COUPLES who have left it until the last minute to book a Valentine's getaway could be in for a rude surprise, according to a leading travel website.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, managing director of Travelzoo UK, says: "There are substantially fewer good travel and entertainment offers for February 14 than in previous years.

"One possible explanation is that Valentine's clashes with half term this year, so businesses may be finding that they don't need to promote themselves to couples because they already have a captive family market.

"I would advise anyone looking for a great value romantic deal to book fast, or run the risks of either paying over the odds or missing out entirely."

Among the Valentines Day deals still listed by Travelzoo are:

The four-star Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, offering B&B for two for a total £99, including six-course dinner and champagne at the AA-Rosette restaurant and complimentary use of the spa facilities.

The four-star Lake District Appleby Manor Country House Hotel offering a two-night break in a garden view room from £129 per person, a 37% price cut, including Lake Ullswater cruise and five-course dinner and Cumbrian gingerbread tea.