With Valentines day just around the corner and a birthday in close proximity I decided to take my wife out for the evening to celebrate both special events & occasions.

To begin our evening we travelled across to the simply stunning Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry, Warwickshire for a very special afternoon tea in the delightful Garden Restaurant conservatory.

The afternoon tea at Coombe Abbey Hotel has been voted as one of the top 30 places to enjoy Afternoon Tea? This great British tradition was first introduced by Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford as a way to stave off hunger pangs in the long gap between lunch and dinner.

We both enjoyed plenty of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea, several delicate sandwiches & some simply mouth watering cakes.

Finger Sandwiches included;

Coronation Chicken – Wholemeal Bread

Cream Cheese & Cucumber – White Bread

Poached Salmon & Lemon Mayonnaise – Wholemeal Brad

Semi Dried Tomato Tartlet

The Selection Of Dainty Cakes included;

Mini Banoffee Torte

Lemon Posset & Blackberry

Chocolate Box – Cinder Toffee, Sponge & Popping Candy

Miso Caramel, Toasted Sesame Seeds & Nutella Choux Bun

Plus a Freshly Baked Scone, Whipped Cornish Clotted Cream &

Strawberry Jam

Plus lashings of your Choice Of Tea Or Coffee, (I chose Earl Grey)!

Vegetarian sandwiches are available!

After enjoying the afternoon tea, my wife & I went for a delightful stroll around the stunning Coombe Abbey Park before driving for thirty minutes to Compton Verney.

Instead of the usual chocolates or flowers, I decided to take my wife to see the Spectacle of Light at Compton Verney – one of the region’s most beautiful attractions.

This night-time wonder is a spectacle of light & sound which can be seen on Valentines Day or on any other date right through to Sunday 5 March.

We explored the stunning light installations, walked slowly through a Kaleidoscope of colour & were both amazed by the stunning sparkling light beams across the lake.

We sipped delicious hot chocolate as we meandered along a beautiful trail across the 120 acres of parkland landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

The weather was perfect but we were wrapped up just in case it turned chilly! The trail was excellent for walking along and because of the timed entry there were no crowds of people walking with us! I would fully recommend a visit, my wife & I had a fantastic time.

The house was closed during our visit to the Spectacle of Light but we have already decided that we will be back to visit the inside of the house during the day.

With plenty of activities to do both inside and outdoors, Compton Verney is an award-winning art gallery offering enjoyable ways for you to explore art and enjoy the Park whatever the weather.