyffryn Gardens is offering just this kind of escape with their Valentine’s Day afternoon tea, which includes entrance to the gardens, homemade cakes and optional prosecco. Explore all 55 acres of the botanical gardens or admire the view from inside the Victorian mansion. Either way you’re set for an idyllic way to spend the day. Do book in advance though!
Info: 0344 2491895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens
Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse
Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Llanddwyn Island is the perfect Valentine’s Day date spot not just for its atmosphere but its connection to Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Although Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the view from the tip of the island is still magnificent, especially at sunset. Also on Llanddwyn are the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church and the Pilots’ Cottages.
Info: 01248 352276 / www.holidaysanglesey.co.uk
Weekend at Portmeirion
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
If you’re craving a piece of the romantic Mediterranean as winter is slowly ending, look no further than Gwynedd. Portmeirion’s village feels like a mini-Italy within Wales, which was the intention of its architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. You can spend a whole weekend at the village or perhaps just one day; either way you’ll feel like you’re in southern Europe. No promises about the weather though.
Info: 01766 770000 / portmeirion.wales
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Out of the hundreds of castles in Wales, Caernarfon is one of the most impressive and has its fair share of romantic stories. From The Dream Of Macsen Wledig to the famous partnership of Edward I and Eleanor Of Castile, Caernarfon has been the place of grandiose affairs and legendary marriages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ideal place to learn more about history and spend time together at a truly remarkable Welsh castle.
Info: 01286 677617 / cadw.gov.wales
Dolphin-spotting
Cardigan Bay
Dolphins are said to be the messengers of love and were considered sacred symbols of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. For this reason, or just because they’re cute animals to look at, you could spend your Valentine’s Day at one of the many dolphin-spotting locations around the Cardigan Bay area. There might not be as many dolphins as there would be in the summer, but the coast itself is just as breathtaking in February and well-worth a visit.
Info: 0333 0063001 / www.visitwales.com
Four Waterfalls Walk
Ystradfellte, Brecon Beacons
Sometimes, you just want to get away from the noise and hustle on a day like Valentine’s. The Brecon Beacons offer plenty of walking trails and hidden gems for those preferring nature to the city, and one of them is the Four Falls Trail, just south of Ystradfellte. The walk is about 5.5 miles and gives you plenty of time for you to be alone with the other half as you discover the beautiful waterfalls of the Brecons.
Info: www.breconbeacons.org
Dinner for two at Vegetarian Food Studio
Penarth Road, Cardiff
Not all of us can afford a weekend away or have the energy for a big day out. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best, and a dinner for two at one of Cardiff’s most respected eateries is unlikely to set you back more than £20 total. Whilst it might not be an ultra-romantic candlelit dinner, it’s still a perfect place to visit.
Info: www.vegetarianfoodstudio.co.uk