29 Days of Romance

A romantic spring with Devonshire Hotels.

This year our aptly named restaurant manager, Valentin has thought up 29 reasons to visit Bolton Abbey this spring.

1. The Priory Ruins are one of the most beautiful attractions in Yorkshire. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 the nave of the Priory was allowed to continue as a parish church. The countryside and the grounds evoke a serenity that can be hard to find nowadays – let the world waits and spend an afternoon in one another’s company. Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and a cake at the Cavendish Pavilion.
2. A luxury Valentine’s weekend break at The Devonshire Arms. Treat the one you love to two nights away at this supreme country house hotel; the romantic getaway includes dinner each evening, full Yorkshire breakfast, a bottle of Champagne in your room on arrival, 6 red roses and hand-made chocolates.
3. Love Birds. Bolton Abbey is home to the Barden Moor and Barden Fell. With 15,000 acres of heather moorland, both are a habitat for rare species of bird such as Merlin and lapwing. Bring a flask and your binoculars for something different this February.
4. Dinner in the Burlington is the finest dining experience in the whole of Yorkshire, boasting 4 AA Rosettes in addition to its Michelin star and score of 6 in the Good Food Guide. What better place to share a romantic meal together?
5. Plant a ‘love tree’ with Devonshire Hotel’s selected Charity the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. You’ll receive a certificate with your names on it plus you’re contributing to Bolton Abbey’s countryside forever more, and you’re helping the environment.
6. An old favourite that will never fail to impress – a picnic! Pre-order your picnic from the Cavendish Pavilion and then explore Bolton Abbey to find the perfect spot to enjoy it. The walk from the Cavendish Pavilion to the Aqueduct Bridge comes highly recommended, with dug-outs on the East Bank to protect you from the elements and a spectacular view from the top.
7. Bolton Abbey provides a stunning backdrop for a photograph – a couple’s portrait is an unique gift and also a fun way to spend some quality time together.
8. The Devonshire Brasserie & Bar is a relaxed, fun and friendly environment for a more informal celebration. Enjoy the original artwork, the friendly team and most importantly, one another’s company.
9. It is estimated that around 20% of people will buy a loved one jewellery on Valentine’s Day. Try something different this year with prestigious local jewellers, Ogden of Harrogate. Start with a tour of their historic workshop and advice on jewellery and watches followed by a glass of Champagne while you peruse their showroom.
10. The Devonshire Fell is a magical setting for a romantic meal and the newly transformed conservatory is the perfect place to conclude your evening, with cosy seating and the best views in Wharfedale; overlooking the river, the picturesque village of Burnsall and across to the hills of the Yorkshire Dales.
11. A perfect gift idea: The Devonshire Health Barn has a wealth of gift ideas, from Elemis gift sets and products to beauty therapy treatments and spa days.
12. Hesketh Farm Park at Bolton Abbey in the Springtime has plenty of new additions to “ooh and aah” over, with extremely friendly oh-so-cute animals both inside and out. Why not pre-order a picnic from the Cavendish Pavilion and make an afternoon of it?
13. A proposal perhaps?... Eddie Styles is Head Concierge at The Devonshire Arms, and nobody knows Bolton Abbey better. When asked for his favourite place on the estate for that extra special question he immediately answered “Simon’s Seat”.
14. There are miles of free walks at Bolton Abbey, ask a member of the team and we’ll suggest the best walk for you; from a half hour stroll to an afternoon hike. Return to the warmth of The Devonshire Arms for cream tea on a squashy sofa in front of a roaring log fire.
15. Twilight swim, steam and sauna. The Devonshire Health Barn can be hired exclusively after hours, and when the moonlight pours through the full length windows, there’s nothing more romantic.
16. A Valentine’s escape at The Devonshire Fell. Join us on Tuesday 14th February and hide away from the rest of the world in our cosy Restaurant with Rooms. Our chef will prepare a 5 course gourmet meal plus full Fell breakfast on the morning of your stay, you’ll not want to leave!
17. The Devonshire Arms boasts its very own helipad – take to the skies and see the Estate from a new angle.
18. Enjoy a bath made for two in the Artist room at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, this themed bedroom boasts a roll top bath and original artwork by the Stella Tennant, the Duke of Devonshire’s sister.
19. Time for two at The Devonshire Health Barn, book a couples treatment and let our Elemis products work their magic...
20. Start the day right with a romantic breakfast at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel
21. 30:Love. Do something physical – not that! A perfect boost to a relationship; book our tennis coach at The Devonshire Health Barn and get your heart beating this Valentine’s.
22. Enjoy a private dinner in the intimate summer house in the garden at The Devonshire Fell, your private waiter will ensure that you don’t have to lift a finger.
23. Enjoy a romantic movie in one of our cosy hotel rooms and the Champagne and popcorn is on us!
24. Fine Wine, Find Romance... Nigel Fairclough has been cellar master for Devonshire hotels for and impressive 16 years and has over 2500 bins to choose from.
25. Ask me, Valentin to help you organise your proposal in the Burlington. A romantic at heart I would be delighted to offer any advice whilst you are planning how to pop the question, and on the special day I will be on-hand to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch (no pun intended!).
26. One of the most obvious – a wedding! Our wedding planner would be delighted to help you plan your big day.
27. Puppy Love: The Devonshire Arms is a dog friendly hotel, so bring your four legged friend to celebrate with you. The cosy hotel will provide a comfortable doggie bed, water bowl, tasty treats and miles of free walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
28. Star Gazing – the crisp February air is just perfect for star gazing, enjoy a hot toddy from the Cocktail Lounge bar and look for Orion and his belt.
29. And what else could be number 29... According to old English courts, February 29th did not have any legal status, and it was therefore assumed that traditions could be ignored on that day. Legend has it that in Scotland in 1288 it was made legal for women to propose to men in a Leap Year only. Queen Margaret of Scotland (then age five and living in Norway), stipulated that fines be levied if a marriage proposal was refused by the man; compensation ranged from a kiss to £1 to a silk gown, in order to soften the blow!