Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be all about heart shaped balloons, a plastic rose and a dinner for two in a themed restaurant.

So with that in mind, we bring you our list of romantic things to do on Valentine’s Day today and the weekend.

And just a little word of warning, there will be no let up in the weather with severe gales and rain forecast all day today and most of Saturday so we’ve put in a pin in the whole ‘romantic stroll along the beach’ suggestions. Better to find somewhere cosy instead.

1. Try your hand at being the next Torvill and Dean

Bournemouth Echo: Bolero tour: Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
Have you been watching the footage of the winter Olympics and think it looks easy? Well, why not take advantage of the Cool Coast ice Rink at the BIC – which is open until February 23.
It’s the South’s biggest indoor, seasonal ice rink and the perfect excuse to go hand in hand and have a giggle. Tickets to skate are £7.50 including skate hire and sessions are 90 minutes from 4pm daily.

2. Get back to nature in a luxury treehouse

Built high among the trees in a secluded valley, each treehouse is built on stilts. Nestled into a wooded valley at the beautiful Chewton Glen in the New Forest you and your loved one can truly relax for the weekend.
You could really get away from reality in your private hideaway with floor to ceiling glass walls. To top it all off, the hotel caters for your every need, from spa treatments to gourmet food brought to you. Prices start at £700 for the weekend

3. Oh Mr Darcy....

Bournemouth Echo: PIECE OF HISTORY: Lulworth Castle as it is today
There aren’t many ladies who would say no to an afternoon in a stately home enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.
If you fancy a touch of grandeur, head to visit-dorset.com to find a full list of places open to the public.
Our suggestion would be Lulworth Castle and Park which features displays, stunning walks and you can either go up to the top of a tower and take in the breathtaking(albeit wet and windy) views.

4. Indulge in a slice of culture with the Moscow City Ballet’s Nutcracker

Bournemouth Echo: Moscow City Ballet performing The Nutcracker
For just two nights the Nutcracker will be at the Lighthouse in Poole so why not take the opportunity to experience the essence of Russian culture? Artistic Director Smirnov-Govolanov’s version of Nutcracker has an innovative freshness and the orchestra, choreography, interpretation, beauty and outstanding virtuoso performances win repeatedly rave reviews.
Tickets start at £23

5. Snuggle up in the cinema with a bucket of popcorn

Bournemouth Echo: FILMS: Paul Whitehouse inside his new cinema at Lavish Life Art gallery and Coffee shop in Westbourne Arcade

Why not snuggle up at the new Bournemouth Colosseum based in Lavish Life.  The 19 seat basement cinema in Westbourne is the UK’s smallest cinema and on Valentine’s night they are showing the classic Sex and The City 1 for those Carrie fans out there.
If independent cinema is your thing then there are also showings at the Tivoli in Wimborne to see a viewing of the Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug or the Regent Cinema in Christchurch for the American Hustle.

LET US KNOW YOUR TOP ROMANTIC LOCATIONS

We will be adding to this list all day with the best of your suggestions. What's your favourite romantic location in Dorset? Email Miriam on miriam.phillips@bournemouthecho.co.uk or tweet @echomiriam