Top 15 winter date ideas

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

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