Six Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) dates to make you and your loved one feel good

This year we’re upgrading the season of love by making our Valentine’s Day more mindful. Whether you’re spending the day with your SO or gathering the girls, there are so many ways to make Valentine’s kinder on your mind, body and soul this year.

For the Active Couple – Gibside, Rowlands Gill.

Why not head out for some fresh air and a long walk this Valentine’s? Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a mindful (and romantic) stroll.

Gibside is the perfect local spot for a long woodland walk with a range of routes for different abilities.

My partner and I tested out the Green Route which is a five mile walk around the beautiful grounds of Gibside. We arrived for opening at 10am to make the most of the grounds being quieter. We stopped off for coffee at The Stables and walked with our lattes. The grounds were extremely peaceful and we even spotted a group of deer while walking.

Plus, we were able to bring our Cocker Spaniel pup Angus along too and he loved the adventure of exploring the unspoilt, nature-filled woodlands! We’re looking forward to seeing this beautiful location in every season and think a National Trust membership to visit more of these gorgeous spots would make a lovely, mindful Valentine’s gift.

Gibside | Tyne & Wear | National Trust

Adults £15

Membership to the National Trust Individual £84 per year (£7 per month)

Joint/Couples membership £139.20 per year (£11.60 per month)

For the Creative Friends – The Pottery Experience

Creativity is a great way to lift our moods and ground us from the daily stresses of everyday life. And what better way to do that than with a spot of pottery painting at The Pottery Experience?

This would be perfect for couples or friends alike to enjoy some light-hearted creativity this Valentine’s day. And it’s great for every budget too as you’ll pay for the item you choose to paint with a range of prices from £10-40.

Located in Jesmond, The Pottery Experience could easily be combined with one of the lovely restaurants roundabout and as it’s close to the metro you can easily gather the girls for a very fun Galentine’s trip.

For the Newly Together Couple – Connection Cards

Looking to get to know your new love? Also hoping to stick to a budget?

Then, Adventure Challenge has the perfect at-home date idea with their Connection Cards. This series of cards has fifty questions to help you get to know your new SO on a deeper level and in a way that you might not have done before.

After all, the more you know about each other, the deeper your connection.

My partner and I really enjoyed these cards. Some of the questions are really quirky and will get you thinking. They also made us say how much we appreciated each other and why and take time to have the conversations you might not otherwise because life is just too busy sometimes.

They’d be perfect to fill a long car journey or as the centrepiece to a chilled, at-home date night.

For the Friend You’ve Known Forever – Yoga Workshop with Wellness Space

Valentine’s is about all kinds of love and that can definitely be the love you have for your very best friend. So why not go on a friend date with your bestie this Valentine’s and try something different (and mindful) in the form of a yoga workshop?

Perhaps you’re both new to yoga or you’ve dabbled before, either way a yoga workshop is a great way to develop your practice as it is a longer class that will go into more detail and often includes longer meditations and teaching on the practice.

Wellness Space has a range of workshops coming up that would be a great way to spend a Galentine’s trip. From exploring the chakras, to learning how to do a handstand, there’s something for everyone.

And if your wild thing pose isn’t at its best, you can at least have a laugh with your best friend as well as some much-needed chill in those final relaxation poses.

For the girl going solo: Twilight spa at Seaham Hall

So, this year you’re doing Valentine’s solo. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself completely. If there’s one thing that is massively underrated, it’s a solo spa trip.

A Twilight Spa at Seaham Hall means you won’t have to take time away from work but you can take a book and completely relax for a few delicious hours. Enjoy the pool, the saunas and hot tubs without having to worry about what anyone else wants to do. Then, enjoy a delicious meal in the spa’s beautiful Ozone restaurant.

It’s the perfect opportunity for some self-reflection and peace. Why not spend some time journalling or just let go of any planning or reflection and dive into a good novel?

If you fancy making a day of it, Seaham Hall is offering High Life North readers £45 off the Heart of the Hebrides spa day package when quoting the code ‘HLN15′ upon booking online.

Not up to a spa? Then bring the spa home by indulging in an at home facial, a long bubble bath and an early night with your favourite book. Whatever form your spa day takes, it’s about loving yourself and enjoying some time to unwind.

For the worn-out duo: Dinner, bed and breakfast at South Causey Inn

The South Causey Inn is located just next door to the Causey Arch Circular which is a lovely (and romantic) four mile loop.

It’s a great place to eat, with a wide ranging menu and one of the best Sunday lunches around. We love that the service is extremely friendly, the portions are generous, and the food is always top notch.

Even better – you can stay the night. The South Causey has a range of accommodation and offers, from pamper packages for you and the girls to romantic dinner, bed and breakfast stays. What’s more they’re dog friendly and close to Beamish Museum, so they really are the perfect place for a local stay with plenty of things to do – and their Yorkshire puddings really aren’t to be missed!

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s, I hope you manage to find some time for mindfulness, nature, creativity but most of all joy. Because don’t we all deserve it?

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