Looking for a last minute romantic getaway with your other half this Valentine's Day? Those who live in the North East won't have to go far, as Whitley Bay has been named one of the best weekend breaks in the UK.
A study from Parkdean Resorts found the North Tyneside town one of the best places in the country for a romantic weekend getaway ahead of Valentine's Day along with Torquay, Wemyss Bay and Carmarthen Bay.
With walks along the beach, a swathe of independent shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink, and a few amusement arcades, it's described as a 'must-see for Brits who want to spend quality time with their better halves.'
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And that's certainly something that husband and wife Paul and Lucy Hull, who own gift shop For the Love of the North would agree with.
Their love story started in 2013 at a Doctor Who quiz at the Jam Jar Cinema. In what he describes as an uncharacteristic move, Paul asked Lucy to look him up on Facebook after chatting throughout the night. Nine years later, the couple are married and now own their fourth shop - in Spanish City itself.
And it opened on Valentine's Day - meaning the shop is due to celebrate its 5th anniversary next Monday.
Paul said: "We always felt comfortable going out in our hometown and isn't it wonderful we had this cinema there and that led to all of this? To us Jam Jar, which is a very community spirited organisation, shows the heart of Whitley Bay."
"In Whitley Bay, there's such an abundance of things to do for couples. You've got the glorious seafront so you can have a romantic walk along the beach. Me and Lucy greatly enjoy that, walking down from Spanish City and heading along the beach towards the lighthouse.
Paul and Lucy don't have any plans for Valentine's Day yet, but said they'd probably enjoy their favourite walk on the beach and go for something nice to eat. One thing they won't be able to do is visit the cinema where they met - as it's closed on a Monday, the day on which Valentine's falls this year.
However, couples on weekend breaks can catch a film on Saturday or Sunday instead.
Dan Ellis, Founder of Jam Jar Cinema said: "Going to the pictures has always been a great date night. We here at Jam Jar Cinema can spot dates a mile off. To be honest they are a lot more common than you'd think, so maybe Whitley Bay truly is a great romantic getaway.
"Whether its new couples or partners of 60 years; cinemas are one of the few places that people have to shut off from the outside world. No phones to interrupt, and whether its a Rom-com, action flick or slasher horror there is something for everyone.
"Whitley Bay has a bit for everyone, great shops, entertainment, places to drink, eat and meet. It's such a different town from 10 years ago and it really feels like a special place now.
"When it comes to Valentines, we normally programme the least romantic films available, but this year it falls on a Monday and its our night off!"
The cinema might try to pretend Valentine's Day isn't happening, but other businesses in Whitley Bay are very much embracing it. For the Love of the North has a range of Valentine's gifts, while 1910 Steak & Seafood is holding a Valentine's Day dinner.
Chris Marsh, General Manager at Spanish City, said: "Our Valentine's Day Dinner has proven exceptionally popular this year with only a few places left for each night.
"Spanish City holds special memories for lots of people. We often have couples dining at 1910 Restaurant and it's no surprise, we have stunning views of the coastline during the day and it's a small intimate setting, which is ideal for dates."
Also, The Bound bookshop on Park View has specially selected 'Blind Date books.' These brown paper packages tied up with strings might just become your other halves favourite things.
Owner Helen Stanton said: "These are our booksellers favourites - there's a hint on the label what you might find inside but it's good not to judge a book by its cover!"
