Romantic breaks for Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, thoughts are turning to how you should splash out on that annual token of love for your other half.

And even though a bouquet of roses or a mega box of choccies always goes down well, why not go the whole hog and book a romantic weekend away as an extra special treat? Obviously Paris, Venice and Rome are among the top choices of city breaks for this occasion, but with the weather on mainland Europe not known for it's clemency in February - and with budgets restricted by the current economic climate over here - there's plenty of romantic destinations nearer to home for you to choose from.

For lovers of the wild, romantic outdoors, what better way to get closer to your other half than a weekend in the Lake District - a walk on the hills followed by a cosy night by a roaring fire in one of the region's many highly rated pubs? Or for food lovers, how about a couple of nights at a boutique hotel in a fashionable city such as Leeds or Manchester, combined with a meal in a top restaurant?

A quieter but equally romantic time can be found in any of the UK's historic cities, from the Roman delights of Bath and York, to a punt along the waterways of Cambridge, or for the more glamorous option, a glitzy night out in London's West End? Or why not hop on a short flight and enjoy the delights of Dublin's fair city or oysters from Galway Bay?

There's a Valentine's treat to suit every budget all around the UK and Ireland... just don't leave it too late to book or you could end up in the doghouse!

Click for more flight destinations.