As Valentine’s Day approaches, Hannah Stephenson recommends some romantic gardens for the perfect date

AVOID the cliched and overpriced dinner this Valentine’s Day, and treat your loved one to a much more inspiring garden-themed gift.

No, not a bunch of red roses – a day out at one of the country’s beautiful romantic gardens.

From the soft, scented, quintessentially British ‘cottage garden’, to the wild and dramatic landscapes of our grandest old houses, gardeners (and non-gardeners) nationwide should all be completely lovestruck by the great outdoors.

Here’s a few to get you in the mood:

Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire

A memorable day out needs a memorable setting. The breathtaking folly at Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, combined with the Studley Royal Water Garden, is guaranteed to capture the imagination.

Meander through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden of Studley Royal, complete with Neoclassical statues, follies and stunning views. If you still want more, there are miles of more walks to make the most of your special day.

Visit fountainsabbey.org.uk for details.

Castle Howard, York

This one has it all: magnificent views, dramatic landscape, ponds, woodland and fountains. If you’re feeling energetic, you can row across the lake, or if you prefer to relax, amble through the colour and fragrance of the walled garden. Castle Howard is well known for its annual displays of daffodils, rhododendrons, delphiniums and roses. Later on in the year, in summer, the intoxicating rose gardens, with their romantic Italianate trellises, hornbeam hedges and backdrop of brick walls are home to more than 2,000 modern roses of all types.

Visit castlehoward.co.uk for details.

Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire

This amazing Victorian garden was created by James Bateman for his collection of plants from around the world. Enjoy both a romantic stroll and a global journey admiring his finds from the ultimate romance of Italy to the mysterious pyramids of Egypt. There is even a Victorian vision of China and a recreation of a Himalayan glen.

On Valentine’s evening, guests can take a pictureperfect romantic lantern walk in the pinetum, through cherry trees and past the lake.

Booking is essential, call 01782 517999 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

This jewel in the crown of Scottish gardens offers visitors peace and tranquillity amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery. Founded in 1670, it’s acknowledged to be one of the finest gardens in the world for viewing unusual and beautiful plants. If it’s cold outside, take an eco-tour of the world in the magnificent glasshouses, featuring Britain’s tallest Palm House.

Alternatively, enjoy the serenity of Chinese Hillside, explore the world-famous Rock Garden or stroll among the magnificent giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.

Visit rbge.org.uk for details.

Erddig, Wrexham

For the ultimate romantic walk, visit this 18th century country house set in a stunning landscape park. The tales of ‘life below stairs’ are captured beautifully at Erddig, with servants’ portraits hanging on the walls to help visitors imagine Downtonstyle escapades. One such story belonged to Lucy Hitchman and Ernest Jones, who worked for the Yorke family at Erddig just before the First World War. They fell in love and took strolls on their afternoons off in and around the park and, today, visitors can retrace their favourite walk, known simply as ‘romantic walk’. It’s an easy, one-mile walk – and don’t miss the kissing gates.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

Lyme Park, Cheshire

Enjoy a Mr Darcy moment with a visit to the scene of one of the most famous romantic moments in TV history.

Lyme Park in Cheshire is the backdrop to where Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth, meets Elizabeth in the TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

Picture the stars and discover this special place by taking a guided walk – The Only Way Is Pemberley – and immersing yourself in a travelling exhibition on loan from Jane Austen’s House Museum on February 15 and 16.

Call 01663 762023 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

Altamont Garden, Tullow, Co. Carlow, Ireland

They are known as the most romantic gardens in Ireland, and it’s not hard to see why.

Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a 100- acre estate. Look out for Galanthus (snowdrops – 40 different varieties), Narcissus (daffodils – hundreds of varieties), Lilium, Colchicum, Cyclamen and Sternbergia.

Lawns are bisected by sculpted yews sloping down to a romantic lake surrounded by rare trees, rhododendrons and shrubs. The scent of a profusion of roses, old fashioned and modern, fill the air.

Visit altamontgarden.com for details.

If the weather doesn’t lend itself to being outside, or if you’re simply worried some gardens won’t be at their best right now, you can always buy a gift ticket for a later visit to the garden of your choice.

Alternatively, you can splash out on an annual RHS gift membership, which gives the recipient a year of glorious garden visits, discounted tickets to RHS shows, free personalised advice and The Garden magazine every month, (£54, rhs.org.uk).

Similarly, membership of the National Trust will give access to some of the UK’s most breathtaking countryside, houses, gardens and coastline for a year (buy gift membership online from £41.62, nationaltrust.org.uk). You could also opt for the National Garden Scheme Yellow Book gift token which buys the latest ‘bible’ of garden visiting (£9.99, ngs.org.uk).