Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to surprise your partner and whisk them away for a weekend break, the UK has plenty of places for couples to explore together.
Discover some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery, enjoy a bustling city break, or simply relax and unwind in the wilds of the Hebrides, with our choice of the best romantic getaways for loved-up couples.
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The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Deemed one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the UK, it’s easy to fall in love with the chocolate-box villages, green fields, and gentle hillsides of the Cotswolds.
Enjoy the perfect charm of Bourton-on-the-Water with a picnic on the banks of the River Windrush, or stroll hand in hand along the Cotswold Way National Trail that winds its way through the pretty countryside for over one hundred miles between Chipping Camden and Bath.
Where to stay: The Painswick is a charming boutique hotel that makes the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. From bijou, yet cosy, rooms to the luxurious George’s Suite which flaunts a four-poster bed, rolltop bath and a private balcony there is something for every budget. Book now and take advantage of bed and breakfast, plus a six-course tasting menu from just £300 per couple.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
What better place for lovers than the hometown of playwright William Shakespeare, who penned the ultimate love story, Romeo and Juliet.
Enjoy a picnic together on the banks of the sparkling River Avon overlooking the 15th-century bridge for an idyllic setting in which to enjoy each other’s company.
A short walk from the town centre will take you to Anne Hathaway’s romantic thatched cottage, where Shakespeare won the hand of his wife. The cottage grounds span nine acres, where visitors can take the butterfly trail, or visit the Greenwood Singing tree.
Where to stay: The Townhouse, situated in the heart of Stratford, is a 400-year-old building with en-suite rooms, a lively pub and a great restaurant. Time your stay for ‘Lobster Fizz Friday’ and enjoy a sumptuous lobster platter with fries, crusty bread, butter and a bottle of Prosecco, the perfect accompaniments for the ultimate romantic meal.
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Isle of Skye, Scotland
For seclusion and the chance to completely get away from the hustle and bustle of life, why not explore the untamed mountains of the Isle of Skye together?
The largest isle in the Hebrides boasts a captivating countryside littered with dinosaur fossils, caves, and romantic waterfalls, while the main town of Portree offers a scenic harbour, shops to browse and an excellent choice of places to eat.
A short drive from Portree is the beautiful Lealt Falls – a place where many suitors have been inspired to ‘pop the question’ as the shimmering water cascades down the gorge.
Where to stay: Overlooking the harbour in Portree, The Bosville is a charming hotel where guests are invited to switch off from the daily grind and enjoy the fabulous views – and an equally fabulous meal in the award-winning Dulse and Brose restaurant, where local seafood and Highland cheeses grace the menu.
Portmeirion, North Wales
Pretty Portmeirion was designed as a tourist village in 1925 to offer a little taste of Italy on the North Wales coast. You can see the style of the Italian Riviera in the striking buildings, pretty streets, and colourful squares.
If you’re visiting as a couple, head to Castell Deudraeth and its striking gardens – complete with a giant chess set. Afterwards, take a trip to Battery Square for the best selection of boutiques and souvenir shops. The village is now owned by a charitable trust and has been the location for many TV shows and films – including the popular sixties show ‘The Prisoner’.
Where to stay: The 4-star Portmeirion Hotel is the flagship place to stay in the village. Overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, it boasts fourteen rooms, a terrace, a bar and a fine dining restaurant. There is also an open-air heated swimming pool to enjoy.
Windsor, Kent
If a romantic getaway that’s fit for royalty takes your fancy, then head to Windsor, where the Queen may just be in residence at Windsor Castle. Even if you can’t mingle with the Monarch, the Royal Borough still has plenty to offer for couples who want a touch of luxury.
One of the most popular attractions is Frogmore Gardens – where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hosted their wedding reception. Stroll through the 18th-century gardens created for Queen Charlotte and view the teahouse made for Queen Victoria, before heading to the gift shop and purchasing a bottle of Platinum Jubilee English sparkling wine as an extra-special treat.
Where to stay: With regal connections, the Castle Hotel offers opulent period features in all the rooms, blended with the comforts of modern life. Wake up to splendid views of the town and enjoy a lazy brunch or a local beer from the Windsor & Eton brewery before exploring all that Windsor has to offer.
Islington, London
Not every couple wants a quiet romantic getaway, and trendy Islington offers a buzzing atmosphere for couples who want plenty to do. Enjoy a walk down Regent’s Canal, or explore the Culpeper Community Garden, a secret oasis, where fun events such as a Mad Hatter’s tea party often take place.
Theatre-loving couples will enjoy an eclectic mix of live shows at some of London’s top fringe theatres, including The Almeida and the Little Angel Theatre.
Where to stay: Tucked discreetly away, yet just a stone’s throw from all the attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Rookery has been created from the remains of some of the earliest houses to have been built in the capital city. Inside, the hotel is indulgently decorated, with blazing open fires, stone-flagged floors, and wood panelling that all add to the romantic charm.
