Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you're looking for something a bit different to the classic dinner date, then there are plenty of date ideas that are a little out of the ordinary.
Whether you're a keen stargazer, cyclist or want to show off your cheffing skills, take a look at our guide to outdoor ways to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.
10 magical outdoor date ideas
Enjoy a play at the Minack Theatre, Cornwall
Perched high on the cliffs above the bellowing ocean, this incredible stone theatre is one of Cornwall’s most stories – and romantic – spots. Over Valentine's weekend, take a tour around the theatre and tropical garden, or book in a trip to see a play later in the year. Afterwards, head to nearby Porthcurno for a breathtaking stroll.
Share a campfire dinner
If you can brave the cold, why not cook up an outdoors feast for your beloved? Wrap up warm and head outdoors – you could try roasting potatoes in the embers of a campfire, cooking a stew on a tripod or just toast marshmallows to have with hot cider from a thermos.
- Open-fire cooking tips: what to cook and how to get the best flavours
- Best camping BBQs for grilling in the great outdoors
Go on a night walk
If it’s a clear night, wrap up, strap on head torches and head somewhere wild to see the stars – take a look at our list of Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Just make sure you’ve got a warm pub in mind to warm up in at the end of the adventure or pack a flask of our tested and reviewed hot chocolate.
Watch the sunrise at Avebury, Wiltshire
Avebury is Stonehenge’s smaller but much quieter and lovelier site, consisting of three stone circles you can still ramble around without a gift shop in sight. Get up for sunrise and you’ll see these ancient monuments glow under a pink sky. Sunrise on the 14 February will be at around 7.24am.
Share a cosy camping pod
If cold weather camping isn’t really your thing, why not kip in your own pint-sized house in the great outdoors over the Valentine's weekend? Camping pods are small but perfectly formed abodes which are perfect for a couple.
- Romantic cottages and cosy hideaways to stay in the UK
- Best cottages, campsites and hotels to stay on the UK coast
- Great places to stay in UK National Parks
Take a ride on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland
Escape the city in style on the Caledonian Sleeper. Go to sleep in a comfy bunk in the big smoke and wake up amongst the wild hills of Inverness or Fort William. Spend the weekend hiking, biking or just whiskey tasting by a peat fire.
Spend a night in a bothy
Head to the hills to spend a night in a bothy. Free to use for walkers, the UK's bothies are often in incredible locations, from the remote corners of the Northern Highlands to Wales. Facilities can be basic, but that's part of their charm. Often a multi-stove and fire making facilities will be provided. If you're lucky you could find you have the bothy to yourself for the night, but in the peak months they can get busy, so pack a tent just in case there's no room to be found.
Get on your bike!
Bike touring - particularly on a tandem bike, is a fun way to spend time with your partner. Enjoy a day of riding along one of Britain's off road cycle routes, such as the Camel Trail in Cornwall or Tarka Trail in Devon. Or if you have more time on your hands, why not spend a couple of days riding in the beautiful British countryside? Just don't forget to pack a romantic picnic to enjoy on route.
Visit St Michaels Mount at sunset
St Michael's Mount resides off the coast of Marazion, Cornwall, and is a unique little island. Known for its cobbled causeway to the island, it only becomes accessible during low tide, so a hop aboard a local vessel is needed to explore the area. A castle is set upon the isle and is still inhabited. The St Aubyns came to St Michael's Mount in 1647 and in 1954 Francis St Aubyn gave the site to the National Trust under a 999-year lease for the family to live in the castle.
City of Bath
The Roman Baths are an iconic part of the British history. The city itself is built upon the mouth of an extinct volcano, and creates the impressive natural hot springs that heats the spa city. The ancient setting used to be a public bath and in 2005 was listed in the BBC series Seven Natural Wonders. The baths are exceptionally demonstrated at night during seasonal periods when they are delicately lit with flickering torches. Walking along the 2000-year-old pavements with the tranquil waters steaming, the ambience of the great bath is a magical experience.
Main image: Lagangarbh Hut at Glen Coe / Getty
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