Quirky Valentine's Day dates

Forget red roses and chocolates and overcrowded restaurants, this year couples are looking to do something a little more unusual for their loved ones on 14 February

Movie lovers
Film buff couples should roll up to the red carpet of the Charlotte Street Hotel in London, which will be hosting a screening of the movie classic, Breakfast At Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn, in its private cinema on Valentine's Day. If you want to make it an even more memorable evening, book yourselves in for the six-course dinner in the hotel's swish restaurant first, or for the ultimate treat, check in for the night.
Price of love: £60 per person for dinner and film. From £310 for a luxury double room.
Contact: 020 7806 2000, www.firmdale.com

Food for thought
Chocolate is the food of love, so what better way to show how much you care than discovering how to make this together? Head to Stansted Park House on the Hampshire-West Sussex borders and choose the type of chocolates you want to make - heart-shaped for Valentine's Day perhaps - then learn more about the flavourings and spices you can add. You can then wrap your delicious offerings up and take them home with you. Lunch is included in the cost, so don't eat all the chocolate and spoil your appetite!
Price of love: £135 per couple
Booking: www.thanksdarling.com/chocolate-making-with-lunch-for-two.html

Back to nature
Show your green credentials this Valentine's Day and give a gift that keeps on growing by dedicating a tree to the one you love. The Woodland Trust gift also includes a card (made from recycled paper of course), gift certificate window sticker and, more importantly, a map showing where your tree is planted (there's a choice of woodlands on their website).
Price of love: £10
Contact: www.woodland-trust.org.uk

Spin the wheel
Perfect for city-dwelling couples is an intimate ride on the London Eye, the giant wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames and overlooking the Houses of Parliament. Enjoy a special Valentine's Champagne Flight with Laurent-Perrier champagne and delicious Charbonnel et Walker pink champagne truffles while taking in views of London.
Price of love: £66 per couple.
Contact: www.londoneye.com

Kew up
A wonderful alternative for romantic couples who want flowers on the 14th but not necessarily a dozen red roses, is to spend the evening at Kew Gardens. After a champagne reception, head off on the Kew Explorer for a tour and see Henry Moore's beautiful sculptures in a new light. Then relax in the Orangery Restaurant and enjoy a four-course meal with unlimited wine, beers or soft drinks.
Price of love: £220 per couple.
Contact: www.kew.org/

The high life
Adventurous romantics will want nothing more than to glide off together into the sunset in a hot air balloon on Valentine's Day. You'll get to meet the pilot, help inflate the balloon, rise 3000ft into the air and toast your love for one another with a glass of champagne before descending back down to earth. You'll also get a flight certificate to take away. The balloon rides are available at 40 locations throughout the country.
Price of love: £395 per couple.
Contact: www.redletterdays.co.uk

Perfect pampering
Why send boring (and expensive) red roses when you can wow the one you love with a wild rose pampering kit packed full of delicious treats such as wild rose salt scrub, body butter, bath soak, hand and nail cream and massage oil. The organic goodies are delivered direct to the door of the one you adore in a pretty wicker basket topped with a hand carved wood rose from Chile. There's also a man's indulgence kit on offer so why not stay in on Feb 14 and enjoy a pampering session for two?
Price of love: £50 plus £6.50 delivery.
Contact: 01780 722420, www.treatthatgirl.co.uk

Jump to it
Adrenalin junkies should consider snapping up the Lovers' Leap Valentine Bungee Jump at locations around for the ultimate memorable gift. You'll both jump 165ft, in tandem or separately, and plummet to earth at 60mph before celebrating your achievement with a bottle of bubbly. The offer is available for jumps on 16 and 17 February, so book early.
Price of love: £99 per couple.
Contact: 0870 4214251, www.viewlondon.co.uk

Shaken and stirred
Sociable couples that like to live it up should join a cocktail master class lesson on Feb 14 with a mixologist at Vinopolis. You'll learn to make six colourful cocktails plus get to enjoy a wine tasting session, sample beer from a microbrewery and try a selection of whiskies. And you'll be able to recreate the fun at home with the cocktail game you're presented with on departure.
Price of love: £149 per couple.
Contact: 0870 444 4004, www.redletterdays.co.uk

Skye's the limit
For couples who want to cosy up together Ullinish County Lodge, on the Isle of Skye, has a special package for a perfect and truly romantic Valentine break. After braving the great outdoors and perhaps spotting the elusive sea eagles, couples can snuggle up in the comfy rooms, sip champagne and indulge in hand-crafted chocolates before tucking in to a gourmet feast prepared by award-winning chef, Bruce Morrison. The candlelit restaurant is a wonderful setting for gazing into your loved one?s eyes.
Price of love: Two nights £395 (available any two nights from 11-16 Feb).
Contact: 01470 572214 www.theisleofsky.co.uk