Hertfordshire boasts an array of enchanting locations ideal for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay, a walk through breathtaking manor gardens, or a dining experience at an award-winning restaurant, Visit Herts has curated a list of the best spots to create unforgettable moments with your special someone.
Ashridge House
At Ashridge House, not only can you wander through its immaculately kept gardens, but you can also discover the historical charm within the Grade I listed manor. Enjoy an intimate evening at The Vault cocktail bar, once the house’s Evidence Room, featuring wood-panelled walls and wing-backed chairs — the perfect setting for a cocktail or a wine with your significant other. For a fine dining experience, head to Acres restaurant, where head chef Paul Patterson offers dishes that celebrate the house’s rich heritage and seasonal, locally-sourced produce.
Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall
Nestled within Brocket Hall’s estate, the home of Lord Melbourne, the newly reopened Auberge du Lac restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Under the direction of head chef John Barber, the restaurant is committed to using organic, on-site grown ingredients, ensuring each dish is a testament to sustainable and locally rooted cuisine.
Tewinbury
For a romantic getaway, consider Tewinbury, a country retreat offering a mix of lakeside shepherds huts, peaceful woodland huts, luxurious hotel rooms, and lodges with exclusive hot tubs. Embrace rest, romance, and the serenity of rural life. The Cowshed Á La Carte Restaurant and The Stable Piano Bar and Lounge provide delightful dining and entertainment options.
Sequoia Spa at The Grove
Known for its beauty, luxury, and exquisite dining, The Grove is home to the Sequoia Spa, which has earned a spot in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, marking it as one of the top 15 spa hotels in the UK. Treat yourselves to a day of pampering with Bamford or Natura Bissé treatments and unwind in the spa’s jacuzzi and statement black mosaic pool.
Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays
Gift your loved one something unique this Valentine’s Day with a stay on a two-berth narrow boat from Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays. Moored at Cow Roast Marina, you can choose between a cozy stay aboard in February or an adventurous trip along the Grand Union Canal come March, offering picturesque views and the joy of waking up to a new landscape each morning.
Hatfield Park
For those who find romance in simplicity, Hatfield Park provides a peaceful setting for hand-in-hand walks through its woods and grounds. While the house is seasonally closed, the parkland remains open, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife. The Stable Yard is an excellent spot for unique gifts and treats, while The Restaurant serves up indulgent refreshments to complete your day.
The Bricklayer’s Arms
The Bricklayer’s Arms in Flaunden epitomizes the rustic charm of Hertfordshire with its beautiful landscapes and celebration of local fare. This welcoming 18th-century pub, nestled in the Chess Valley, promises a rewarding dining experience, especially after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside.
Hanbury Manor Mariott Hotel and Country Club
Hanbury Manor is a Jacobean-style manor set in 200 acres of lush countryside, offering an idyllic setting for an elegant afternoon tea in the Oak Hall. Enjoy the comfort of cozy fireplaces, stunning views, and a leisurely stroll around the grounds.
Verulamium Park
Verulamium Park, situated near the majestic St Albans Cathedral, is a verdant retreat perfect for nature and peace lovers. Visit the Abbot’s Kitchen Café for a cream tea before enjoying a leisurely walk around the park’s 100 acres, the lake, and the River Ver.
Tring Park
Part of the historical Rothschild estate, Tring Park is an ideal backdrop for a romantic winter walk. The park’s Instagram-worthy landscapes include woodland paths, chalk grassland, and panoramic views. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden woodland features that hint at the estate’s storied past.
