Berkshire


<p>Valentine&#8217;s Day is fast approaching (eek) and it conjures up a certain dread. Part of me doesn&#8217;t want to be told to go doe-eyed on demand, the other longs for him to lavish me with gifts and whisk me off my feet. It&#8217;s a fine line between fabulous and forced. So if, like me, you want to have a little cheese-free fun this Valentine&#8217; Day here&nbsp;are a few alternative date ideas to help you feel the love.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET CREATIVE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Art. Alchemy: Creative mezze &amp; Mixer (opens in a new tab)" href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/madebytamalia-art-sanctuary/whats-on/art-alchemy-creative-mezze-mixer" target="_blank">Art. Alchemy: Creative Mezze &amp; Mixer</a>, MadeBy Tamalia Art Sanctuary Caversham, 14 Feb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS.png" alt="MADEBY TAMALIA MATISSE CUTTINGS" class="wp-image-36327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/MADEBY-TAMALIA-MATISSE-CUTTINGS-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Grab your partner or pals and discover the art of fun and food. These guys don&#8217;t need an excuse to organise a shindig – and Valentine&#8217;s Day is as good as any. MadeBy Tamalia will be laying on a delicious mezze, drinks and a mystery creative activity which will get your arty juices flowing and, in my case, a lot of laughs. Tickets £25pp or £45 for two.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET YOUR GROOVE ON</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking.jpg" alt="colorful roller-skates" class="wp-image-41209" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Roller-skaking-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get your skates on! The roller skating is huge and the <a href="https://www.leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres/braywick-leisure-centre/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="roller disco (opens in a new tab)">roller disco</a> is making a comeback. On Saturdays that how we roll… at Braywick Leisure Centre in Maidenhead. Expect a live DJ, disco lights, and there’s skate hire if you can’t find that pair you last wore in the 80s… Not exactly glam but definitely up their in the quirky/hilarious/nostalgia stakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET LOCKED UP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/Untitled-design-2022-02-07T161933.126.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-126779" /></figure>



<p>There’s nothing like the bonding that comes from solving a puzzle to escape a locked room (ok, probs not for the claustrophobes among you). With Escape Rooms in&nbsp;Reading,&nbsp;Windsor, Maidenhead&nbsp;and&nbsp;Newbury among our local options, there’s plenty of choice. Experience different room themes at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Escape Hunt (opens in a new tab)" href="https://escapehunt.com/uk/reading/" target="_blank">Escape Hunt</a> Reading, such as Pirates, Alice in Puzzleland and Doctor Who. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Escape The Chop (opens in a new tab)" href="https://escapethechop.com/" target="_blank">Escape The Chop</a> in Burghfield is a rather sinister sounding Sweeney Todd theme in a real barbers shop. Head to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Maidenhead (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.escape3600.com/" target="_blank">Maidenhead</a> for a Jungle escape and in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Newbury (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.excluesivegames.co.uk/games" target="_blank">Newbury</a> you&#8217;ll find yourself stranded on a Caribbean Island. Sounds idyllic, but if your don&#8217;t escape in 60 minutes, the local cannibals will eat you. You&#8217;d expect some royal in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Windsor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.escapewindsor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Windsor</a> and Escape Experience doesn&#8217;t disappoint with a Crown Jewel Heist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET KNEADY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1.jpg" alt="Restaurant worker slamming dough on table causing white powdery flour to spray into the air in long streaks" class="wp-image-41147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Breadmaking1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Carb loading has never been so much fun. Romilla Arber, writer and founder of The Honesty Group, will teach you the art of <a href="https://honestygroup.co.uk/events/beautiful-breads-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="baking quality bread (opens in a new tab)">baking quality bread</a>. The deal is that you’ll get interactive baking demonstrations, the chance to make a variety of loaves, followed by a two-course lunch with wine. Once you&#8217;ve popped your bread-making cherry, you&#8217;ll never look back. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-39230" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/11/Cliveden-House-Hotel-2-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cliveden House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden" target="_blank">Cliveden House</a>&nbsp;is beautiful, romantic and has a history of wild parties, scandal and debauchery. My kinda casual stroll.&nbsp;It was here that Government minister John Profumo and showgirl Christine Keeler got all flirty girty&nbsp;while attending one of&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;Astor&#8217;s infamous&nbsp;parties. If your budget doesn&#8217;t stretch to an overnight stay, follow in the footsteps of royalty, writers, actors, rock stars and politicians and explore&nbsp;the stunning&nbsp;365 acres of gardens and riverside&nbsp;woodland walks.</p>



<p><strong>GET STICKY</strong></p>



<p><strong>Fudge Making Workshop, Fudge Kitchen Windsor</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/01/Fudge1-e1509405976563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11716" /></figure></div>



<p>Valentine’s Day is a sticky business, but keep each other sweet with a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Fudge Making Experience (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fudgekitchen.co.uk/en/products/fudge-making-experience-for-2" target="_blank">Fudge Making Experience</a>&nbsp;at the Fudge Kitchen in Windsor for £95. *Groan* I’m sorry (te he not sorry). In all seriousness, if you have a sweet tooth, why not give this a go? At the&nbsp;Fudge Kitchen you get to sample the goods to check out the flavours, natch (not because you’re greedy. Just me?)&nbsp;before&nbsp;popping on your pinny to&nbsp;try your hand at making it yourself. It’s harder than you might think. At the end of your tuition, you’ll take home a ton of fudge, plus your own&nbsp;batch to show off your new skills to friends and family. Sweet!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET COSY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor.jpg" alt="The Dolphin Pub Newbury Berkshire House of fun wall sticker, vintage pub games open fire place and picture gallery on the wall" class="wp-image-16328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/the-dolphin-games-room_Fotor-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>The Dolphin Newbury</figcaption></figure>



<p>Being cosy doesn’t just mean sofa slumming – swap that old sweatshirt for chunky knits and the remote for a warming rioja, and bring on the cosy pub night – or afternoon (hey, it gets dark early). Berkshire&#8217;s got country pubs aplenty, snuggle up at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://thegreeneoak.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Greene Oak (opens in a new tab)">The Greene Oak</a></strong>, <a href="https://www.the-halfway-inn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Halfway Inn (opens in a new tab)"><strong>The Halfway Inn</strong></a> or <a href="https://greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Greyhound Finchampstead (opens in a new tab)"><strong>The Greyhound Finchampstead</strong></a>. If negroni is more your winter warmer, kick up yer heels and head to the cosy upstairs bar at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.hindsheadbray.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Hind's Head (opens in a new tab)">The Hind&#8217;s Head</a></strong> in Bray. The cute games room at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.dolphinnewbury.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Dolphin  (opens in a new tab)">The Dolphin </a></strong>in Newbury or sit under the Love chandelier in the intimate&nbsp;bar at <strong><a href="https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park/restaurants-bars/the-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coworth Park (opens in a new tab)">Coworth Park</a></strong>&nbsp;where the cocktails often come with musical entertainment. If cosy pubs are your thang, here’s our guide to the open fire/ale on tap/dog warming your feet type&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="pubs in Berkshire (opens in a new tab)">pubs in Berkshire</a>.<br></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GET SENSUAL</h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/02/Dans-Le-Noir_Fotor.jpg" alt="Dans Le Noir London Clerkenwell dining in the dark" class="wp-image-13627" /></figure></div>



<p>Don&#8217;t bother staring longingly into each other&#8217;s eyes. The chances are you&#8217;ll be sat so close to the next table, you&#8217;ll be practically lap dancing your neighbour every time&nbsp;you get out of your chair. Avoid&nbsp;this awks predicament, head to London and dine at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Dans Le Noir (opens in a new tab)" href="https://london.danslenoir.com/" target="_blank">Dans Le Noir</a> in Clerkenwell, a quirky dining experience in the&nbsp;dark. Just make sure you find your way back to the&nbsp;right table or that innocent leg rub could get weird.</p>


8 quirky Valentine’s jaunts for lovers (and pals)

You may also like