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The most romantic day of the year approaches, and out of peak season it may be the smartest time to enjoy all the very best bits Cornwall has to offer.
As Valentine’s Day presents the perfect excuse to stay somewhere new, a trip to the Duchy will allow couples to fill their lungs with Cornish air, taste some of the finest local fare and make wonderful memories in this slice of heaven. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, making it the perfect time for a short break or long weekend.
In 2022 Lost Gardens of Heligan celebrates 30 years since discovery by Sir Tim Smit
Springtime in Cornwall is heralded not only by the longer gentler days, but by the candy-coloured explosions of colour with the blooms of Magnolias across six of the champion trees of The Great Gardens of Cornwall bursting into life.
The Great Gardens of Cornwall is a collection of 14 of the best-known, largest, most historically and horticulturally important gardens in Cornwall. Spread across Cornwall, from a tidal estuary on the River Tamar, to the tip of the Isles of Scilly, the 13 gardens include: Antony Woodland Gardens, Bonython Estate Gardens, Caerhays Castle Spring Gardens, the Eden Project, Lamorran Gardens, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Garden, Tregothnan, Tregrehan Garden, Tremenheere Sculpture and Tresco Abbey Gardens.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but we think this applies to everyone when the Duchy is the chef’s larder. As always the Cornish food scene continues to make our tummies rumble, date night in Cornwall is always a good idea, you’ll fall in love with the locally-sourced dishes. Check out the very sweetest restaurants here, or if you fancy a more intimate set up, here’s our favourite private chefs in Cornwall.
It doesn’t get more romantic than watching the sun go down with a loved one. Look out to the Atlantic Ocean as you see the sun disappear into the sea horizon. There are some truly fantastic coastal spots to see a sunset from St Michael’s Mount and dramatic Land’s End, to gorgeous Godrevy with the lighthouse in the distance. So layer up, grab a blanket and a flask of Cornish tea and hunker down for a mesmerising scene. In February, golden hour in Cornwall – the hour before sunset – is around 4:35pm, so head down and get yourself a good spot.
We’re fortunate to have some of the country’s finest spas here in Cornwall, and what better excuse to check in for a pampering than Valentine’s day?
A trip to the newly enhanced C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Hotel comes recommended. Unwind and soak up the bubbles in the hydro pool, embrace a seaweed wrap or a Lava Shell massage and enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and sauna pod with panoramic views of the bay.
The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth offers a glorious ‘Swim, Soak and Supper’ package. Relaxation seekers can arrive from 4pm to indulge in the eco spa’s fabulous spa facilities, enjoy a candlelit soak in the restorative Copper Tub for two, followed by a delicious three-course dinner at the Scarlet restaurant.
Or perhaps you’d rather stay in the comfort of your holiday home? Let the talented therapists from Home Spa Cornwall come to you. A heavenly experience without leaving your holiday home, you can each enjoy 60-minutes of bliss while you relax on a heated couch, the perfect way to switch off from the world for a while.
Rolling hills, high moors and undulating coastal tracks await in picturesque Cornwall. Wherever you choose to clock up your step count, Cornwall is a stroller’s paradise. A survey stated that one in 2,000 proposals took place on Bondi Beach in Sydney… how about something a little closer to home on one of Cornwall’s beautiful bays? Which beach will steal your heart? Read more about them, here.
Rhys Harris
Swap screens for skies and make your Valentine’s evening feel quietly epic. Pick a headland, a sheltered cove, or a countryside lane where the lights are low and the horizon is wide. Pack a blanket, a thermos of something warm, and a few treats to share. Give your eyes ten minutes to adjust, then start spotting: Orion’s belt, the Pleiades, and (on a clear night) the Milky Way’s faint haze. Turn it into a mini ritual — one wish each, one constellation each — then linger for “just five more minutes.”
Not sure where to go? Read about our top star-gazing spots, here.
An outdoor sauna date is equal parts cosy and exhilarating — perfect for Valentine’s. Start with a slow heat-up, breathe in the cedar-scented air, then step outside for a cool-down that makes everything feel sharper: sea breeze, fresh rain, or crisp winter air. Repeat the cycle and you’ll leave glowing, relaxed, and slightly giddy. Many spots pair the sauna with a plunge pool, cold shower, or even a dip in the ocean — choose what feels brave-but-fun. Finish with robes, hot drinks, and an unhurried chat while the world feels wonderfully quiet. Check out our guide to the best saunas in Cornwall.
We've handpicked some of our most romantic Cornish boltholes...
Categories: Activities,Cornish Secrets Stays,General
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
