CUPID’S arrow is poised and ready to fire ahead of Valentine’s Day as York is named one of the top places in the country for couples to spend the most romantic day of the year.

A survey on Valentine getaways by Laterooms.com puts York as the fifth most likely place in the country for partners hoping to spend some quality time together.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: “York is the perfect choice for a romantic break, with beautiful locations such as the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and York Minster.

“Combined with the great choice of restaurants and unique shops available, this makes York a top destination for all budding romantics.”

Beating York, the Lake District topped the list, followed by the Cotswolds, Bath and Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, to get people in the mood for love, a waiter at Dean Court Hotel will be serenading couples with romantic music on the big day.

Guitarist Gordon Train – a part-time waiter at the award-winning hotel and music student at the University of York – will be strumming along to contemporary favourites while couples wine and dine in The Court café and bistro.

David Brooks, the hotel’s general manager, believes atmosphere is the key to romance. “We have a special three-course valentine’s menu on and we will be giving a red rose to every loved-one.

“Our young guitarist will help set the perfect atmosphere for an intimate and cosy meal.”

He said songs such at the Whitney Houston hit I Will Always Love You, ballad Fields Of Gold by Sting, and Nat King Cole track Let There Be Love, will be played on the night.

A bus company is also set to play Cupid this Valentine’s Day, offering a unique way for aspiring Romeos to pop the big question.

For one day only, Arriva Yorkshire will be offering up its Love Bus to the people of York. Complete with chocolates, champagne, cherubs, hearts and harps. The Arriva Love Bus will be personalised to carry the lucky lady’s name, as well as the big question – ‘will you marry me?’ providing an “unforgettable place to make a marriage proposal,” said Chloe Leach, marketing manager for Arriva Yorkshire.

“The actual place you ask someone to marry you is very important and in recent years people have striven to make the most unusual and memorable proposals.

“We want to hear from people in York who are planning to propose on February 14 and we will work with them to set up the special event, using our Love Bus as the mobile venue.”

To find out more about the Love Bus, email love@arriva.co.uk. For more information about Dean Court Hotel’s Valentine’s Day meal, phone 01904 625082.