10 of The Best Valentines Ideas in the North East

Includes advertisement features with Wild Northumbria, Ramside Hall, Walwick Hall, Malmaison and Crab Manor 

I think many of us probably don't celebrate Valentines Day - overpriced chocolates, crowded restaurants and huge teddy bears don't really do it for us and I know most of you will agree. However, I do love an excuse to spend time with my husband so couldn't resist sharing the best Valentines ideas in the North East - not necessarily for February 14th, you can enjoy these with your love at any time!

Snuggle on the Sofa at the Everyman Cinema

The Everyman Cinema in Newcastle has become our date night cinema of choice since it arrived in the Toon last year. Although not the cheapest place to catch the latest blockbuster it is definitely worth the extra pennies for a special occasion and ticks all of the boxes when it comes to the snuggle factor. The comfy sofas and cushions make it just as comfortable as your own home and the at seat waiter service means you can enjoy a very luxurious cinema experience. Be warned, once you've seen a film at Everyman it's very hard not to want to go every weekend!

Go Off Grid at Wild Northumbrian

I'm sure we can't be the only couple who sometimes ignore each other in favour of mindlessly scrolling on our phones. I dash out of work each night to get to Haymarket, just so I can meet my husband and we can sit together on the bus and ignore each other whilst playing on our phones. So perhaps the very best gift you can give yourselves this Valetnines is a chance to go off grid. Wild Northumbrian is the ultimate glamping escape in the wilds of Northumberland where you can shack up in a romantic yurt for two. With no phone signal and plenty of peace and quiet - cuddle up and enjoy an endless sky of stars as you cook out on the camp fire and spend time together with no distractions.

Read about our experience at Wild Northumbrian here.

Dip in the Ramside Hall Private Infinity Pool

I am more than a little obsessed with Ramside Hall at the moment so when it came to sharing the best Valentines Ideas in the North East I just had to include them. Although the luxury hotel has so many options to make the perfect Valentines (have you seen their brand new Treehouse Suites?) it's the Private Infinity Pool at Ramside Spa that has me weak at the knees. Available to private hire you can enjoy uninterrupted chill time in your very own pool offering great views across the Ramside Hall estate. Available from only £30.00 for the two of you, if you're feeling extra fancy you can arrange to have yourself some nibbles from Fusion and a cheeky glass of Prosecco to enjoy poolside.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea at Walwick Hall

My husband had never had an afternoon tea until he met me and now he's quite the connoisseur of cake stands and it is one of our favourite things to do together. If you want some really lovely quality time with your other half, afternoon tea is one of the very best ways to spend an afternoon. We always have our best conversations whilst tucking into scones and sharing a teapot. One of the loveliest afternoon teas in the North East is at Walwick Hall - enjoy your cakestand in a beautiful lounge with views across Northumberland and the most incredible treats you'll ever experience. I promise the setting at Walwick Hall really does provide the most romantic afternoon tea for you and your love.

Read about our experience of afternoon tea at Walwick Hall here

Enjoy a Bar Crawl round the Toon

With so many incredible new bars in Newcastle sometimes the simplest Valentines ideas are the best. If you're yet to discover some of the newest watering holes in the Toon surely a big booze up with your Valentines is the excuse you've been waiting for? We have ice-bars and gin emporiums, flower walls and swing seats and don't forget the old favourites. Nothing beats a jaunt around Newcastle indulging in some day drinking and with Dry January a distant memory it's time to discover a new favourite for Valentines.

Read about our latest bar crawl round Newcastle here

Go on a Llama Trek 

Taking a llama for a walk probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind when you're coming up with the best Valentines ideas but this is honestly one of the best things that Simon and I have ever done together and you really don't know romance until you've dashed up a hill with a llama. Once upon a Llama do organised treks up Catbells which offers the most incredible views across Derwent Water - very romantic! Although climbing up hills in the Lake District isn't the most relaxing of walks, you will definitely be united in your adventure and if you are feeling extra romantic you can share a llama with your love.

Read about our experience of Llama Trekking here

Hire Bikes at Wallington

If you're more of an adventurous couple then how about spending a Valentines inspired date cycling your way round the Dragon Cycle Trail at the National Trust estate at Wallington? Bike hire is available on site or you can take your own.  Spend your afternoon whizzing up and down the Northumberland hills, speeding your way through woodlands and admiring the beautiful views. For an extra bit of romance pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Read about our experience of the cycle trail at Wallington here

Splash out at Leila Lilys

I think we all have a list of fancier restaurants that we've been wanting to try for ages but have been putting off, I love that Valentines presents the perfect excuse to splash out and finally book a table somewhere lovely. My current obsession is Leila Lilys and since trying the food for the first time recently I have not stopped dreaming about a return visit. Perfectly presented dishes of delicious food in the most romantic setting, I can't think of anywhere better to celebrate Valentines.

Escape to The Crab & Lobster

A lovely hotel stay is our favourite way to spend time together and with so many beautiful places in the region to spend the night it can be tough to choose where to head. One of our favourite discoveries of last year was The Crab & Lobster in Yorkshire who have the most beautiful suites with private hot tubs if you really want to treat yourselves. With great decor, an incredible restaurant and a hidden bar tap (yes it really does exist!) Crab Manor is one of the most beautiful places to spend time away with your partner this Valentines.

Read about our experience of the Crab & Lobster here

Have Brunch at Malmaison

If you're a couple who have a shared passion for food then I need to point you in the direction of Sunday Brunch at The Malmaison on the Newcastle Quayside. Enjoy a "help yourself" feast at the Chef's Table with mouth watering appetisers including fresh salads, platters of seafood and charcuterie boards before settling down for a brunch dish, main or Sunday Roast. Share spoons and enjoy the incredible Sticky Toffee Pudding or treat yourself to bottomless Prosecco.

I hope this has inspired you to plan something a little different for Valentines this year and acts as a reminder that spending time with your loved one isn't just something for 14 February.

This blog includes past collaborations with restaurants and we enjoyed complimentary overnight breaks with Wild Northumbria and Crab Manor, a spa day at Ramside Hall and brunch at Malmaison.