Love is in the air all across Oxfordshire this weekend as the county gets ready for the most romantic day of the year.

This Valentine's Day we're asking residents where they think is the most romantic destination in the county to give loved-up locals an idea for where to visit this Sunday, February 14.

From a stroll in stunning palace grounds to a wildly different seven-course meal to cosying up in country pubs, Oxfordshire has every couple covered.

Our shortlist of the best places to aim for is below. But which would you choose?

Christ Church Meadow, Oxford

 

thisisoxfordshire:

This glorious green space in the heart of Oxford follows the path of the rivers Cherwell and Thames wending their way into the city. Home of Oxford University college regatta the SomerVIIIs, dramatic outdoor Shakespeare performances and a year-round scattering of docile cows, this is arguably the best spot for a tranquil wintry walk with your Valentine.

 

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

thisisoxfordshire:

An undisputed national treasure on our doorstep, Blenheim Palace is best-known as being home to Winston Churchill and the Dukes of Marlborough but can be yours too from as little as £14.90 to see the grounds. Explore the palace's sumptuously-furnished interior, take tea in the Orangery and get lost in the Marlborough Hedge Maze.

 

The Perch, Binsey

thisisoxfordshire:

Nestled under its medieval thatched roof and with just a leisurely stroll through Port Meadow separating it from Oxford, The Perch is the perfect Sunday afternoon pit-stop with a range of fine ales and some seriously good home-made bar snacks.

 

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

thisisoxfordshire:

Back from the ashes after a devastating fire last year, Oxford's most iconic hotel needs no introduction. Sip a gin fizz in the famous Morse Bar before dining in the newly-refurbished restaurant with views of Oxford City Centre below.

 

Broughton Castle, Banbury

 

thisisoxfordshire:

The well-kept home of the 21st Baron of Saye and Sele shot back to fame in 2015 after appearing on television as a key location for BBC2's Wolf Hall. With other credits including Jane Eyre and Shakespeare in Love to its name, this is the perfect venue for a Valentine's Day straight out of the movies.

 

 

Summertown cake baker Julia Atkinson has been hard at work prepping hundreds of pink, red and white cupcakes for the special holiday this weekend.

The owner of Happy Cakes cupcake business said she thought the old, historical parts of the city were the most romantic places to go.

She said: "I love walking between the Radcliffe Camera, and the Sheldonian and Bodleian. It's just so historical and you get the real essence of Oxford.

"You could almost be in a different time period. It's beautiful."

Julia is offering a special box of 12 Valentine-themed cupcakes for £30 this weekend.

She added: "I love how the year is peppered with different holidays. And from a cake-making point of view, it's great to have a theme."