Love-ly ideas for Valentines Day

"All you need is love," sang the Beatles, and not without reason.

History has seen almost every great musician, writer and social commentator from Aristotle to Shakespeare extolling the virtues of romance.

And so we come again to St Valentines Day, a day of love and friendship celebrated the world over.

Although Valentines Day takes its name from one the numerous Christian saints named Valentine, it was only when the poet Chaucer wrote Parlement of Foules (or Love Birds) in 1382 that the day became associated with romance.

But whatever its origin, the tradition has continued throughout the ages and we are, at heart, a romantic lot - according to recent figures released by PayPal, Brits will lavish over £70 each on their significant other during February 14th.

So let us put you in the mood for love with our indespensible guide to all things Valentines, from dating, gifts and ideas to dinner and romantic walks.

Scroll through the pages below for great ideas.nextpageBusy lives and increasing constraints on our time means it isn't always easy to meet new people.

But for many of us, online dating offers the perfect solution, and if you haven't yet tried it, this is the perfect time of year to give it a go!

There are numerous benefits to online dating - you can search within your own area, meet people with similar interests and get to know them before you commit to that all-important first date.

Our Dates4You lets you quickly and easily search for singles in your area for free, and even get SMS alerts and emails when we find you your perfect match.

And if you need a little extra guidance, check your horoscopes to see if love is written in the stars!

nextpageForget gimmicky mugs and heart-shaped chocolates - we've got some gorgeous gift ideas for Valentines Day in our Shopping section.

If you're stuck for inspiration, have a look at our gift guides for him and for her, or browse our top suggestions below.

Gift ideas for her...

Red is the colour of love, and shoes are top of most ladies wish lists, so these gorgeous Red satin shoes make the perfect present. Toast the end of a romantic day with a Mini Moet champagne and if you really want to indulge someone, pour them a bath filled with relaxing scents from our Aromatherapy revive set.

Chocolates are always wonderful to receive, but some of us are still working off the Christmas excess, so Cadbury's chocolate shares are a perfect solution! And if you really want to spoil her, this timeless Swarovski crystal cross necklace is just the ticket.

Gift ideas for him...

Men are never the easiest people to buy for on Valentines Day, but a divine scent like Paul Smith cologne is a good place to start - and for something a little more quirky, try these Photo frame cufflinks.

For budding Jamie Oliver's, the must-have kitchen gadget is this Double cutter pasta machine - and they'll never miss another match with this handy little Football-shaped portable radio!nextpageThe tradition of giving flowers on Valentines Day is rumoured to have originated from Persia in the 17th century, and was later introduced into Europe by Charles II of Sweden.

As an ancient symobl of love, red roses have become the most popular Valentines Day flower, although tulips, carnations and hyacinths are also popular.

Our next day flowers service has dozens of beautiful bouquets for all occasions. Choose pretty pinks and reds for Valentines Day - a dozen pink roses or a single red rose make an ideal gift.

You can choose by colour or occasion, and enhance your gift with balloons, teddy bears and vases. Plus you'll receive free chocolates with every order!nextpageWith the weather finally starting to improve and the dark nights getting further away, it's the perfect time of year to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a romantic walk in the countryside.

Shropshire and Staffordshire both offer some splendid country strolls, from the Wreking and the Clent Hills to the pretty villages of Beckbury, Eccleshall and Kinlet.

And there's a lot to explore and discover in your local area. The Oswestry walk takes you along an old racecourse which closed in 1848 after 70 years use, while the Chesterton walk takes you past the golf course to an ancient fortress known as The Walls.

Our Walks section has some great ideas and routes for you to try, but we'd recommend taking your wellies along just in case!nextpageWe've rounded up some of our revewer's favourite restaurants to give you inspiration for a romantic meal out.

If you're after a fine dining experience, look no further than The Moat House at Acton Trussell, an imposing 14th century moated manor house with a picturesque lake and grounds.

Mediterranean cuisine lovers should head for Antonio's in Bearwood, an exotic haven for foodies who want well-cooked, delicious grub.

If you're planning a jaunt to south Staffordshire, how about Dunsley Hall Hotel in Kinver, which is one of the county's most historically important buildings, while Truffles Restaurant near Stone paints an idyllic picture of rural hospitality.

Other favourites include French Connection in Stourbridge, which offers a touch of continental elegance, Polonia in Tipton which specialises in scrumptious Polish cuisine, and the uber-stylish Shogun Sushi Bar in the Mailbox, Birmingham.

Visit our dining out section to browse recent and and archived reviews.nextpageIf you fancy doing something a bit different this Valentines Night, how about spending it at the races?

Wolverhampton Racecourse is offering a delicious three-course meal in the panoramic Horizons restaurant, where guests will get a great view of all the action.

The first of six races starts at 6.50pm and with the last race at 9.20pm, so diners will have plenty of chances to choose a winner!

There's also a lunch and afternoon racing package on Friday 29 February - an ideal event for ladies planning to pop the question (after all, it is a leap year!).

Both packages are available at just £32.50 per person including entrance the racecourse, three course meal and racecard. To book call (01902) 390066 quoting promotion code WC08, or visit www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk for more information.