With love from The Chilterns this Valentine’s

Date: 03rd February 2023

You’ve probably noticed the displays of hearts, teddy bears and cards already on show in local shops? Tired of cheesy Valentines gifts? Show your loved one just how much they mean to you; give something really special this Valentine’s Day and organise an experience they’ll never forget in the Chilterns. Enjoy time out together and discover new shared interests.

There’s nothing like discovering new tastes…

We’re lucky to have some fine foods and beverages created right here in The Chilterns with local producers offering opportunities not only to taste them, but also to learn about them:

The REAL Fermentery

The REAL Fermentery is located on the Waddesden Estate. Started in 2017, founder David has created the real non-alcoholic alternative to champagne and sparkling wine. His naturally fermented sparkling teas are now offered at Michelin restaurants such as the Fat Duck and Le Gavroche. For a tour of REAL’s state-of-the-art fermentery, and a unique tea tasting experience, book here.

Gin Distillery Tour

Griffiths Brothers offers both a Gin Distillery Tour (£20) and a Rum Tales and Tasting experience (£25). Learn about Griffiths’ cold distillation process; taste their unique gins made with the freshest botannicals, many sourced locally and organically. Find out about the history of rum, how it’s produced, different styles and serving suggestions.

Henley Distillery Tour

At the Henley Distillery, a Head Distiller will share their knowledge and experience with you as you discover the processes which create hand-crafted gins. Tours and tastings are held most Saturdays and last 45 minutes in groups of maximum 12, costing £15 per person.

Loddon Brewery Tour

If beer is more to your liking, book a tour with Head Brewer Tara at the Loddon Brewery near Dunsden, Reading. There’s a tour on 16^th February from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets cost £17.50 per person and include two free pints.

Work up your appetite with a dip into some culture…

Delight your partner with a surprise trip to the ballet, opera or cinema. Here are some options for a romantic night out during February:

Roman Holiday at the Rex

The amazing Art Deco Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted is showing Roman Holiday on February 14^th at 7pm – the perfect movie for Valentine’s Day.

The Barber of Seville at Aylesbury Waterside

Rossini’s comic opera, the Barber of Seville, is being screened live at Aylesbury Waterside Wednesday 15^th Expect heart-melting serenades and a fairytale ending just out of reach!

Chiltern Arts Festival 2023

Chiltern Arts Festival 2023: Explore love, loss and the passage of time through a season of the highest quality music and literature events. The festival kicks off with its Winter Warmer programme of folk music, string quartets, new music and a concert of stunning choral works 2^nd – 4^th

Spread the love – on a budget

Don’t forget there are some stunning local farm shops and cafes across our region. For something special around Valentine’s Day, why not arrange a romantic country walk, followed by lunch or afternoon tea? Be aware pubs and cafes can be busy around Valentine’s Day, so be sure to book ahead.

Take a look at the Valentine’s Week menu at Orchard View Farm near Aylesbury. Homecooked food is created from local sources including the farm’s own produce. lots of outdoor space and you can see the pigs happily foraging outdoors. There is a 5 mile walk circular walk from Orchard View Farm taking in the lovely countryside around.
Or try the fabulous New Barn Café which has recently replaced The Yurt at Peterley Manor Farm. Their menus include lots of seasonal dishes, healthy recipes and afternoon tea. There’s a lovely 3 mile walk which starts at Prestwood Local Nature Reserve and climbs up the hill beyond Bryants Bottom, from where you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views.
Work up your appetite with an 8 mile stomp starting at Bradenham Village. Start/finish at the Red Lion Tearoom in Bradenham, or visit the stunning Grange restaurant and café at The Hearing Dogs near Saunderton, serving healthy breakfasts, light bites’ lunches and afternoon teas. Of course, dogs receive a warm welcome too.
For a leisurely day out, tackle the 5 mile stile-free walk through woodland and downhill to reach the Dashwood Mausoleum and Hell Fire caves. Afterwards enjoy teas, cakes, sweets or savouries at The Apple Orchard coffee shop in West Wycombe.