Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<p>The countdown is on for Valentine&#8217;s Day, and whether you dream of being showered with gifts or prefer to pretend it isn’t really happening. Here’s a round up of the best date ideas including a few slightly off-beat takes on the day of love.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wheel-love">WHEEL LOVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/saramica-wheel.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-41679" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/saramica-wheel.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/saramica-wheel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/saramica-wheel-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Make time for some arty bonding and channel Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in <em>Ghost</em> with a taster session at <a href="https://saramicaclay.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saramica</a> (a ceramics studio with venues in Castle Ashby and Weedon). You can have a go at throwing a pot on the wheel, make clay pieces and have them fired and glazed. Plus you&#8217;ll go home with a memento of the day. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE FOOD OF LOVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="938" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/carmela-valnetines-938x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-41687" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/carmela-valnetines-938x1024.jpeg 938w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/carmela-valnetines-275x300.jpeg 275w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/carmela-valnetines-768x839.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/carmela-valnetines.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" /></figure>



<p>Mama Mia! <a href="https://carmelas-kitchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carmela Sereno Hayes </a>offers Italian cookery classes for all levels from her Pasta Room in Northampton, specialising in beautiful stuffed and decorative pasta, as well as risotto and desserts. You can book on to a course or make it a private affair for just you and your <em>amore</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAVE A LAUGH</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/laugh.jpg" alt="Comedy forge coffee culworth" class="wp-image-37899" /></figure>



<p>They say that laughter is the best aphrodisiac, so why not head out with your paramour for a spot of comedy? Part of <a href="https://comedy-festival.co.uk/events/comedy-couples-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leicester Comedy Festival</a>, join comedy couple Masai Graham and Kirsty Munro on 14 Feb, and celebrate Valentine&#8217;s Day by watching them taking the mick out of each other. And you can vote for the winner. Because what says &#8216;I love you&#8217; better than a cheap comedy night out for a fiver? It’s also comedy night art <a href="https://www.forgecoffee.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forge Coffee</a> in Culworth on 15 Feb, one of the most intimate venues we know for having a right giggle and glass or two from the in-house wine collection. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-splash-out">SPLASH OUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/castle-ashby-swimming-lake-falcon-hotel.jpeg" alt="Castle ashby swimming lake northants falcon hotel" class="wp-image-37890" /></figure>



<p>Fancy getting fresh – literally? <a href="https://thefalcon-castleashby.com/wellbeing/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Ashby swimming lake</a> has got to be one of our favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle for a spot of romantic communing with nature. You can book an hour long open water swimming session in a Capability Brown designed fresh water lake, safe in the knowledge that a lifeguard is on hand to keep you safe. Alternatively, try a spot of paddle boarding with <a href="https://www.gaiastanduppaddleboard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia SUP</a>, who run group and private lessons in Earls Barton. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to explore the countryside from a fresh perspective.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sip-and-shop">SIP AND SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/WARNERS-DISTILLERY-TOUR-007.jpeg" alt="Warmer distillery tours" class="wp-image-41674" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/WARNERS-DISTILLERY-TOUR-007.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/WARNERS-DISTILLERY-TOUR-007-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/WARNERS-DISTILLERY-TOUR-007-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We have it on good authority that juniper berries, the key ingredient in gin, attract love into your life, so what better way to spend a romantic date than making and drinking gin? <a href="https://www.warnersdistillery.com/pages/warners-distillery-farm-tours" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warner’s Distillery farm tours</a> at Falls Farm in Harrington, where they grow loads of the botanicals they in the gin, allow you to see how the magic happens and, yes, okay, you can have a taste too. Silverstone Distillery run the fantabulous <a href="https://www.silverstonedistillery.co.uk/gin-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gin School</a> from their brand new HQ at Bell Plantation in Towcester, where you’ll learn how to make your very own gin using a copper still and get 10% off in the shop while you’re there. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidding-around">KIDDING AROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="978" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/caddyshackers-leicester.jpeg" alt="Caddyshackers Leicester axe throwing crazy golf, darts, shuffleboard, footpool" class="wp-image-41690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/caddyshackers-leicester.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/caddyshackers-leicester-300x293.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/caddyshackers-leicester-768x751.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Date night with a twist? Try <a href="https://caddyshackers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">axe throwing</a>. Think of it as darts or bowling but so much more satisfying. Caddyshackers in Leicester city centre offer sessions to channel your inner warrior with professional coaches who will teach you to sling your axe safely, accurately, and hitting the bullseye, plus there&#8217;s crazy golf, darts, shuffleboard, footpool and, of course, cocktails. Alternatively, try a futuristic full-body VR experience at <a href="https://roamdome.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romedome</a><em> </em>in Thurmaston. The experience can include up to five people so you can couple up or take the kids and once your gear is on, you can interact with everyone inside, just like in real life. Prefer a little healthy competition? Try <a href="https://sixescricket.com/location/leicester" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sixes Social Cricket</a> where you can re-imagine the thrill of Cricket &#8211; indoors, with street food and cocktails thrown in for good measure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-write-here-write-now">WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="980" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/ragdale-hall-spa.jpeg" alt="Ragdale Hall hotel and spa Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire" class="wp-image-41647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/ragdale-hall-spa.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/ragdale-hall-spa-300x294.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/ragdale-hall-spa-768x753.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not a date, exactly, but what more romantic way could there be to let your amour know you care than to send a hand written letter? At <a href="https://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ragdale Hall</a> there&#8217;s a special postal service operating until Thursday 15 Feb for guests to send a message of love. Post your envelope in the special Valentine&#8217;s post box and it&#8217;ll be delivered first class on your behalf. Sounds like a good time to book a <a href="https://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/spa-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spa day for two</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-revved-up">GET REVVED UP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Drive-silverstone-2023.jpg" alt="Drive Silverstone" class="wp-image-41676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Drive-silverstone-2023.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Drive-silverstone-2023-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Drive-silverstone-2023-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Stilettos and sexy onesie on, gear up and get ready to put in a lap record at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silverstone.co.uk/drive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silverstone Circuit</a>, the home of Formula 1. Enjoy the drive of your lives with either the Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Formula Single Seater Drive Experience and pro driving instructors to show you the ropes and no speed limits. Neeeooow. Question is, which one of you will go fastest?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LUXE NIGHT IN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="930" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/danny-tompkins-private-chef.jpeg" alt="Danny Tomkins Private Chef" class="wp-image-41677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/danny-tompkins-private-chef.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/danny-tompkins-private-chef-300x279.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/danny-tompkins-private-chef-768x714.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For the ultimate romantic night in, go big <em>and</em> go home. Forget lacklustre supermarket dine in for two deals and call in the big guns. For seriously luxe private dining in the comfort of your own home, when it comes to combining incredible flavours, locally sourced ingredients and gorgeous presentation, it doesn’t get more mouth-watering than <a href="https://dannytompkinschef.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danny Tompkins</a>‘ culinary creations. He’s cooked for everyone from Jo Whiley to Jay-Z <em>and </em>he’ll even take care of the dishes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE RUB DOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/the-garden-spa-barton-seagrave-northants.jpg" alt="the garden spa barton seagrave northants" class="wp-image-37897" /></figure>



<p>There’s not much that can top a luxurious spa sesh, whether it’s with your beau, your bestie or your beautiful self. Head to Barton Hall Hotel in Barton Seagrave to check out the al fresco <a href="https://getstoked.dev/bartonhall/the-garden-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garden Spa</a>. We are loving the Soho Farmhouse meets Nordic decor vibes. There’s a hydrotherapy pool, cedar sauna cabin, sensory steam room, cold/ice therapy area, Hayloft relaxation room and fire pit, plus gorgeous treatments using products from Elemental Herbology. Or try <a href="https://www.ketteringparkhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kettering Park Hotel</a>, where there’s an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and an indulgent range of treatments and therapies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pop-your-cork">POP YOUR CORK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="670" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/HIBISCIS-FINE-DINING-DELAPRE-NORTHAMPTON.jpg" alt="Hibiscus Delapre Abbey" class="wp-image-41683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/HIBISCIS-FINE-DINING-DELAPRE-NORTHAMPTON.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/HIBISCIS-FINE-DINING-DELAPRE-NORTHAMPTON-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/HIBISCIS-FINE-DINING-DELAPRE-NORTHAMPTON-768x515.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need to pull it out of the bag to impress your beloved? One of our favourite secret dining spots, <a href="https://delapreabbey.org/visit/hibiscus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hibiscus </a>in the lovely Billiard Room at Delapré Abbey in Northampton, will have a romantic fine dining 7-course tasting menu with wine pairings on 14 &amp; 15 Feb only. We&#8217;re talking truffles, sirloin, lobster, the lot in this this gorgeously serene space. Perfect for loved up couples or, if that&#8217;s not your thing, you can sack off the lovey dovey stuff book a table for up to four people and go with your favourite girl friends. </p>



<p>Fancy something a bit more cosy and casual? Fall in love over a bottle of something a bit special and fab food at the beautifully intimate <a href="https://www.rubyandclaretwine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruby and Claret</a> wine bar in Earls Barton on Wed 14 Feb from 6pm, where there&#8217;s a 3-course set menu to accompany your choice of tipple. Don&#8217;t fancy going out out on a week night? Head over for a Valentine&#8217;s themed afternoon tea for two on Sunday 18 Feb, perfect if you&#8217;d rather spend an afternoon eating cake and drinking fizz with your gal pal.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-llama-love">WHOLE LLAMA LOVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="957" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/catanger-cuddles.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-41656" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/catanger-cuddles.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/catanger-cuddles-300x287.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/catanger-cuddles-768x735.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It doesn’t get much further from the madding crowd than <a href="http://www.llamatrekking.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catanger Farm</a> in Weedon Lois in south Northants. Not only can you trek along country lanes and bridleways with the adorable llamas who live here, you can also stay in a secluded and romantic gypsy wagon or shepherd’s hut nestled in the woods. </p>


Pull it out of the bag this Valentine’s Day

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