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What to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
Are you looking to do something special this Valentine’s Day? With lots to see, delightful accommodation and award-winning restaurants, St Albans is a great destination choice for a Valentine’s Day break.
Whether you treat your special someone to a day out or stay the weekend, couples fall in love a little bit more on a visit here. With the help of St Albans bid, here are our top picks to really impress and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.
The White Hart Hotel St Albans
Situated opposite magnificent St Albans Cathedral, The White Hart Hotel offers characterful accommodation just moments from the city centre. Dating back to 1470 and one of the oldest buildings in St Albans, this former coaching inn is the perfect choice if you are looking for some old-world charm.
Dine in the hotel’s oak-panelled Tudors Restaurant and enjoy excellent culinary dishes in an intimate setting. Click here to book and for further information.
Sopwell House
Luxury hotel Sopwell House takes rest, relaxation, and warm hospitality seriously. Their Valentine’s Escape includes accommodation, dinner and access to the hotel’s impressive leisure facilities. If your beau is a spa lover, choose the Valentine’s Spa Escape which gives access to The Club at the Cottonmill Spa, an exclusive haven offering world-class facilities and treatments.
If you don’t have time to stay, The Brasserie and Restaurant offer Valentine’s menus so diners can enjoy top notch cuisine and an intimate atmosphere. Click here to book and for more information.
Travelodge PLUS St Albans
If your sweetheart loves to shop, then a stay at the Travelodge PLUS St Albans, with added style and comfort, is spot on. Boutiques, well-known brands and flagship stores are all around and if you need to refuel there many pubs, cafes and bistros on the doorstep.
Click here to book.
St Michael’s Manor
On the edge of Verulamium Park is luxurious St Michael’s Manor set in 5 acres of private garden with its own lake. Full of character the original house dates back 500 years and all guest rooms are elegant and individually styled. Click here to book.
The stunning Lake Restaurant is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and whether you are a guest at the hotel, or visiting for the evening, the attentive service and tantalising menu will ensure a fairy-tale night. The Lake Restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner. Offering a stunning dishes for all guests to enjoy.
Lussmanns
Award-winning Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen in the city centre offers a relaxed and cosy vibe. Exquisite dishes are created from locally sourced produce and with sustainability at its heart, it is a popular choice.
Perfect for impressing your significant other is a fine-dining experience at Thompson St Albans. With 3 AA Rosette status, this restaurant serves wonderful dishes imaginatively created by Head Chef Phil Thompson, in a tranquil and intimate setting.
The Ivy St Albans Brasserie
If you are searching for a stylish restaurant then The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is the ideal venue with art deco interiors, plush furnishings and first-class service. Fall in love over one of the specially created cocktails inspired by heart felt love stories and be sure to save space for their decadent sharing dessert “Pillow Talk.”
Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano
Dine by candlelight and capture the essence of amore at Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano. An indulgent Valentine’s Day menu served with Italian passion and flair will impress that special someone on the most romantic day of the year. Click here for bookings
Premiere Inn St Albans
Another great city centre choice is the Premier Inn St Albans City Centre. This modern and comfortable hotel is a short walk from all the main attractions including St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, the Clock Tower and all the amazing shops and restaurants- what’s not to love!
Inspiration for what to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
With a fantastic choice of hotels and restaurants, let romance blossom, fall in love or pop the question in St Albans this Valentine’s Day. Booking ahead is recommended as restaurants and hotels get booked up at this time of year.
Visitors to Christmas at Wimpole can expect a host of new light installations and a different route to last year when Wimpole Christmas lights turn on.
The popular Wimpole Christmas lights trail, which runs from 25 November 2022 until 1 January 2023, features an array of installations from artists across Europe. The magical trail, featuring spectacular light installations and enchanting visitors with seasonal Christmas classics, will transform the Wimpole estate’s landscaped grounds and garden.
General Manager at Wimpole, Polly Ingham-Watts said: “We’re thrilled to have Christmas at Wimpole returning for a second year. The trails give visitors the opportunity to see Wimpole Estate in a different light, with some of the most iconic Wimpole views; the grand façade of the Hall, Walled Gardens and Pleasure Ground, coming alive with twinkling lights and colour.”
Wimpole Christmas lights
Among the new installations is ‘In Bloom’ by London-based art collective, toystudio, a star-like shape casting colourful intricate shadows across the landscape.
Heart Arch by Art AV, My Christmas Trails. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music 2021
Other curated installations include a huge heart-shaped tunnel with over 1000 pea lights, a Snowflake Walk, giant reed-shaped neon plants; and Floraison, which features hundreds of poppy-shaped flowers suspended in the branches of trees. Spend time together and create everlasting memories as you wander between the specially chosen illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics. Pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition.
Christmas at Wimpole provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Heart Arch by Art AV, My Christmas Trails. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music 2021
Christmas at Wimpole – The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens
Christmas at Wimpole Opening time: From 25 November 2022 to 1 January 2023
Doors 0pen from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.
Doors close on 28, 29 November and 5, 6, 25 December
Why Visit Wimpole Christmas lights:
Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Wimpole.
Christmas at Wimpole ticket prices:
Advanced From: Adult £19, Child £14.50, Family £64 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £8 per car.
For more info on Christmas at Wimpole or to book Wimpole Christmas light tickets, visit christmasatwimpole.co.uk
About Wimpole
Wimpole first opened to visitors in 1979, considered the finest country house in Cambridgeshire bequeathed to the National Trust by Mrs Elsie Bambridge, daughter of Rudyard Kipling. Wimpole had a succession of owners from Lord Harley (1711-1740) to the Earls of Hardwicke (1740-1894) and Viscount’s Clifden, before being bought by Elsie Bambridge in 1930’s and has a roll-call of celebrated architects and landscape designers who have developed both the mansion and parkland into a place of beauty and graceful living.
A beautiful Fire Garden has been revealed as one of the spectacular works in the new Christmas light trail at Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, between 25 November and 31 December 2022.
The installation will be part of a spectacular collection of illuminations which will transform the 42 acres of gardens and parkland where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood.
Designed by Culture Creative, the Fire Garden at Hatfield Park is made up of hundreds of flame heads interspersed with Lantern Trees by Mandylights, which echo the timeless beauty of old Victorian-style street lamps. The brass-effect shades shimmer in bright gold, with electric flames inside the lanterns to inspire a feeling of warm firelight.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We are hugely excited by the plans for this fantastic new trail, with artists creating beautiful installations which will cast an entirely different light on a beautiful, historic property.”
Visitors to Hatfield Park can look forward to some precious time with friends and family as they discover sparkling tunnels of light and walk beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Hatfield Park lights are choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Hatfield’s majestic park into an instant winter wonderland.
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition.
*separate charges apply
Christmas at Hatfield Park is brought to you by Sony Music. The trail is created by Culture Creative.
What is happen at Hatfield Park?
Christmas at Hatfield Park – The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens. Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Hatfield Park
When is Christmas at Hatfield Park?
From 25 November and 31 December 2022. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm. Trail closed on 28, 29, 30 Nov; 5, 6, 24, 25 Dec.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised
Advanced From: Adult £24, Child £17, Family £78 (2 adults & 2 children).
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £7 per car.
Website: https://christmasathatfieldpark.seetickets.com/
Hatfield Park Address: Great North Rd., Hatfield AL9 5HX
Once the birthplace of renowned TV gardener Percy Thrower, the historic Grade-II listed Manor House at idyllic countryside hotel Horwood House has unveiled three fully refurbished Manor Suites. The latest milestone in an extensive £6 million, 18-month redevelopment programme, the new look suites draw on the rich horticultural heritage of the 110-year-old property, which is set within 38 acres of stunning gardens and grounds.
Horwood House Histrory
Originally a farmhouse (some 300 years ago), the Manor House was upgraded in the early 1900s by Frederick Denny, and his original commission design played an integral part in the refurbishment. Lovingly restored to showcase and celebrate the building’s original features, the three master suites are all located on the Manor’s top floor. After ascending the original and fully restored feature staircase – complete with a showstopping three-tier custom made chandelier, inspired by the traditional 19th century heritage lighting found in many stately homes.
Guests will be greeted by features from the original Manor House such as reconditioned vaulted ceilings, original stonework and grand bay windows synonymous with the Jacobethan era, which were originally designed by well-known architect Detmar Blow over 100 years ago!
Changes at Horwood House
The Denny family alongside their Head Gardener, (Percy Thrower’s father) took immense pride in rebuilding the gardens to the glorious scenes present today. When designing the rooms, it was of utmost importance that the breath-taking grounds took centre stage, with views of the glorious tree-lined drive and the picturesque lily pond, (created by Percy Thrower himself) forming integral parts of each scheme. Both vistas are lit up at night to ensure views at every time of day.
Carefully decorated to ensure guests enjoy a luxurious yet comfortable stay, the suites have each been individually designed but all feature a lounge, a bathroom and a spacious bedroom with luxury king-size beds complete with Art Deco inspired headboards. Plush bay window seating – a perfect spot to enjoy an hour or two of reading – and richly textured soft furnishings are in a colour-scheme selected to complement the hotel’s horticultural setting and offer serenity to those staying – expect light greys, deep greens, subtle teals and warm terracotta hues.
The bathrooms feature eye-catching grey scallop tiles and either a walk-in rainfall shower or bath with gold accents.No amenity or detail has been overlooked, with each suite also featuring a dining table, mini fridge, air-conditioning throughout, complimentary Wi-Fi and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Throughout the suites and into the ground floor of the Manor House, guests will see artwork that explores 1911, the year in which the Manor House was built and the landmark events that mark the period, such as the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, along with the publication of “The Secret Garden” and works by the celebrated poet, D.H. Lawrence.
And that’s not all – the ground floor bar, lounge and ceremony spaces have also been refurbished and offer the perfect backdrop for an early evening drink, afternoon tea with friends or a lavish dinner party in the private Manor library room with carefully curated menus, full of the finest seasonal ingredients, from the hotel’s Executive Chef Will Dimartino.
Booking Horwood House
Looking for a historic, horticultural stay full of rural opulence? The Manor Suites are available to book now, with room rates starting from £249.50 per person (£499 per room) with breakfast included. To book, visit: https://reservations.horwoodhouse.co.uk.
Directions to Horwood House Hotel
Horwood House
Mursley Rd
Little Horwood
Milton Keynes
MK17 0PH
