Valentine's Activity and Gift Guide

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, shared adventure or thoughtful gift, Valentine’s Day is a lovely excuse to spend time together. From candlelit concerts and stargazing nights to creative workshops and gifts, here’s our guide to celebrating Valentine’s across the region.

Classical Music

Romantic Piano Recital in Woodbridge

Head to a classical piano recital featuring romantic favourites, performed in Woodbridge Methodist Church. A sophisticated way to spend Valentine’s evening. it's ideal for couples seeking something calm and atmospheric.

Candlelight Valentine’s Concert at The Assembly House, Norwich

Enjoy romantic music performed by candlelight in one of Norwich’s most elegant venues. The programme focuses on love-themed pieces, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Candlelight Valentine’s Concert at Cambridge Union

Expect well-known classical pieces in an atmospheric setting. This memorable concert is performed by candlelight in the historic Cambridge Union.

A Night at the Opera in Ely Cathedral

Starts at 7.30pm

A candlelit opera featuring iconic love-themed melodies. The cathedral setting adds drama to an unforgettable Valentine’s evening while you take in a programme of Motzert and Bizet amongst other well-known composers.

Getting active

Valentine’s Day Dip at Felixstowe seafront

Brave the sea together with a charity Valentine’s dip in support of St Elizabeth Hospice. A joyful, heart-racing way to mark the day, followed by plenty of camaraderie on the beach. Ideal for those looking for challenges over chocolates!

Romantic Walks across Suffolk

From sunset walks along the River Orwell to coastal paths between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, Suffolk offers endless walking routes. Why not share unhurried conversations on your way to The Ship, Dunwich, or The Westleton Crown.

Valentine’s Challenge at Suffolk Running Centre

From 9am

A flexible six-hour running event where couples can run anything from 5km to ultra distances. Set on a scenic countryside trail, it’s designed to suit all abilities. A brilliant option for active couples who like to do things their own way!

Romantic Nature Walks

From the woodland paths at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden to winter walks on Holkham, Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea beaches, Norfolk is full of romantic landscapes. Quiet beaches and open skies make winter walking especially atmospheric. Take a look at some of our favourite winter walking routes here.

Ultimate Ninja UK in Colchester

Available year-round

Take on an indoor obstacle course together for a high-energy and memorable date. Great for couples who enjoy friendly competition and shared laughs. An active alternative to the traditional dinner date.

Urban Xtreme in Colchester

Available year-round

From axe throwing and rage rooms to retro gaming, Urban Xtreme offers playful and adrenaline-filled date ideas. Ideal for couples who like to try something bold and different. A fun way to break Valentine’s traditions.

Valentine’s Run at Riverside Park, St Neots

Choose your distance from 5km to ultra-marathon and run alongside the River Great Ouse. This friendly, flexible event welcomes runners of all levels and is a unique way to celebrate the day.

Evening Entertainment

Date Night at the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich

Step back in time at one of the UK’s oldest surviving cinemas. With its historic charm and intimate screenings, it’s a wonderfully nostalgic place for a film date. They will be showing the 'powerful story of love', Hamnet.

Valentine Ghost Hunt at Kimbolton Castle

9pm–1am

One for the ghost-hunters! Head to Kimbolton Castle for a thrilling late-night paranormal investigation. A Valentine’s experience that's spooky and unconventional guaranteed to be remembered.

Valentine’s Dining Train on North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham

Departing 7pm

Combine the romance of steam travel with a candlelit three-course dinner served on board a heritage train. The evening journey creates a nostalgic and intimate setting. A truly memorable Valentine’s night out.

Stargazing on the Norfolk Broads

Escape light pollution and enjoy some of the UK’s best stargazing locations on the Broads. Clear winter nights offer excellent views of stars and planets. A peaceful and memorable Valentine’s

experience.

Booze and Brushes Valentine’s Special at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds

A relaxed painting session with drinks included, perfect for a creative Valentine’s night out. No experience is needed and you’ll leave with your own artwork - sociable, fun and refreshingly informal, it's a great way to catch up with friends.

Valentine’s Stargazing at RSPB Minsmere

Spend Valentine’s evening beneath the stars at one of Suffolk’s darkest-sky locations. With telescopes and expert guides on hand, you’ll explore constellations and planets. A magical experience for couples who love nature and something a little different.

Miscellaneous

Valentine’s Market in Lowestoft

11am–3pm

A free Valentine’s market filled with local makers, crafts and small treats. This market in Lowestoft is a lovely way to shop local while spreading the Valentine's cheer - and expect live performances too.

Romantic strolls and Coffee dates in Holt

For a more understated date, spend the weekend wandering through charming towns such as Holt. Independent cafés, bookshops and boutiques make it easy to turn a simple stroll into a relaxed date.

Alpaca Trekking at Lathcoats Farm, Chelmsford

Available year-round

Walk your own alpaca through orchards while learning about these gentle animals - does it get much better than this? The experience is relaxed, fun and surprisingly calming. A charming and unusual Valentine’s date idea or something to do with friends in spring!

Valentine’s Punting on the River Cam

14th–16th February

Enjoy a private chauffeured punt along the River Cam, complete with blankets and seasonal treats. It's one of Cambridge’s most iconic experiences and a peaceful way to see the city from the water.

Botanic Garden Snowdrop Trail at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

2nd January - 2nd March

Wander through early spring blooms and delicate snowdrops on a romantic walk that hints at the changing seasons - ideal for a relaxed daytime Valentine’s date.

Spending the weekend with us?

Love is best served with good food, great drinks, and even better company. So, join us at one of our pubs or Big House hotels this Valentine’s Day for your favourite dishes or indulge in one of the Chef’s special creations.

If you really want to push the boat out, treat your other half to our Romantic Stay Package. A bottle of bubbly will be waiting in your room and enjoy a lie-in with a late checkout the next morning, followed by breakfast to send you on your way. 

If you're spending some time on the Norfolk coast, discover The Cottage at The Maltings for the ultimate luxury of an holistic treatment.

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Valentine’s Gifts

Lucy Loves This – Suffolk Prints

This personalised Suffolk-themed artwork features maps and local scenes. It's a thoughtful keepsake that can be customised with names or dates. Looking for a Norfolk-based version? Click here.

Southwold Flower Company

Southwold Flower Company grow seasonal British-grown blooms near the Suffolk coast. Beautifully arranged and sustainably grown, these flowers feel natural and special. A lovely alternative to mass-produced bouquets.

Connock

We have worked closely with our fragrance partner, Connock England, to create a scent that evokes a sense of place. The Verdant fragrance collection was created for our guests and inspired by the countryside in our region, and makes for a special gift.

Claire’s House Pottery Workshops

Gift a hands-on pottery experience where you can create something together. From wheel throwing to pottery painting, it’s a Valentine’s gift that becomes a shared memory. You’ll leave with a handmade keepsake to treasure.

Wood Row Artisan Chocolates

Treat your other half to hand-painted, small-batch chocolates made on the Suffolk-Norfolk border. Each piece is crafted like a miniature artwork - a truly special treat for chocolate lovers!

Book Gift: Music and Silence by Rose Tremain

A beautifully written historical novel exploring love, art and longing. Intimate and emotionally rich, it makes a thoughtful Valentine’s gift for literature and music enthusiasts.

The Bottle Shop

Thinking of spending the evening in on Valentine's? Create your own wine-tasting from your living room with one of The Bottle Shop's mixed cases.

Unique Maps

If you're interested in the history of our region or the changing landscapes, why not spoil your other half with a piece of artwork - in the form of a map.