It is one of the greatest love stories within literature – Jane Austen’s Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and Derbyshire played its part.

In the TV extravaganza starring Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen, Pemberley – home of Mr Darcy – was Chatsworth House.

Its website says: “It is believed that Jane Austen actually based her idea of Pemberley on Chatsworth House as she wrote the novel while in Bakewell.

“ ‘The eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley into which the road into some abruptness wound’.

“ ‘It was a large, handsome, stone building standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal or falsely adorned’.”

Chatsworth House was the scene where Lizzie Bennet sees the bust of Mr Darcy and his housekeeper describes his good qualities; as a souvenir of the filming the bust of Mr Darcy remains at the house.

And the adaptation of the DH Lawrence novel, Women in Love, which saw Glenda Jackson getting her first Oscar also saw filming in Derbyshire including the now National Trust property Kedleston Hall, four miles from Derby, and in Matlock.

But there are plenty of treasures to be found in Derby itself – the city’s museum boasts a host of artefacts covering its history and heritage from geology to military and not forgetting the architecture including the panelling of the Bonnie Prince Charlie Room.

Not forgetting a myriad of shops for those wanting to buy a loved one a special treasure for Valentine’s Day.

And romantics looking to share food with a loved one have no need to travel the world as cuisine from all corners of the globe is on offer in Derby.

We have picked out a selection to tempt the tastebuds on the most romantic day of the year.

Jack Rabbits Kitchen - a novel approach to buying cooked food. Jack Rabbits offers homecooked food to take home to eat all cooked on an Aga, a perfect way to impress on Valentine’sDay! Named best newcomer in the Derby Food and Drink Awards 2009 and best customer service in 2010.

Jack Rabbits, 50 Queen Street, Derby, DE1 3DE T: 01332 349966.

Darleys Restaurant - Derby restaurant of the year in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Fully refurbished in January 2009 by owners Kathryn and Jonathan Hobson. They say: “Using only the finest fresh ingredients combined with a wealth to knowledge to ensure that a unique dining experience is enjoyed by all, in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere by the waters edge of the River Derwent.” Holder of two rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide and is Michelin recommended.

Darleys Restaurant & Terrace, Waterfront, Darley Abbey Mill, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1DZ T: 01332 364987.

MoonSha - with such a romantic name it had to be included! A Japanese bar and restaurant, it offers Sushi, Japanese tapas and teppanyaki. It flies in the finest seasonal ingredients from Japan and the restaurant describes itself saying: “Japanese style cuisine is amongs the healthiest on the planet and it is also widely recognised that the preparation and cooking involved is one of the most impressive processes in the food world.”

MoonSha Japanese Bar & Restaurant, 4 Friary Street, Derby, DE1 1JF T: 01332 343288.

Graze Gastro – as the name suggests there is plenty of choice for every palate. In the heart of Friargate, Graze Gastro offers British contemporary classic gastro dishes but also wood fired pizzas, pastas, salads and risottos. Its mission statement is ‘to offer expertly cooked food in upmarket surroundings, served in a friendly, uncomplicated manner’.

Graze Gastro, 12 Friargate, Derby, DE1 1BU T: 01332 208262

Mansion – fancy live music after a meal? Here at the Mansion Derby on a Friday and Saturday night there’s live music until 2am. It describes its restaurant experience as ‘all about relaxed, contemporary fine dining. For us that means high quality food in a stylish, contemporary environment, without the formality you sometimes get at fine dining restaurants’. It also offers a wine bar. Winner of best newcomer and best customer service in the 2011 Derby Food and Drink Awards

Mansion Derby, 6-7 Midland Road, Derby, DE1 2SN T: 01332 343665

Anoki – an award winning Indian restaurant in the Old Picture Hall where diners can eat beneath gilded vaulting. It says: “Anoki delivers great atmosphere, superb service and sensational food for an altogether unforgettable evening.” It has sister restaurants in Nottingham and Egginton.

Anoki Derby, Old Picture Hall, 129 London Road, Derby, DE1 2QN T: 01332 292888

Le Bistrot Pierre; the second of a number of Le Bistrot Pierre opening in 1996 in a building which dates back to the 1600s. A range of French cuisine is on offer as well as Gluten-free menus. It says: “Whilst our look changes between each bistrot, customers can expect the same personal, attentive service and high quality provincial French food wherever they choose to dine with us”.

Le Bistrot Pierre, 18 Friargate, Derby, DE1 1BX T: 01332 370470

Viceroy; Derby Telegraph 2011Restaurant of the Year, it’s just two minutes from the train station and opened following the success of its sister in Duffield. It says about itself: “Our dedication, passion and attention to detail has made The Viceroy the people’s choice of unique dining with its relaxing atmosphere and luxurious surrounding, it’s the place to be.” And adds: “Our cuisine is as varied and as sultry as the subcontinent itself.”

Viceroy Derby, 8-9 Midland Road, Derby, DE1 2SN T: 01332 209991

The European Restaurant and Bistro - a family business set up 20 years ago. Owner and chef Gian Carlo Slaviero followed classical training in a leading hotel in Turin before running a number of establishments in Italy, Jersey and the UK. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers European food as well as Italian cuisine. Situated in Cathedral Quarter in one of Derby’s oldest buildings. It describes itself as: “The European’s success has been its ability to provide classic cuisine with a contemporary twist, in an environment, which is always inviting.”

The European Restaurant & Bistro, 22 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GP T: 01332 368732