My wife and I had a romantic break away together last weekend. It was such a rare treat! It’s hard being a couple when you have two kids trying to talk over you. They command all the attention and generally go to bed later than they should, so we never have any time or energy left for each other!

Well that night away revived us. It was relaxing, all our parenting troubles were forgotten for 24 hours. The boys were happy with their grandparents – although they did look rather exhausted when we came to collect the boys! They have kindly offered to do the same again. I think we have got a taste for our own freedom and snapped them up on the offer. We never prioritise our own needs but perhaps its time to think about us as more than DAD AND MUM. We have been married 11 years now but our eldest son is 11 so you see most of our married life we have been busy raising kids.

I have been back at the Internet selecting possible venues for our next breakaway. It doesn’t have to be expensive either, there are so many deals on romantic breaks. Planning is half the fun, so I have got my eye on a few bargains from Great Little Breaks.

Many of the stays are part of a package, you get your evening meal and even a glass of something bubbly thrown in. They offer excellent value, you don’t have to feel guilty spending money as a couple. I think we have been brainwashed until now that every penny we earn should be spent on the kids! As they near teens they are quite a handful we need that breakaway to cope.

My wife has developed a thing for stately homes, she has possibly watched too much Downton Abbey and wants to aspire to greater things. So, I would pick out somewhere quite glam.

My Romantic Break Shortlist

Billesley Manor Hotel

This place looks gorgeous! The wife would be impressed, and my bank balance would be too. From £79.50 a person you get an overnight stay in a 4* hotel, a three-course meal, a bottle of red and a cooked breakfast the following morning.

Stonefield Castle

Okay what could be one step up from a stately home, well a castle of course! The wife is eager to visit Scotland, so this could be the place to see it in style. Open fires and panelled walls its like stepping back to more romantic times.

Mallory Court Hotel

A spa break could ease all her tensions away! She would like to try a hot stone massage! If anything can get you in the mood for romance it’s a bit of spa therapy! The luxurious setting is ideal too.

If you spot a good deal let me know. I have a feeling we will be making a habit of these romantic breaks away from now on.