Valentine’s Day is quite literally just around the corner! From Truelove in Devon to Sweetheart Abbey near Dumfries, Freedom to Go, an online community for camping and caravanning enthusiasts, has put together these romantic retreats for the quirkier couple to pitch up to this Valentine’s Day.
1. Heart’s Delight in Kent
Conveniently located to discover the beautiful countryside of Kent, Bearsted Caravan Club Site is perfect for nature lovers. History enthusiast will also love nearby Leeds Castle, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens. For shopaholics, or those looking for local treats and fun family attractions, the historic town of Maidstone is a short distance away. If your passion is golf or fishing then this site is ideal, with a beautiful golf course just down the road and Majors fishing lake about a mile away you won’t be disappointed. For a romantic walk or history treat you’ll find a variety of National Trust properties within easy reach.
The perfect pitch: Bearsted Caravan Club Site
Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone
Tel: 01622 730018
2. Lover (Wiltshire)
Where can you get more romantic than a village named Lover?
Just a short drive from Lover is Longbeech Caravan and Camping this romantic site is tucked away in a secluded, ancient beech wood, in the northern part of the New Forest. For a romantic break enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride and explore the idyllic surroundings. For a historic day out visit the town of Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral. History lovers will also enjoy nearby Rockbourne Roman Villa and the Fordingbridge Country Museum.
The perfect pitch: Longbeech Caravan and Camping Site
Fritham, Hampshire
Tel: 02380 812740
3. Valentines Park, Greater London.
How better to celebrate Valentines than with a visit to Valentines Park near Theobalds Park Camping and Caravanning Club Site? Although close to London this site is in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. Enjoy a romantic trip on the London Eye or visit landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, or the Olympic Park.
For nature lovers, walkers, cyclists and fishermen the nearby Lee Valley Park will make a wonderful visit. Epping Forest, the largest public open space in London is also nearby; from here explore the stunning woodland, grassland, heath, rivers and ponds.
The perfect pitch: Theobalds Park Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Theobalds Park, Bulls Cross Ride, Waltham Cross, Federation Road, London.
Tel: 01992 620604
4. Arrow (Warwickshire)
So close to the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a rural haven at the Chapel Lane Caravan Club Site. The site is set in the shadow of a charming old chapel and you can enjoy romantic walks in the open fields nearby. For those with an interest in industrial heritage, there are fascinating museums to wind back time.
While you’re there why not have a taste of romance with a visit to nearby Cadbury World?
The perfect pitch: Chapel Lane Caravan Club Site
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Birmingham
Tel: 01564 826483
5. Cupid’s Hill in Gwent
Wake to watch the sun rise over the majestic and imposing Skirrid from Pandy Caravan Club Site. Surround you and your loved one with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Pandy Caravan Club Site is located at the western boundary of the River Honddu. Enjoy the incredible ancient castle all year round or Abergavenny’s food festival in September. Visit the nearby county town of Hereford on the River Wye, with its beautiful cathedral and range of shops and places to eat.
The perfect pitch: Pandy Caravan Club Site
Pandy, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Tel: 01873 890370
6. Rosedale in Hertfordshire
Several beautiful parks and delightful woodlands await you at the Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club site. Only 20 minutes away for central London you are within easy reach of the sites of London and popular exhibitions at Olympia or Kew Gardens. If you’re looking for peace and quiet this is the right spot. Stroll into Hertford and explore Parliament Square and Hertford Castle. The River Lea towpath walk and Balls Park are excellent for walks with four-legged friends.
The perfect pitch: Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Mangrove Road (Not Ball Park), Hertford
Tel: 01992 586696
7. Roseland in Cornwall
What could be more romantic than a stroll along the coast? Camelford Caravan Club Site is within easy reach of quiet, coastal villages like Port Isaac, Port Gaverne, Treknow and Port Quin. If you’re looking for an exciting seaside town and great fish and chips on the harbour, look no further than Padstow or Bude. The medieval castle of Tintagel is also nearby, enjoy a romantic walk up to the castle and experience the rumoured birthplace of King Arthur and a sense of the real Camelot.
The perfect pitch: Camelford Caravan Club Site
Camelford, Cornwall
Tel: 01840 212206
8. Violet Hill in Nottinghamshire
Surrounded by glorious walking country the award-winning club campsite at Teversal, the Teversal Camping and Caravanning club site offers a peaceful and quiet retreat. Enjoy miles of beautiful walking and cycling paths around the Teversal Trails, accessed from Silverhill Wood Country Park opposite. Further afield the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District are a must and offer stunning and ever changing scenery throughout the year.
The perfect pitch: Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Silverhill Lane, Teversal
Tel: 01623 551838
9. Violet Grange in North Yorkshire
Enjoy the magnificent views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park from Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site. If you are looking for peace and tranquillity during a romantic break this rural location with stunning walking and cycling opportunities makes the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The historic Barnard Castle is within walking distance. For days out visit the Bowes Museum, Bolton Castle, the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre, the Dales Countryside Museum and England’s highest unbroken waterfall, High Force.
The perfect pitch: Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Dockenflatts Lane, Lartington, Barnard Castle
Tel: 01833 630228
10. Lovesome Hill, North Riding in Yorkshire
Lovesome Hill in Yorkshire is the perfect location for a romantic walk. Richmond Hargill House Caravan Club site nearby also enjoys magnificent views southwards over the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
From here you can imagine yourself in a James Herriot’s novel, with a visit to some of the locations used within the famous series. J M W Turner also painted some of his most unforgettable watercolours here. Why not visit the locations and experience the beautiful scenery that inspired his paintings?
The site is also well placed to visit the city of Durham, with its iconic cathedral and picturesque location, and vibrant Newcastle, which offers great shopping and lots of places to eat and drink along the Quayside.
The perfect pitch: Richmond Hargill House Caravan Club Site
Gilling West, Richmond
Tel: 01748 822734
