A Valentine's Trip Out

Hearts may still be flying this year but we, sadly, will not be until lockdown ends! Most Valentine’s date destinations are closed this year but the forest is open and makes a great setting for a romantic Valentine’s trip out.

Whatever the weather, enjoy a breath of fresh air, before you spend the evening cosying up together (whether virtually or physically). Here are a couple of ideas about how to make the most of your outdoor Valentines adventure.

Connect with your loved one on a wander in the great outdoors. Put some effort into making it special by discovering somewhere new nearby. If you’re looking for ideas, a good place to start might be to check out your nearest Go Ape location. All our courses are located within beautiful forests and even some official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Forestry England website is another good place to look to discover woodland nearby. It's worth stopping by the National Trust website too, their houses are closed due to lockdown, but their gardens, parks and countryside remain open. A stroll around the gardens of a stately home certainly sounds romantic to us!

If you’re feeling more adventurous and live in the right place, you could go more remote and plan a wild walk in the hills or by the seaside. No matter what, find a beautiful, secluded place with a good viewpoint, but please adhere to government guidelines.

So picnics are officially banned, and to be honest it's probably a little cold for that anyway, but you can still enjoy a little treat whilst you wander. Dig that thermos out from the back of the kitchen cupboard because this Valentine's Day outdoors you'll want that drink to be a warm one. Fill it with a familiar favourite, or check out this blog for some exciting winter warmers perfect for a Valentine's treat. If you don't have the ingredients already then you can always make your excuses and swing by the supermarket in the morning.

When it comes to food the supermarket could be a good shout too, they always have some Valentine's themed cupcakes at this time of year. If you have a Sainsbury's nearby it's worth stopping by the chocolate isle, for just a few quid you can pick and mix your own selection if Lindt Lindor truffles.

It still gets dark early at this time of year so use that to your advantage. What’s more romantic than spending an evening with your special someone hand in hand gazing at the stars? Extend your adventure by staying out into the evening and enjoying the great outdoors at night. Remember to wrap up warm, bring a torch and know how to get back to your car!

Make sure that this is the mantra of your Valentine’s trip out and be sure to take any rubbish away with you. Also, please do not carve your initials and/or a love heart into anything in the forest, it may look romantic in movies but it can harm the tree and ruin the scenery for others. If you feel that you really have to take a souvenir, try foraging for sticks, twigs, fir cones or winter flowers and then craft a memento of the day. Create a “love bug” out of Pine Cones or decorate a photo frame with pressed flowers and leaves.

Brave the elements and spend a magical evening cuddled up with your loved one around a campfire in your garden. Grab a blanket, a drink and some all important marshmallows - smores anyone? - for a special evening outside. Whether this is your first anniversary or your fiftieth, share special moments and memories beneath a starry sky. 

Remember to always make sure that campfires are permitted in your area and have something nearby to extinguish it     

Still make the effort to dress up. Sure a warm jacket and wellies are the name of the game, but unless your planning on an insulated onesie you can still put together a look to catch your other half's eye. A smart shirt and a nice pair of trousers, or perhaps a winter dress and scarf that stands out, they'll be sure to notice.