Valentine's Day is almost upon us and the celebration of love also marks the start of the half term break. So what better time to rent a Karshare car and head out on a romantic break with your loved one? If you’re feeling more like a getaway with friends, then our suggestions can also be experienced without a partner too!
1. Gaze at the night skies in Yorkshire
If your love is out of this world, the Yorkshire Dales might be the perfect spot for your Valentine’s trip. As a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country due to the low light pollution. The Dark Skies Festival runs from 18 Feb - 6 March and has a great line up of events including night-time photography and mindful stargazing workshops.
For a romantic Valentine’s dinner, check out the Dining Under the Stars event at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa. For a sustainable place to stay why not try Catgill Farm or The Wensleydale Experience? Both offer accommodation with eco-friendly private hot tubs - the perfect way to end your day in the Dales, or begin a night of stargazing.
Why we love it
Fully experiencing the night sky is getting harder to do in our cities so we love how the Dark Skies Festival encourages people to reduce light and air pollution. There’s also a great range of sustainable accommodation options and businesses that also promote low light pollution so visitors and locals can fully appreciate the skies above.
2. Take a culinary journey through Sussex
For the food lovers out there, a road trip through the South East should be at the top of your list of Valentine’s trips. Sussex boasts some truly excellent restaurants, including Michelin starred Interlude at Leonardslee Lakes and Garden in Lower Beeding. The grounds of Leonardslee are worth exploring too, with a sculpture garden and newly planted vineyard. While few associate England with winemaking, the cool climate and geology make some parts of the country ideal for wine growing, particularly sparkling wine. In fact, this region shares the same chalky soil as Champagne, so it’s no surprise that Sussex is home to the largest concentration of vineyards in the UK. Most of the wineries offer tastings and tours of the vineyards; our top recommendations are Bolney Estate, Ridgeview Wine Estate and Bluebell Vineyard.
Wine not your thing? No problem. The area is also home to some excellent breweries including Hairy Dog, Heathen Brewers and 360° Brewing Co. For somewhere unique to stay have a look on Airbnb for secluded country cottages or ecopods.
Why we love it
The wineries mentioned are all members of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain scheme and Interlude restaurant sources most of its ingredients direct from the Leonardslee Garden making it a true farm to table experience, reducing food miles and waste.
3. Pamper yourselves in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds remain one of the go-to locations for romantic holidays, and it isn’t hard to see why. The rolling hills, country pubs and picture-perfect villages are so lovely, you can’t help but feel the love. Visit Broadway Tower to see the red deer herd and climb the tower to live out your own fairy-tale story. You can also hire an e-bike to explore the wider area. While in the Cotswolds you can indulge in a pamper session at Bamford Spa, part of the Daylesford Organic Farm in Kingham. Finally, a trip to the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bibury, often credited as the most beautiful village in the UK, grab a drink at the Swan Bar after seeing the heritage listed Arlington Row.
Why we love it
Daylesford Farm is known as one of the most organic farms in the UK, pioneering sustainable practices for 40 years. It’s spa, restaurants and accommodation all follow these principles and the farm hosts events and workshops to pass on the importance of sustainability to the wider community.
If any of the above are floating your romantic boat this half term, then start browsing nearby cars today and take your pick. To help create memories with loved ones, we want to play Cupid this year and are offering £20 off your next rental with the code CUPID20. The code expires on the 14th February at 23:59 and is one time use only, so don’t miss out!
