VALENTINE’S MINI COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS: The Alchemist, Cheltenham

people at a masterclass with cocktails in the brewery quarter in cheltenham

Looking to do something different this Valentine’s? Bring out your inner mixologist at this mini cocktail-making masterclass. Get down with the fizz and flavours on 12, 13, 14 and 16 February from 4pm – 9pm. For 2 guests at £18 per person, choose any cocktail from the Chemistry & Theatre – Light section of the drinks menu to create and quaff, and deliver your own dash of theatre. Classes last for 30 minutes, and make sure to book ahead.

PAMPER YOURSELF AT A SPA DAY: Malvern Spa, Malvern

Treat yourself to a Cupids Arrow Spa Day at the heavenly Malvern Spa. This exclusive February offer includes a full day of spa access from 9.30am-5.30pm. Enjoy a Cupid’s cocktail, £15 allocation towards lunch in the restaurant and a 50-minute Combo treatment. This includes a back, neck and shoulder massage and glow-boosting facial. Unwind in the state-of-the-art spa facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, saunas and the Health Club. You also get a £20 Elemis credit to spend on the day. Available Monday – Friday.

Fizzy Foursomes, The Bell at Sapperton, near Cirencester

people at a pub in glos cheering with drinks

Want a foursome?! Head to the Bell at Sapperton. Spread the love to your besties this V-Day and get free (yes free) fizz. The Fizzy Foursomes deal at this rustic Cotswold pub is for tables of 4, 8s and even 12s. For every table of four or saucy sixes you get one free bottle of fizz. For eights, claim two free bottles and if you’ve got a dirty dozen of mates (oo! get you) you will get THREE free bottles. The menu is lovely too, with two courses from £35, and 3 courses from £42.

SELF-GUIDED WINERY WALK, TASTING & LUNCH: Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Stroud or Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent

wine tasting and food at three choirs winery

Glos’s answer to Bordeaux, Three Choirs Vineyard offers tours and tastings at one of the country’s largest and oldest vineyards. During an hour-long tour through the vines, learn how the grapes are grown and then pay a visit to the winery where you can sample what dizzy heights the grapes are capable of. Available Saturdays & Sundays, between 12 & 2pm, all year round for £45pp. Stay on for a wine and cheese lunch and there are also rooms to book (with 40% off till end of March). Or, near Stroud, do a tour and tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard.

CHOCOHOLIC HEAVEN: Cooking with your Valentine, Daylesford Cookery School, 14 February

Treat yourself to a class for learning how to cook meals for sharing with a loved one at Daylesford. Enjoy a tea and coffee, a series of demos and guided hands-on cookery sessions, to create your own sharing dishes. Throughout the day you’ll sit down and eat what you have created together, accompanied by a glass or two of wine from Daylesford’s sister estate in Provence. Costs £210 and includes lunch and refreshments.

DINE ON A ROOFTOP: The Nook, Cheltenham

John Burton race at the nook in Cheltenham

Elevate your dining game with a meal cooked by the new Executive Chef at The Nook – celeb chef John Burton-Race! The multi-Michelin-starred chef, author and TV personality, has worked in Hotel Meurice London, La Sorbonne, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and with Raymond Blanc – what a coup for Cheltenham! Book in between 8 – 14 Feb for his 7 course tasting menu, such as Cornish scallop with langoustine bisque and Paris Bresse choux pastry with praline cream and cherries. Costs £110pp.

DO AFTERNOON TEA WITH A DIFFERENCE: Afternoon Tea Picnic Benches, Mr Cambray’s, Cheltenham

These fabulous feasts are perfect for any occasion, and we love the Insta-luxe look of Mr Cambray’s in Cheltenham. From Chocolate dipped strawberries to savoury tartlets and Prosecco, these cool Valentines Picnic Benches are the most glamorous afternoon tea feasts we’ve seen. Costs £20 for adults and £12 for children.

GO BIG OR GO HOME : The Ivy, Montpellier, Cheltenham

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Can a V-Day meal at the iconic Ivy ever be cringe? A hard no! We love the sound of the three-course Valentine’s Day Menu, at £75pp. Dine on a duo of prawns, fillet of beef, lobster linguine and coconut sweet potato curry. Then share (if you must) the divine ‘Cupid’s Love Heart ‘ dessert and become a part of actual tales written at your table. Every couple will receive a limited-edition Forever Rose, a timeless memento and beautiful keepsake of your romantic celebration. Kick things off with a glass of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé on arrival why not. Available between 12 – 16 Feb, from 11.30am.

QUAFF COCKTAILS IN AN ENCHANTED BAR: Imperial Haus, Cheltenham

You’ve been to bars, but you’ve never been to a bar quite as cool as this one! Imperial Haus, tucked away in the heart of Cheltenham is an ‘enchanted bar’ with spectacular cocktails and even more spectacular decor – snap your V or G day selfie on these swings, and marvel at the jewelled interior – you may spot ex-Apprentice contender and owner Sophie Wilding.

GET FILTHY: Potters Wheel Taster Session, Honeybourne Pottery, Evesham

Whether you’re up for a recreation of Ghost or just want to try a new skill with the girls, this one’s for you. In this fun 1.5 hour introductory class you will get familiar with the potter’s wheel and learn what it is like to have a go at throwing. Class lasts 55 minutes. There’ll be demos and experts on hand to guide you. Classes have a max of 10 people. Costs £65.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS: Valentines Hand-tied Course, Daylesford, Kingham

Join the expert team at Daylesford to create your own incredible bunch of blooms. This course will cover putting together a hand-tied bouquet with seasonal blooms. Weather and time permitting, the floristry team may take you on a guided tour of the organic Cutting Garden where you will gather blooms and other natural materials to incorporate into your gorgeous design. Takes place on 13 Feb 2025, 09:30am – 01:00pm. Costs £160 per person.

SLEEP LIKE A QUEEN: Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury

Fancy sleeping in the actual room that Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn snoozed in? I know that relationship didn’t end well, but if The Tudors TV series was anything to go by there was a lot of heat between the sheets, and this bona fide castle with turrets and four posters can’t help but get the pulse racing. Step from a spiral staircase into 65sqm of castle luxury, complete with four-poster bed and views that stretch all the way to Wales.

TAKE A VINTAGE CAR FOR A SPIN: Cotswold Classic Car Hire, Cotswolds

There’s nothing like a road trip to tease out the romantic streak in you (just make sure the sat nav is on). Ditch the muddy hatchback for a Jaguar E-Type, Aston DB7, Triumph Stag or Alfa Spider. Cotswolds Classic Car Hire has a fleet of classic beauties for hire. It provides maps and routes – and find an overnight stay here in our Weekend Escapes. Pass the headscarf and shades, we’re off! From £165.

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