10 of the best romantic weekend breaks in Gwent

Whether you prefer a small cottage, a castle or are feeling adventurous to try a glamping experience; Gwent has it all on offer.

Where has been your best weekend break? Let us know in the comments below.

1. West Usk Lighthouse, St Brides, Newport

For a unique experience, you can stay in this 19th century lighthouse which was built by Scottish architect, James Walker in 1821. It has four letting rooms; the most expensive is the Water Bed Room at £160.

There is also the Four Poster bed Room, The Cabin Room which has a smaller four poster bed and The Sleigh bed Room which is the family room sleeping two adults and two children; they are all £150 a night.

All prices are for two people and include a full English breakfast, vegetarian or vegan breakfast options.

Frank and Danielle Sheahan have owned the bed and breakfast for the past 26 years.

Mr Sheahan said 'the place lends itself to the romantic aspect.'

The lighthouse has a hot tub on the roof and for Doctor Who fans a Tardis on site. Rooms overlook the River Usk.

The lighthouse is a grade II listed building and is over 190 years old.

The West Usk Lighthouse offer a wide range of different therapies and treatments to suit everyone's need from a full body massage and facials to hypotherapy and life coaching.

2. Clytha Castle near Abergavenny

This 18th century castle can be rented out from the Landmark Trust. It sleeps six people.

It was built by William Jones in 1790 after the death of his wife.

The romantic Gothic retreat overlooks the Usk Valley.

It can sleep six and the castle is let out as a whole. There are two double beds and one twin.

The cost for four nights is from £631.

The Landmark Trust took on the Castle in 1974 after it had been empty since 1948. Extensive repairs were needed inside and out, but no radical changes were made (apart from the introduction of such modern necessities as running water and electricity) to prepare the building for its new inhabitants.

3. A cruise along the canal

If you fancy something a little different - how about a ride along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

The canal makes its way through the countryside for 36 miles. From Goytre Wharf you can enjoy the sites through Abergavenny up to Brecon.

You can hire a boat for the day, a few days or up to a week.

Alternative routes are for three days from Goytre Wharf to Llangynidr and back and The Talybont-on–Usk and return which takes four nights.

This trip takes you further up the canal climbing five locks and passing through the Ashford Tunnel to the village of Talybont-on-Usk where you can see the wharf with its lime kilns and the old tramroad up the side of the mountain.

Prices range from £180 for a day boat. Visit www.redlineboats.co.uk/

4. Glamping pods at Cwmcarn Forest in Caerphilly

If you like to be closer to the outdoors but not in a tent then timber framed pods at Cwmcarn Forest could be the answer. The pods have a heater, a light and electric socket along with a veranda which is partially covered.

It is ideal for a short break or over night stay without the hassle of packing away a wet tent.

The site have furnished one of the larger pods which holds a full size double bed (bedding not provided), leather sofa, storage unit and dressing table.

Tea / coffee making facilities are also provided. It costs £52 per night off peak and £57 per night peak season.

To book or check availability just contact the Visitor Centre on 01495 272001

5. Tintern Abbey Cottage

The 18th century cottage is located right across the road from the Cistercian 12th century abbey.

The cottage directly adjoins the Wye Valley Walk, is in the heart of the ancient conservation area of Tintern and there are several pubs a couple of small cafes within walking distance.

The self-catering cottage won the Best Self Catering Place to Stay in Wales in 2010.

Pets are welcome and there is private off road parking for two cars.

Prices vary from £269 for three night.

6. Seven Hills Hideaway, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny

The safari lodges are based on a family farm in the Monmouthshire countryside.

Skirrid Fawr Lodge sleeps six and offers one king size bed, one twin and one double sleeping cabin. It has a kitchen complete with fridge, crockery, cutlery and all kitchen essentials.

A log burner, heated shower room and washroom. There is a front veranda along with a rear veranda.

There is on-site parking, with short transfer across the fields to the lodge.

Prices range from £400 for two nights and £550 for four nights.

7. Fox and Hounds Cottage, Monmouthshire

This newly restored cottage is idyllic for a romantic weekend. Visitors will be able to taste baked goods on arrival.

This is a two bedroomed cottage with a king-size en-suite and a family twin. Couples can enjoy treatments from the Organic Spa Team and can order hampers filled with Welsh produce for romantic picnics.

Prices for three night range from £390.

8.Penheim Glamping, Monmouthshire

The secluded three acre semi-ancient natural woodland glampsite gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful surrounding Monmouthshire countryside. Visitors can experience a night beneath the stars in a Persian alachigh tent which is similar to a yurt.

Alachighs come from Persia and are still today used by the nomadic Shahsavan tribe in Northern Iran.

You will be able to explore nature trails, play in the eight acre wild flower meadow and can cook on the wood burning stove or your outside barbecue pit.

Each alachigh has a double bed that can be converted to two single beds, plus two truckle beds and a sofa bed for children. There’s an ensuite loo, a kitchen unit with sink, cold running water straight from our natural springs on the farm, a wood burning stove, table and chairs plus the usual crockery, glassware, cutlery, pots, pans and kitchen utensils.

The site re-opens on March 18. Prices range from £240.

9. Maes Manor Country Hotel and Restaurant in Blackwood.

The 19th century building has nine acres of manicured terraced lawns and woodland surrounding it. The hotel is a popular wedding venue and has 28 ensuite rooms. The fine dining restaurant which offers traditional British cuisine seats 80 people and four private dining rooms are also available.

The price of a double or twin Room is£95, bridal suite costs £105 and the executive suite costs £105.

10. The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

The five star resort has fine dining, spa facilities and golf on offer. Special Valentine's Day afternoon tea will be available which includes delicious seasonal sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

This cost £36 per person during Valentine weekend. A winter afternoon tea is available until March 20.

Rooms for Valentine's weekend range from £126 per night.