Celebrate the month of love with 28 Dates for February to give you inspiration to really indulge in the good stuff in life – and not just for Valentine’s Day!
Whether it’s a night away, a meal or a visit to a local attraction, we have some great suggestions for dates throughout the month of love.
Date Idea 1: Wake up to the views
Escape to Malvern and fall in love again with the ultimate romantic getaway at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern. Wake up to sweeping views of the Severn Valley and enjoy a cosy night, a delicious tasting menu in 1919 Restaurant and a hearty locally produced breakfast for two – served with a view, of course.
Date Idea 2: Hop along!
While in Malvern, pack a picnic and head to The Hop Shed, an award-winning local brewery based on a hop farm in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Committed to making all of their beers with 100% British hops, Saturdays @ The Tap Room run every Saturday between 2-4pm and is a top local date idea for beer lovers.
Date Idea 3: Be my Valentine?
Evenings at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern take on a different light as the sun starts to set behind the hills, creating a mellow atmosphere with laid back elegance. Join us for a specially crafted tasting menu this Valentines – the Rhubarb Buttermilk Pannacotta is designed to be shared! £75pp on Saturday 11th February or Tuesday 14th February to treat a loved one.
Date Idea 4: A night at the theatre
After exploring the hotel, pop out for a performance of a lifetime! Secure tickets to the opera Aida on 5 February at the Malvern Theatres or treat a loved one to An Evening with Sir Tim Rice and West End Singers on 10 February for a date night with a difference.
Date Idea 5: Galentines Day
Love is not just reserved for a significant other but is all around us, after all! Get together with your best girlfriend, mum, sister, or colleague to enjoy a Galentine’s Afternoon Tea at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern, with a glass of bubbly to toast to friendship. Cheers!
Date Idea 6: A Wintery Lunch
Savour the crisp, heart-warming moments of the season and treat a loved one to a Winter Set lunchtime menu in 1919 Restaurant. It’s been said that the way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach – and we wholeheartedly agree. Complete your romantic meal at 1919 Restaurant with a sharing dessert made for two – with two spoons included. We can’t promise a meatball moment as in Lady and the Tramp – but you’ll be getting close. Enjoy a starter, a main, and a sharing dessert for only £19 per person every Monday-Saturday between 12 and 2.30pm until the end of February.
Date Idea 7: Sundowners on the Terrace
The Lounge Bar at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern is cool and relaxed and a great place for a date! Enjoy a chilled glass of wine in the bar or a cuddle up with a colourful cocktail on the heated Terrace with views over the Severn Valley. Cheers!
Date Idea 8: Walk it off
Take the Teme Valley Trail to explore the highs and lows of Malvern, with six different walking routes perfect for a romantic stroll or a strenuous hike with the one you love. There’s nothing quite like taking a rest at the top, surrounded by clouds and views as far as the eyes can see.
Date Idea 9: The lost world of Witley Court
Plan your stay in Malvern and huddle together on an audio tour to discover the secrets and stories of a lost world at the stunning Witley Court and Gardens. Built in the 17th century and remodelled in Victorian times, you can go nature spotting in the grounds and watch the legendary Perseus and Andromeda fountain as it shoots water high into the air.
Date Idea 10: Secret Getaway
Sneak away from Monday mornings and check into The Cottage in the Wood Malvern for a Sunday Night Slumber Package – complete with delicious snacks and a bottle of bubbly as you cuddle up in the hotel’s comfortable beds and enjoy the best night’s sleep.
Date Idea 11: Park Life
Priory Park provides a tranquil centre in Great Malvern and is the perfect place for budding arborists to enjoy exotic, mature trees planted over 150 years ago. With a Victorian Bandstand built in 1875 and a large duck pond spanned by a couple of bridges, this is a great place for a wander with a loved one.
Date Idea 12: A secret wartime airbase
History buffs will love a visit to Croome, a National Trust house and garden with its secret wartime airbase used in World War II just 25 minutes from the hotel. Now open for the public to explore, the historical grounds are filled with beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown and a perfect location for an interesting and romantic date.
Date Idea 13: Aladdin’s Cave
Support local and explore the Hop Pocket shopping village, known as the Aladdin’s Cave of gifts, where there is something for everyone. Located just 9 miles out of Malvern, this is the perfect place for a date with a difference, with a foodhall full of local produce, a garden centre and gift shops, as well as Cluster’s Emporium with antiques, local artwork and a large button bar!
Date Idea 14: Early (love) Birds
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. Enjoy a breakfast date with a view in 1919 Restaurant – a feast of the senses, served in the gorgeous dining room flooded with light. Wholesome, fresh and abundant, the breakfast at The Cottage in the Wood is the perfect start to the day – and a romantic date option, too.
Date Idea 15: Couples’ Book Club
Book in for a night at The Cottage, and have a read-a-thon night for two! It’s unsurprising that the stunning county inspired the muse of so many notable poets and authors, from CS Lewis to JRR Tolkien. Cosy up in bed with a good book – read together or bring your own separate books to enjoy, and discuss over a cocktail in our bar.
Date Idea 16: Views upon views
Atop the imposing Worcestershire Beacon, take in breath taking views of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond to the Black Mountains. The trail ascends the charming Dingle Valley, reaching its highest point, providing views to the east and west.
Date Idea 17: Escape into nature
Forget about the grind and get back to nature – the countryside around the hotel is crying out to be explored. Spend a day discovering new places together, with the night left to indulge in the hotel’s luxury and individually designed bedrooms and enjoy a relaxing rolltop bath.
Date Idea 18: Tea for Two
Settle the argument with your partner over the pronunciation of scone over an Afternoon Tea with a view. Enjoy freshly made cakes, dainty sandwiches and scones with lashings of clotted cream and jam – a perfectly indulgent date for those with a sweet tooth served in 1919 Restaurant or on The Terrace.
Date Idea 19: Experience Morgan
Car lovers will love a date visiting the Morgan Motor Factory and Experience Centre at Pickersleigh Road, the historic home of the Morgan Motor Company for over 100 years. Take in a guided tour of the production line – and you can even go on a one-hour guided experience drive around the Malvern Hills with your loved one in one of the iconic sports cars.
Date Idea 20: The Vinyl Lounge
Book into a Great Room at The Cottage in the Wood and woo your loved one with tunes played on the in-room vintage record player. Draw your loved one a bath and enjoy some special time – and tunes – together.
Date Idea 21: Woo at the Zoo
Whether your partner is more a ferocious lion or a cheeky monkey, a date at West Midland Safari Park Zoo provides the perfect opportunity to experience some of the more exotic animals our planet has to offer, as well as a chance for some memorable photo opportunities as well – just an hours drive from the hotel.
Date Idea 22: End to End
Endeavour the End-to-End hike along the ridge of the Malvern Hills, which is made for hiking lovers – and lovers! The five-hour trail follows the top of the Malvern Ridge from Chase End at the south to North Hill, taking in the main summit. Definitely a date for those who love to explore – and easily accessible from The Cottage.
Date Idea 23: Discover The Malverns
Take a drive around the pretty towns and villages surrounding the hotel, including the Victorian spa town of Malvern, the historic market town of Ledbury and the riverside town of Upton upon Severn. Enjoy a bite of lunch at one of the many local eateries, and mosey around quaint shops, independent boutiques and market stalls.
Date Idea 24: Pomp and Circumstance
English composer Edward Elgar was born in Malvern, and it is rumoured he once played at The Cottage in the Wood! Enjoy a date following in Elgar’s footsteps along the Elgar Route, a 37-mile circular signposted route taking in the composer’s favourite haunts and the amazing scenery that inspired so much of his music. Perfect for a relaxed date for music lovers.
“If ever after I’m dead you hear someone whistling this tune on the Malvern Hills, don’t be alarmed, it’s only me.” Edward Elgar.
Date Idea 25: Tasty!
Gourmets will love a dinner date featuring the seven-course tasting menu in 1919 Restaurant. Rob Mason’s cooking is inspired by the nature around him, and so is the restaurant. Softly lit and beautifully decorated, floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the sweeping views beyond. The tasting menu special offer is available daily and is the perfect way to discover the larder of Worcestershire.
Date Idea 26: Literary Delights
Renowned literary hamlet Hay-on-Wye is only an hour away from The Cottage in the Wood Malvern, constituting the perfect day trip date for literary lovers. Known as the first Booktown in the world, the charming village is filled with books and bookshops and often hold literary and musical events throughout the month.
Date Idea 27: Reach for the Sky
The area surrounding The Cottage in the Wood Malvern is home to two official Dark Sky Discovery sites – Golden Valley in Castlemorton and in Mathon. In these spots, when the sky is clear, the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. Wrap up warm, bring something to lie on and a thermos with something hot – and gaze at the stars with your loved one. It doesn’t get much more romantic!
Date Idea 28: Wine Connoisseurs
Cheers! We are very serious about wine at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern and think a date sharing a few glasses of exceptional wine is just the ticket! We have an awesome selection of over 100 regional and international wines to sample during your visit, with some truly exceptional wines you would not normally be able to try by the glass. Create some great memories – and choose your new favourite wine to share.
