Whether you've always been a hopeless romantic or you want to make a special effort to treat your significant other this Valentine's Day, SoGlos has rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the day of love in 2026 — from romantic restaurant dates to sumptuous staycations.
Indulge your other half at a romantic Gloucestershire restaurant
Gloucestershire gourmands have so many options on the menu, from Michelin-star luxury to quirky casual dining restaurants and even afternoon tea.
Some of SoGlos's favourites include cult burger joint, The Beefy Boys, sophisticated sushi restaurant KIBOU, award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant Prithvi and the Michelin-starred Lumiere in Cheltenham; the critically-acclaimed Juliet in Stroud; cosy country pub The Gloucester Old Spot; the relaxed fine dining restaurant at The Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water; afternoon tea hotspot Tewkesbury Park; lively waterside restaurant Greek on the Docks in Gloucester; seasonal small plates restaurant, Post in Newnham on Severn; theatrical dining and cocktails at Téatro and the home of Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards Chef of the Year 2026, Henry's Seafood in Cirencester.
Swoon over the new 'Wuthering Heights' movie
Emerald Fennell's take on Emily Brontë's gothic classic, 'Wuthering Heights', hits the big screen on Valentine's Day 2026.
Cosy up with your sweetheart and a large popcorn to share, to watch Heathcliff, played by Hollywood heartthrob Jacob Elordi; and Cathy, played by Barbie icon Margot Robbie, descend into the madness of desire.
Go on a retro date night in Cheltenham
Fun-loving couples will love an evening out at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, hitting the lanes and playing retro arcade games at Hollywood Bowl; trying to hit a hole in one at Mulligans; or playing a round or two of social darts at Flight Club, with the venue relaxing its groups-only rule for one night only on Saturday 14 February 2026.
And for an authentic retro experience, Smokey Joe's diner just around the corner on Bennington Street is packed with retro memorabilia, like original Coca Cola vending machines, a Wurlitzer jukebox and vintage arcade games – with an American-inspired menu of handmade burgers, fries, shakes and cocktails.
Take a romantic Gloucestershire staycation
Whether you'd prefer glamping in the wilds of the Forest of Dean, or cosying up in a quaint Cotswold cottage, couples are spoilt for choice with staycation destinations in the county.
Slip into a Japanese soak tub under the stars at The Roost in Mitcheldean; take a royal retreat at one of Sudeley Castle's holiday cottages, bookable through Bolthole Retreats; hunker down in style with a getaway at boutique Cotswolds country house hotel, Hyll, with in-room treatments available; or go all out with a stay at a luxury spa hotel, like Cowley Manor, Ellenborough Park or The Lygon Arms.
Say cheers to love with a wine tasting in Gloucestershire
Raise a glass to love this Valentine's Day with a premium vineyard tour and wine tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, before taking a leisurely walk through the vineyard learning all about the grapes that grow there, seeing the winemaking process in action, before tasting four wines expertly paired with nibbles.
And for a special keepsake, pick up a Valentine's Trio, with a bottle of every pink drink the vineyard makes, from the Tasting Room shop to take home.
See a show at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre
Culture-loving couples will love a theatre date at Cheltenham's spectacular Everyman Theatre, with its Frank Matcham-designed auditorium adding some gorgeous Victorian glamour to your evening.
While it's not a rom com, Stephen King's enduring story of hope, The Shawkshank Redemption, is on the Everyman stage this Valentine's Day; while Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark takes the stage on Sunday 15 February 2026 – perfect for cuddling up during the scary moments!
To book tickets, visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
Test your wits at a Gloucestershire escape room
Competitive couples can work together to solve the puzzles at one of Gloucestershire's escape rooms, for a twist on a traditional date.
Two great options in Cheltenham are Escape Hunt at The Brewery Quarter, with puzzles inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Who and King Arthur, or the independently run Escape Rooms Cheltenham which has a GCHQ-inspired challenge; while in Gloucester, Houdini's Escape Room Experience at Tenpin offers escape rooms themed on Alcatraz; witchcraft and wizardry; and a creepy carnival.
Watch the sun set at a Gloucestershire beauty spot
The hike to the top of Cleeve Hill isn't for the faint-hearted, but once you reach the summit, the views across Gloucestershire are spectacular.
As the highest point in the Cotswold hills, it's the ideal location to watch the sun set with your sweetheart. The Rising Sun pub is a great place for a pitstop for a drink or dinner on the way back down, too.
Go to a Gloucestershire gig
Gloucestershire's grassroots scene is thriving, so music fans wanting to spend some quality time together have plenty of options, from a Valentine's ceilidh at Stroud Brewery, dance icon Ultrabeat at The Sub Rooms, to the Gloucester Folk Trail.
Popular burlesque show, The Hundred Watt Club, is back at Gloucester Guildhall on Valentine's Day, too, for those who'd prefer an evening of comedy and cabaret.
