ROMANCE will be in the air at some of the North East’s historic sites this Leap Year.

English Heritage is this month playing cupid and encouraging women to pop the question to their sweetheart at one of their picturesque properties.

Tradition holds that on a Leap Year, (or sometimes just February 24 or 29, depending on what you believe), “normal order” is reversed with women proposing to their Prince Charming.

Dotted around English Heritage sites, couples can find tranquil hideaways, including spots amid a carpet of snowdrops at Belsay Hall, serene Priory ruins at Lindisfarne in Tynemouth and historic corners of Warkworth Castle.

During February half-term, English Heritage has historical Valentine trails every day throughout the holidays.

Facts and love stories from the past at Belsay, Lindisfarne and Warkworth will be placed around the three sites, with children able to win a treat.

Caroline Sinclair, from English Heritage, said: “The sentimental combination of the Leap Year, National Marriage Week and Valentine’s Day make February officially the most romantic month of the year.

“Many women may even be proposing to their man this February. Forget red roses and candlelight, snowdrops, spring bulbs and a proposal in the open air are much more original.”