How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cornwall

Plan a special day 

If you love the idea of relaxing together, why not bring the pampering to your doorstep?  Home Spa Cornwall bring the spa to you, whether you would just like 30 minutes of pampering or a whole day and evening of treats, there is something to suit everyone.  

For couples who like to share an adventure, yes, you can still take a surfing lesson in February (find out more about winter surfing here). If you want to test your talents together but prefer a warmer environment, Philleigh Way Cookery School offers a great range of classes.

Walk off into the sunset

Cornwall’s stunning scenery makes it the perfect destination for a Valentine’s weekend for couples who like to go for a walk together. Trencrom Hill (near St Ives) is a romantic place for a glass of fizz while you watch the sun go down (weather permitting!). This National Trust managed hill  has sweeping views across West Cornwall and you can explore the remains of the Neolithic fort. Trencrom has a small car park at its foot (TR27 6NJ ish), or you can reach it via the St Michael’s Way footpaths.

The South West Coast Path is packed full of breathtakingly beautiful stretches for a romantic walk. Try the paths around Zennor or Mousehole, or head up Cape Cornwall for wild Atlantic views. Just be aware that this is February in West Cornwall and the footpaths may be wet and muddy. Still, wellies can look sexy on the right person, yes?

Find a cosy pub

After braving the elements at the top of Trencrom, you need a cosy pub. A snug table in the corner of an old inn, ideally with an open fire, is perfect for a romantic evening. The medieval Victoria Inn in Perranuthnoe (between Penzance and Helston) serves excellent food in a lovely environment. 

The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn is another cosy old pub serving excellent food. If you would like a pub with a romantic view, there is nowhere to top the Godolphin Arms, which is at the foot of the causeway to St Michael’s Mount.

Book a romantic restaurant

Carn Brea Castle Restaurant is almost too romantic to be true: aromatic Middle Eastern food served in an actual castle. The Sawalha family has created a truly unique destination in this 18th century hilltop hunting lodge, which has glorious views across the Cornish landscape. Share some mezze at a cosy candlelit table in this incredible venue.

Other recommendations for a romantic dinner for two include The Shore in Penzance (stunning food) and 2 Fore Street in Mousehole. Stroll along Mousehole harbour and around its narrow old lanes after your meal.

Go to the beach

What do you mean, not in February? The winter is simply the best time to go to the beach if you are looking for a romantic experience. The empty sweep of sand, the wind in your hair, the crashing of the waves… honestly, a Cornish beach in February is the stuff of movies.

The best romantic beach has to be Porthcurno, with its year round silver sands and turquoise sea (although of course, we also love our local St Ives beaches). 

Prefer somewhere more secluded? Porthgwarra is a pretty little cove in the west, complete with intriguing old smugglers’ caves and fishing boats. You might recognise Porthgwarra from BBC’s Poldark (just please do not reenact the skinny dipping scene here. Not in February at least…).

Valentine’s Day with a Difference in Cornwall

Cornwall is an especially excellent choice for couples who prefer celebrate Valentine’s Day a bit differently – read on for some inspirational ideas.

Go on an adventure!

This Valentine’s Day, try something a bit different. Hangloose Adventure at the Eden Project has two parallel zip wires across the famous biomes: what could be more romantic than flying through the air together over beautiful Cornish gardens? Reward yourselves afterwards with a glass of something celebratory at the Med Terrace bar. 

If high wires are not to your taste, something on two wheels might be more your speed. Hire bikes or e-bikes and spend a lovely day cycling together on the Camel Trail or Lanhydrock estate. Or, raise your romantic game by hiring a tandem for the day. It might not be quite the weather for a romantic paddle around Mount’s Bay on a SUP or for a day’s coasteering; however, you could buy a voucher for an adventure as a Valentine’s Day gift and look forward to a spring or summer holiday in Cornwall. 

Wild swimming sounds like a romantic idea; however, if you are not a seasoned year-round swimmer, February is not the best time to start! Book a day at Una Spa near St Ives instead and enjoy the balmier temperatures of their pools, sauna and steam room (or browse our Cornwall holiday cottages for properties with hot tubs…!).

Romantic days out in Cornwall

Where are the best places for a romantic day out in Cornwall? With its links to the Arthurian legend, dramatic Tintagel Castle is a real favourite. The castle and gardens of St Michael’s Mount may be closed; however, you can still walk across to the island to explore the harbour and village of one of Britain’s most romantic landmarks.

Trengwainton Garden near Penzance (National Trust) blooms earlier than most gardens, thanks to its glorious magnolia and camellia collections. The winding paths and walled gardens make Trengwainton a wonderful place for a romantic stroll, even this early in the season.

For couples that enjoy looking at art together, spend a morning or afternoon at Tate St Ives (include a cafe break in your itinerary, as the views are incredible). Combine your love of art and nature with a day at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance, which is also an excellent place to eat and drink.

Wild and romantic places in Cornwall

If your idea of romance is more Heathcliff and Cathy than Hallmark, you will love Cornwall’s wild landscape. Head for the moors of West Cornwall for glorious sweeping ocean views: Bartinney nature reserve is especially lovely, or set out along the coast path, pausing at pretty coves (or detouring to cosy pubs) along the way.

Blend romance with your love of history by exploring some of Cornwall’s ancient sites. Men-an-Tol (“The Holed Stone”) is a Bronze Age monument in the countryside near Madron, made up from a distinctive tyre-shaped stone and three granite pillars (warning: this site has long been associated with fertility…). The Merry Maidens stone circle near St Buryan is another remote and beautiful spot, or head up to the ancient hill fort on Trencrom Hill, where you will get incredible views over both coasts.

Cornish Valentine’s gifts

You can easily find traditional Valentine’s Day presents here in Cornwall, but with a local twist. Pick up a bottle of Camel Valley sparkling wine or a bouquet of beautiful flowers from Zennor Wild in Penzance. Add a box of chocolates from Trenance and you have the Holy Trinity of Valentine’s Day gifts, Cornish-style.

We are lucky to have so many talented jewellers in Cornwall: walk down the main shopping street in any town and you will come across a wonderful choice of exquisite artisan jewellery: look out for sea glass designs for a real Cornish feel. Choose an artwork or print of a place in Cornwall that means something to you, or indulge yourself in some luxurious local beauty products from a brand like the Cornish Seaweed Bath Company.

Romantic meals for Valentine’s Day

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic restaurants in Cornwall, especially if you are staying in one of our foodie hotspots like St Ives or Carbis Bay. Reserve your table as soon as you can, especially if you want a spot with a sea view. Alternatively, book a tour of one of Cornwall’s excellent vineyards and wineries and sample some Cornish sparkly together.

However, a romantic meal does not have to involve fine dining and dressing up (much as we love to do this). Go to one of the Moomaid of Zennor ice cream parlours and share a gorgeously decadent sundae. Buy a brace of pasties and find a sheltered spot on the coast path for a windswept winter picnic. Pick up freshly landed fish in Newlyn, wrap up well and have a barbecue on your terrace, lit by string lights and storm lanterns.

A Valentine’s night in, in your Cornish holiday cottage

The Polgoon fizz is chilling in the fridge and you are chilling in front of the woodburner. Do you really need to go out for Valentine’s Day? Our romantic holiday cottages in Cornwall are simply so comfortable and inviting that you just might prefer a cosy night in…