Fall in love with these romantic holiday ideas for Valentine’s Day

Make Valentine’s Day extra special this year by booking a romantic getaway at one of these locations. We’ve hand-picked these retreats for their charm, indulgence and beautiful locations. From a beach cottage for two to spa pampering or exotic European escape, there’s a minibreak that is sure to make your Valentine weekend one to remember.

Glorious gatehouse for two in North Yorkshire  – £394 pp with Canine Cottages

For a regal romantic break, hound in tow, Grade II Listed Bolton Percy Gatehouse (sleeps two, plus one dog) has vaulted ceilings, Tudor-style windows, exposed beams and an extraordinary four-poster bed. Situated in the sleepy village of Bolton Percy, ten miles from York, this unusual property mixes ornate and contemporary in inimitable style and splendour. Exploring the magnificent historic buildings in the area: head to Harewood House (19 miles) and discover the lake and park with your four-legged friend, or travel further to Selby Abbey (20.5 miles) where you can all go inside and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A seven-night self-catering stay arriving Friday 11 February costs £394 pp (£788 total). £20 supplement for a dog. Visit Canine Cottages (www.caninecottages.co.uk).

Beach break with horse riding – Bournemouth for £168 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk

Holidaycottages.co.uk’s Perfect For Two – Showcase Collection provides seriously inspiring Valentine’s break browsing. Base yourselves in the cosmopolitan coastal resort of Bournemouth at The Old Bike Shop 985 (sleeps two), a contemporary ground floor apartment with a courtyard garden. With a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach to stroll, plus fantastic restaurants and exhilarating watersports to try, it’s ideal for energetic couples. In the nearby New Forest, where wild horses, cattle and deer roam free, saddle up a (schooled) pony and head off on a forest hack from Coombe Stables. A three-night self-catering stay arriving Saturday 12 February costs £168 pp (£336 total). Visit holidaycottages.co.uk (www.holidaycottages.co.uk).

New glass ‘igloo’ experience with your Valentine – special break from £660 pp at Seaham Hall

Savour melting chocolate and gooey cheese fondues with a few glasses of bubbly in your own exclusive dining dome this Valentine’s Day. Set within five-star Seaham Hall’s 37 acres of glorious gardens, relax in a brand-new heated pod, listening to your favourite tunes while enjoying the beautiful sunset on Durham’s Heritage Coast. The special Valentine’s break also includes two nights’ B&B in a Junior Suite (two sharing), a five-course dinner in The Dining Room on one night and a two-course pan Asian feast the other, and a 90-minute spa ritual each. Valentine’s at Seaham costs from £660 pp and is valid from 11-14 February. Call Seaham Hall on 0191 516 1400 (www.seaham-hall.co.uk).

Champagne and hot tubs at Sopwell House – overnight stay from £299 pp with Pride of Britain Hotels

Escape this Valentine’s to Sopwell House Hotel, a striking Georgian country house hotel in the stunning Hertfordshire countryside. Within easy access from London by road or rail, this vast historic villa of 128 exquisite rooms and suites is set in 12 acres of verdant landscaped grounds. Romance the night away in a beautifully secluded room and relax with some serious R&R at the hotel’s Cottonmill spa, a vibrant haven of outdoor hot tubs and firepits, blissful relaxation rooms and warming hydrotherapy pools. Delight in an elegant five-course Valentine’s meal in the award-winning restaurant and sample some delectable cuisine from Executive Head Chef, including dishes such as citrus poached lobster, wild sea bass and a strawberry soufflé (to share) all accompanied by a divine glass of Champagne. Prices start from £299 pp based on two sharing a mews or corner suite. Includes a full hearty breakfast, five-course dinner, and access to The Club at Cottonmill Spa. Available on 12-14 February. Subject to availability. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

Romantic luxury seaside escape in Pembrokeshire – St Brides Hotel from £120 pp pn.

Perfectly named for a romantic weekend away – especially if there is a proposal in the offing – St Brides Spa Hotel, in picturesque Saundersfoot, is a contemporary hotel with 34 stylish bedrooms and a calming marine spa overlooking the beach. Offering an unforgettable romantic experience with dramatic seascapes and bracing walks along the nearby coastal paths, couples will enjoy the chance to relax and reconnect on a Luxury Escape. Feel thoroughly pampered with an overnight stay in a chic bedroom and enjoy the rejuvenating Thermal Suite & Hydrotherapy Pool as well as the intimate couple’s treatment room. Get passionate for the fresh and local seafood dishes with a three-course evening meal in the one AA Rosette clifftop restaurant and enjoy a Welsh breakfast in the morning. Prices start from £240 per room per night (based on 2 adults sharing). Spa treatments extra.  Valid mid-week until 31 March. Contact St Brides Spa Hotel and Visit Pembrokeshire www.visitpembrokeshire.com.

The Silent City of Mdina – romantic Malta from £746 pp with Kirker*

Seeking a city break with a difference this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina – just a 30-minute drive from the airport, yet another world away. Set on a rocky promontory with commanding views across this fascinating Mediterranean island, the medieval Silent City (as it is known) is an enchanting base from which to explore Malta’s many attractions… that is, if you can drag yourself away from its warren of pretty, car-free streets, interspersed by elegant squares and beautiful architecture. Wine, dine and impress your special someone at the four-star Xara Palace, an historic Relais & Châteaux hotel and former 17th-century palace, which offers a seductively delicious Valentine’s menu in its Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant, with tables set atop Mdina’s city walls. A three-night stay in February costs from £746 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick), private car transfers, B&B, and Kirker Concierge Service. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288; www.kirkerholidays.com

*AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist independent holiday companies and 80 specialist independent travel agents, together providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas covering every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO members can be assured of high-quality holidays, excellent personal service and full financial protection. Visit www.aito.com for further information.