The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean is one of the most romantic spots to celebrate St Valentine’s Day with a range of events and activities to suit all ages of happy couples.

There’s so much to do that doesn’t cost a penny, but memories are made when you do something out of the ordinary.  Buck the tradition and add a little alternative to your Valentine’s Day in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Romance doesn’t have to cost the earth, here’s a few ideas that won’t break the bank

River Dance

Spring is in the air, so take a riverside walk along the Wye, and as there is still a chill in the air head to a welcoming pub with a roaring fire.  Take the hand ferry at Symonds Yat and take a seat for lunch in the The Saracens Head.

Brewmance

Near May Hill is local brewer, Hillside Brewery, why not pop in to its shop and add a couple of amorous ales or sexy ciders to a Valentine’s picnic, then take a stroll to the top and together watch the sun go down from the highest point in the county.

Wheel Love

Budding Patrick and Demis can get creative with clay at Eastnor Pottery and recreate their own Ghost moment. Enjoy a glass of Champagne, get steamy with ceramics and spin out a masterpiece to take home.

Love Trail

The Forest of Dean is home to the Sculpture Trail which begs for selfies at every one of its 17 installations along the four-mile adventure through art.  The highlight is a 15ft high stained glass window suspended from the tree canopy, check it out before heading to Beechenhurst Cafe for a warm drink.

Fizz and flight with wild owls at night

Experience a variety of owls free flying in their natural element outside in the flying field with special underground low level lighting. The owls glimmer through the lights as they cross the flying ground then relax with a glass of Champagne and warm-up with a hog roast at the International Centre for Birds of Prey

It Takes Two

“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a bicycle and that’s pretty close”, goes the famous quotation, and there’s no better way to explore the Dean Wye than on a tandem.  Life is like a 10-speed bicycle, most of us have gears we never use. Change the habit of a lifetime together and hire one at Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre.

Picture Perfect

Capture a stunning image with a couples’ photography course in the heart Wye Valley, where you will learn how to frame the sexiest shots and release the shutter at the right moment with the Forest of Dean School of Photography

For more information on visiting the Forest of Dean see www.wyedeantourism.co.uk and for  Valentine’s Events under www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/news_and_events