Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to celebrate love than the village of Lover in Wiltshire. Known as the “most romantic village” in the world, Lover is a place where love is truly in the air, no matter the season.
One of the village’s long-standing traditions is the posting of Valentine’s cards. Visitors from all over flock to Lover to post their cards, which are made extra special by the postmark “Lover”. Even though the main post office has closed, residents come together to keep this sweet tradition alive. A temporary post office opens during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, ensuring that love is spread far and wide.
The Lover Community Trust, a group of passionate residents, plays a crucial role in preserving this tradition. Over the past five years, they have stamped more than 8,000 cards and letters with the words “Sent from Lover”. With the support of the Royal Mail, a team of volunteers ensures that these heartfelt messages reach love-struck individuals all around the world.
As February approaches, Lover transforms into a true romantic haven. The picturesque streets are adorned with heart-shaped bunting, wreaths, and balloons, creating a magical ambiance. It’s no wonder that many love stories have unfolded in this enchanting village. One happy couple, Jill Stark (71) and Fred (72), were drawn to Lover by its name and eventually moved there. They proudly call themselves the “lovers from Lover” and have been actively involved in the Lover Community Trust since their arrival.
Jill and Fred describe Lover as an inclusive and welcoming community with an amazing vibe. They feel a strong sense of togetherness, which has only strengthened over the years. They are thrilled to see how business in the village is thriving and attribute this success, in part, to the support from the Royal Mail. It has allowed more cards to be sent to locations across the globe, spreading love and joy to even more people.
Life in Lover has exceeded their expectations, and they feel incredibly lucky to have been residents for over 18 years. The unique name of the village, Lover, was what initially caught their attention. It felt like an opportunity they couldn’t miss, and it certainly lived up to their romantic expectations. Fred shares a funny anecdote about their realization that the village’s name is pronounced differently than the word “lover”. But that hasn’t dampened their love for the village, which they wholeheartedly embrace.
