As the frost of January begins to melt away, Castle Quay is heating up with a February full of cinematic magic, half-term adventures, and romantic escapes.
Whether you are planning the perfect Valentine’s date or looking for ways to keep the family entertained during the school holidays, there is plenty to discover right here in the heart of Banbury.
Here is your guide to what’s on this February at Castle Quay:
The Ultimate Date Night: Valentine’s at Castle Quay
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we have experiences that go far beyond the standard box of chocolates.
- Forge Your Own Love Story at Tooley’s Boatyard: Looking for a truly unique gift? Tooley’s Forge is offering a special Valentine’s Forge Experience for couples. You can purchase a gift voucher now and choose your date later, giving you and your partner the chance to learn the ancient art of blacksmithing together in one of the oldest working dry docks in the world.
- Romantic Cinema at The Light: Snuggle up at The Light with their “Love Wednesdays” offer, featuring 2 cocktails for £14. Catch a romantic screening or dive into their massive February lineup, which includes Wicked: For Good, Hamnet, and the 40th-anniversary re-issue of Back to the Future.
- Dinner for Two: Refuel at Lock29, where you can sample a world of flavours from independent street food traders. For a more classic setting, enjoy the “Pizza Feast for £25” or “2 Pizzas for £15” deals at The Light’s Diner.
February Half-Term Fun
Keeping the kids busy during half-term has never been easier.
- The Magic of Middle-earth: Don’t miss this incredible exhibition at Banbury Museum & Gallery starting 31st January to 28th June 2026. It’s a must-see for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, featuring stunning artwork and rare collectables.
- Adventure Awaits at The Light: Beyond the big screen, The Light offers a full day of activity with Adventure Climbing, Bowling, Mini-Golf, and Interactive Darts. It’s the perfect place to let off some steam during the rainy February days.
- Creative Workshops at Lock29: Check out the Monkey Music Workshops for the little ones or join in the Brush Party for a Galentines get together.
Gifts Reimagined: Give Back This February
As part of our Gifts Reimagined appeal, we are encouraging visitors to think outside the box and share the love with the wider community. This February, we are proud to support The Sunshine Centre, and you can get involved in two wonderful ways:
- Donate a Gift: We are inviting visitors to drop off donations for The Sunshine Centre at our dedicated collection point or the customer service desk. Your generosity helps provide essential support and joy to local families in need.
- Pick Up Something Special: While you’re here, pop into our Gift Reimagined pop-up shop. We have a curated selection of unique items where proceeds go toward supporting this fantastic local cause.
Whether you are donating an unwanted gift or picking up a brand-new treat from the shop, you’re helping make a real difference in Banbury. It’s about more than just a physical present; it’s about giving hope and support to those who need it most.
Refuel on your visit
No visit to Castle Quay is complete without a stop at our fantastic eateries. Whether you are looking for a quick caffeine fix, a leisurely lunch, or a sweet treat with the family, we have plenty of options to keep you going:
- Classic Café Culture: Take a break at Coffee#1, Costa Coffee or Muffin Break for your favourite barista-made brew and a freshly baked treat.
- Fresh & Fast: Pop into Greggs for a classic British pastry on the go.
- Something Sweet: Treat the kids (or yourself!) to a delicious cake or dessert at Cakebox.
- Casual Dining: For a relaxed sit-down meal, visit Nando’s, Pinto Lounge or Pizza Express, perfect for a stress-free family dinner after a day of half-term exploring.
Valentine’s and Mother’s Day Gifting
Love is in the air this month, but we are also looking ahead to make sure the leading ladies in your life are well-celebrated! Whether you are shopping for a romantic partner or planning a special surprise for Mother’s Day, Castle Quay has everything you need to make them feel cherished.
Plan your February visit to Castle Quay today and make the most of everything Banbury has to offer!