Eight ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Essex

Visit Essex is encouraging people to enjoy all Essex has to offer for the saints day this year.

So whether you’re after a romantic dinner or something a bit more adventurous, these are some of the places you could mark the day.

Hot chocolate warp at Aqua Springs

If you like something a bit quirky, then this is a real treat!

Aqua Springs in Colchester is offering a hot chocolate body wrap and free spa entry for £52 per person.

The wrap contains cocoa beans and algae to stimulate and nourish the skin, and it releases a sweet chocolate aroma.

The treatment is finished with a fig and vanilla body lotion.

Bookings can be taken until February 14 for treatments from February 9 to 28.

Visit www.aqua-springs.co.uk

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Wine and dine at 1935 Rooftop Restaurant

Couples can experience something truly different by dining out on the fifth floor of the four star Holiday Inn in Southend.

With amazing views overlooking London Southend Airport you can enjoy a four course 'Love is in the Air' meal.

Visit www.hisouthend.com.

Kayaking and ice skating at Lee Valley Centre

Enjoy one of the action-packed activities for couples across the Lee Valley Regional Park.

Take a ride in a two person inflatable kayak at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Adventurous couples can conquer the rapids together as they paddle their way romantically through the legacy loop at this Olympic venue on Saturday February 16. Afterwards relax with an afternoon tea and prosecco in the Terrace Bar.

Alternatively take on a fun-filled skate session at the Lee Valley Ice Centre. Spend the afternoon gliding romantically around the rink, before enjoying a hot chocolate in the Blades Bar, or you might like a date night with a difference - take in a romantic movie on the Big Screen whilst enjoying a cycling class at the state-of the-art VeloPark.

Visit www.visitleevalley.org.uk/

The Greatest Showman at Wivenhoe House

The world was captivated by the most entertaining movie of last year and now you can relive the magic with this special cabaret version of The Greatest Showman at Wivenhoe House Hotel on February 15.

A sensational evening of live entertainment, featuring all your favourite hits from the movie and a delicious three course menu created by the Wivenhoe House Chefs.

Visit www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/

Race night at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Enjoy the exhilaration of a race night at Chelmsford City Racecourse on February 14, as well as a romantic four-course meal and live entertainment from Jason Allen singing swing and lounge classics.

Visit chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/

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After hours at Colchester Castle

Find out the true meaning and magic of Valentine’s at Colchester Castle with their curators, as they welcome you ‘after hours’.

Celebrate the history of love with a glass of prosecco too. Cost £7.50 per person. Booking essential.

Visit cimuseums.org.uk/visit/venues/colchester-castle/

Salsa dancing at Abstinence Bar, Chelmsford

Abstinence Bar in Chelmsford holds regular salsa dance classes, and there’s a beginners one on Valentine’s Day 7pm – 8pm, plus classes for level 2 and 3 from 8pm – 9pm.

At the end of the sessions there’s an ‘after party’ until 11pm where you can enjoy a live music set, and dance your heart away to latin grooves. You don’t need to book, just wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Visit www.abstinencebar.co.uk/

A Hundred Different Words for Love, Lakeside Theatre, Essex University

A Hundred Different Words for Love will take place at the Lakeside Theatre on February 14.

The story of James falling in love, and landing broken hearted.

A heart-lifting story of romance, despair and friendship from one of the best UK acclaimed storytellers, James Rowland. Featuring live music, belly laughs and lots and lots of words.

Visit lakesidetheatre.org.uk/