You can still have a hot date when it's freezing outside. Here are our favourite ideas for love in a cold climate

1. Dance on ice

Outdoor ice skating is glamorous, graceful and seductive, unless you're a mere mortal, in which case it's cold, clumsy and likely to end in a bruised bum. But you and your man will cling to each other and laugh your heads off as you try getting round in one piece.

One to try: From November to early January, Cornwall's Eden Project is a winter wonderland with a huge ice-rink as its centrepiece. There's also food, drink, choirs and a market.
Price of love: £15 each (www.edenproject.com)
More like this:www.thisistheatre.com

2. Hunt-a-ghost

Ghost-hunting tours are springing up all over the place. What better excuse to bury your face in your boyfriend's chest?

One to try: Mercat Tours specialise in spook-searches around Edinburgh. Romantic venues include candlelit dungeons and underground vaults.
Price of love: From £8.50 each (www.mercattours.com)
More like this: www.ghosttoursuk.co.uk

3. Have a night at the museum

Many museums and galleries hold special adults-only late nights, allowing you to browse in peace after work.

One to try: Tate Liverpool opens its doors until 9pm on the last Thursday of every month for an evening of music, events, food and drink.
Price of love: Free (www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/late)
More like this: www.24hourmuseum.org.uk

4. Raise a cold beer

German beer festivals are fast becoming as much a part of the British winter as in-store Santas. Clink your giant glasses and, if you're brave, dance on the wooden tables.

One to try: Manchester's Albert Square hosts a huge German Beer Tent from 18 Nov-22 Dec. You're offered sizzling bratwurst, speciality beers and wines, cheeses, hog roast, crepes and a champagne bar.
Price of love: Free entry (www.manchester.gov.uk)
More like this: www.beerintheevening.com/beer/festivals.shtml

5. Get a room

Dirty weekends are why winter was invented. Book a room in a seaside hotel and lock yourselves in until check-out time. If you get cabin fever, stroll along the deserted beach and feast on roasted chestnuts.
One to try: Brighton's three-star Kings Hotel sits on the seafront, and is a quick walk to the famous Lanes shopping district.
Price of love: Doubles cost from £50/night (www.kingshotelbrighton.com)
More like this: www.laterooms.com

6. Massage for two

A rub-down is guaranteed to get the blood flowing through your chilly bits. A couples massage session will also teach you some moves to try out in private.

One to try: Try the simultaneous 55-minute couples massage at Savana Urban Spa in West London.
Price of love: £145 per couple (www.savanaspa.com)
More like this: www.massagetherapy.co.uk

7. Sample the wine

A wine-tasting session allows you to stay indoors, have a drink (or 10) and learn something. Giggles guaranteed.

One to try: Wine-tasting company Wine Unearthed hosts regular one-day wine workshops in Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford. There's a range of workshops to suit different tastes and levels of expertise.
Price of love: From £65 each per day (www.wineunearthed.co.uk)
More like this: www.vinopolis.co.uk

8. Binge on DVDs

Winter weather is an excellent excuse to kick off your shoes and snuggle into the sofa for a popcorn binge and a movie marathon. Don't blame us if your wandering hands make you miss all the good bits.

One to try: Video giant Blockbuster has kept its reputation in the digital age. Compile your online list of must-sees, and you'll be sent up to three DVDs at a time.
Price of love: One month free, then from £4.99/month (www.blockbuster.co.uk)
More like this: www.uk-dvd-rental-guide.com

9. Shop 'til you drop

Winter adds a romantic sparkle to window shopping. Wrap up warm, snuggle close and take advantage of the shops' extended Christmas hours.

One to try: Leeds city centre is made for winter window shopping, thanks to its cobbled streets, centuries-old market and Victorian arcades. All the big names are here, including the first Harvey Nichols outside London.
Price of love: Whatever your plastic can afford... (www.shoppinginleeds.co.uk)
More like this: www.shoplocally.co.uk

10. Singalong Christmas

Carol singing is karaoke with tinsel. Make sure that your man has heard you caterwaul at least once before. You don't want to drive him away just before Crimble.

One to try: Carol singing at Bristol Zoo, 18-20 Dec. The giant bonfire will warm your voice and give your skin a flattering glow. Two animal houses are also open late.
Price of love: £12 each (www.bristolzoo.org.uk)
More to try: Check out your local authority's plans (www.direct.gov.uk)

11. Browse the stalls

Christmas markets offer another excuse to wrap up in your woollies and your man while splashing the cash. Fill up on mulled wine and homemade mince pies.

One to try: Lincoln Christmas Market, one of the biggest in Europe, is a treasure trove of hand-crafted jewellery and arty gifts. Its 300+ stalls take over the Cathedral Quarter from 4-7 Dec.
Price of love: Free entry (www.lincoln.gov.uk)
More like this: www.christmasmarkets.com/UK.html

12. Have extra ice with your vodka

Judging by the popularity of ice bars, whose indoor temperatures would make a penguin shiver, you really can have fun at five degrees below zero.

One to try: A date in London's Absolut Ice Bar is not for the self-conscious. It's so cold that you have to wear a duvet-like thermal cape, and it ain't a good look. The walls, bar, tables and glasses are all made out of ice.
Price of love: £12-15 for 40 mins and a vodka cocktail.
More like this: www.beerintheevening.com

13. Go tropical

Get out of the cold and into an indoor winter garden, where the temperature is perfect for exotic flowers...such as yourself.

One to try: The Winter Garden in Aberdeen's Duthie Park is a two-acre paradise of tropical plants all year round. Enjoy a snog among the foliage, but watch out for cactus spines.
Price of love: Free entry (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk)
More like this: www.personal.u-net.com/~treetops/ukguide.html

14. Have a coffee shop picnic

Happiness is vegging on a coffee shop sofa with your bloke, a supersize latte and the papers. Easy like Sunday morning after a sexy Saturday night.

One to try: Relax together at the Floating Coffee Company, a cafe on board a traditional narrowboat moored on Birmingham's picturesque canal route.
Price of love: From around £2 for coffee and a muffin (0121 633 0050)
More like this: www.cosycoffeeshops.co.uk

15. Catch an afternoon movie

Avoid the evening crowds and enjoy a movie matinee. Max out the romance by choosing an independent cinema that serves coffee and cake.

One to try: The QUAD cinema in Derby has two screens showing indie and Hollywood films. The venue also hosts an art gallery, cafe and live music.
Price of love: £6 each (www.derbyquad.co.uk)
More like this: www.britinfo.net/cinema