Oh and it’s a leap year, ladies 😜 (Blame it on St Patrick).
What is a camping holiday in Derbyshire all about?
We've answered it for the foodies 🍰🧁🍦🧋🥤🍻, we've suggested fun family days out ✌️🤩, but we haven't called out what it's all about for our couples💚✨.
This post picked with valentines and romantic inspiration is for you.
The romantics are looking forward to Valentine's Day and planning every minute of a perfect getaway and gift, even if you aren't planning on escaping to Hill Farm.
Derbyshire is beautiful, and we've got buckets full of valentines inspiration for you. Rolling across its countryside are historical sites, un-stately and stately homes, fancy restaurants, honest pubs, and walks to charm the hearts of any hiker.
Wrapped up in this blog are 7 romantic things to do near Hill Farm; you can order them into your perfect itinerary, in any way you like!
But first, this list is for more than just Valentine's Day. 2024 is a leap year, which means 29th February is just as romantic!
Not interested in leap year history? Skip to our list of 7 romantic Valentine ideas and inspiration in Derbyshire.
The Romance of a Leap Year
I guess the first question to answer is, why do we get down on one knee to propose?
We asked Google, "It's a tradition dating back to medieval times, when a knight dropped to one knee as a sign of respect to royalty. Proposing on "bended knee" is a show of respect for a future bride, and the act also signifies loyalty and devotion."
Ok, so we get that one now.
So what about women breaking tradition and proposing on a leap year?
Apparently (according to an article in Metro) 52% of women would be more likely to propose on 29th February, compared to only 25% on Valentines Day!
So, where did the whole tradition come from?
There are multiple sources!
And the first culprit is St Patrick of Ireland. The story goes that local girls had their feathers a little rumpled waiting for their suitors to propose, so a nun called St Bridget petitioned St Patrick to do something about it. His solution… you guessed it, he granted the ruffled girls permission to take the reigns every four years.
Another age-old story surrounds Queen Margaret of Scotland. Legend has it that she made a law allowing a lady to propose in a leap year, wearing a red petticoat, and a man was not permitted to refuse her!
However, historians say there is no record of this fantastic law ✨🤣
Then, lastly, there was a time when 29th of February was not recognised by law. Because it had no legal status, women felt they could propose…
How brilliant. 🤩
Any other stories you know - share them with us please! 🤪😜
Ok, let's give you our 7 romantic things to do this Valentines or Romantic Leap Year proposal at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping.
1. For the curious ones: Go stargazing! We recommend downloading a star-finder app and packing loads of blankets (especially a picnic blanket with a waterproof underside, or your stargazing may be cut short). Plan a picnic hamper to enjoy while you try to decode the stars!
2. For the hiking ones: Dovedale Stepping Stones and Cloud Thorpe - one of the peak districts' most famous attractions…A 40-minute drive away, but so romantic, it's famous and busy for good reason!
3. For the wandering ones: A stroll around Markeaton Park is a relaxed affair, where you don't have to worry about where you are walking. You can lose time and talk without worry, hand in hand on Valentine's Day.
4. For the car-free ones: A peaceful and beautiful walk down the canal, head left from Hill Farm and you can walk down to the Crewe and Harpur (DE73 7JA) for their famous chicken and chorizo kebab, served on flatbread. It melts like butter.
5. For the restful ones: Watch the sunset from Hill Farm. The views from Hill Farm stretch over Donnington Park and the surrounding countryside. This means we get a front seat to panoramic fireworks on bonfire night, a full view of the Download Festival and stunning sunsets to make you stop and marvel.
6. For the history-loving ones: Visit the beautiful nearby Calke Abbey, "the un-stately home." Perfect if you are already a member of the National Trust.
7. For the active ones: Rent a pair of bicycles and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Derbyshire. E-Bike Escapes will drop off and collect bikes from Hill Farm…
Which one is your romantic moment?
Sweep them off their feet this February - check our availability here.
To wild hearts, rebellious leap-year women and 12 dozen roses!
Tara x
Tara runs the day-to-day at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping. When you make a booking, you will find Tara at the end of the phone.
Ollie Cotton and his family have owned and run Hill Farm Caravan and Camping for generations and love nothing more than to provide high-quality and affordable escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, gig-lovers and multi-people rallies & get-to-gathers.
2024 Improvements & changes:
✨ Gazebos make our pods and belle tents gorgeous all-weather havens; hot tubs are tucked under them too!
✨ Two new belle tents opening in April (stay tuned)
✨ Closed last season, the pond field is back open. Five seasonal belle tents will tuck around its banks. It's the perfect place for a family and friends retreat!
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