February... a month to adore
FEBRUARY is a busy time in the holiday calendar, with Valentine getaways for smitten couples and events for families enjoying the schools’ half-term break. KATIE ROWE rounds up the best of the action…
VIKINGS IN YORK
When York was under Viking rule, a celebration known as Jolablot, which heralded the coming of spring, took place in February. More than 1,000 years later, this tradition has been revived and the Jorvik Viking Festival is now recognised as the largest event dedicated to the infamous Norse seafarers in Europe, attracting more than 40,000 visitors to York each year.
Covering the two weekends over the half-term break from February 14 to 22, there will be an array of Viking-themed events, including battle re-enactments, have-a-go sword combat sessions, a children’s film club and even a traditional wedding banquet.
SCALLOPS APLENTY IN RYE
Every year, Rye in East Sussex celebrates one of its much-loved seafood delicacies, the scallop. Sourced straight from the South Coast by firms such as Market Fisheries in Rye Harbour, the renowned Rye scallop is celebrated for a whole week from February 21, with special events that include tastings, trails, cookery courses and live music. Book a table in one of the many local restaurants that will be showcasing scallops in a variety of dishes throughout the week. Rye is also renowned for antiques shops. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, it is not short of charming tea rooms either.
A MAGICAL TIME IN BLACKPOOL
Ever wanted to run away and join a circus? Now you can. From February 14 to 18, Blackpool will host st Showzam!, an annual festival of circus, magic and variety performance. Along with a showstopping line-up that includes a romance-themed carnival ball, backstage tours of Blackpool’s entertainment landmarks and circus shows galore, youngsters can join hands-on workshops led by experts.
Little ones can try their hands and feet at everything from ballroom dancing to skating, and teenagers can have as many strops as they like at an acting class.
RAILWAYS AND ROMANS IN SOMERSET
Stuck for Valentine’s Day ideas? Why not make a grand gesture by treating your other half to a romantic steam train ride on the West Somerset Railway?
Travel on any morning traintr from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, and if the suns has its hat on, stroll hand-in-hand along the seafront. Later, climb aboardab the 16.25 steam traintra from Minehead where youryo Valentine’s Day afternoonaf tea will be served.
Elsewhere,E in nearby Bath, headhe to one of the best preservedpre Roman ruins, the RomanRo Baths, to enjoy a magicalma Valentine’s Day eveningeve featuring live music, a ag glass of champagne and a five-coursefive dinner on the terrace overlooking the Great Bath or in the Victorian Reception Hall.