The Raft at Chigborough is a simple, seculded, solar-powered, two-storey home that sits right on the water. You can fish, cook alfresco or relax on the deck, totally surrounded by nature. The secluded huts are set on a acre estate full of walks, woods and wildlife. Not many places feel more remote than Alderney. The tiny, three-mile-long island is one of the Channel Islands. It was strategic in a number of conflicts over the centuries — most recently the island was occupied by Nazi forces during WWII — and is dotted with fascinating forts and batteries.
Built to protect the Channel Islands during the mid-Victorian era and restored to house holidaymakers, one of them — Fort Clonque — now sleeps Access is via a causeway that cuts the fort off from the island at high tide, so you can enjoy some totally secluded, simple down time that feels a million miles away from life in London.
13 super rural getaways from London
Loving that peace and quiet? Hop over to nearby islands Sark and Herm, which are even smaller and totally car-free. Has being locked down in central London been holding you back from astral exploration? StarBed Hideaways have got you covered.
Your new favourite place also includes a king-size bed, wood-burning stove, oven, deck and firepit, so you barely have to leave your cabin. The woodland near Winchester is home to 60 lodges, each with a huge picture window, framing nothing but towering beech trees. Last orders are before 8.
Instead, settle into the hot tub on your terrace. Listen to the calming rustle of leaves and keep an eye out for a different kind of night-time wildlife. An hour from any potential crowds in central London, and a five-minute walk from market town Wendover, sits Chiltern Yurt Retreat. Settle into a yurt, tabernacle or cabin, all of which have their own unique amenities. An electricity-free hideout in a wild abandoned slate quarry in Cornwall. For a unique rural getaway, book into one of these architectural Kudhva cabins, raised high above the ground with sweeping views of the Cornish coastline.
They are all entirely off-grid, forcing you to relax, unwind and get completely immersed in nature. You can light a campfire outside your cabin or cook in the kitchen area before retiring to your home in the treetops. For full rural immersion, head to the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. Think log burners, wood-fired hot tubs and a garden oven.
Just local walking trails, vintage picnic baskets and piles of board games to keep you entertained. Forgo your urban comforts and live up a tree like a real country mouse. Explore the area on a walking trail before returning to sit around the firepit, cook alfresco and listen to birdsong from the deck of your very own human-sized birdhouse. A simple spot, with a sofa sized for two and a ladder up to a bed in the eaves, those down-to-earth vibes extend to the bathroom facilities: a compost loo and an open-air shower for indulging your inner naturist.
Rugby and football seasons in the UK take place over autumn and winter. Sports fans can find local games on near them or pester a pal with a season ticket to let you take your beau on a date to a big name match. You know all those half drunk bottles of spirit and liqueurs getting dusty in the back of your cupboard? Get your friends round for a double date and task yourself with creating a festive cocktail out of all the forgotten booze.
If you want to make it more special than your local multiplex, find a cool independent cinema near you. Loads of pop-up cinemas arrive during the winter months too, like these free London Zoo film screenings. Get a group date going at a pub quiz. A little healthy competition is essential for any relationship, so hit it off with some intellect-testing trivia and good conversation.
Always helps if you win the bar tab at the end too.
Dating Hampshire Singles
Either dust off one of those old games gathering dust in a drawer or head to a board game cafe for a cheap few hours of fun. Go on a walk outside. Get that scarf on and head out into your neighbourhood. Last one to get a full house buys the drinks. Animal shelters and homeless charities need even more help in the winter months when the weather turns cold. Pancakes, waffles, French toast: breakfast really is the best meal of the day.
Cook yourself up a breakfast treat for dinner or head to a restaurant like The Breakfast Club for an all-day dining treat. A dark, clear night is the perfect time to get outside and spot some constellations.
You can also buy stargazing experiences where your own astronomer will set up telescopes and guide you through a tour of the solar system. Take the cushions off the sofa, build yourself a magnificent hideout and top the whole thing with a blanket. Bring in some torches, snacks, a pack of cards and some spiked hot chocolate. Change it up and sleep there for a night — you might find you have even more fun than in your bedroom. Each person gets a gingerbread house kit; either go for a ready-made set or Mary Berry, eat your heart out make and bake your own using this cookie cutter set.
You each get the same items to decorate with — icing, sweets, strawberry laces, Smarties etc — and 15 minutes to create your masterpiece. Do this as a double date and each couple can pick a winner from the other team. We also love this ready-made gingerbread campervan and this DIY 3D christmas tree gingerbread kit for something different to decorate.
Mull yourself some wine follow this easy recipe here , wrap yourself up in blankets and snuggle up in front of a movie. So simple, but seriously romantic. If you want go the whole hog, buy a projector and set it up against a white wall or screen and surround yourself with all the blankets and cushions you can find. It brings a whole new meaning to Netflix and chill. Strawberries, frozen grapes, marshmallows, brownie bites, mini meringues, banana, honeycomb: sometimes you can create a dessert way better than a restaurant at home. Too cold to go outside? Indoor picnics are the way to go.
Throw a warm rug on the floor, put a classic Christmas movie on the TV The Holiday and Home Alone are our winners , open a bottle of wine and order in some take away. An at-home spa experience is all about pampering and relaxing. Take a bath together or trade massages for a romantic night in. Make some hot chocolate and then scour your cupboards — or go to the shops — for all those delicious toppings: a can of squirty cream, some crushed up biscuits, chocolate chips, Minstrels, marshmallows, caramel sauce, candy canes.
Go wild. The one who can squeeze on the most toppings wins. It might sound cheesy, but reading to each other has been scientifically proven as a way to foster intimacy and connect with your partner. Much more enjoyable than an audio book. Log In Sign up.
Rural Weekend Trips From London | 14 Remote UK Getaways
By Helen Pye 31 October 0. Saved Save. Whatever you like doing, and whether it's your first date or you're already in your first year of marriage, you'll find lots of cute date ideas for winter here. Planning Tools. Download the free Hitched app! Article Topics on Hitched Wedding Songs.
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