Are you looking for love this Christmas? Here are some affordable date ideas...
The romance of Christmas is all very well, but if you don't have much money, that cuddly festive feeling can seem very far away. After having forked out for presents, you may not have the spare cash to splash on that special someone.
The good news is, there are plenty of romantic excursions that don't cost the earth. Whether you're looking to impress on a crucial first date, or want to treat a long-term partner, there should be something here for you. All suggestions come in at well under £30 for two people.
Take in a show: This needn't be as pricey as it sounds. Free tickets for lots of popular TV and radio shows are available from the BBC and tvrecordings.com.
If you fancy the theatre, you can get tickets for both West End and regional shows for as little as £10 on lastminute.com.
And investigate the smaller fringe/repertory theatre venues near you. Many regional theatres play host to top-quality productions which are on tour before or after their London run - and outside the capital you can often get good seats for £10-15 a head.
Culture vulture: Entry to most art galleries and museums in the UK is still free. Lots also include free lectures, workshops and other extras to create a focus for your day out.
For example, The Royal Academy of Arts in London opens late on Fridays, with a bar and live jazz. Or if you visit the National Museum of Scotland towards the end of December, you'll also be able to take part in free arts and craft workshops.
Alternatively, the Tate Liverpool is currently hosting the famous Turner Prize exhibition - and entry is free.
Listen to music: There are lots of places you can enjoy professional live music, for free. If you're meeting during the day, why not go to a free lunchtime recital/concert, like those regularly held at Queen's University Belfast and St Martin-In-The-Fields Church in London.
If you're on an evening date, try a bar hosting live music, like The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh. Entrance to this sort of venue is usually under £5 on week nights - and you've got something to watch and listen to if the conversation dries up...
The National Theatre in London also hosts plenty of free music events, and you can make a day of it by viewing the free exhibitions there then taking a walk on the South Bank.
Go to the pictures: If you're both film buffs, take advantage of the Orange Wednesdays offer and get two cinema tickets for the price of one.
It's also worth tracking down the independent and arthouse cinemas in your area. They are often far cheaper - usually around £4-6 per head - and they're more likely to be showing seasonal romantic classics like It's a Wonderful Life!
Markets and fairs: Over the Christmas period there are lots of markets and fairs selling seasonal goodies. Browse stalls in a nice romantic setting, like the free Christmas Fair at the Natural History Museum in or the traditional Christmas market in Glasgow.
Alternatively, you could visit an antiques fair. Entry costs are usually under £5, it'll give you lots to talk about, and there's no obligation to buy anything.
Eat Out: Eating out can be expensive, of course, but it can also be both affordable and special. Alcohol is usually what makes the price of a dinner date skyrocket, so try meeting for a relaxed brunch or civilised afternoon tea instead - that way you're (hopefully!) likely to spend less on booze.
Have a look at toptable.co.uk or 5pm.co.uk to find some good deals and discounts at restaurants in your area, and keep an eye out for meal deals and discount vouchers in the Times and the London Evening Standard.
Finally, if you're really broke, try having a warming winter version of a picnic. Wrap up well and head for your local park/beach/beauty spot with fish and chips and a big thermos of hot chocolate or mulled wine. If nothing else, it's a good excuse to snuggle up nice and close.
Give something back: Finally, If you want to spend time with your better half - and help a worthy cause at the same time - why not try volunteering for a charity over the Christmas period?
It'll cost you nothing and could be a bonding experience which leaves you both with a nice rosy glow. This is probably one for established couples rather than those on first dates...
Finally, try visiting the Dating Debrief Fool discussion board - it's a great place to go if you want romantic advice, or just a good chat about love, life and everything.
Good luck under the mistletoe!