Valentine’s ventures

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is looming. Whether you’re spending it with your significant other or a close friend, it could be used as the ideal excuse for a quick getaway. These UK Valentine’s breaks are guaranteed to suit your student budget and personal tastes.

York

While it may not be Paris, York provides beautiful architecture, shops and cafes just like the city of love itself, but at a fraction of the price. So if quaint tea shops and quirky independent stores are your kind of thing, head to this historical town.

Trains run from Manchester frequently. If purchased with a railcard, a return will normally cost you about £15. If you have a bit of extra cash and fancy staying the night, check out Booking.com for accommodation. You can get a cosy B’n’B from just £50.

Day

Take a stroll around the city walls and head to one of the many charming coffee shops in the centre for a cream tea. Betty’s tea shop is always a favourite, with the sounds of a live pianist to accompany your treats. Alternatively, you could head to Deans Park for lunch. This lovely garden setting is a great place to have a cheap and cheerful picnic lunch. Another daytime option is a boat trip down the Ouse River.

Evening

If you are brave enough, you could always finish your day in York with an official ghost tour. Guides leave from outside the Minster and take you all around the spooky haunts of the town. If ghosts aren’t your thing and you fancy some laughs instead, head to the Post Office Club. On 14^th February, Mace and Burtons’ very popular Edinburgh Festival show, ‘Rom Com Con,’ with be on. Tickets are just £4.

Liverpool

If you would prefer something a little more modern, then Liverpool is the place for you. With a thriving night life, fantastic shops and a great art and music culture, this city has everything to cater for the contemporary student.

Again, trains from Manchester are frequent. With your railcard, a return will usually amount to a tenner – cheap as chips! If you fancy staying overnight, accommodation by the Docks starts from around £38 on Booking.com.

Day

Start your day with a stroll around the docks. Pretend to be regal for the day and take a boat trip on the Yellow Duck just like the Queen did on her visit to the city. If modern art is your thing, head to the Tate. With numerous exhibitions, this museum is a must-see.

If you happen to be a fan of the Beatles, make a trip to the Beatles Story. The museum dedicated to the Fab 4 has a new exhibition by photographer Paul Berriff, displaying unseen photographs of the group. For music lovers this is not to be missed.

For the shopaholics, there is Liverpool One which is full of all the high street favourites. If you fancy window shopping somewhere a little more upmarket, try your hand at being a WAG and browse the Met Quarter. For the more student style boutiques, cafes and bars, head to Lark Lane where you can explore the bohemian side to the city.

Evening

If you want lively night life then you’re in the right city. With numerous clubs to suit every style, price and music taste, you won’t have any problem finding somewhere to go out in Liverpool. However, if you want a more relaxed night then head to Baby Blue on the Albert Dock, where there is a comedy set showing on Valentine’s day.

Alternatively, if you are on a date, the Unity Theatre is the place for you. The play ‘I love you because’ will be showing, and has been described as a witty musical take on Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice.’