“Remember, your Valentine’s card shows you care enough to send the very best, even though you’re too lazy to put it in your own words”
Are you approaching Valentine’s Day with dread? Or are you all hearts, flowers and grand gestures? This year we’re playing Cupid. We’ve done all the leg work and scoured the Ludlow area for Vally Day events and treats so you can show you care even if you’re reluctant to put in the effort (like our Editor).
Here are our original and inspired ideas which will blow your beloved away (literally, if you decide on the hang-gliding option below!).
“Jewellery is like ice-cream, there is always room for more”
Ludlow has a number of fabulous jewellery shops (see below) where you can select a special gift. However, if you’re looking to buy your loved one something particularly personal, how about choosing a one-of-a-kind piece from jeweller, Unearthed by Lynn. Lynn will take a shard of pottery that has a special meaning to you and upcycle it into an environmentally-conscious, bespoke sterling silver or gold-filled jewellery piece. Each item comes with a copy of the provenance and a bit of history including: where it was made, pattern name, where it was found, likely origins and how it was made into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery for you. If you haven’t got time to order from Lynn, you can find her jewellery at local shop, Eclectica of Ludlow on Mill Street.
“There is no sincere love than the love of food”
When in Ludlow, eat. Everyone has their favourite place to eat in Ludlow with choices from sitting in the cosy corner at your local, sharing tapas at a bistro or fine dining at one our leading restaurants. We suggest taking it one step further and not just dine out but spend the day out and luxuriate with a spa treatment. Or, if you want to push the boat out, have a Valentine’s sleepover at one of the many B&Bs in the Marches area.
One to try is award-winning Fishmore Hall, which is offering a Valentine’s special throughout the month of February. Book a meal and enjoy a complimentary Prosecco and Blush Cocktail with canapés served with every Tasting Menu. For something a little extra plump for a Blush Spa Day package, which includes: two 25-minute treatments, use of the spa facilities for up to 3 hours, complimentary use of lockers, towels, robes and slippers and a Prosecco Blush Cocktail.
You only need to cross the county lines for an overnight stay. The gorgeously cosy Riverside at Aymestrey just over the border into Herefordshire is offering a one-off special for the anointed day of romance. They have put together a specially-prepared, delicious six-course dinner. Expect to be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco with the bed and breakfast accommodation.
There are, of course, other dining alternatives. At the time of publishing, the following local restaurants and pubs were offering Valentine’s menus: The Charlton Arms, The Cliffe at Dinham, The Blue Boar, The Angel , Parkway Tasca Bar and Chang Thai
“Roses are red, that much is true; but violets are purple not blue”
According to a recent study, “the presence of beautiful blooms triggers happy emotions, heighten feelings of life satisfaction and, in short, make us feel positively glowing”. Luckily, we have a blooming selection of florists in Ludlow (Garlands of Ludlow, Florabunda, Damson and Vine and Farmers at Ludlow Market) so make your partner happy and splash out on a gorgeous bouquet of Spring blooms.
Or kick it up a notch and spoil your honey with the ultimate flower arranging workshop at Wild Bunch Flowers run by Tammy on her beautiful farm, just 20 minutes from Ludlow. It’s a totally inspiring and dreamy experience, that is likened to “‘throwing the windows open after a long winter”. Tammy’s energy and ingenuity helps you to create stunning, one-off arrangements with flowers cut from her garden, farm and the surrounding countryside.
“Get me to the church on time”
We live in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so if you’re looking to take your better half on a romantic walk this Valentines, the options are endless. But instead of marching through a forest or hiking up a hill, how about a gentle stroll through the snowdrops of a churchyard as an intimate alternative? Just once a year, the churchyard of St Peters in Stanton Lacy, a small village just 10 minutes north of Ludlow, explodes in a sea of white. The snowdrops have become such a draw that visitors are even provided with refreshments during the second weekend of February. And for history buffs, it’s worth knowing that St Peters holds the most significant Saxon remains in the area.
“Give the one you love wings to fly…”
If these choices aren’t enough and you and your beloved seek action over flowers, chocolate or words, then the only thing to do is…head for the skies. You can soar like a bird and take in the breathtaking Shropshire scenery from a hang glider with the Midland Gliding Club. They are offering a ‘first flight’ offer which includes a 20-minute flight or two launches and three months’ complimentary membership at the Club and use of its facilities. See, love really can give you wings!
Happy Valentine’s everyone, with love from us to you
Ludlow Jewellery Shops: