With the scent of roses in the air (and Cupid limbering up for his annual round of love-fuelled archery), we’ve assembled a handpicked selection of romantic things to do on the Isle of Wight this Valentine’s Day. From windswept beach walks to intimate dining spots, there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re spending the big day with your friends, your family or your one true love.
To get things started, we couldn’t think of a much cosier spot to begin the day than at the Chocolate Apothecary on Ryde Esplanade. Glistening inside with patterned tiles, this former Victorian fishmonger’s shop is now an elegant emporium of cocoa, with owner Susan Van Praagh turning fair trade Tanzanian and Javan chocolate into a tasteful array of tempting delights. Try their rich, dark chilli hot chocolate for starters, followed by a fruity florentine or a slice of oven-fresh brownie. On your way out, perhaps pick up a box of handmade chocolates as well (to share with someone special or to leave on a certain doorstep), with options including spiced chai, salted caramel, strawberry champagne and espresso.
Just a short stroll eastwards, you’ll come across the enchanting Appley Tower – a picturesque seaside folly, ideal for re-enacting a Romeo and Juliet moment from the legendary landmark’s steps. If however, you’re looking to pick up some tools and create something unique with your significant other this Valentine’s Day then head inland to Arreton Barns. Here you’ll find the workshop of Thomas P Cochran, a family-run silversmith business, first established in Mauritius and specialising in stunning marine-inspired jewellery. Ring-making workshops are held by their son (also called Thomas) who will show you how to twist and hammer a one-of-a-kind piece – which may well come in handy if a wedding or engagement is on the cards soon.
As lunchtime approaches, we’d suggest reserving a table in the snug wood-clad interior of Smoking Lobster in Cowes. Set up by brother and sister GC and Cinz, the restaurant specialises in modern Pan-Asian cuisine (drawing on elements from the pair’s Chinese ancestry) and provides the perfect setting for first dates as well as family get-togethers. Menu options include a miso black cod with apple, kohlrabi and wasabi tartare, the shio koji chicken skewers with peanut satay espuma or the Chinese turnip cake with sweet and sour asparagus, kimchi and a tempura quail egg. To fill those glasses, maybe try a snifter of super smooth sake rice wine or ask Cinz for her personal recommendations when it comes to Japanese whiskies.
Perhaps you’re taking a break from dating this Valentine’s Day, in which case, round up your friends and check yourselves in for an afternoon of well-deserved pampering at Lakeside Park. Set beside the tranquil tidal waters of Wootton Creek, this hotel and spa comes complete with a 10-metre indoor pool (with added hydro jets), a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi too.
You can also sign yourself up for some feel-good treatments such as the refreshing lime and ginger cleansing scrub or the nourishing frangipani body wrap (where you’ll be rolled up in a warm, aromatic cocoon). If at the end of the day, you just can’t pull yourself away from all that pampering, then maybe book yourself into one of the Lakeside’s 42 tasteful en suite bedrooms. That way, you can do it all again in the morning!
If, on the other hand, you’re spending Valentine’s Day as a family, then you could always spread the love with a trip south to The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, just outside Wroxall. Set up in 1991, over one hundred donkeys and ponies now call this place home, each and every one having been rescued or re-homed – some from as far away as France. Adults and older children can take part in a 15-minute donkey grooming session (which apparently always comes with lots of cuddles) or maybe the two-hour-long donkey experience where they can really get to know donkeys such as Archie, Coffee and Wilfie, helping to feed them, brush them and keep their stable nice and shipshape too.
As evening falls, you can’t go wrong with a Valentine’s Day romantic walk along the rocky shore at Seaview. Once you reach the Puckpool end, why not round things off with a special meal in the snug, nautical interior of The Boathouse? Here, chefs Joel and Massimo use their gastronomic know-how (and a fair few locally sourced ingredients) to create a range of appetising options, including the prosciutto-wrapped monkfish tail with passata and dill chateau potatoes. Diners could also plump for the twelve-hour braised beef with Emmental cheese, or even the wild mushroom pappardelle, served with truffle and a scattering of pickled walnuts. Whatever you opt for, The Boathouse’s atmospheric interior and views across the water to the twinkling lights of Portsmouth should certainly make it a meal to remember.
For more ideas on things to do and places to eat, visit our food and drink page.
Originally produced for Wightlife Magazine
