Unusual romantic places in the UK

For more information, visit www.chillingham-castle.com

Cornwall: Fort Polhawn
This is a 200-year-old military stronghold perched on the side of a Cornish cliff, with fabulous sea views over Plymouth Sound. It once housed a large garrison, so it can easily sleep 20.

It was built as a defence against a French invasion that never arrived. Guests enter through a working drawbridge and granite spiral staircase: the eight-foot thick walls were designed to withstand a naval bombardment. Four-night breaks cost from £995 for the whole fort. The seven 64-pounder guns may no longer be in their emplacements in the living room, but one is still in the garden in case any passing pirates cause trouble.

For more information, visit www.polhawn-fort.co.uk

Oxfordshire: The Dovecote
An 18th century octagonal dovecote seems an unlikely place to spend the night but this important historical monument has recently been voted one of the most romantic places to stay in Britain.

With meter-thick stonewalls, it was once home to hundreds of pigeons who became a handy source of winter meat in the grounds of Buckland House, near the university city of Oxford. It has been beautifully restored with a sauna, double shower, underfloor heating, and a huge lantern window - but the most memorable feature is the ancient rotating ladder that still gives access to the 1,100 brick nesting boxes. A two-day stay for a couple costs from £225.

For more information, visit www.the-dovecote.co.uk