Unusual romantic places in the UK

For those who prefer a holiday on rails, head for the Old Station at Allerston, North Yorkshire. Guests stay in one of three railway carriages, which have been refurbished as self-catering holiday homes complete with kitchens, bathrooms and beds for up to six people, from £234 a week. Clothes washing and drying facilities are freely available in the "Staff Tool Van" alongside.

For more information, visit www.cottageguide.co.uk

Wales: Bardsey Island
This rugged island off the coast of North Wales has been a place of Christian pilgrimage for more than 1,000 years. It's now a carefully preserved wildlife haven with no concessions to modern convenience.

Guests must travel two miles to the island in an open boat (weather permitting) and are carried to their old stone holiday homes on a trailer pulled by a tractor. There are no electricity or gas services so they must use candles, torches, portable gas cookers and chemical toilets. A stay at a Bardsey holiday home is guaranteed to be primitive but is surprisingly popular. And it's not expensive - from just £90 a week including a boat from the mainland.

For more information, visit www.bbfo.org.uk

Shropshire: The Temple
A secluded 18th century folly on a wooded cliff top overlooking spectacular rural views near Bridgnorth in the Severn Valley - the Temple is a neo-classical oddity. Once used by its wealthy builder for occasional tea parties, now the Vivat Trust (another charity dedicated to conserving Britain's architectural heritage) has restored it as a holiday home. It sleeps two, costing from £270 for three nights.

For more information, visit www.vivat.org.uk