For me, I always find planning something to do for Valentine's
day really difficult. It's even more troublesome when you're Welsh,
as we celebrate a 'day of romance' twice in one year!! Like
everyone else we celebrate St. Valentine's Day on the 14th of
February, but we also celebrate St. Dwynwen's on the 25th of
January. For the uninitiated, St Dwynwen was the Welsh patron saint
of lovers. Therefore, you could say being welsh is unfortunate when
it comes to celebrating romance. However, I am fortunate that there
is so much I can do locally.
North Wales is famous for having some breath-taking scenery, which
provides us with so many romantic spots to visit. Number 1 on
the list has to be Llandwyn Island, Anglesey. Recently voted one of
the most romantic spots in Wales, this is the final resting place
of St. Dwynwen.
With its romantic history, it's the perfect place to spend a
romantic day out. You could take a lovely hamper with you, enjoy
the exhilarating winds during the winter; or like one of my
friends, you could also choose to ask that all important question
down on one knee…you may want to check the tide times first before
you plan anything. Being marooned on an island may not go down well
with the other half!
There's no need to jet off into the sun for a romantic break
when there's a little piece of Italy right here in Wales.
Portmeirion is located just south of Porthmadog. It's delightful
Italian architecture, wonderful eateries and coastal walks make you
feel like you're right in the heart of the wonderfully romantic
Italian Riviera.
There are numerous romantic spots around North Wales to visit,
Plas
Cadnant hidden gardens are one of Anglesey's best kept
secrets, they have some of the most spectacular gardens, perfect
for that romantic stroll. Criccieth Castle is another spectacular
location, it has the most breath-taking views across the Lleyn
Peninsula, when it's lit up at night, it's one of the area's most
awe-inspiring and romantic sights. Llyn Dinas near Beddgelert is one of the
most peaceful and tranquil mountain lakes in North Wales, it's
perfect if you and your partner want to escape for some peace and
quiet and enjoy the serenity of the area without disturbance.
Valentine's day would not be complete without that all important
meal out. I had the best romantic dinner at The White
Eagle, Anglesey a few years ago. The menu was lovely - the lamb
dish especially was to die for! The Marram
Grass, Anglesey is also a must visit when on the island.
Recently published in the Good Food guide, its fresh local produce
and modern innovative cooking make it the perfect place for that
special culinary experience. Tir a
Môr, Criccieth is another delightful restaurant, offering a
mouth-watering selection of freshly cooked dishes, made with local
Welsh ingredients.
After you have enjoyed your romantic day out and some lovely
food, you will need to find somewhere to cosy up to your partner,
switch on a bit of The Notebook (or whatever your guilty
pleasure is) and enjoy a bottle bubbly to finish off your perfect
weekend. There are some great romantic cottages perfect for just
that!
Plas Bach in Rhoscolyn on Anglesey is the
perfect, sweet stone cottage for two. This is a cosy country
retreat, with spectacular views. You can snuggle up on the sofa and
watch that romantic movie, you can walk out of the front door
through the countryside and gaze at the spectacular 360 degree
views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Plas bach is only just around the
corner from the delicious White Eagle too!
For something a bit different, situated in the stunning Lleyn
Peninsula, Y Stabl in Criccieth is a fun, quirky cottage
for two in the heart of Criccieth, the perfect romantic retreat to
whisk someone away to for surprise break over Valentine's. Y Stable
is equipped with a Jacuzzi bath, a heated massage chair a rather
swish steam room with mood lighting and a sound system in every
room so you can play your romantic love songs throughout. With
plenty of logs for the fire, a sea view and a 2-minute walk to the
beach, all of these extras combined makes for a perfect romantic
weekend for two.
Well that's enough Valentine's day talk for a while, I suppose
after writing this and no doubt my partner reading this, I'd better
start planning our Valentine's day!
Cottages for Valentine's Day
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