Valentine's Day inspiration
We hope that our lover's guide to the River Thames will inspire you to follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous - and perhaps even buy your loved one a gift. Find out where they wined, dined and courted, and eventually tied the knot.
Find each other again at Hampton Court...
Make a date at Hampton Court Palace, a favourite of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Okay, so few of us will ever arrive as extravagantly as the famous King and his consort with their entourage of musicians and courtiers, but you can have just as much fun in the famous maze in Hampton Court's Wilderness Garden.
Why not arrive at Hampton Court in your own luxury cruiser? Rainbow Cruisers is offering a special Valentine's Day deal - £400 for two days/one night. Visit cosy pubs along the way, and be sure to visit the 16th century Anchor Inn at Shepperton where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton fanned the flames of love - when they weren't hurling sausage rolls at each other in fury, that is.
Fun at the theatre in Windsor
In the Royal Borough of Windsor on the Island of Holm, a house called "The Nest" was a hideaway in the 1930's for the future Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson. For a Valentine's gift, try a theatre package in Windsor. The Theatre Royal is presenting When Harry Met Sally until 13th February. Make a weekend of it and stay overnight at Sir Christopher Wren's House Hotel and enjoy a champagne breakfast.
Nearby Bray is home to a 13th-century church where snooker player Steve Davies was married. Bray is also home to two of only three "three-starred Michelin restaurants" in the UK and Ireland, making it the ultimate dining experience. If eye-watering prices are not your thing but you love good food, try the mouthwatering Valentine's Day menus at nearby Boulters Restaurant and Bar.
Take me to the chapel
No romantic exploration on this stretch of the River Thames would be complete without the wedding cake pinnacles of St George's chapel at Windsor Castle. Here, Henry VIII lies buried beneath the floor beside his favourite wife, Jane Seymour.
Forget roses are red. How about a green valentine's day? Leave the car at home and take the train to Cookham, where the actress Susan George married in 1984. Art lovers won't want to miss the Stanley Spencer Gallery, while food-lovers should head for one of the many and varied restaurants.
Posing the question?
Thinking of posing the all-important question? With idyllic views, award-winning food and romantic balconied bedrooms, the Macdonald Compleat Angler in Marlow is hard to beat for romance. From Friday 12th February to Saturday 13th February the hotel is offering a range of dining experiences. Stay overnight in a double room from £132 bed and breakfast. For details call 0844 879 9128 or visit the website.
If a more rural location is likely to get you in the mood for love, try booking dinner for two at Cygnetures, the Swan at Streatley's two AA rosette restaurant. Select a wine from the 120 on offer, exchange sensual glances with your beau in candlelight and enjoy the beautifully fresh, seasonal dishes.
For more inspiration, see Time Together.