Valentine’s Day Inspiration from the Treasure Houses of England

Beaulieu

The Love Lock Tree in the grounds of Palace House at Beaulieu is open for couples to add their own padlocks for Valentine’s Day.

The steel and copper bonsai tree sculpture in the Victorian flower garden was commissioned by Jonathan Montagu and Nathalie Montagu Daoust as a symbol of their love for each other. All of the guests at their wedding in 2014 were given a padlock engraved with their name and a copper leaf to attach to the tree, interlocked with that of their partners as a reminder of the bond made in the marriage ceremony. Guests then ceremonially threw the keys to their locks into the Beaulieu River.

Jonathan and Nathalie have now opened their tree sculpture for couples visiting the Beaulieu attraction, to also make it a special place for them.

Castle Howard

Arguably one of the most instantly recognisable and best loved of blooms; roses are a symbol of love, courtship, beauty and innocence. We give them to one another as a sign of affection and tend to them with devotion in our gardens. Castle Howard’s own Rose Garden was a labour of love commissioned by George Howard in memory of his wife, Lady Cecilia. Visit the Rose Garden this Valentine’s Day before enjoying the tranquil grounds and gardens dotted with romantic statues, temples and follies. Explore and discover an impressive array of figures and breathtaking views – a perfect place for a romantic stroll.

The dedicated Garden Centre team are busy preparing a huge selection of roses, available for purchase from 8^th February onwards.

Leeds Castle

What could be more romantic than to invite your special Valentine to enjoy an intimate dinner at “the loveliest castle in the world”. To add to the perfection of the evening, consider staying overnight in one of the luxurious Castle bedrooms and waking to views across the misty moat. On arrival you will be treated to a private tour around the Castle after it closes to the public for the day and given a glimpse into the glamorous world of the last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie, a world which you too will experience during your evening.

Chilled sparkling wine awaits you in the Library and then the Butler will call for a delicious three-course candle lit dinner to be served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. Whilst you enjoy a carefully chosen menu using luxurious ingredients, soak up the romantic atmosphere as a harpist plays and enjoy a bottle of wine at your table for two. Relax with coffee and chocolates after dinner in the Library and for those staying overnight, retire at your leisure. Awake the following morning to a full English breakfast in the Castle Dining Room.

Woburn Abbey

Enjoy the ultimate Woburn St Valentine’s weekend with a two night package at The Woburn Hotel (located in the village of Woburn) with selected dates of  the 9th, 10th, 16th or 17th February 2018.  Priced at £450.00 per stay based on two people sharing an executive room, this St Valentine’s weekend break includes two nights’ accommodation, flowers, chocolates and Champagne on arrival, a four course Valentine’s dinner menu on one evening *and access to Woburn Safari Park for one day.