Romantic Date Ideas In Staffordshire For Couples 

It was a landlocked county in the West Midlands of England, where you could go to the moors at the edge of night, beyond the roaches. The ageless peaks and valleys had stood the test of time, lush greens battling with rocky greys, a cragged viewpoint. She stood in the valleys where the brooding trees rustled, hand in hand with her beau, who wrapped his quilted jacket around her, as she shivered with cold. Although the tulmotous weather was seemingly plucked from ‘The Tempest’, A smiled, an idea forming. She whispered to the butter bright yellow flowers, wrapped in a guise of cheeriness, planting her seeds. She would find romantic date ideas in Staffordshire, where couples could rejoyce, finding their inner song. There would be quirky date ideas, a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and natural rural beauty, packaged in one tempting itinerary. Rubbing her hands with glee, she meditated among the fields, her partner looking on in bemused whimsy. Despite the misty paleness of the souless sky, she breathed life into the day, coaxing the flowers to celebrate with her, as she danced without a care in the world.

A and D had many adventures, and Staffordshire would be no exception. She remembered visiting as a young kid, entranced by its enclave of castles, lakes, farms and sheltered woods. She was always happiest when she was outside, exploring like the inquisitive girl at heart that she was, sniffing out a new story, burrowed deep in history books, as time faded into inky black. Before she knew it she was an adult again, on the same hill, black hair laced with gray, an unlined face, curls bursting out of control, as the wind pummelled the ground with force. Between the bridges she would wander, her partner traipsing behind, eager to retrace the steps of her younger self past, where the water weeds and reeds would grow, swarming out of water beds. It reminded A of her last weekend getaway in the UK, where she went to Suffolk, wandering past the market, to Needham Lake, a wild and wondorous beauty. There too were quivering shadows, of water creatures tangoing past ethereal water plants, submerged beneath the surface.

Staffordshire reminded her a lot of the unique date ideas in Suffolk that she had found, an effortless combination of history, animals, and rural terrains. This was no urban wasteland, but a plethora of rolling countryside hills, where sun bleached grass, and mysterious landscapes would beckon. Come rain or shine, Staffordshire did not disappoint, mountain biking at Cannock Chase, ticked off her thrill seeker bucket list. She watched her partner navigate the mountain bike with ease, a smooth ride through cushioned moss underfoot. There was still dew on the grass, from the morning drizzle, but they did not mind, the air cleaner here, the ground spongier. Even the atmopshere felt lighter in Staffordshire, free from the shackles that turned us into souless zombies. No longer were we trapped in front of technological screens that controlled us day and night.

We could be happy here, at least for a moment, screaming with raspy laughter on Oblivion, the Darth Vader of rollercoasters, second only to Nemesis. They looked below, the adrenaline rushing to their head, watching the people who looked like tiny specks wander by. If they squinted hard enough they could make out cotton candy puffs in their hands, wispy, and sweet, children running ahead, shouting excitedly. She smiled, her belly gurgling with hunger, one more ride, and their bellies would be placated. She was the kind of girl who was always hungry, a bottomless pit, hunger ravaging her insides like a cruel mistress. Gurgling with discontent, any date itinerary, would centre heavily around food, delicious vegetarian friendly restaurants where she could eat to her hearts merriment. From the Rabbit Hole Tearoom to The Slamwich Club, she was never short of vegetarian options in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire was an animal lover’s paradise too, A was pleased to note. Ever since she was a young girl, animals had always helped boost her mental health, making her feel good. Whenever she was around them, she felt blessed by their love, so was it any wonder that she found it romantic to visit farms with her boo, giggling at the cheeky piglets that trotted across their pen, wooly sheep baaaing in the distance, demanding to be seen and heard. When it came to romantic date ideas in Staffordshire, talking to the vocal cows at National Forest Adventure Farm, and swapping secrets with the monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest, was pretty high on her list. Animals understood humans better than humans could understand each other, and that’s why A would always seek out animal company, loyal, kind, and genuine souls with a heart of gold.

There would be romantic picnics at The Roaches Peak District, a magnificient 925 acre landscape where anything was possible. Here you could make your own fun, early bird couples hunkering down for a sentimental brunch breakfast, bursting out in laughter, as their gingham picnic blanket flew away in the wind. Popping strawberries into each others mouths, the pulp dribbled messily down their chin, drip drop red on their summer whites. The sun impregnated the sky gloriously, as the afternoon crept in, miles away from their lives in London, in the Big Smoke. They weren’t running at 10 miles an hour, they were taking life at their own speed, travelling back into a simpler time, where peace, tranquility and joy were merry and rife. She knew she had a habit of romantizing reality, but Staffordshire really was a breath of fresh air, where couples could frolic. From travelling back in time on The Churnet Valley railway, to shuddering at scary ghost tales, and clinging onto to D for dear life, this Midland gem was a surefire hit with couples, who were locals and tourists alike.

Be At One With Nature At Trentham Monkey Forest 

They would walk amongst monkeys, at Trentham Monkey Forest, astounded by their bravado. The monkeys were intelligent, incredible creatures who radiated love, compassion and empathy. They cuddled, groomed and paid attention to their young, nuzzling into their partners contendedly. A watched on enamoured, unaware of how beautiful monkeys were until now. They could teach humans a thing or two about love, solely focused on protecting, and looking after their loved ones, without hesitation. She peered into their inquisitive eyes, seeing the intelligence in its milky brown depths. In some ways they weren’t too disimilar from her eyes, chesnut brown, the world colliding through alert retinas. She knew that they were intelligent, but she never realized they were compassionate too.

Just being in their company, helped A and D come closer together, realizing they had been wrapped up in life’s many issues, consumed in their own bubble. It was time to pop that bubble, and pay attention, much needed me-time in the sheltered paradise of nature’s lair. When it came to Staffordshire dating , A knew that nothing would be as eye-opening, unique or illuminating as Trentham Forest, where beautiful baby Barbary macaques, were cradled gently, by their doting parents. You could see the love here, the shining adoration in their eyes. An unbreakable bond stopped by nothing or noone, a beautiful sight to behold.

But why was Trentham Monkey Forest so special? From breakfast with the monkeys, to hourly feeding talks, adventure play areas, hidden trails and video rooms , it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that had to be seen to be believed. Breakfast with the monkeys was incredible, the young couple feeling like VIP’s as they were allowed to enter the monkey enclosure before opening hours. They would help the guides feed the monkeys their nourishing breakfasts, and prepare their next meal estatically. Watching the monkeys come closer, felt like they had gained their trust, a heartwarming sensation that left them feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. A and D were set on an epic adventure, through parts of the quiet, tranquil woodland, that they wouldn’t get access to ordinairily, thrilled at the prospect. They could even explore the forest again at their own leisure, once it was open to the public at 10 AM.

With 140 beautiful roaming monkeys, Monkey Forest was perfect for romantic date ideas in Staffordshire, that they wouldn’t find anywhere else. There was even a quaint ‘Banana Cafe’ where explorers, couples and families alike could eat, and drink with vegetarian friendly meals such as Jacket Potatoes with Beans and Cheese, sandwiches, bloomers, wraps and a slice of delicious homemade cake. While the menu wasn’t large by any means, it made the couple feel nostalgic, chomping on comfort food classics, that reminded them of their childhood. In some way, the whole experience at the Monkey Forest made them feel like they were reliving their childhood dreams, free from the anxieties, stresses and worries that plagued their adult lives. Nothing cemented that feeling more than a foray into the Jungle Shop, a place where happiness thrived. Packed full of monkey memorabilia, from monkey themed stationairy to their very own Barbary macaques mascots, monkey lovers could rejoyce.

Channel Your Inner Thrill Seeker At Alton Towers Theme Park 

As a child, A adored theme parks, cherishing her Merlin Pass with all her might. From Chessington World of Adventures to Thorpe Park, her childhood, teen years and early adult life, was filled with memories of theme parks old and new, thriller seekers uniting for a pleasurable day ahead. So it should come as no surprise that Alton Towers Resort Theme Park, was a must-see in Staffordshire, where first dates would commence, couples brought together by a Staffordshire dating site, bonded by their common interests. For A and D, going to a theme park was a no-brainer, a glorious day out, that would cement their love, once and for all. That’s what A loved about Staffordshire, it’s verstaility, able to visit a theme park, wander amongst wildlife, and even go mountain biking, in one glorious region.

Alton Towers was the don of all UK theme parks, with over 40 spine-tingling rides, and attractions that were begging to be explored. Nemesis, located in the Forbidden Valley, was a must-see, a twisted, inverted railway, where they could experience 3.5 G-force. They raced past the rocks and the rivers of the Forbidden Valley at 50mph, feeling the adrenaline course through their veins excitedly. Carrying dangling thrill seekers like ourselves, around 250 tonnes of tangled steel, the thought of it was frightening, but it was well worth the adventure! They rode the rollercoaster, both arms up in the air, their hair streaking wildly behind them. As the rollercoaster sped through corkscrews, spins and loops, their ride was over before they knew it, an exhiliarating ride that put the passion back in romance.

To A and D romance meant adventure. It wasn’t just sunset picnics, basking in the golden hour glow, nor was it merely wondering through botanic gardens. This was a part of their romantic dating life, but discovering, trying something new, and going out of their comfort zone, was a big part of their experience too. That’s why they loved theme parks, because it made them laugh, brought them closer  together, and made them challenge their personal couple boundaries. They would encourage each other to be brave, and trust one another, to keep safe. Little by little, they made their way through Alton Towers, one ride at a time. Though the queues were monumental, they used this time wisely, taking the time to ask each other questions, and whittle away the time by being their silly, and fun selves.

There would be no boredom here at Alton Towers, making up their own version of fun, as they went along. The Smiler, and Oblivion featured heavily on their ride itinerary too, world class rollercoasters that were incredibly fun. Despite The Smiler’s reputation, the ride had been updated to be extra secure, the world’s first 14 loop rollercoaster with a twisting track. Going at the speed of 85 km per hour, it was located in the X-Sector, and had a track three times longer than the Oblivion. Speaking of the Oblivion, it was the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster, a colossal vertical 180 feet drop that gave the couples goosebumps! It was jaw dropping, and they couldn’t help but gulp at what lay below them. Though A was not scared of heights, she still felt her heart racing, plummeting into the pit of her stomach. When they weren’t gallivanting on rides, they were exploring Alton Tower’s vast attractions. From Hex, an immersive themed haunted tower, to the Haunted Hollow, as they ventured torwards ‘Gloomy Wood’ there were no shortages of surprises when it came to Alton Towers.

Go Mountain Biking At Cannock Chase 

Speaking of surprises, mountain biking was another impressive surprise, in the heart of Cannock Chase. The jewel of the West Midlands, Cannock Chase was a couple’s paradise, where adventure, romance and sentimentalism collided in one alternate universe. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it was well-known for its wildlife, scenery, and biking trails. It was easy to see why other couples loved it here, just as much as A did, wildness and tranquility at the heart of its natural beauty. As far as romantic date ideas in Staffordshire went, it didn’t get much better than the ‘Red Trails’ at Cannock Chase. While the green trail was for leisure cyclists, families, and hikers, the red trails had two dedicated, way marked, XC mountain bike trails. From ‘Follow the Dog’ to ‘The Monkey Trail’ their rural mountain biking adventure had only just begun.

Free to ride, and open all year round, they had an amazing time on both trails, sheltered by the neighbouring trees that billowed over them like statuesque oaky giants. For beginners like A, Follow the Dog was a relatively smooth ride, due to how flat Cannock Chase was. With total elevation just over 500 feet, there was only one hill to climb up, which A surveyed with a sigh of relief. She would take baby steps, a complete novice when it came to bike riding, her partner laughing at her clumsy rides. Still she was undeterred, determined to get better, and be the ultimate mountain biking rider that there was in all of Staffordshire. D on the other hand loved ‘The Monkey Trail’, a mix of fast and flowing machine built trails and tight, twisty and technical hand built trails, a superbly engaging ride that set all his senses alight. Aflame with passion, they couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than a bike ride, with a mountainous twist.

Would they be confident enough to try the black trail, where thrill seekers and adventure lovers would come together, racing down Cannock Chase? A, was definitely not confident enough to get on the black trail, but D would give it a crack, enough confidence for the both of them. Stile Cop bike park was home to Cannock Chase’s only downhill trails, with around a dozen trails to choose from over varying difficulty levels. Although it only had 65 meters of elevation in comparison to ‘Follow the Dog’, the hills had enough twists and turns to keep the riders motivated. Though A watched from afar, she was entertained, D acting like a kid in a candy shop, as he rode away the hours, until the sun began to rest its weary head. The air cooled, Cannock Chase quitened, mountain bikes parked for the morning after. Though their bikes were covered in mud, and their faces were covered in dirt, they smiled appreciating the small things, dreaming of a steaming hot bubble bath, where bath bombs awaited. They sank into the tub, reminiscing the events of the day past, dreaming once more of mountain bikes, drenched in morning dew.

Meet Friendly Cows At National Forest Adventure Farm 

It was time to take the adrenaline factor down a notch, and unwind, wandering amongst the cows, pigs and sheeps that lived peacefully at National Forest Adventure Farm. Strolling around the outdoor paddocks, the Shetland Ponies sniffed at fences inquisitively clamouring for a bite to eat. Donkeys, Cows and Alpacas too, chicken and sheep, in perfect harmony, the chorus of farmyard animals sounding in unison. The conducter was the provactive chicken that clucked, and clucked, until the other animals had their say too, vocal creatures, who were almost comical in their communication approach. A smiled, despite the smell, she always loved hunkering down in farms, finding the sounds, scents, and chattering calming, a welcome change to her usual environment. In particular she loved the donkeys, who always came to say hello, waiting patiently for some food, as they conversed about their day. D, A’s partner, was just as fond of animals, and thought that their romantic date ideas in Staffordshire list was not complete without a trip to the farm.

As they wandered past the outdoor paddocks, and into the animal barn, they immediately cooed, sacchrine sweet. Baby Guinea Pigs nestling in warm palms, lambs suckling at milky bottles. Doe eyed piglets gazing into human eyes, goat kids bouncing in spring. Baby chicks cheeped, finding their voice, the Zebra finches joining in, the sound not too disimilar to a squeaky toy. There were even quails, buggies and chinchilla’s too, rabbits hopping as they munched hungrily. The farm was one of the largest that A had seen, and their animal adventure was not over just yet. There were tractor and trailer route paddocks that were waiting to be unearthed, reindeer frolicking merrily, as nearby cattle, and Greyface Dartmoor and Herdwick sheep vye for your attention, while you make your way around the farm. There was even a duck pond where geese and ducks squawked noisly. A laughed, as they called them a bunch of ‘Mildred’s’, which was her code word for naughty geese who liked to be ridicolously noisy.

A’s partner D, pointed out an animal demonstration, that they might like to do together, Guinea Pig petting, where they could stroke them with utter joy. A leapt at the chance, gently stroking the fluffy guinea pigs that sniffed at the nape of their neck. They nuzzled with affection, A holding a white guinea pig that was snowy white, unique tinted eyes, that were piercing reddish brown. In that moment the world was still, her heart rate calmed, feeling stronger in the company of the fluffy animals that radiated feel good vibes. She remembered her foster sister who used to have a guinea pig, way back when she was a teen, a brown and white fluffer, who was always squirming with energy. But the one she was holding was calm, looking lovingly into her warm, brown eyes without hesitation.

It wasn’t just animals that National Forest Adventure Farm housed either. Couples with young families were entranced by the outdoor adventures, that National Forest had. There were hilairious Farmular One Pedal Go Karts, young ‘uns racing in junior Go-Karts, alongside the young couple who got competitive around the twisting course. D had asked A on their first date how competitive she was, and now two and a half years later, he was continuing to realize just how competitive she was. She imagined that she was playing Mario Kart, zipping round the track, visualizing that she was on the Rainbow Road, where the night came alive in a riot of colour. While she was fairly good at go-karting, Farmyard Crazy Golf was another thing entirely. She was the very definition of terrible, but she did not mind, able to laugh at herself, and her inadequecies. D wasn’t much better, getting frustrated with the farm-themed golf course, that was irritatingly hard. Still they had fun, stolen kisses like honeyed chocolate.

Listen To Ghost Tales At Tamworth Castle 

The air was decidedly chillier here, a draught felt in Tamworth Castle, that seemed plagued by ghosts past and present. A shuddered, remembering how it had been featured on BBC’s ‘Most Haunted’, a castle with layers upon layers of debaucherous secrets. From chance sightings of the ‘White Lady’ to hearing shadowy horses gallop around the castle, Tamworth had no shortage in strange noises, that echoed eerily. The ghosts of Tamworth Castle roamed freely, vengeance in their step, stuck in a purgatory, as centuries had passed. The Lady’s Chamber (The Haunted Room) was particularly poignant, a 9th century nun named Editha, who was otherwise known as ‘The Black Lady’. Expelled from Polesworth Abbey by the first Baron Marmion, the continued prayers of her homeless nuns eventually called her from her grave.

It is told that one night in  1139, after a lavish banquet, the 3rd Baron Marmion saw a vision of her while in his bedchamber. Unless he restored the nuns to Polesworth, he would die painfully, and far too soon. Before she vanished, she gave him a wound that was so terrible, the whole castle was awakened by his anguished cries. When he confessed his crimes to a priest, and restored the nuns, his pain ceased, and his nightmare was over. A shuddered, she never saw herself as someone who delighted in revenge, these ghosts were bloodthirsty, crying out for karma to rear its ugly, bulbous head. The Ferrers Room was another haunting tale, she could feel the sensation of something watching her in this 16th century room, it felt odd. Ann’s story, the victim of this ghost tale was compelling.

It all started when the castle’s alarm had gone off. What started as the odd footstep here, and there transformed into the dragging of tables and chairs across the wooden floor. The sounds were schreeching, scraping, scratching, and Ann felt uneasy. She found the engineer, who was shocked because he just saw a figure standing in the Ferrers’ Room window, which he thought was her! It was unusual, as the investigation showed that nothing had moved at all. Spooky! A hadn’t had much experience with ghostly encounters, despite the fact that visiting castles was her second home, but she did remember one solitairy incident at university, that had freaked her out. At 3AM without warning the radio which was not even plugged in, turned on and started playing music, increasing in volume. She turned it off, and it never happened again. Shej did remember a story that there was a haunted portrait supposedly in the cellar, of someone that used to live in the accomodation, renovated victorian houses, turned student accomodation.

When A and D, weren’t channeling their inner Ghostbusters, they were enjoying the otherwise normality of the castle, soaking up culture, history, and politics. With 900 years of history, there were 15 fully furnished rooms to discover. From Saxons to Normans, to Tudors and Victorians, they were able to get a real sense of how people throughout history spent their time in the castle. The Tudor Dining Room in particular was a real treat, large, colourful tapestries decorating the walls. As we sat at the table, we eyed a large, log fireplace, that despite not being on, evoked a sense of calm, comfort and security. It felt like a welcome respite, from the spooky ghosts that enjoyed pranking the guests, and staff. We were safe here. The South Range of Tamworth Castle, was another wonderful gem, which showed the lives of the families who lived here in recent years, before it opened as a museum in 1897. The Bedroom and Drawing Room in particular showed the refined tastes of The Townshends, and the Cookes.

Travel Back In Time On The Churnet Valley Railway 

A craved a nostalgic foray, a reminder of centuries past, on Churnet Valley Railway that chugged through Staffordshire’s hidden valley. Romantic date ideas in Staffordshire didn’t get as sentimental as this, riding into the Staffordshire Moorlands, on the outskirts of the Peak District, breathtaking vistas. Located near the adorable market town of Leek, A and D took a beautiful journey into the past, where the world halted to a still, and nothing else mattered but the here and now. A heritage railway attraction, Churnet was a steam train like no other, themed railway experiences, dine and rides, and delicious food and drink, to please even the fussiest of eaters. What would be the railway experience, that would make their hearts glow? Intrigued by the Bombay Express, they decided to try something different, a spicy alternative to their cream tea offerings.

As they dined in style, in a period restaurant car, their mouths watered. An evening celebrating Ana’s favourite cuisine seemed too good to be true, but boy was it a celebratory moment. Departing from Cheddleton at 7PM, they watched the golden orange sunset, dissipitate into night, their taste buds tantalized. Savouring starters, mains, and desserts, in a classic 1960’s First Class dining carriage, it felt like a slice of luxury, navigating through the beautiful Churnet Valley countryside, beautiful even in the inkiness of darkness. Freshly made Onion Bhajis, danced with flaky, buttery vegetable samosas, while vegetable pakoras were devoured by hungry mouths. We were given the ‘red carpet treatment’ with a smile on our faces, eagerly awaiting the mains, that would whet our amorous appetite. A Spinach, Chickpea and Lentil Dahl, was incredibly moerish, fresh, comforting, and nourishing in one wholesome bowl. Served with basmati rice, naan bread, and a side of Bombay potatoes, A’s belly pooched satisfactorily, content at last.

Dessert was an unusual one, expecting Gulab Jaman, Rasamalai, or at least flavoured Kulfis. The desserts were more Turkish than Indian, but A wasn’t complaining, the Baklava, flaky, and sweet, served with fresh strawberries, that seemed fresher, than fresh could be. It was a romantic meal, where time had no place or status, blissfully wrapped in their own world of romance, and seduction, where the food was incredibly sumptous. Though it was an 1 hour and 30 minutes journey, the time felt like it slipped by in a matter of seconds, vowing to come back at Christmas when their ‘Polar Express Train Ride’ would commence, a magical occasion. They would take a wondorous trip to the North Pole. beginning their journey at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire.

Dressed in their most fabulous pyjamas, they were served steaming hot chocolate and a tempting cookie, by singing chefs. The Conductor, showed off impressive dance moves, as he checked passengers tickets with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. They sighed, this imaginary foray into the future, would be great, they could almost picture the Polar Express now. The Hobo would be on the train, sharing his version of Christmas and the word believe, becoming our friends at the end of the journey. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the North Pole, and Santa was waiting to have a chat with his ‘believers’. He held out a present, the first one for Christmas, a beautiful silver bell from his sleigh. They would cherish it with love, a souvenier of a journey in the future. Their magical trip would be finished with a delicious bite to eat in Christmas town, impishly grinning from ear to ear.

Have A Romantic Picnic At The Roaches Peak District 

They stumbled upon a Peak District gem, The Roaches in Staffordshire loved by hikers, and climbers alike. Couples would come here to walk together, hiking across the rugged and deep gritstone ridge, where they spotted a magical mermaid or too. The sirens flipped their tails, in a sign that meant hello, irridesesent blue and green creatures, whose long touselled manes, stretched down to the floor. The mermaid, otherwise known as the ‘Blue Nyph’ swam in Doxey pool, sat on top of the Roaches, a watery jewel in its land based crown. As they passed the mermaid, located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, they smiled, walking along 15 metres of griftstone clefts, awed by its cragged beauty.

Despite the amount of tourists, it felt like there was no one around them, the vast expanse of landscape, allowing them to be in their very own socially distanced bubble. The day was clear, the sun high in the sky, overlooking Cheshire, Winter Hill in Lancashire, and even Snowdon in Wales. It was here that they set up a romantic picnic, a few minutes walk from Lud’s  Church. A deep, moss-clad gritstone chasm, it was a beautiful view, while they ate their couples themed lunch. It had all of their picnic favourites, cheese ploughman sandwiches, in thick rustic seeded bread, vegan sausage rolls, and cocktail sausages in a swathe of mayonaise and ketchup.

Fresh, and tangy vibrant salads, watercress, rocket, and carrot and cabbage slaw too, vegetarian scotch eggs, freshly warm. It was a retro lunchbox, with Dairylea Dunkers, all components that reminded them of their childhood, with an adult couples twist. For every nostalgic bite, there was a more grown up treat. A glass of fizzing prosecco, clinked by breathtaking views. Heart shaped boozy truffles infused with liquers popped in mouths. A cheese platter with Brie, Stilton, Buratta, and Buffalo Mozzarella too, pungent blue cheese on cheese and pepper crackers, a slather of tomato and plum chutney, slathered a top. There was even a goats cheese doughnut, that reminded A of her time at the Cheese Bar in London, creamy and moreish, with a tang of sweet. The plethora of flavours were incredible, as they toasted to two years of romance. They had shared many adventures together, and this sunny lunch picnic at Roaches Peak District was one of the most romantic date ideas in Staffordshire they could reccomend.

 

It wasn’t just food and giggles, They would visit the Heights of Abraham, a 60 acre hilltop estate, with guided cavern tours, indoor dining and exhibitions. As they rode the cable car, they had a magnificient 360 degree view of the Derbyshire Dales, an expanse of lush greenery, that looked beautiful, on the unseasonably warm day. With two guided tours through illuminated caverns, exhibitions, magnificent views, adventure playgrounds, woodland trails and more, there was no shortage of fun, when it came to exploring the Heights of Abraham. It was the illuminated caverns that stole the day, formed over 350 million years ago, with incredible stories to tell. From the Masson Cavern, to the Rutland Cavern, the lit up caverns had newly revealed huge deposits of calcite crystals, breathtakingly stunning. Lit up in colours of neon purple and pink, it created a stark contrast to the brown walls of the cavern.

 

Wander Through The Magical Biddulph Grange Garden

They were coming to the end of their stay, real tears in their eyes at the prospect. They had enjoyed their time immensely, adventures at theme parks, farms, mountain biking, and ghost tales too. You couldn’t accuse them of not being versatile when it came to creating their list of romantic date ideas in Staffordshire, obsessed with variety being the spice of life. Never bored, always on the go, A was someone who pushed D to go outside of his comfort zone, trying new things, and being unafraid to challenge personal boundaries. Gardens had never featured heavily on D’s bucket list, but he knew it was somewhere where A found tranquility, wandering amongst the flowers, and plants, birds hiding in oak trees, bees guzzling greedily on sticky nectar. Besides, Biddulph Grange Garden was no ordinairy garden, a masterpiece of Victorian garden design.

 

It was like going back into yesteryear, created by James Bateman, who donated his collection of plants around the world. A global journey through Horticulture, the young couple kissed in Italy, took selfies by the pyramids of Egypt, and shuddered by a re-creation of a Himalayan gem. They even came across a Victorian version of China, quaint reinterpretations, with stunning unique gardens. The magical garden featured collections of rhododendrons, summer bedding displays, a stunning Dahlia Walk and the oldest surviving golden larch in Britain, brought from China in the 1850s. Each step showed a glimpse of history, each wander resulted in hours delving into horticultural fantasies, and each walk became a self-guided tour of discovery, eyes wide open in amazement. With so many beautiful standouts, what would be their favourite?

The China Garden was exceptional, pillarbox reds, and forest greens, lit up with gilded golds. A far cry from the pale classical temples or rustic huts of English landscape gardens, it was bright, bold, and majestic. Ana lost track of time here, the red and turquoise Pagoda with its little lake, beckoning her and D to come over closer. How whimsical, she thought as she saw the arching, gaily-painted wooden bridge, arranged like the design on blue and white willow-pattern plates. It felt calm her, the tension that had been hunched in her back, belly, and chest, slowly leaving. It was an unwelcome visitor who had overstayed their welcome, she bid adieu with a sigh of relief. In the other direction was a new view, the Great Wall, flanked by the sparkling Joss House. Though it was small, it was a beautifully decorated Chinese Temple.

The perfect spot for reflection, and relaxation, the couple sat here, holding hands. They meditated thoughfully, balancing their chi, and restoring order in their lives once more. This was a chance to look back, and smile over memories made in Staffordshire, a unique staycation where they could have adventure, yet contemplation, thrill seeking, yet calm with animals, and nature. All in all, their journey had been a success, a chance to rediscover themselves as individuals, and as couples, bringing them closer together as a partnership. At last happiness prevailed, outranking its depressive partner, who was determined to stick around. For a brief, short, and sweet moment, there was nothing but calm, an expanse of tranquility that enveloped them in a comforting hug.

What Romantic Date Ideas In Staffordshire Do You Want To Try?

*Disclaimer 

Please note this is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation. I would love to find out whether you have visited Staffordshire before. If you haven’t what romantic date ideas in Staffordshire will you be trying? Do you like adventure, are a history lover, or are you most at home with animals? Let me know in the comments below!