10 Romantic Things To Do This Valentine’s Day In Oxford
Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, so if you’ve got nothing planned yet, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re spending a weekend away in Oxford or just fancy spoiling your valentine with a day out, we know that Oxford has plenty to offer. That’s why we’ve created a list of 10 romantic things to do this Valentine’s Day in Oxford so you can make memories you’ll never forget.
Go out for a romantic dinner
From Shrilankan street food to Michelin-starred dining, Oxford’s reputation for culinary delights has blossomed over the past few years. Whether you’re looking for some delicious pub grub or want to try something a little different like Tibetan Momos, a romantic dinner out doesn’t have to be boring or expensive.
Struggling to find a restaurant? Here are some of our recommendations for dinner on Valentine’s Day in Oxford:
Brown’s Oxford has created an extra special menu full of indulgent treats that are perfect for an evening of romance. Choose from a two or three-course dinner and compliment it with a glass of champagne or your favourite cocktail.
If food is the way to your valentine’s heart then treat them to a delicious three-course set menu at The Trout Inn. Share the love and start your meal with a seafood platter for two, followed by a juicy 16oz Chateaubriand with all the trimmings, and finish it off with a sweet chocolate and raspberry chocolate bomb. Add a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne to share and make it a real celebration of love.
You don’t just have to take your valentine out for dinner, at the Quod Bar & Restaurant you can dine out for lunch with their all-day menu. They’ll also be serving a special valentine’s day menu alongside it where you can feast on delicious seafood and rib-eye steaks and finish it all off with something sweet.
Go for a walk
If you and your significant other are outdoor lovers, what better way to spend your valentine’s day in Oxford than by exploring oxford by foot? Walk through Oxford’s high street and discover some of its history.
Take a stroll through Christ Church Meadow and enjoy views along the river and back towards Christ Church college. Discover the UK’s oldest botanic garden that’s home to more than 5,000 different types of plants from all over the world.
For a picturesque walk that meanders through the countryside, we highly recommend taking a gentle stroll along Oxford Canal.
Visit a museum
Although Oxford is a relatively small city, it packs a serious cultural punch with its countless museums that rival anything you might find in London. Many of these museums are free, so if money’s a little tight given the current financial crisis, this is a great low-budget idea for Valentine’s Day in Oxford.
For an insight into archaeology and ethnography take a trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum on Parks Road. The Ashmolean Museum is Oxford’s world-famous museum of Art and it’s the place to go if you want to see big-name art exhibitions.
For those that want to see a fascinating collection of scientific instruments then a trip to the Museum of History of Science is an absolute must. If you’ve never been to Oxford before and want to learn more about its history then the town-hall-based Museum of Oxford is well worth the visit.
Visit one of Oxford’s Colleges
This Valentine’s Day in Oxford, treat your other half to a tour around one of Oxford’s University colleges. You’ll be surprised at how easy Oxford Colleges are to visit. All of them have their own history, their own highlights, and of course, their own stunning architecture.
One of the most well-known colleges in Oxford is Christ Church College. Here you’ll be able to see Tom Tower which was designed by Christopher Wren. You might also be able to enjoy a concert by their award-winning Choir.
Another Oxford College we recommend visiting is New College. It was one of the filming locations for Harry Potter and the if you like your art it’s also home to a collection of incredible art.
Go see a play at the theatre
Oxford has two theatres that have a steady programme of events. So this Valentine’s Day why not take your other half to a play at the theatre? Located on George Street the New Theatre Oxford has a host of showings from comedians to film festivals, you’re bound to something you’ll enjoy. Oxford Playhouse also has a jam-packed programme of theatrical performances throughout the year. Take a look at their website to find a show you’ll both enjoy.
Take your partner out for a spa day
Everyone loves to be pampered, so why should Valentine’s Day be any different? With an array of hotels and spa’s around Oxford, it seems only fitting to treat you and your partner to a Spa Day for two. Relax, recharge, and unwind with a couple’s massage, before enjoying the leisure facilities and even a spot of lunch.
The Oxford Belfry offers a range of spa packages from include a range of treatments lasting from around 30 minutes to a full 120 minutes. Depending on the package you will also have a glass of prosecco included and even a light lunch or afternoon tea.
If a spa day isn’t your thing but golf is, then why not treat yourself to a round of golf whilst your partner pampers themselves in the spa? At the Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa you can do just that.
Relax the mind, soothe the soul, and lift your spirit with a spa day at Bannatyne Spa Banbury. Well-known for its spa packages and experiences, you and your partner can feel like real VIPs as you spend the day de-stressing.
Treat yourselves to an Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is quintessentially British and with so many eateries around Oxford it’s only fair that this makes it onto our list of things to do on Valentine’s Day in Oxford.
The Drawing Room at the Randolph Hotel is the epitome of English style and charm and offers the perfect setting for Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a pot of freshly brewed tea, a selection of delicious scones with clotted cream and jam, and toast a glass of prosecco to the two of you.
The Grand Cafe with its gilded, mirror-clad front is an institution in Oxford that serves an all-day high tea at its finest. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a broad selection of specialist teas.
Enjoy a tour around Oxford
Just like London, Oxford has several offerings for tours around the city. From Hop-on Hop-off Buses to cruises down the River Thames, there’s an option for everyone. Guided walking tours are also another popular option. These tours are run by local experts who will take you to all the top sites and colleges around the city whilst giving you a brief insight into their history.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Oxford
This Valentine’s Day in Oxford, climb to the top of St Mary’s Tower or Carfax Tower and view Oxford from the sky. Look out over the city and see how many buildings you can spot and recognise. Take in the panoramic views and maybe, if the time is right, propose to your loved one high above the city skyline.
Have a romantic night in
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune or even go out for the evening. In fact, we believe you can still have the perfect Valentine’s Day with a takeaway and a chilled night in.
Our lives are busy enough as it is, so why not order your favourite food, light a few candles, choose a movie to watch and enjoy some uninterrupted quality time with your valentine? After all, that’s what the day is all about.