Love it or hate it, if you’re in a relationship there’s no avoiding Valentine’s Day. Use it as an excuse to take a break with our round-up of romantic getaways. Sarah Marshall reports.

BEST FOR... HISTORY LOVERS

The Black Swan, Helmsley

FEELING every inch like the setting for a Miss Marple novel, this sophisticated, yet homely, boutique hotel is perfect for a romantic couple who like the finer things in life – but never go on holiday without taking their hiking boots and a camera.

Timeless and elegant, this architectural gem, with its open fireplaces, sumptuous sofas and soft lighting, stares out on the pretty North Yorkshire market town of Helmsley, with the ruins of 12th Century Helmsley Castle and the town’s Walled Gardens begging for exploration.

It’s also home to one of the country’s finest tea rooms, which does a brisk trade in afternoon teas during the day. Meanwhile, the Rosette Rutland Restaurant has developed an enviable reputation.

* Doubles start at £253 per night on Saturday, February 12, including dinner, bed and breakfast. If you can get away on February 13 or 14, make use of the Come in from the Cold offer, where doubles start at £140 per night, DBB.

BEST FOR... MAKING AN IMPRESSION

Coworth Park, Surrey

IF you’re planning to pop the question, or simply want to spoil your better half rotten, make a beeline for the Dorchester Collection’s latest opening, in aristocratic Ascot.

Already a hit with the country-loving jet-set, this boutique bolt-hole has its own stables and a polo centre. If galloping across the 240-acre estate doesn’t appeal, take a dip in the eco-spa pool, where music is pumped through underwater speakers, or enrol in a floristry class and learn how to create your own bouquet.

Choose between two restaurants for dinner: The Barn offers dressed-down bistro dishes, while Restaurant John Campbell is the fine dining option. Both score high in the style stakes.

As for romantic spots, there are plenty to choose from – enjoy a cocktail under the dazzling “Love” light installation in the mansion house bar; go searching for deer in the surrounding woodland; or just relax in your private roll-top bath with a glass of champagne and toast your temporary five-star status.

* Packages start at £690 plus VAT per room for a two-night stay with dinner in The Barn on both nights and chocolate, champagne and flowers on arrival. For more information, visit coworthpark.com

BEST FOR... WINING AND DINING

Chester Grosvenor, Chester

THERE are plenty of ways to woo a loved one, but food and drink are always a good bet. If you’re looking for somewhere to take a special dinner date, try the Chester Grosvenor. Owned by the Duke of Westminster, and built in 1865, this five-star hotel treats its guests like royalty.

After a relaxing night’s sleep and breakfast in La Brasserie, go for a romantic stroll around the city’s Roman walls and alongside the River Dee. The cathedral, with beautiful wood carvings, is worth exploring, as is the maze of cobbled streets. When you’ve had your fill of shopping in Chester’s two-tier boutique Tudor shops, head to the Grosvenor’s thermal suite and soak your feet in the foot spa or go for an Elemis massage.

Round off your stay with a meal in Michelinstarred restaurant Simon Radley or the more casual – but equally outstanding – La Brasserie.

* An overnight stay on February 14 with a selection of Valentine’s treats starts at £299 per room. For more information, visit chestergrosvenor.com

BEST FOR... ROMANTIC WALKS

Wyck Hill House, Cotswolds

FOR a relaxed and easy romantic getaway, this country manor in the Cotswolds ticks all the right boxes. Although within easy reach of public transport, it still feel a thousand miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The hotel dates back to the 1700s, and sits in 100 acres of rolling hills and fields, with a number of routes to explore.

Alternatively, spend a few hours browsing the antique shops in Moreton-in-Marsh, working up an appetite for a cream tea at the awardwinning Marshmallow Restaurant and Tea Room. If that sounds too strenuous, relax on the hotel’s terrace and admire the views before dinner. The food here is excellent and the staff incredibly welcoming.

* A two-night Valentine’s Break (between February 11 and 14) starts at £195 per person, including dinner, bed and breakfast.

Book through bespokehotels.com

BEST FOR... AMOUR ABROAD

Where: Hotel Notre Dame, Paris

IT may be something of a cliche, but there are endless opportunities for romance in Europe’s leading city of love. Classic couples can zip to the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the Parisian skyline or exchange sweet nothings on the cobbled streets of Montmartre.

Creative types, meanwhile, should visit the Wall of Love in the Place des Abbesses, which features declarations of love in more than 300 languages.

For an intimate and relatively inexpensive break, book a room at the three-star Hotel Notre Dame overlooking the famous cathedral.

There’s no restaurant, but for good, well-priced dining options try brasserie Aux Lyonnais or fish restaurant Rech.

* The hotel still has availability for February 13 and 14. Doubles from £145, excluding breakfast. Book through mrandmrssmith.com. Eurostar operates up to 18 daily services from London St Pancras International to Paris. Return fares from £69. Visit eurostar.com or call 08432-186-186.