Durdle Adore! 

Love is in the air, everywhere I look around…

Yes, Valentine’s Day is back and whether you love it or hate it, it’s time to show that special someone how much you care. But what if you’re not into the commercialised slush with the oversized card, doe-eyed teddy bear and terribly-written poem? Fear not, for we are at hand to tell you of the many wonderful alternative options available to you in Dorset.

One option is to spend time getting cosy on the ice at the BIC. The Cool Coast Ice Rink is open until Sunday 23rd February, tickets cost £13.50 per person, and sessions on the ice are an hour long. Sounds perfect for a Valentine’s date and a great way to ‘break the ice’… just don’t go breaking any bones – a day spent in A&E is not romantic! www.bic.co.uk

Or you could play on your true love’s heart strings and treat them to a heady and waggish mix of Jazz, French Musette, Latin Grooves, and New Orleans Swing. The Corn Exchange on the 14^th, Dorchester, welcomes Moscow Drugs Club who deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience you won’t soon forget this Valentine's! www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

If you really want to impress, take a look at Bournemouth Pavilion. This art deco theatre is proud to host ‘Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv’. La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. Pack your tissues! www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Ellen Kent Productions

Finding it hard to make time for a romantic evening whilst keeping the kids entertained? Then fear not, the team at RockReef Bournemouth can help with their Drop 'n Go sessions. With 28 exciting climbing walls the kids will be entertained whilst you can go off to enjoy over 2 hours of couple time! For worry free fun visit: Rockreef

If they’re all you'd ever want,  the kind you like to flaunt and take to dinner… you won’t want to miss the Tom Jones Tribute Night at Key West in Bournemouth for their much celebrated tribute artist evening with a 3-course meal, where do you book – right here: www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk/valentines-day/

For a bit of history, why not head to MED the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne. Where they have a collection of 350 Victorian Valentine cards. This includes both the tradtional, romantic Valentines and 'Vinegar Valentines' - these rude cards were to be sent anonymously to people whom you did not like! Those naughty Victorians, you wouldn't catch todays society being so rude...www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

Perhaps your Valentine is a tank-nut? If so the Tank Museum in Bovington are well armoured with great gifts, from limited edition Valentine’s Beer, Chocolate bars, themed T-Shirts, a jerry can hip flask and more! Take a look at the online shop and you’re sure to make their heart go BOOM! Tank Museum Valentine's Online Gifts

If, however, the only way to your other half’s heart is through their stomach, then they are in for a tasty treat as Dorset offers diners a delicious way to couple-up with cupid. You could get out and about exploring the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle before settling into the Greyhound Inn to their Valentine’s special Fondue dinner menu. There is soup to start, followed by a classic swiss cheese fondue, but be sure to leave room for the Belgian chocolate fondue, fresh strawberries, churros, marshmallows…That’s enough to keep anyone sweet! www.greyhoundcorfe.co.uk/book/

If you are lovers of seafood then you’ll want to visit Catch at the Old Fish Market Weymouth, with a table for two. Indulge in an enticing local seafood menu, caught and created for the occasion; fine wine, fine dining, true romance. Take a look at their incredible Valentine's menu here: www.catchattheoldfishmarket.com/menus

If you have a chocoholic in your life then you won’t want to miss the ‘Chocolate Lovers High Tea’ on Saturday 15^th February, at the award-winning Upwey Wishing Well. Irrisistible chocolate treats, balanced well with the savoury sandwiches, not forgetting some of the best scones in all of Dorset – will it be jam on or chocolate spread, there is only one way to find out www.upweywishingwell.co.uk/events/

See, not a bunch of garage flowers in sight! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, you old romantics.