Fall in love with Dorset this Valentine’s Day and whisk the love of your life off on a fabulous romantic break to remember.
With everything you could want for those extra special few days together, Dorset is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Wander along our beautiful beaches and watch the sun set, enjoy a woodland walk, or gaze into each others eyes in a candlelit restaurant.
Enjoy a Valentine's weekend away in Dorset in 2023
Dorset offers many wonderful places to stay for some treasured time away together so what are you waiting for, book your break today and show your special someone just how much you care. Here are just a few ideas to celebrate the love in your life.
On the 11th February enjoy a delicious three-course meal in a unique location on the end of Bournemouth Pier. During dinner you'll be entertained by Steve Mitchell's musical talents as he sings George Michael's greatest hits to get you in a romantic mood.
What could be more delightful than snuggling up together in a 16th century manor house hotel that overlooks the ruins of Corfe Castle? Indulge in the Elizabethan splendour of Mortons Manor this Valentine’s Day and share chocolates and champagne by the log fire or explore the beautiful countryside on your doorstep.
Lyme Regis oozes elegance and romance so how better to spoil your loved one than to whisk them away on a luxury seaside break to this charming town. Wander around art galleries, take a windswept stroll along the Cobb or enjoy wonderful seafood at the Oyster and Fish House. Stay at the high-end but fuss-free Dorset House where the warm, sociable welcome, and beautiful touches add those all-important extras to a special break away.
If you’d like to be somewhere a little more private, take your pick from Dorset’s self catering cottages, boasting luxurious but rustic elegance, with many offering hot tubs and other little luxuries. Here, you can enjoy long countryside walks from your doorstep, dreamy scenery and plenty of cosy, romantic nights in.
For something a little different, spend the evening stargazing next to the fire in comfort and cosy warmth inside your very own secluded rustic paradise courtesy of Mallinson's Woodland Retreat. Explore Guy Mallinson’s award winning ‘Woodsman's Treehouse', featured in George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' and Grand Design's 'House of the Year'.
And if you're looking for a weekend break overlooking the Jurassic Coast, book a break at The Pines Hotel in Swanage. Enjoy fresh air, sea views and tasty food with your loved one.
Whether you’re keen to splash out and indulge in a luxury stay or just spend some quality time together in a cute cottage, there are so many ways to surprise your loved one in Dorset. Check out our accommodation guide for more inspiration.
Romantic fine dining
‘There is no sincerer love than the love of food’ and Dorset provides the perfect larder. Indulge in some posh nosh in one of our many magnificent restaurants. Sit back, relax and wine and dine your loved one with some of the most sumptuous Dorset local food and drink.
Or how about a romantic Champagne afternoon tea? Enjoy a glass of Dorset bubbly alongside scrumptious, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a glorious array of cakes and delicacies at the Knoll House Hotel in Studland.
With views over Poole Harbour, choose from either lunch or dinner at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. Gaze into each others eyes over a glass of fizz and some delicious treats.
Push the boat out with some delicious local seafood at a coastal restaurant overlooking the moonlit ocean or spice up your night with some Far East flavours at one of Dorset’s finest Indian, Chinese or Thai restaurants.
You are spoilt for choice, so for help to decide, take a look at our food and drink guide.
Love is in the air
Make the most of your precious time together and take an idyllic walk to discover Dorset’s many beautiful and charming landscapes, from secluded beachy coves to fairy-tale woods.
Mosey round quaint market towns and have fun picking out a Valentine’s Day gift or stroll in awe around historic stately homes and castles.
Some of Dorset’s grand stately homes including Kingston Lacy, Athelhampton and Russell-Cotes are surrounded by inspiring and award winning gardens and are perfect for an intimate leisurely wander to admire the exotic paradises that lie within the grounds.
What is more romantic than twirling hand in hand on the ice? Bournemouth's Cool Coast Ice Rink is open until the 19th February 2023. There are lots of restaurants to enjoy something to eat afterwards or you might even want to head down to the pier and beach for a romantic stroll by the sea!
Or how about taking an illuminated woodland walk at the Blue Pool. This nature reserve will be beautifully lit up every evening between 9th and 19th February. The tea room will be open for refreshments and there will be firepits on the terrace to warm you up and toast marshmallows.
Check out our things to do guide for more ideas and inspiration.
A toast to us
For the ultimate Valentine’s day to remember, how about a proposal!
If you’re looking for the perfect setting to get down on one knee and pop the big question, there’s not a more glorious setting than Dorset’s beautiful backdrop. With nearly 100 miles of coastline, Dorset has many magnificent spots to ask that special someone that all important question.
Propose with your own ‘Olympic ring’ overlooking Chesil Beach at dusk or take their breath away in front of Durdle Door.
Share your special day with family and friends in one of Dorset’s enchanting wedding venues. More and more couples are choosing Dorset to hold their wedding ceremonies and within romantic castles, elegant manor houses, rustic and fairy-lit barns, stylish hotels and many other unique locations in Dorset it’s not hard to see why. Dorset has over 120 licenced venues across the county to suit every style of wedding from the grand and formal to the most relaxed and intimate.
Celebrate with some local fizz
Your loved one deserves only the best! Treat them to some quality Dorset sparkling wine from Furleigh Estate, Langham Wines or English Oak Vineyard for an intimate and delicious ending to your fairy-tale Valentine celebrations.
