With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and work pre-occupations taking centre stage, it’s hard to find a minute to plan that romantic day out or weekend away. With the working week continually expanding, it’s hardly surprising that a third of us now spend more time with our boss than with our partner. If you are looking for a little more passion and a little less powerpoint this week, here’s my top recommendations for a non-cliched celebration to fit even the most demanding work schedule.
Lunch-time escapes: If you are looking for a lunchtime rendez-vous but would rather avoid the Valentine’s dough balls on offer at Pizza Express, why not head to Somerset House where you can enjoy an intimate pic-nic a deux in the stunning courtyard, snow permitting! If you have not had time to buy a card, you can also pop back there later to enjoy a glass of champagne and use your creative skills to come up with your very own unique embossed valentine’s card. Image courtesy of Almonkey on flickr.
An evening for star-crossed lovers: if you fancy spending an evening with the stars, The Royal Observatory Greenwich is offering a planetarium show exploring some of the more romantic aspects of astronomy. Alternatively if you are looking for a more intimate venue why not head to London’s highest point, Hampstead Village with its very own conservatory where weather permitting, you can use their telescope free of charge. For a closer encounter with the constellations, what could beat a trip into space? For those who still have their Christmas bonus to splurge, Virgin Galactic are now accepting bookings for trips to the edge of space for £120,000 – more bang for your buck?
A weekend embracing two continents: For the ultimate romantic weekend away, avoid the herds clambering onto Eurostar and forge further afield to exotic Istanbul where two continents embrace. Indulge in a romantic wander along the Bosphorous Straight and gaze across to the twinkling lights of Asia. Spice things up by swapping champagne for Sahlep – a not so innocent milky drink made from orchids and renown for its aphrodisiac qualities. Finally, round off the weekend with a romantic night cruise on the Bosphorous or why not treat your loved one to a pashmina in the medina. Image courtesy of Moyen Bren on Flickr
A day with Mr D’Arcy – Finally if you are not coupled up and still yearning for your own Mr D’Arcy,why not seek him out on a day trip to Bath. Follow in his footsteps around the city’s famous literary landmarks on a free audio walking tour. Indulge in a genteel afternoon tea before rounding off the day with a plunge in the natural waters of the Thermae Bath Spa where you can soak in fantastic views over the city. Image courtesy of Dave on Flickr.