LOVE will be in the air next month when Castle Howard invites the public to a romantic weekend.

Opening its doors on St Valentine's Day, the house will display love letters, wedding garments and floral displays.

In the gardens, visitors will be entertained by passionate tales inspired by the gods and goddesses of antiquity, while being serenaded by a wandering minstrel.

The day will include romantic letter writing, a display of floral arrangements that contain hidden messages of love and an exhibition of historical wedding dresses.

"Readings from an 18th Century Courtesy Book will coach young ladies in how to secure a husband and instruction will be given in the etiquette of taking afternoon tea, which in its time was considered to be the perfect opportunity to fawn a prospective beau," said a Castle Howard spokeswoman.

"Whether this opening weekend leaves you yearning for the romance of yester-year or satisfied in the love of your life, it promises to be an eye-opening experience."