The rain dampening the air at some of England’s most glorious country hideaways could be replaced by love in less than a fortnight.
Valentine’s Day 2011 might leave romantics pondering their options on a gloomy Monday, but English Heritage has other ideas. They have launched a public vote on Facebook to find out which of its arsenal of sites visitors find most likely to quicken the heart.
They’re giving away a pair of tickets to three lucky voters when the poll closes on Friday February 11 – here are a few of the options…
Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire
Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury, is a hidden jewel.
The castle was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment and was considered one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain.
Today, with its delightful turrets, charming grotto and beautiful landscaped grounds, the castle ruin provides a relaxed day out for couples and is the perfect grand setting for any romantic gesture.
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
The vast Medieval fortress of Kenilworth Castle is one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England, set in vast grounds perfect for exploring.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his beloved Queen in 1575. The newly re-created Elizabethan Garden, lost for 400 years, is now open to visitors once more.
A paradise for garden lovers, wander through this sumptuous landscape as Queen Elizabeth I would have done herself.
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
The windswept and romantic ruin of Tintagel Castle is steeped in Arthurian legend, and the site has long been associated with the star crossed lovers, Tristan and Isolde.
Tintagel is only accessible by coastal path, and makes for a truly romantic day out away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Queen Victoria’s love and adoration for her husband, Prince Albert, has been well-chronicled, especially through recent films such as The Young Victoria.
Osborne House was the couple’s favourite holiday residence where the famously in-love Royals experienced some of their happiest times.
This stunning Italianate house, which stands in magnificent gardens sweeping down to the sea, is still filled with original furnishings, priceless artworks and personal momentos, testament to the couple’s great love for one another and their children.
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, the castle is the ideal romantic ruin and the perfect spot for lovers to watch the world go by.
It was originally built with the intention to become the most spectacular house in Devon and to match Longleat and Audley End for beauty and location, but was never completed.
Valentine’s Day 2011 might leave romantics pondering their options on a gloomy Monday, but English Heritage has other ideas. They have launched a public vote on Facebook to find out which of its arsenal of sites visitors find most likely to quicken the heart.
They’re giving away a pair of tickets to three lucky voters when the poll closes on Friday February 11 – here are a few of the options…
© English Heritage Photo Library
Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury, is a hidden jewel.
The castle was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment and was considered one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain.
Today, with its delightful turrets, charming grotto and beautiful landscaped grounds, the castle ruin provides a relaxed day out for couples and is the perfect grand setting for any romantic gesture.
© English Heritage Photo Library
The vast Medieval fortress of Kenilworth Castle is one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England, set in vast grounds perfect for exploring.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his beloved Queen in 1575. The newly re-created Elizabethan Garden, lost for 400 years, is now open to visitors once more.
A paradise for garden lovers, wander through this sumptuous landscape as Queen Elizabeth I would have done herself.
© English Heritage Photo Library
The windswept and romantic ruin of Tintagel Castle is steeped in Arthurian legend, and the site has long been associated with the star crossed lovers, Tristan and Isolde.
Tintagel is only accessible by coastal path, and makes for a truly romantic day out away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
© English Heritage Photo Library
Queen Victoria’s love and adoration for her husband, Prince Albert, has been well-chronicled, especially through recent films such as The Young Victoria.
Osborne House was the couple’s favourite holiday residence where the famously in-love Royals experienced some of their happiest times.
This stunning Italianate house, which stands in magnificent gardens sweeping down to the sea, is still filled with original furnishings, priceless artworks and personal momentos, testament to the couple’s great love for one another and their children.
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, the castle is the ideal romantic ruin and the perfect spot for lovers to watch the world go by.
It was originally built with the intention to become the most spectacular house in Devon and to match Longleat and Audley End for beauty and location, but was never completed.
- Not seen your favourite? There are 11 sites in total – head to the voting page to pick your favourite.
