10 Valentine's Day ideas for couples staying in the UK

Couples keen to spend quality time together somewhere special near the North Devon coast should book The Watchtower, a grade II listed building with beautiful views over the River Taw. The quirky pad had great walks and pubs on its doorstep, although for those looking to impress with their culinary skills there’s also an open-plan kitchen diner – with superb sunset views to boot. Three nights’ self-catering from £122, based on two sharing from February 14. [Photo: holidaycottages.co.uk]

Add some spontaneity this Valentine’s by heading for a dinner…that could turn into a sleepover. Guests dining at the Trafalgar Dining Rooms will be entered into a prize draw to win a stay at the hotel that night – with a luxury pair of silk pyjamas to boot. The lucky couple will also have their four-course dinner covered – and can expect breakfast in the morning. The dinner – which features Mediterranean inspired dishes with a London twist – costs £45 per person and includes a complimentary glass of bubbles on The Rooftop. [Photo: The Trafalgar St James]

Show your other half how deep your love truly is – by treating them to a subaquatic slap-up meal. The UK’s largest tank – in the National Marine Aquarium – will host its first ever Valentine’s dinner, where you’ll tuck into a scrumptious three-course meal in the company of sharks and rays. From £50 per person, including a glass of champagne, a three-course set menu and bottle of wine on February 14. [Photo: national-aquarium.co.uk]

What could be more romantic than admiring a sky full of stars together? At Woolsthorpe Manor, you and your other half can stargaze while also learning about the science behind them at Isaac Newton’s birthplace. Local astronomers are on hand with a travelling planetarium with hands-on activities, talks and demonstrations. From £10 per adult on February 15. [Photo: Getty]

Sheepskin rugs, reindeer skins and woolen throws make the Woodman’s Huts a cosy home from home. The snug little boltholes have everything you need for a Valentine’s with a difference, from ensuite bathrooms to underfloor heating. If you do decide to venture out, Lakeland’s fine walking routes are on your doorstep, and there’s an outdoor fire to warm up beside when you return. Two nights’ self-catering is from £80 per person, based on two sharing from February 16. [Photo: Cool Camping]

How about sinking into your own private hot tub with a glass of fizz in hand, or swimming lengths in a heated pool after a day’s walking in the glorious Peak District? That’s what’s on offer for couples who book a stay at the craftsman-made Yurts at Uppergate Farm, which are brimming with mod-cons including underfloor heating and a cosy log stove. A two-night stay is from £162 per person, based on two sharing from February 14. [Photo: Premier Cottages]

You don’t have to leave the country to have dinner in the rainforest. The Eden Project is hosting Valentine’s dinners inside its Rainforest Biome, with bubbly, canapes, a three-course meal and entertainment. Stroll through the Rainforest Canopy Walkway and listen to stories of love and romance from the storytellers before enjoying a locally-sourced meal, followed by petits fours. A table for two costs £120 and includes free entry to Eden on the day of the meal (February 10, 14 and 17) and the following day. [Photo: edenproject.com]

How about concocting the perfect tipple with your loved one? Scotland’s gin industry is booming, with distilleries popping up all over the country. Learn how to make your own gin beneath Edinburgh’s pavements at The Edinburgh Gin Distillery. The three-hour gin-making classes use mini-stills and include a tutored tasting. From £100 per adult. [Photo: The Edinburgh Gin Distillery]

Spa breaks don’t have to cost the earth. You can still book a romantic getaway that will leave you feeling revived. Spabreaks.com has a last-minute Valentine’s spa day offer at the Malmaison in Manchester from £62.50 per person when booked by 18 February. Tucked away in the city centre, there is a gym, relaxation room and plenty of treatments to choose from. The offer includes a 60-minute full body massage in a dual treatment room, plus a glass of fizz and strawberries on arrival. An overnight break starts at £140 per person, including breakfast, dinner and a 60-minute treatment. [Photo: Getty]

The Brecon Beacons is not only wildly beautiful – it’s also where the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen, once lived. So what better place to visit for a romantic getaway? Perched on the water’s edge, Lily Pond Lodge is a cosy wooden cabin where couples can watch swallows skim across the water lilies, stroll through the pretty garden or wallow in their own private hot tub. Short breaks from £132.50 per person, based on two sharing. [Photo: breconcottages.com]