Valentine's Gift Guide

The Ship at Dunwich is the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day and celebrate with your loved one. The Chefs have created a menu of specials, including sharing dishes to be enjoyed alongside the main menu, available at lunch and dinner from Wednesday 14th to Sunday 18th February. 

The romantic Stay package is perfect for those who’d like to stay a little longer. Enjoy a night in one of the cosy country bedrooms, with dinner, bubbles and breakfast the following morning.

Fill your day exploring the coastline and by night settle into one of The Ship's cosy nooks with locally sourced food and wine. Then retire to one of the bedrooms with a bottle of bubbles! Treat yourself to a lie-in with our late check-out and enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast.

Book a stay at https://www.chestnutgroup.co.uk/suffolk-coast

Nestled in a tranquil rural setting a short drive from Southwold and Halesworth, book a stay at Valley Farmhouse B&B and stay in a  beautiful historical room with super king sized four poster bed and a roll top feature bath installed in the original fireplace.

After a day of exploring nearby Southwold and Halesworth, you can come home and relax with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and a box of chocolates, in the drawing room next to a roaring.

Book a stay at https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/offers/valentines-bubbly-and-chocs-at-valley-farmhouse-bb

If you can't travel on Valentine's Day itself, then take advantage of this special winter getaways offer from All Seasons Cottage Breaks. Book a 2 night stay starting on a Monday or Friday and get an extra night free, leaving you more time to explore The Suffolk Coast from these pretty, character-packed cottages. 

Flint Cottage, a cosy single storey cottage sleeping up to 4 people features a huge woodburning stove in the middle of the living room, is a stroll from fantastic eateries and pubs in Saxmundham and a short drive from RSPB Minsmere, National Trust Dunwich Heath, Southwold and Woodbridge. 

Book a stay at https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/offers/extra-night-free-on-winter-breaks-with-all-seasons-cottage-breaks

If you want to show your loved one you really care, go the extra mile and celebrate that special someone in your life (or yourself) by gifting a moment of indulgence this Valentine's Day. Pump Street Chocolate has a Valentine’s collection to delight!

Explore the enticing array of chocolate gift boxes adorned in Suffolk Pink, thoughtfully wrapped mini bars and charming heart-shaped chocolate lollies, all are perfect for expressing love and appreciation. Available to buy online and at their bakery in Orford!

Buy online at https://pumpstreetchocolate.com/collections/valentines?_pos=1&_psq=valentine&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Looking for something a little more unusual? Join Jet Adventures in Oulton Broad for a gentle and romantic river cruise on a candle lit and rose decorated boat as they take you up the River Waveney through some gorgeous and beautiful natural scenery.

You'll briefly stop at the Dutch Tea Gardens, where they'll help you get beautiful pictures of you and your loved ones in the sunset – it’s one of the best hidden spots for the most spectacular sunsets over the Broads. You'll then take the return journey to Oulton Broad as Jet Adventures' friendly crew, dressed for the occasion, serve complementary nibbles and snacks. Couples are encouraged however the trip is open to all who wish to have a memorable and special experience, including families.

Book a cruise at https://www.jetadventures.co.uk/romantic-valentines-river-cruise/

If food is your love language, then you won’t want to miss the specially curated Valentine’s Day menus at some of the region’s finest restaurants this February.  

Book a table at The Brudenell in Aldeburgh to treat your beloved to a special Valentine’s dinner by the sea. Feast on a delicious selection of freshly caught seafood, whilst enjoying the enchanting melodies of Abi May - specially booked to serenade guests throughout the evening. Book a table at https://www.brudenellhotel.co.uk/dine/valentines-menu/ 

Creating a truly romantic ambiance, The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham's live pianist is the perfect accompaniment to an elegant candlelit three-course dinner with a glass of fizz. The menu boasts local Emmerdale Farm rare breed steak, hot smoked salmon fillet and rich chocolate torte. Book a table at https://thebellhotelsaxmundham.co.uk/valentines-day-menu/

At Jimmy's Farm, resident singer Saffron will be the soundtrack to your two or three course meal, which includes dishes such as truffled cauliflower soup, pork wellington, heritage tomato risotto arancini and a sweet treats dipping platter for two. Book a table at https://jimmysfarm.com/event/valentines-day-dinner/

Alternatively, head to The Crown at Woodbridge, where Head Chef Sci Daniels has prepared a sharing menu filled with dishes to fall in love with. Book a table at https://www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk/dine/valentines-menu/ 

Or dine in style at the award-winning Unruly Pig near Woodbridge. Their enticing Valentine’s Day menus give you the option of a lunch or evening sitting with two differently priced set menus available. Book a table at https://theunrulypig.co.uk/st-valentines-day/  

Celebrate your love over a glass of something special! 

Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Waveney Valley, close to the bustling market town of Bungay, Flint Vineyard offers the chance to go behind the scenes at one of the most exciting new wineries in England. With the option to stay for lunch in their tranquil garden overlooking the vines, a Discovery Tour offers a sophisticated option for you to plan a special date with your Valentine. Book a tour at https://flintvineyard.com/visit 

If relaxation is central to your idea of romance, why not head to Milsom's Kesgrave Hall and indulge in their Gin & Tonic Spa Day. Unwind in the sauna, luxuriate in the bubbling hot tub, and recline in the peaceful relaxation areas, all designed to rejuvenate your senses. After a blissful spa session, treat yourself to a refreshing experience at either the main bar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall. The expert bartenders will craft two Gin & Tonics of your preference, featuring a curated selection of premium gins perfectly paired with the finest tonic waters. Enhancing your G&T journey, savour a tempting assortment of delectable bar snacks, elevating your relaxation to a whole new level of indulgence.

Book online at https://www.milsomhotels.com/spa-kesgrave-hall/

Elevate your culinary skills and strengthen your bond by booking one of the many Couples Cookery Courses at The Food Hub and Next Loaf Baking School.

With expert guidance from experienced chefs, you’ll work together to create delicious dishes from scratch, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're drawn to the art of bread-making, eager to delve into the rich tapestry of Asian and Indian cuisine, or yearning to perfect the delicate craft of patisserie.

Perfect for a memorable Valentine's Day date, these experiences will leave you inspired to recreate delicious dishes together in the comfort of your own kitchen. Book a course at The Food Hub at https://www.foodhubsuffolk.co.uk/ or book a course at The Next Loaf Baking School at https://www.thenextloaf.co.uk/baking-classes

The Suffolk Coast has no shortage of romantic shorelines to explore hand in hand with your loved one. And when the beaches are this beautiful, why not let nature itself set the stage for romance? Here are a few we’d always be in the mood for: 

One of the most secluded on The Suffolk Coast, Covehithe Beach is the ultimate romantic escape away from bustling crowds. Marvel together at the rugged cliffs, weathered by time and tide, and the hauntingly beautiful sand-blasted fallen tree trunks which you’ll find strewn along the wide, wild beach. Accessing Covehithe Beach is an adventure in itself, adding to the allure of its seclusion. Park your car near the village church, and then follow the signposted single track to reach the untamed beauty of Covehithe’s golden sands. 

Or you could head to Dunwich Beach, a serene haven perfect for lovers of seaside strolls. Choose between a walk along the shingle shoreline, or for a more exhilarating experience, venture along the clifftop path. Owned by the National Trust, this beautiful designated National Landscape will provide the backdrop to a Valentine’s Day to cherish. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the National Trust’s signposted heathland walks, which offer glimpses of resident bird species like the Dartford warbler and red-listed skylark.

With its iconic colourful beach huts lining the golden sands, Southwold exudes charm and romance at every turn. Choose from the traditional seaside experience at Southwold Pier Beach, with all the fun of a charming date on the pretty pier, or the wilder Southwold Denes Beach for a quieter stroll.

Or fill a flask and pack a blanket and sit amongst the dunes and marram grass at Walberswick -  An idyllic choice for a Valentine’s Day beach walk!  

For a truly unique gift visit the beautiful Ferini Art Gallery in the coastal village of Pakefield. Once a net store for fishermen, these light and airy gallery hosts a range of exhibitions featuring the region's top artists. Choose a painting of your favourite Suffolk scene, accompanied by a Valentine's card featuring Pakefield's picturesque locations.

Find out more at https://www.pakefieldartgallery.com/