Chaucer is credited with the first recorded association of St Valentine’s Day with romantic love with his Parlement of Foules in 1382.

And few might know that the great poet and writer lived in Somerset for a time – he was appointed deputy Forester of the Royal Forest of North Petherton towards the end of his life after Henry II expanded the royal estate into the hunting ground of the parish.

For those wanting to walk hand-in-hand with a loved one, there’s plenty of places to explore in this county from the beaches at Burnham and Brean to the rolling countryside of Dartmoor.

Not forgetting the depths of Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole and the romantic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey – said to be the cradle of Christianity in England as well as the resting place of the legendary King Arthur.

John Turner, vice-chairman of Visit Somerset, says: “I think Somerset is a romantic county. I was driving through the Mendips and saw what I can only describe as the most exquisite sight.

“Glastonbury Tor just peaking above a sea of white mist. I wish I’d had a camera not only does it inspire you but it was a beautiful romantic landscape.

“It was mystical, magical and completely inspirational and that sums up everything in relation to Somerset.”

And to suit the theme we’ve picked 10 restaurants in Somerset to inspire and tickle the tastebuds this Valentine’s Day.

1) Goodfellows – two red AA rosettes, three times in the TheTimes top 10 restaurants, Somerset Restaurant of the Year in 2006 and won best restaurant in the inaugural Taste of Somerset Awards with chef Adam Fellows voted best local chef in 2012 in the food Reader Awards. Offering a choice of quiet dining upstairs or the excitement of downstairs with the focus on a central open kitchen.

Goodfellows Sadler Street Café, 5 Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2RR T: 01749 673866.

Goodfellows Shepton Mallet Café, 64 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AX T: 01749 343579.

2) The Willow Tree – award winning restaurant in a 17th century grade II listed building in the county town of Taunton. Set up in 2002 by ex-Roux Brothers head chef Darren Sherlock and his wife Rita Rambellas. Named in the Good Food Guide in 2010 as one of its Top Ten Romantic Places to eat in the UK. It also has two AA Rosettes, was awarded a Remy – an award given to only 10 restaurants in the UK each year – in 2004. Although in the town centre it also boasts a waterside terrace which it describes as a ‘green oasis from the bustling town centre’.

The Willow Tree Restaurant, 3 Tower Lane, (off Castle Street), Taunton, TA1 4AR T: 01823 352835.

3) Haselbury Mill – the original buildings date back centuries boasting a history back to the time of William the Conqueror. It describes itself as ‘the ultimate Somerset venue to commemorate and celebrate the special days in your life’. Two of the restaurants, function rooms and bars are housed in the buildings which formed the original Mill and Granary. The setting also boasts a Great Tithe Barn. Listed online are all the locations where the food comes from – with the aim of all food coming from a 20 mile radius.

Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, near Crewkerne, TA18 7NY T: 01460 77095.

4) Hathaways of Dunster – a historic restaurant in a cottage promising to be the ‘perfect venue for a romantic dinner by candlelight’. Specialising in fresh fish and shellfish, there’s also a choice of meat and vegetarian dishes.

Hathaways of Dunster, West Street, Dunster, TA24 6SN T: 01643 821725.

5) The George Inn Hotel – one of Britain’s oldest pubs at more than 700 years old. The grade I listed building is set in Norton St Philip where there are medieval buildings and cottages dating back to the 17th and 18th century. Full of character with low beams and cobbled floors, this pub offers accommodation as well as a varied menu.

The George Inn Hotel, Norton St Philip, BA2 7LH T: 01373 834224.

6) The Café Porlock Weir – formerly Andrews On The Weir – is owned by husband and wife team Andrew and Sarah Dixon and has recently been rebranded. The Café nestles in the foothills of Porlock Weir overlooking the Bristol Channel where Exmoor meets the sea and the South West coastal path runs past the front door. Local ingredients are used for the food wherever possible.

The Café Porlock Weir, Exmoor, TA24 8PB T: 01643 863300.

7) Holbrook House – a privately owned Georgian country house set in 20 acres of woodland and pastures.  Awarded two AA Rosettes and the Best Restaurant in Somerset 2011 in the Taste of Somerset Awards. It promises “Using the finest local ingredients and a genuine passion for great taste, our award-winning head chef Callum Keir and his highly-skilled team create the unrivalled gourmet food for which Holbrook is renowned”.

Holbrook House, Wincanton, BA9 8BS T: 01963 824466.

8) The Walnut Tree Hotel – there has been an Inn on the site since 1620 with the present building being a restored 18th century coaching inn. It was bought in 2006 by Stephen and Kristine Williams and now holds a 3 star rating from the AA. It is in North Petherton – once home to author Geoffrey Chaucer who was banished from Court to become the ‘keeper of the King’s Forest’. Its Lemon Tree Restaurant promises locally sourced produce to tempt the tastebud.

The Walnut Tree Hotel, North Petherton, TA6 6QA T: 01278 662255.

9) Viceroy Indian Restaurant – awardwinning Indian food winning Best Indian Restaurant in Somerset and Dorset at the British Curry Awards. It describes itself as ‘mixing traditional Indian food with modern award winning recipes’ and maintaining core values of quality, choice and atmosphere.

Viceroy Indian Restaurant, 100 Middle Street, Yeovil , BA20 1NE T: 01935 421758.

10) The Pony & Trap – Owned by the Eggleton family, it was awarded a prestigious Michelin Star in 2011 and retained for 2012. A 200 year old pub restored when the Eggleton’s took it over, it says it is ‘committed to producing simple yet high quality food’.

The Pony & Trap, Newtown, Chew Magna, BS40 8TQ T:01275 332627.