"Aphrodisiac Adventures", a stately home soirée and romantic train rides are among the delights Britain will have on offer in February 2005 for the coming Valentine's season.

A 17th century stately home in Shropshire is offering visitors a rare opportunity to dine and stay overnight. Usually only available for exclusive use, Weston Park near Shifnal is hosting dinner in the Victorian Orangery accompanied by a live band (Feb. 12/13), and in the Dining Room, surrounded by works of art by Van Dyck and Caravaggio and overlooking the terraced gardens (Feb. 14). Prices from £160 per person, for reservations tel. 01952 852100. Website: www.weston-park.com.

Dine on asparagus and oysters, get wrapped in rich chocolate in the spa and relax in a sensuous Dream Bath. This is what guests at Fredericks Hotel Restaurant Spa (in the Thames Valley at Maidenhead, Berkshire Sl6 2PZ) can expect on an "Aphrodisiacs Adventure" throughout February. From £599 per couple, for reservations tel. 01628 581000. Website: www.fredericks-hotel.co.uk.

Orient Express is offering visitors a circular trip on two of the most romantic and historic trains: a five course lunch on the British Pullman departing from London Victoria (Feb. 14, £230) or a romantic lunch or dinner on the Northern Belle with departures from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and York (Feb. 11-14, £185). For reservations, tel. 0845 077 2222. Website: http://www.orient-express.com/web/oe/c3a1_trains.jsp

A break in the Lake District is bound to inspire romance, with its spectacular scenery. Holbeck Ghyll, the Room for Romance Hotel of the Year 2003, has views across Lake Windermere. Rooms from £85, tel. 015394 32375. Paul McCartney proposed to Heather Mills while staying at Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, well known for its luxurious rooms and gourmet cooking. Rooms from £160, tel: 01768 48630. Website: www.gocumbria.org.

Near the home of poet Robert Burns and Sweetheart Abbey, Gretna Green in Scotland has long been associated with romance. The Marriage Act of 1754 made marriage under the age of 21 illegal in England and Wales so for hundreds of years young couples eloped to the first village over the Scottish border to wed. Visitors can discover the Original Old Blacksmith's Shop where ceremonies took place. For information call the tourist office: 01387 253862. Website: www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk.