In the mood for love? What’s better than giving the gift of a shared experience and a chance to make priceless memories – here, we’ve selected our top five romantic Valentine’s breaks. From stunning areas of natural beauty in the UK, to city breaks a little further afield, all within easy reach of Birmingham and the surrounding region.

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The Cotswolds

If unspoilt countryside, idyllic villages and rustic charm tick your boxes, then the Cotswolds is for you. A charming corner of rural England, it’s easy to see why the Cotswolds is a popular destination for couples.

Sweeping countryside as far as the eye can see, quaint chocolate box cottages with honey-coloured Cotswold stone, historic architecture and towns brimming with antique stores and cosy countryside pubs, there’s a lot more to the Cotswolds than you may first expect.

From castles and stately gardens to explore, literary tours and walking trails, wildlife parks and local farms, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your activities.

Why not head to the famous town of Cirencester or Burford with their abundance of boutiques or if you want to wow, make a booking at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants that the Cotswolds has to offer. If laid back and lowkey is more your vibe, you can’t beat a roast and a pint of local ale in front of a roaring fire at one of the traditional country pubs.

Easy to get to from most parts of the UK, the Cotswolds offers something to do and places to stay to suit a variety of budgets and tastes.

For more information visit www.cotswolds.com

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Lisbon

Cultural and colourful, Lisbon is a city that perfectly marries the old and new, eclectic and elegance. With historical monuments, landmarks, and museums to explore, Lisbon also has a modern-day charm that makes it hard to resist.

Alfama, also known as Old Lisbon, makes for a great afternoon of sight-seeing. Head down winding alleys and stumble across churches and even the city castle. Or head to Jardín Botánico de Ajudo, an iconic botanical garden, nestled in the city. Dating back to 1768, the garden is the ideal spot for meandering with your loved one, hand in hand.

If you and your partner are foodies, then Lisbon is the place to be. From seafood to Iberian pork and of course the iconic Pastéis de Nata, it’s easy to wander from café to food market, sampling the best of what the city has to offer. But of course, don’t forget the wine. Portugal has some of the best wine in the world, so why not book a wine tasting trip or grab a bottle and some local delicacies from the Time Out market and head to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. A scenic spot of terraced gardens and water fountains that you can spend the afternoon, people watching and overlooking the city.

Fly from Birmingham Airport via easyJet and Ryanair

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Paris

There is a reason why Paris is favoured by honeymooners all year round, with its beautiful scenery and atmosphere the city oozes romance and is perfect for a couple looking for a romantic city getaway.

Immerse yourselves in the charming sidewalks of Paris and enjoy all the city has to offer, stunning scenery, beautiful architecture and more. Take a stroll over to the wall of love in Montmartre to share a loving moment with each other, one you will never forget.

One of the most romantic hotspots and attractions in Paris is the Seine River Cruise. Lay your eyes on the glistening Eiffel Tower, as it sparkles in the Paris night sky while you glide down the river with your loved one capturing this special moment.

If you are more of an early bird a picnic in Canal Saint Martin is the perfect romantic activity for you and your loved one. Enjoy the views and the delicious French cuisine as you both watch the lively Paris streets in your own bubble.

Fly from Birmingham Airport via Air France and Vueling

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Rome

There is no shortage of romantic locations and attractions in Rome such as the countless historical landmarks that surround the beautiful city. Straddling the Tiber, ancient stone bridges like the Ponte Sisto connect the two halves of Rome, and crossings can be truly magical at sunset.

Enjoy the stunning streets of Rome and immerse yourself in the city by renting a Vespa – touring the city in your own way and own time. Why not use it to travel to the beautiful Aventine Hill, offering beautiful greenery and the history as it is known for being one of the seven hills on which Rome was built.

The most romantic monument is making a wish at the Fontana di Trevi – with beautiful artwork and an amazing atmosphere it is the perfect hot spot to spend with your partner and making a beautiful and forever lasting memory

Fly from Birmingham Airport via Jet2

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Dubrovnik

With its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture it’s easy to see why many couples feel as if they’ve stumbled into the pages of a fairy tale when visiting Dubrovnik. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with breath-taking sea views and historic treasures to discover, this Croatian city is an ideal long weekend for couples.

With so much to see and do, one of the best ways to capture the magic the city has to offer is to walk around the ancient lanes and town walls. With the walls stretching 1.5 miles around the historic centre, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and nearby islands on one side, whilst marvelling in UNESCO-listed buildings, town squares and paved streets to the other.

If you don’t fancy checking out the city on foot, why not take a trip up to the top of Mount Srd, past the red coloured rooftops in the city cable car. Once up top, uyou watch the sun set across the ocean, whilst sipping on a glass of Croatian wine in the restaurant that greets you at the peak.

A city brimming with gothic-renaissance architecture, history, museums and culture, you’ll be hard pressed to find a city break more romantic than Dubrovnik.

Fly from Birmingham Airport via Jet2 (from April)

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The Lake District

The Lake District is the perfect quiet and relaxed get away for couples who want to take a break from the city and get back to nature. One of the main attractions is watching the beautiful orange sun set at the top of a mountain, enjoy the stunning views alongside the company of your partner.

After the Sun – Set wrap up warm, bring a blanket and some drinks and enjoy a night of conversations while you star gaze the mesmerising stars above glistening all over the Lake District.

After a long day of exploring and making memories with your partner the Lake District is home to a luxury spa, offering couple treatments created to help you relax after a day of exploring the beautiful wilderness that the Lake District offers.

For more information visit www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

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For more holiday and city break inspiration, book your tickets to visit Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show which is returning to Manchester Central from 12 – 15 January 2023 and Olympia London 2 – 5 February 2023.