Planning a romantic trip takes more than just scattering a few rose petals on the hotel bed. The best romantic getaways in the UK offer the perfect balance of luxury accommodation, scenic beauty and memorable cuisine.
Luckily, there are plenty of incredible UK destinations which will help you achieve an intimate and enchanting atmosphere.
So for all you love birds out there, here are my favourite destinations for a romantic getaway in the UK.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
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1. The Cotswolds
Best for: Scenic drives
Few things are more romantic than spending quality time with your loved one as you take a scenic drive across the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds offer the perfect escape for couples. It has lively market towns, excellent restaurants, elegant palaces, rolling hills, and hidden gems waiting for you to uncover!
Where to stay
Driving the Costwold’s Romantic Road takes at least two days. Along the way, you can stop at some of the most luxurious spas for a much-deserved break.
I recommend the members-only Soho Farmhouse at Chipping Norton (note that you can get a Friends membership quite easily if you’re not a full member). This rural escape features invigorating hot tubs and a gorgeous indoor pool.
Alternatively, I’d recommend The Fish in Broadway for its romantic treehouses, or Thyme for food lovers.
Discover more of the best hotels in The Cotswolds or my favourite charming pubs with rooms in the Cotswolds.
2. Edinburgh
Best for: City strolls
Edinburgh is a dreamy destination with plenty of historical landmarks for couples to explore.
Relax at the Royal Botanic Garden or take in the views from Calton Hill at sunset.
Grab a coffee in one of Edinburgh’s cosy cafes, soak up the Harry Potter vibes, or seek out the best fine dining spots in the city.
Where to stay
The Witchery is a boutique hotel where you can book an opulent dinner in a candlelit setting.
Not only that, its gothic rooms have four-poster beds and roll-top baths perfect for two!
3. Lake District
Best for: Fun dates
Sometimes romance means having a lighthearted day to laugh with your partner. Lake District is perfect for this, with its numerous lively attractions!
Start your date by playing with alpacas at Alpacaly Ever After, or revisit your childhood at Beatrix Potter’s House.
You can then complete the trip by taking in the beautiful landscape of the surrounding lakes, waterfalls, gardens, and villages.
Where to stay
The Gilpin Hotel is a spa lodge with private tubs, modern decor, and Michelin-starred dining. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of fun.
Discover more of the best luxury hotels in the Lake District.
4. Isle of Skye
Best for: Stargazing
The Isle of Skye is an island at the forefront of Scotland’s stargazing scene.
Because of the zero light pollution, you may even encounter aurora borealis in the winter and noctilucent clouds in the summer.
The night views here are spectacular, making it one of the best romantic getaways in the UK!
Where to stay
The Dark Skye Cottage is a secluded private villa at the heart of the mystical island.
Gaze at the starry skies as you dip in a roll-top bath or watch the sunset through your floor-to-ceiling windows.
5. Portmeirion
Best for: Bonding with a loved one
Portmeirion is a whimsical village where you can experience a playful adventure.
Challenge your partner to a giant chess game at The Plaza or ride a steam train to one of the nearby castles.
There’s no shortage of sights to see at Portmeirion!
Where to stay
Hotel Portmeirion is a stylish lodge inspired by the architecture of the Italian coastal town of Portofino.
The hotel itself is surrounded by a serene atmosphere, and the picturesque landscape certainly adds to the romance!
6. York
Best for: A romantic night out
York is one of my favourite places because of its romantic charm. Its cobbled streets and vibrant bars make it a great spot for date nights.
You can take a leisurely walk along the Shambles and shop for souvenirs at the charming shops.
Or book a cruise at the River Ouse to appreciate the scenic views of the city.
Where to stay
A quick 40-minute drive away from York’s city centre is the Yorkshire Spa Retreat. It’s a luxury lodge featuring health suites and a wild swim pond surrounded by lush greenery.
I recommend coming here for the outdoor spa experience!
7. New Forest
Best for: Picnic dates
New Forest is an idyllic place with plenty of charm. It’s home to ancient woodlands, forest creatures, and a scenic coastline.
A date at New Forest may start with a biking trip for two, followed by an archery or boating session.
After this, you can have a delicious little picnic at Lepe Beach or Tanner’s Lane. Read my guide to the best things to do in the New Forest or unearth the prettiest New Forest towns.
Where to stay
The Lime Wood Hotel is a special place within the New Forest National Park.
From here, you may view the woodlands from within a luxurious spa or simply relax as you sip a drink from your window-side tub.
Discover more of the best luxury hotels in the New Forest.
8. St. Ives
Best for: Beachside snuggling
St. Ives is a seaside paradise with golden beaches and clear blue skies.
One of my favourite towns in Cornwall, St Ives is a great place for picnics on the sand, romantic beach bonfires, and scenic drives.
Not only that, St. Ives has many activities for couples. You can visit museums and sculpture gardens or charter a private boat for the ultimate marine adventure!
Where to stay
The Pedn Olva is an upscale hotel perched on the granite rocks over St. Ives Bay.
What this means is you get expansive views of the sea as you soak up the sun on the terrace with your partner.
9. Pembrokeshire
Best for: Intimate weddings
Pembrokeshire is a seaside town with historic villages and castles. Its breathtaking scenery serves as the perfect backdrop for destination weddings!
Be sure to visit St. David’s Cathedral, a massive monastery built over the Atlantic in the early sixth century.
Where to stay
If you fancy staying at a luxurious castle, you must check in to Roch Castle Hotel. This lavish hotel is filled with rich art and history, and the staff give special attention to celebratory stays.
It’s one of the best places to stay for those on their honeymoon.
Discover more amazing castle stays in the UK.
10. Kent
Best for: Sophisticated tours and tastings
As a lifelong resident of Kent, I may be biassed but I think this county has so much to offer couples after a bit of romance.
Explore pretty coastal towns, visit the local vineyards, or book a romantic spa break.
There are also medieval castles, fascinating museums and plenty of cosy pubs to wile away an afternoon in.
Read my guide to the best things to do in Kent for some ideas of activities and attractions.
Where to stay
The Cave Hotel is a unique accommodation fit for royalty. It features a hydrotherapy pool, opulent rooms, and a picturesque golf course.
The Cave’s sultry atmosphere makes it the best place to stay for a romantic getaway!
The UK is full of enchanting places ideal for romantic trips away. Do you have any favourite romantic getaways in the UK? Let me know in the comments below!
You may also like:
- 10 most romantic UK cities
- 10 perfect UK day trips
- 10 UK film and TV locations to inspire your next staycation
- 10 best spa hotels in the UK
- 12 must-visit hidden gems in the UK
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