As Valentine’s approaches and the pressure to please your loved one intensifies, don’t be caught out wishing you’d made better plans.

Take a look at our five tips for interesting and unique romantic experiences below. We’ve compiled a list of activities to suit all budgets, ranging from the almost free to one for the big spenders.

A stroll along the beach

Now this option is not without its pitfalls, i.e. it’s very weather dependent, unless you’re unfazed by the rain. But, a slow promenade along the coast together can be a lovely way to spend some quality time.

Try and time it with the setting of the sun - 5.20pm on February 14.

Why not take a stroll along the Irvine coastline, finding refuge behind the sand dunes if the wind gets too much, you can seclude yourself amongst the dunes and cuddle for warmth if February does what February usually does.

Park up at South Beach Car Park, saunter along the coast all the way round to GRO Coffee where you can stop in for a bite to eat or something to drink if you fancy before returning the way you came, or take a detour around the boating pond for a variation on the walk.

Culzean Castle and Grounds

It costs just £3 to enter the grounds at Culzean, sadly the castle is closed until March, but there’s plenty to see besides the castle.

The grounds are home to 40 buildings and follies for visitors to explore.

Designed in the late 18th century for the 10th Earl of Cassilis, David Kennedy, they were to be a symbol of his wealth.

Meander around the grounds with your Valentine, taking in the Walled Garden, Deer Park, Swan Pond and beach with gorgeous views over to Arran.

Blackstone Clydesdales – Horse riding on the beach

It might sound cliché, and it probably is, but there’s no denying that there’s fun to be had taking a ride on a horse.

If you’ve never been on one before it’s not too difficult to learn and soon you and your four-legged friend will be as one.

Watch the tide coming in as you trot along the sand atop one of these majestic Clydesdale horses, the wind rushing through your hair and your soul-mate by your side.

Prices for the beach trip are £105 per person but there are cheaper options.

If the beach doesn’t attract you, you can choose to go on the £45 per person Farm Trek, a ride across the Blackstone Clydesdales farmland, amongst their Highland Coos.

Spa day at Seamill Hydro

Book you and your loved one in for a treat at one of Ayrshire’s premier four star hotels.

The Pure Indulgence package at Seamill Hydro in West Kilbride will set you back £145 per person, but it is a fantastic way to spend this Valentine’s unwinding alongside your partner.

The package includes lunch in their restaurant, The Orangery, a full body Swedish massage, Decleor Prescription Facial, a pedicure and manicure as well as access to all their leisure facilities, including a 16-metre heated pool, sauna and steam rooms.

The hotel is set just metres from the sandy beach and offers spectacular panoramic views of the coast.

Perfect for a stroll if you’d like to feel the salty sea air on your freshly cleaned skin.

Rent a mansion on AirBnB

One for the high rollers - if you’re feeling like going big this Valentine’s and you have a ridiculous amount of cash to splurge then why not take a look at renting a mansion for the night and spend your evening as lord or lady of the manor.

There’s a Georgian mansion in South Ayrshire going for a cool £2,500 per night (breakfast included), or perhaps you’d prefer the 19th Century Rowallan Castle to yourself for the same price.

There are eleven bedrooms sporting Egyptian cotton bedding, each with its own en suite complete with cast iron bathtubs.

If that fails, there’s always the more modestly priced Carnell Estate at £2,250 per night.