Hideaway heaven
A secluded boathouse on the River Dart in Devon is a romantic hideaway and the ideal spot to suggest spending the rest of your lives together if so inclined. Less than half a mile from Stoke Gabriel, the Boathouse is surrounded by lapping water. There's an open fire to say something stupid by and a veranda. The master bedroom has watery views on three sides.
Where to book: Helpful Holidays (01647 433593). £261 for Valentine's week.
Knight vision
Discover your knight in shining armour at the Thatched Cottage Hotel, Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest. This 400-year-old property has just five individually decorated bedrooms. The restaurant serves haute cuisine using local produce, including New Forest venison and wild mushrooms. There's a 20-page wine list for those needing a little Dutch courage.
Where to book: Sunvil UK (020-8232 9788). A two-night midweek break on a B&B basis costs from £90pp.
Steam ahead
The Orient Express oozes nostalgia and romance, and the UK versions - the Northern Belle and British Pullman - are offering a day trip to remember on February 14. Departing on the British Pullman from London Victoria or The Northern Belle from York leaves plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere as well as the champagne, before gazing into the eyes of your loved one and popping that all-important question over a four-course dinner.
Where to book: Orient-Express (020-7805 5100). Prices from £150pp.
Castle in the air
Teaninich Castle in Alness, near Inverness, dates back to 1784 and stands in six acres of grounds, with plenty of lawns for moonlit walks. If you want to combine your proposal with a wedding rehearsal, why not bring along 25 friends and relatives? Just make sure you bagsy the four-poster bed in the bridal suite, hog the jacuzzi and get that final goodnight cuddle in front of the marble fireplace.
Where to book: Country Cottages (0870 4441133, ref USG). The weekly hire charge is £2,200 with short breaks available from £1,400.
Man on top
On a clear day, from the peak of Snaefell (which means Snow Mountain) on the Isle of Man, you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales; but the Manx say you can also see three further kingdoms - those of Heaven, Man and Sea. It is windy and dramatic, which does add a Cathy and Heathcliff touch, but also means you'll have to shout if you want to get your proposal heard.
Warm up at the Admiral House Hotel, looking out on Douglas Bay, which recently underwent a £1m refurbishment including decor in rich burgundies and sensual silks. Sting has slept in the main suite but that does not in itself guarantee you his legendary staying power.
Where to book: Admiral House, 12 Loch Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2LX (01624 629551). Double room, breakfast and dinner from £94.50pp.
Isle of Ewe
Where better to propose marriage than overlooking an island whose very name sounds like "I love you"? Although a private island in the north-west of Scotland, there are sailing trips available around its coastline to give you time to get the words out.
Isle of Ewe scallops and other seafood aphrodisiacs feature regularly on the menu of the nearby idyllic Pool House Hotel. With one of the owners a descendent of Captain Smith from the Titanic and a suite decked out like a first-class cabin, including a large 1912 bath, this is the place for getting the answer you desire.
Where to book: Pool House Hotel (01445 781272). From £190 per room.
Give 'em the eye
The British Airways London Eye on the South Bank has a Valentine's Day champagne flight for two. A private waiter serves the champers as well as chocolates and strawberries during the slowly turning journey. There's also the gift of a London Eye camera to capture those moments.
Where to book: Booking essential (0870 5000600). Price: £325 per couple.
Size matters
Bushmills on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, has two things to recommend it to lovers - not only is it the world's oldest legal whisky distillery, it's also close to the Giant's Causeway, which, legend has it, the romantic giant Finn McCool built across the sea to reach his lady love on Staffa Island. The three-star Bushmills Inn has peat fires to cosy up to and original gaslights to set the mood.
Where to book: Cresta Holidays (0870 1610990). Two nights' B&B costs £277pp (twin share), plus a supplement for return flights to Belfast from Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow or Edinburgh and car hire. You get an extra night free of charge in February.
A life of luxury
One of our best-known stately homes, Cliveden House is revered for its impressive setting and fascinating past. The house has been home to three dukes, an earl, the Astors and a Prince of Wales. Queen Victoria said, "It is a perfection of a place . . . the view is beautiful [and] the house is a bijou of taste." There are 38 individually appointed guest rooms and suites, many named by Nancy Astor after former owners and guests. Set in 376 acres of gardens and grounds, vintage river launches take you cruising along the Thames to pop that all-important question.
Where to book: Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire SL6 OJF (01628 668561). Accommodation from £340pp per night. Seven-course dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant starts at £90pp.
Gone with the Welsh wind
Llanddwyn Island, off the coast of Anglesey at Newborough Beach, has a Celtic cross structure at the end of the causeway dedicated to St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers. Get down on one knee on the sweeping oak staircase at the Tre Ysgawen Hall Hotel, built in 1882.
Where to book: Tre Ysgawen Hall Hotel, Llangefni, Isle of Anglesey (01248 750750). Double rooms from £96.
