Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or dare to be different, we’ll help you find fun on 14th February with our top events around the UK
GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW: The London Eye, Southbank, London
What could be more romantic than gazing out onto London’s rooftops as you enjoy a glass of Champagne with your partner? See the stunning architecture and famous buildings with a spectacular 360-degree view from the comfort of your capsule. What’s more, you can enjoy a 10 per cent discount if you buy tickets online. Perfect.
See www.londoneye.com or call 0871 781 3000
VISIT SOME OLD HAUNTS: The "Loverpool" ghost tour, Liverpool
Here's one for Twilight fans to get their teeth into: Shiverpool Ghost Tours (motto: "We scare because we care") is offering an evening walk around Liverpool's spookiest locations on February 14th. Ticket-holders will follow their corpse bride and bridegroom spirit guides on a journey "through time and tragedy, through passions and chasms." How can you resist?
Visit www.shiverpool.co.uk or call 0151 709 2030
WOO THEM WITH A VIEW: Dunluce Castle, Antrim, Northern Ireland
Given the UK's wealth of gorgeous scenery, it's easy to find romance on your doorstep. Dunluce Castle, a rambling medieval ruin perched on a limestone cliff, offers stunning views of Northern Ireland's most beautiful stretch of coastline. Go during the day and visit the Wishing Well and Mermaid's cave, or pack a rug and a flask of hot chocolate and watch the sun go down together.
For more information, log on to www.northantrim.com
ENJOY SOME ROOFTOP ROMANCE: Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath Street, Bath
Bath is the self-styled "Jane Austen city", and Thermae Bath Spa's rooftop open-air pool – with its amazing views and warm-as-the-Caribbean water – is the perfect place for your own Elizabeth and Darcy moment. When you're tired of all that blissful floating, head downstairs to the scented steam rooms or go for a swim in the Minerva indoor pool, all included in the admission price.
See www.thermaebathspa.com or call 0844 888 0844
DISCOVER ART WITH A HEART: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London
Want to impress an art lover? The National Gallery's Valentine's Day tour aims to uncover the passion and pain behind some of the UK's best-loved paintings. You'll explore the theme of "love rewarded and love betrayed" as you're led through the gallery in search of its most romantic and fascinating artworks. There's no charge for this lunchtime event, but places are limited so arrive early.
Visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk or call 0207 747 2885.
EMBRACE YOUR ANIMAL INSTINCTS: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol
See bundles of exotic animals, reptiles, fishes and bugs all under one roof at Bristol Zoo. Its award-winning 12-acre enclosure with nine animal houses will have you and your partner entertained whatever the weather. With so much to see and do, it’s worth giving yourself 2-5 hours there, perhaps breaking it up with a romantic coffee and cake break. What’s more, with their ‘cheep romance’ offer, you and your partner can gain entry for just £20!
Visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk or call 0117 974 7399
HAVE A HOLLYWOOD MOMENT: Tyneside Cinema, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle
If you fancy seeing your favourite romantic film on the big screen, cast your vote now at the Tyneside Cinema's website. Whether it's a weepie like The Notebook or a rom-com like When Harry Met Sally, the most popular choice will be shown at a special Valentine's Day screening, when there'll be free Traidcraft chocolates for every cinemagoer and special Valentine’s Day gift bags and cocktails to buy at the bar.
Log on to www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call 0845 217 9909.
RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET: Discover Tandeming centres, West Sussex and Yorkshire
If your other half is the outdoorsy type, why not treat them to a spin on a bicycle made for two? Set in two lovely locations – Lancing in West Sussex and Gargrave in the Yorkshire Dales – Discover Tandeming will loan you all the equipment, route planners and training you need to take to the roads a deux. Just try not to argue about who gets to go in front.
Visit www.discovertandeming.co.uk or call 0190 375 2308 (Lancing) or 0175 674 8400 (Gargrave).
SET THEIR HEART RACING: Ayr Racecourse, Whitletts Road, Ayr
Scotland's premier horse-racing track, home of the Scottish Grand National, is a great place to impress a date, especially so on its annual Valentine's Raceday. If the excitement of watching top jockeys competing in some thrilling National Hunt events gets too much for you both, you can always retire to the Champagne Bar for a glass or two of bubbly.
Call 01292 264179 or see www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
KEEP 'EM SWEET: Somersby Chocolates, Mapperley, Nottingham
It's every chocolate lover's dream come true: learn how to make your own handmade chocolate hearts, and take part in delicious taste-testing sessions, on a special Valentine's Day course run by a small, family-owned chocolate company. You'll be shown how to decorate your goodies with a range of delicious toppings, and gift-wrap them to give to each other.
Call 01159 608678 or log on to www.somersbychocolates.co.uk
Spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day with Tesco Direct.
