So romanticIf you need inspiration for Valentines Day, read on and discover the romantic gems that South Oxfordshire has to offer. For those seeking a romantic break South Oxfordshire ticks all the boxes - rolling countryside, woodland, the Chiltern Hills - an area of outstanding natural beauty and the River Thames. Add in the little extras below and you will see the area goes one step further towards making your trip even more special. VineyardsVisit some of the district's vineyards for a chance to taste and buy their wine and other produce. Try the Chiltern Valley winery and brewery www.chilternvalley.co.uk for tasting and Fawley Vineyard for a pre-arranged tour 01491 577998. Other vineyards in the district include Bright Wines in Wallingford www.brightwines.co.uk and Boze Down Vineyard at Whitchurch www.bozedown.com. Hot air balloon ridesGive your loved one a trip to remember with a hot air balloon ride for two, with champagne. See the River Thames, the Chiltern Hills, Henley on Thames and the surrounding countryside from a bird's eye view. Visit www.henleyballoons.com for more information. Live music while you dineEnjoy three hours of live jazz whilst you enjoy a three-course meal at The Swan in Streatley on February 23rd. www.theswanatstreatley.co.uk. Spas and pamperingFor a combined hotel and spa trip, Hotel Du Vin in Henley offer treatments at Henley's KuBu Spa, which is featured in The Times good spa guide. The Swan Hotel at Streatley has just reopened its Venus Spa and the Oxford Belfry hotel in Milton Common also has an on-site spa and leisure centre. All spas offer day passes, gift vouchers and special valentine's packages. Visit www.hotelduvin.com www.kubuspa.com, www.venusspa.co.uk and www.marstonhotels.com for further information. Other spas in the area include Sharmi Joseph in Henley www.sharmijoseph.com and the Chapel Spa in Thame www.thamechapelspa.com. Traditional pubsSouth Oxfordshire is like a box of chocolates when it comes to traditional pubs - each one is different and equally as delicious. The district has over 60 pubs listed in the 2007 Good Pub Guide so it won't be hard to find one for a cosy lunch or dinner, a warming beverage after a walk, or a log fire to settle in front of. Somewhere to stayFor a romantic place to stay visit the accommodation page where you will find a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, guesthouses, campsites, farms and self catering. Valentine's Day highlights include the White Hart at Nettlebed, the Miller of Mansfield at Goring on Thames and the Crown at Playhatch, all of which have log fires. For pure luxury, try Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison in Great Milton, which has a Michelin starred restaurant. The Hotel Du Vin in Henley has indoor and outdoor bath terraces and a champagne bar, and the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton has rooms with Jacuzzi baths at the end of the beds, a Thai restaurant and massage treatments. Useful linkswww.crazybeargroup.com |