Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from slowing down, sharing an experience, and discovering something new together.
Across Lakeland Arts’ three museums, you’ll find opportunities to connect with each other, local places, and stories that span generations. Whether you’re searching for ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day itself or simply looking for inspiration for a thoughtful day out, here are a few experiences that will create lasting memories.
A romantic experience on Windermere
There’s something special about travelling by water. Stepping aboard Osprey, a beautifully restored Victorian Steam Launch, feels like teleporting back in time, where you can appreciate the beautiful landscape around you.
A Valentine’s Day Heritage Boat Trip offers the chance to connect with your loved ones, take in the views, and enjoy Windermere at its most peaceful — with the option to add a bottle of Prosecco on the day for an extra celebratory touch.
Following your experience, visit our Lakeshore café. Enjoy seasonal dishes and delicious sweet treats, whilst soaking up panoramic views across Windermere and towards the Coniston fells. From there, you can wander through the museum galleries and explore Juliet Klottrup’s An Archive exhibition, which explores life by the lake through stories, photography and paintings.
Art that sparks conversations
For those who enjoy sharing ideas and discovering new perspectives together, Abbot Hall offers a welcoming space to explore contemporary and traditional art connected to Lake District heritage.
Current exhibitions explore themes such as ecology, identity, and global issues through a Cumbrian lens. Turner Prize–winning artist Simon Starling’s Boat Works invites reflection on migration, transformation, and movement — ideas that naturally spark conversation as you stroll through the gallery.
Abbot Hall’s Collection Galleries reveal stories of Cumbria through painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The Bloomberg Connects digital guide allows you to explore at your own pace, offering additional insights and narrative about artworks on display.
Enjoy a hot drink or light bite from Abbot Hall’s Coffee bar.
Discover a rare Arts & Crafts gem
Blackwell is a stunning historic house overlooking Windermere, inviting visitors to linger and discover its Arts & Crafts beauty and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, the house is rich in detail — from handcrafted architectural features to carefully framed views across the Lake District.
Exploring Blackwell together is about noticing the small things: the inglenook fireplaces, the placement of stained-glass, the way light moves through a room. Frances Priest’s major solo exhibition Motif | Line | Colour brings pops of colour throughout this historic house, celebrating 25 years of Priest’s contemporary ceramic practice rooted in traditional craft.
Daily volunteer-led talks delve into the history of the house and its design philosophy, offering deeper insight into the people and ideas connected to Blackwell. These talks, along with exhibitions and displays, are included with admission.
After exploring, settle into the cosy tearoom or terrace to enjoy a delightful light bite accompanied by amazing views over the lake.
Make time for what matters this Valentine’s Day
Whether it’s a quiet moment on the water, being inspired by exhibitions, or a relaxing stroll through our beautiful spaces, these experiences are about encouraging togetherness, community, and this region’s stories.
Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to make time to slow down, learn about the past, reflect on the present, and be inspired by the future. And sometimes, the simplest experiences are the ones that mean the most.
Plan your visit to one of Lakeland Arts’ museums here. Looking for a more bespoke experience? Contact us on info@lakelandarts.org.uk or call 01539 637940 for more information.
