From Durham with love

Searching for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day during lockdown? Your usual romantic date night might be a little different this year, but you can make it just as special with our top ideas of ways to show that someone special you care this Valentine’s Day.   

Book now and enjoy later 

We may not be able to enjoy a romantic escape in February, but we can still treat your loved one and give them something lovely to look forward to by pre-booking a getaway to enjoy later in the year. 

From countryside retreats and coastal hideaways to award-winning spa and boutique hotels, you’ll find lots of accommodation across the county, prefect for long weekends away. Escape to the country and enjoy peace, quiet, and relaxation at the quaint Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk or High Force Hotel – conveniently located next to one of the most romantic spots in Durham – High Force Waterfall. If a city break is more your thing, Hotel Indigo and Radisson Blu Hotel are perfectly placed for exploring historic Durham City.      

Enjoy a taste of Durham at home

Nothing says date night like a romantic dinner for two. Durham’s top chefs and talented local producers have come together to help you create a delicious DIY Valentine’s meal at home. From tempting cocktails and mouth-watering starters, to flavoursome main course dishes and delectable desserts – all featuring amazing local produce.  

Take your pick from romantic recipes to follow along at home from our #tastedurham Valentine’s menu. 

Extra-special gifts 

Help spread the love to Durham’s many independent businesses by saying I love you with a special gift for your partner, family or friend from Durham. From gift vouchers to use on a future date night to special Valentine themed gift boxes, lots of businesses across the county are offering online ordering. 

For the first time in history Beamish, The Living Museum of the North have created a fantastic range of special Valentine gifts including handprinted postcards, Jubilee Confectioners’ sweets, solid perfumes from W Smith’s Chemist, Herron’s Bakery Be Mine Brownie Tins and even presents for your pets! 

Give the gift of romantic walks with a voucher for a Raby Castle Annual Pass. A great way to spend quality time together by exploring the castle’s beautiful deer park and walled garden when restrictions ease.  And McColl’s Brewery have teamed up with Kacao Chocolaterie to create special sharing sets which feature delicious locally brewed beers alongside Kacao Chocolateries Truffle Experience boxes.

From Durham with love

Make someone’s day by sending one of our special romantic themed Valentine’s e-cards. Take your pick from different designs featuring iconic locations from across the county. 

Soothing spa breaks

We could all certainly do with some pampering right about now, and there’s no better way to relax, recharge and unwind than by enjoying a post-lockdown spa break or pampering day. 

Celebrate Valentine’s all over again with Seaham Hall Serenity Spa, who have an incredible range of special Valentine’s spa packages to pre-book. And the award-winning Rockliffe Hall Spa has plenty of special offers and treatments to enjoy on a future break. 

Tasty Takeaways 

Usually we’d be busy booking a table for two at our favourite restaurant, but this year we can still enjoy their delicious food at home by ordering a takeaway. Check out our guide to restaurants and eateries offering deliveries and collections – you’re sure to find an at-home dinner you both love. 

Make your at-home Valentine’s Meal extra special with a Celebration Box from South Causey Inn. Prepared by the Causey’s chefs, each box contains top-quality ingredients for you to cook and serve at home, as well as a candle for the table, napkins, and even the toothpicks! Alongside the delectable 3-course meal you can enjoy signature cocktails, white wine or gin and beer from the South Causey Brewery & Distillery. 

Enjoy luxury restaurant dining at take away prices with Lumley Castle Hotel’s Valentine’s Day Drive Thru! Take a break from supermarket shopping (and the washing-up!) and plan a delicious surprise dinner for your partner.  Orders can be picked up from 13-14 February and must be ordered online by Wednesday 10 February. 

Virtual Valentine Date Night 

For a Valentine’s Day date night (or day) idea, that doesn’t involve binge watching another box set, why not soak up some culture with an online museum trip?

Take a guided tour around The Bowes Museum’s fascinating exhibitions Pre-Raphaelite Knights Gallery, and Norman Cornish: The Definitive Collection. Or head to Palace Green Library for their newest online exhibition – Journeys: Reading the World.  

You can even enjoy a (virtual) stroll hand in hand through Raby Castle’s beautiful medieval walled garden or inside the magnificent Durham Cathedral. You could even take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the grounds of Beamish Museum.