Valentine's In Bournemouth

Paris may be the city of love but closer to home Bournemouth is rivalling it for romance. Granted, we may not boast an Eiffel Tower by way of a backdrop to a thousand selfies, but ours is a town brimming with attractions certain to make many a valentine this February 14th.

A special occasion, couples new and old spend hours contemplating just how to make this evening different from the typical date night. To help both distinguish and delight we have put together some suggestions sure to stoke the fires…

Cinema

Traditionalists flock to the flicks every Valentine’s Day in search of a good movie, maybe even a rom-com if the male is feeling particularly selfless! While Bournemouth cannot promise re-runs of Huge Grant playing a hapless yet endearing romantic, it can definitely offer cinemas aplenty.

For the best viewing experience visit the new BH2 complex – complete with ten screens showcasing RealD and immersive ISENSE technology. A stone’s throw away is the popular ABC Bournemouth on Westover Road, while Poole’s Tower Park is nestled amongst restaurants and a bowling complex for those hoping to make an evening of it.

As for titles showing in this loved-up month, how about the Golden Globe winning Vice starring one-time Bournemouth native Christian Bale as mischievous vice-president Dick Cheney? Elsewhere both Clint Eastwood (The Mule) and Nicole Kidman (Destroyer) have new pictures airing, while Mark Wahlberg brings the laughter in Instant Family.

Music

A night of romance requires a soundtrack of course, and Bournemouth offers plenty in the way of musical accompaniment. The soothing, sensual sounds of piano, trumpet and trombone flow from the likes of the Chaplins & Cellar Bar, as well as the Saxo Jazz club itself across town.

If destined for stunning Sandbanks, make a beeline for the famed Jazz Café and enjoy unrivalled musicianship. So revered is this establishment you may well bump into a famous face…

And forget not our own epicentre of live performance, the Bournemouth International Centre, drawing music superstars south since 1984. Next month the likes of Boyzone and Tears For Fears are in town, along with an Elvis Lives production for the nostalgic.

Spa

Making time for your relationship means making time for yourselves and this is perhaps best realised at a health centre. Too often discarded as a female only excursion, spas provide plenty in the way of treatments for both sexes and will help man and woman destress after a hectic start to the year.

Better still Bournemouth has some of the best facilities around – be it the Oceana Day Spa, the Forever Gorgeous Day Spa & Salon, the Bluewater Spa or the Arcadia Spa. Book a joint session this Valentines and leave revitalised.

Photoshoot

The rise of social media has resulted in most couples uploading a litany of pictures to their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Even so there is no substitute for a professional photoshoot, one which truly captures the essence of a relationship.

As a valentine’s treat, why not arrange your own session with one of the town’s leading photographers? This can be as light-hearted or intense as you like, with props by no means mandatory!

Just as romantic is sitting in for a couple’s illustration – with portraits enjoying somewhat of a renaissance in recent times. Having something to frame, hang and look back on is a great memento of a loving day.

Wine Tasting

Good food and good wine are considered essentials for every Valentines, so why not commit to the latter and partake in a spot of wine tasting?

A relaxed and romantic event, this trip affords couples the opportunity to exercise the palate and savour flavours from every corner of the globe.

A great prelude to a great night, wine tasting is available at Majestic Wine on February 12th. On the same night Ginjams are running a Gin Tasting equivalent if you prefer a different kind of tipple.

Romantic Walks

Too many couples cite cost as a reason to gloss over Valentine’s Day altogether but forget romance has no price tag.  Indeed affection can be demonstrated with small gestures that require no outlay whatsoever.

Take a long beach walk instance, something Bournemouth can offer for no admission fee. A similar stroll through Bournemouth Gardens provides a romantic backdrop money cannot in fact buy. Marvel at the scenery and share in one another’s company – that is after all what Valentine’s day is about.

Join Us

All of the above can be factored into a stay at Hotel Collingwood. Our two-night valentine’s package includes a three-course candle lit dinner and glass of fizz on arrival. Moreover guests can make full use of our pool, jacuzzi and sauna facilities before retiring to a hideaway of their choosing – be it a classic double or superior room.

We’ll also throw in a full Dorset Breakfast made up from the very best in local produce.

So make time for your relationship this Valentine’s Day and ensure it becomes one to remember.

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