This Valentine's, Daily Info brings a selection of date suggestions drawn from our recent competition. So take a look for where to go for valentines or on a date.
Competition entry suggestions
"My choice for an anniversary celebration is the Trout Inn at Wolvercote. A beautiful country pub, delicious food, and a very pleasant terrace with the sound of running water as a backdrop."
"A wonderful walk with my hubby through the Blenheim Estate - taking in the landscape design by Capability Brown and a cosy dinner with wine in the Back Lane Tavern in Woodstock."
"My wife and I celebrate our anniversary in May, so perfect time for punting!
We grab a bottle of fizz & strawberries and head to the Cherwell Boathouse. We go upstream because it's more romantic and quiet. There's something beautiful about revisiting the same place at the same time every year. We reminisce & joke about being allowed out away from the kids.
Then we treat ourselves to a fancy meal at the boathouse. After that we usually need a digestive walk, so we stroll to Jericho & finish the evening in that wine bar on the corner.
We've lived in Oxford for years, and life has changed a lot. Our anniversary punt, however, will last until we can't hold the pole any more."
"Where would I take my date in Oxford for Valentine's Day? I would take her up in a hot air balloon to view the beauty of Oxford from all around."
"We got married at the Rollright Stones in 2021, and we go back there for every anniversary. It’s a gorgeous view and you can book to have exclusive access to the stones for your celebration."
"One of the best places to celebrate an anniversary is at Waterperry Gardens and see the beauty of the nature."
"Best Place to celebrate an anniversary in Oxfordshire: The Folly"
"A nice place for anniversaries is at the Kings Arms by Sanford Lock and then after a nice meal, you can go for a lovely stroll up along the river and around the meadows near Kennington. On a really hot day you could even go for a dip!
"A lovely river cruise with lunch / dinner on board."
"I think the best place for an anniversary dinner in Oxfordshire is Brothertons Brasserie in Woodstock. It's a beautiful old building inside, and the ambience is lovely due to the aged wood and plentiful candles. We really enjoyed the food and the service was friendly. Definitely a special occasion restaurant!"
"The best place to celebrate Valentine's is to go for a walk along the scenic views of Wittenan Clumps; take a picnic if it is not rainy and enjoy the moment even more.
At a time of high cost of living, one doesn't need to spend a lot to make the date memorable.
If it is rainy though, there are a few nearby cafés in Benson, Wallingford and Berinsfield which are affordable and good value for money."
"To jump right in: my favourite place to celebrate an anniversary is at G&D’s Cafe on Cowley Road.
Every summer I’ll go to commemorate the occasion of my final (and most stressful!) exam at Brookes Uni, memorably ticked off on May 5th 2017.
On that day, after the terrifying test at Cheney School gym, I skipped down to G&D’s and treated myself to a lip-smacking celebratory double scoop cone (raspberry ripple & mint choc-chip) -- the taste of sweet freedom!
It’s become an indulgent tradition to revisit, lounge on one of the sofas or perch on a wooden chair, and reminisce about all the good times spent at uni… Followed by a keen thankfulness that those sleepless nights & fretful days of examinations are long behind me!"
"For me, the most romantic place to spend valentines is the top of the Saxon Tower of St Michael's in Oxford, 10 years ago when I met my husband we used to spend our lunch breaks up there talking and checking people go by on the streets plus seeing all the beautiful spires. Perhaps we will go back this year..."
"Best place in Oxford to celebrate an anniversary in Oxfordshire - The Isis Farmhouse on a Sunday. Great food, next to the river, with the most amazing live music in the evening, free of charge."
"For celebrating Valentine 2024 we would go to The Gurkha Village Kidlington. We always love it there! Oxford city centre is busy, riverside is romantic but outdated. Why don't you give The Gurkha Village Kidlington a chance for a romantic night out?"
"The best place to celebrate an anniversary in Oxfordshire is at Blenheim Palace Gardens by having a picnic."
Daily Info suggests
Daily Info's team have had great first dates at the Ashmolean, Thirsty Meeples and the Botanic Gardens, especially when it's sunny.
Walking across Port Meadow to The Perch is pretty nice and you can climb trees on the way if you feel like it.
"Outside of Oxford, I enjoy a walk along the Thames from Benson to Wallingford. Taking in the beautiful Castle Meadows before stopping at the Town Arms for a burger."
And finally how about a bookshop crawl (starting from Jericho with The Last Bookshop, Daunts, Blackwells, Waterstones, Gulp Fiction, The Oxfam bookshop on Turl St, and finishing at Caper).