The romance of Valentine's Day can be soured by the passion-killing practice of florists, hoteliers and restaurateurs hiking their prices through the roof come 14 February. So a three-night Valentine's break to the romantic city of Bruges, staying in a renovated manor house, the elegant Hotel Prinsenhof, and including Dover-Calais ferries, for less than £200pp should bring a twinkle to the eye.

• B&B from £189.50pp with seafranceholidays.com. French château and Paris breaks also available at similar prices.