It’s that heart-shaped time of year again and we’re here to help you avoid clichés with our guide to the 14 of the most quirky and cool things to do in Cornwall for a fabulous – or alternative – Valentine’s Day. Go, go, go lovebirds!

FOR A DIRTY WEEKEND: Dirty Weekend Retreat, Cabilla, Bodmin Moor

Cabilla Cornwall Feb 2023 Cabilla-Jenna-Foxton-2022-277

Where are we going? Underneath the stars of Bodmin Moor in a Koyt cabins

Persuade me, tiger: Get down and dirty, Cabilla style. That means getting in touch with your natural selves: roll up your sleeves and plant trees as part of a temperate rainforest expansion project, experience guided rainforest walks to learn about soil health and species reintroduction, plus you’ll meet the beavers, Sigourney and Jean-Claude. And when you’re finished getting dirty, discover the calming bliss of a sound bath, yoga classes and the Woodland Sauna to help you relax. You’ll also receive three nourishing meals a day, cooked by private chefs, and spend evenings around the fire drinking hot chocolate and wine, while listening to live music.

It’s a date: 16 – 18 Feb 2024

FOR GETTING HOT: Wild Spa session

two women in st moritz wild spa Cornwall hot tub

Where are we going? St Moritz Hotel Wild Spa, Trebetherick, Polzeath

Persuade me, tiger: Get your endorphins going with a dip in the cold pool, then head into the wood-fired sauna to get hot and sweaty, then back into the ice tub to cool off – rinse and repeat, then take a drink in the hot tub, and sit by the fire. By yourself for some self-care, with your plus-one, or book the whole thing with a group of mates.

It’s a date: 14 Feb (or any day)

FOR A CHEMICAL REACTION: Fermentation Workshop

Una St Ives Newlyn Fermentaty Fermentation Workshop

Where are we going? Una St Ives

Persuade me, tiger: The key to (some) hearts is through the stomach, so you’ll want to look after it. This workshop in collab with Newlyn Fermentary offers a general introduction to lacto-fermentation, including demos on how to create hassle-free ferments that you will love eating and sharing. Lacto fermentation is one of the oldest methods of fermentation, which has been gaining popularity recently because of the number of associated health benefits.

It’s a date: 10 Feb 2024

FOR GETTING FILTHY: Pottery classes

Where are we going? Leach Pottery, St Ives

Persuade me, tiger: Because can anyone look at this and not hum the entire Ghost soundtrack to themselves? We challenge you. Pottery is so hot at the moment, it’s the craft du jour, so get your hands thoroughly filthy at the world-famous Leach Pottery in St Ives. This is a unique opportunity for you (and your lover, optional) to improve your techniques. There’s a definite joke about handles and jugs there somewhere, but it’s also pretty serious business. For 2024/2025 courses are being held at the Newlyn School of Art while the Leach studio is refurbished.

It’s a date: 24- 25 Feb 2024

FOR STRUTTING YOUR STUFF: Heels Dance Classes

Where are we going? Strut, Perranporth

Persuade me, tiger: For yourself, or with the girls, these dance classes are dedicated to empowering women through movement and self-expression. The focus is on heels dance and commercial dance, with a variety of options including group classes, private lessons, and workshops. With your partner – try this class where you’ll learn a sexy chair routine to perform to your partner. Sexy dress up highly encouraged, where something you feel HOT as hell in; partners will be in the other room enjoying a drink whilst you learn, and they are then invited back in to join and celebrate each other.

It’s a date: 9 Feb 2024

FOR COOL COCKTAILS: Galentine’s Day

Where are we going? Take your pick! We like the Garrison, Milbrook, Plonk’d, Wadebridge, Tom Thumb, Newquay and The Longstore, Truro.

Persuade me, tiger: Ok, first rule, just never repeat the word Galentines in public, but pal-power on Galentine’s Day gets our vote every time. Get your friends together and enjoy some cocktails with the gang – we LOVE that the month of love can be all about girl-mates.

A great excuse to round up those errant friends you’ve not seen for yonks and celebrate your fabulous friendships, with a cocktail in hand, of course.

It’s a date: Saturday 10 / 17 Feb

FOR AN ADULTS ONLY CIRCUS NIGHT: Airfish Circus

Where are we going? The Acorn, Penzance

Persuade me, tiger: A saucy evening of circus, burlesque & ‘vaudevillian delights’ with a contemporary twist from Airfish Circus. Open to sweethearts, lonely hearts & independent spirits alike. To date their annual Valentine’s season shows have been described as a combination of circus, vaudeville, pantomime, drag and burlesque rolled into a mesmerising, delightful whole. This year though they plan to surprise you by presenting a performance with a different flavour than you are used to from them.

It’s a date: Sat 17 Feb 2024

FOR LOVE ISLAND, WINE STYLE: Island Wine Tasting

Where are we going? Kernowine, Falmouth

Persuade me, tiger: A little learning together, then buy a bottle to take home – all with an island theme. Think Assyrtiko (white) from Santorini in Greece, a Listan Negro (red) from Tenerife and a Nerello Mascalese from Mount Etna on Sicily. Tickets £30pp and there’ll be some small plates provided by Kernow Dine & Deli too.

It’s a date: Tues 13 Feb 2024

FOR BUBBLES AND CAKE: V-Day Afternoon Tea

Adam Handling Ugly Butterfly Afternoon Tea Carbis Bay Estate Cornwall UK photo credit John Hersey

Where are we going? Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay

Persuade me, tiger: A speciality Valentine’s afternoon tea, including all the very best savouries, sweets and sandwiches. With delights such as ‘Trout, fennel, dill’, ‘St. Ewe egg mayonnaise sandwich’ and sweet treats including ‘Ruby white, rhubarb, meadowsweet’ and ‘White chocolate, Champagne, apple’, you’re guaranteed an afternoon tea where the backdrop is as beautiful as the food itself. Opt for free-flowing bubbles to add that extra sparkle to your celebration.

It’s a date: 9 – 17 Feb 2024

FOR EXPLOSIVE DANCING: Anton du Beke / Giovanni Pernice

Where are we going? Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Persuade me, tiger: Give now, enjoy later! Strictly Come Dancing legend and the nation’s favourite TV judge, NTA winner Anton Du Beke, graces the Cornwall Playhouse stage in April 2024. With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter. Later the same month, Giovanni will be joined by a world-class cast of professional dancers and West End performers to bring you an unforgettable experience. A show of non-stop action – prepare to be entertained.

It’s a date: 8 and 27 April 2024

FOR KEEPING IT CLEAN: Love your beach day

Looe Marine Conservation Group Love Your Beach Day by Looe Marine Conservation Group

Where are we going? To the beach, obvs! Various across Cornwall or Seaton beach specifically if you want to join an organised event.

Persuade me, tiger: Who says love can’t be extended to your surroundings? Show how much your environment means to you and take your significant other on a date with meaning (or take the fam and spread the love). Either join Looe Marine Conservation Group at Seaton or, do your own mini clean, draw or make a heart and share the snaps on social using #loveyourbeach.

It’s a date: 10 Feb 2024 (or anytime over either weekend)

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD: Gralefrit pop-up supper

Where are we going? Fitzroy, Fowey

Persuade me, tiger: The last of the pop-ups from Gralefrit – Fiztroy will be returning for the summer season but head chef Ethan is moving on to new things. No staring into each other’s eyes over a wilting rose here, this is all about small plates, a set menu of lovingly prepared dished, seasonal and local – a proper foodie treat alongside natural wines.

It’s a date: 16 Feb

FOR THE MORNING AFTER: Count down to spring with a blossom walk

Where are we going? One of Cornwall’s Great Gardens, like Trebah, above.

Persuade me, tiger: Who wouldn’t like to look for the first proper signs of spring at one of Cornwall’s 14 Greatest Gardens (The Minack Theatre Garden is a new entry). Each year the gardens count down to the official arrival of spring, which is when trees at 6 designated gardens have 50 or more blooms each. Get involved by taking a walk at the gardens and looking for blooms – the perfect way to recover from the night before, take a moment for yourself, or enjoy with others.

It’s a date: 14 (or 15) February

FOR MAKING A WEEKEND OF IT: Cornish Winter Weekend Escape

Where are we going? Choose one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels!

Persuade me, tiger: Winter wave watching, cold cliff walks and then back to the hotel for fireside drinks watching the sunset, followed by dinner (and bed!). A bit of time off, time away, or to impress a new partner with your excellent hotel choosing skills.

Polurrian has a one-night package available between 10 and 18 February from £149 including a cocktail, dinner, bed and breakfast.

St Michaels Resort in Falmouth has two-night Couples Spa Break package that includes a 40-minute Rhassoul mud experience in a private traditional Moroccan steam chamber, a 55-minute soothing couple’s massage, as well as a relaxing Hydrothermal experience in the south west’s largest hydrotherapy pool.

Talland Bay Hotel is offering either a show-stopping dinner, one night or a full blown three night package.

Hotel Meudon has a two-night package from £428 per couple including a Valentine’s sharing dinner, three-course meal and breakfasts.

Or, if self-catering is more your thing, check out our Little Black Book here.

It’s a date: Various between 10 – 18 Feb

The alternative Valentine’s guide: 14 ideas to indulge your loved one – or yourself

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