If a getaway with the one you love is well overdue, look no further than our favourite romantic places to stay in the UK. We’ve rounded up our top places to go for a romantic weekend or a leisurely week away with your partner.
These scenic destinations are studded with outstanding cottages for two, and with activities varying from surfing to fine dining, you can tailor your itinerary to your individual tastes. So, whether it’s an anniversary surprise, birthday getaway, or ‘just because’, find out why the destinations below should make it onto your shortlist.
If you would rather jump right into browsing exciting staycations, take a look through our beautiful holiday cottages for romantic breaks by clicking the button below.
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Isle of Skye – best place to stay for breathtaking scenery
Magical, dramatic and beautiful, the Isle of Skye is one of the UK’s most enchanting destinations, and one of the most memorable places to go for couples with a thirst for adventure. Lace up your boots and explore awe-inspiring scenery such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Cuillin, while keeping your eyes peeled for captivating wildlife including otters, dolphins, eagles and puffins.
Soak up the history and culture with visits to Dunvegan Castle and the Museum of Island Life, and stock up on one of the island’s most popular exports at the Talisker Whisky Distillery. With rugged beauty at every turn, Skye promises a romantic getaway like no other.
Skye is also home to the Fairy Pools, one of the top romantic places to propose!
Romantic things to do on the Isle of Skye
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Edinburgh – best place to stay for a fun city break
An elegant city, bursting with lavish eateries, inspiring attractions and wonderful culture, Edinburgh is one of the most romantic places to stay in the UK. The city is perfect for a weekend break, yet offers plenty to keep you occupied for a whole week. Spend your evenings fine dining in luxurious establishments such as The Dome, The Witchery or The Kitchin, and your days wandering around the iconic sites and attractions.
Climb Arthur’s Seat, be dazzled by illusions at the Camera Obscura, tour the museums, take a boat trip and watch the sunset at Calton Hill. Few places to go for a romantic weekend compare to Scotland’s handsome capital.
Romantic things to do in Edinburgh
- The Chocolatarium – enjoy an indulgent tour of this micro-chocolate factory (with tasters!)
- Camera Obscura – over 100 illusions, and 360-degree views of the city
- Calton Hill – stroll up to enjoy the sunrise or sunset
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The Cotswolds – best place to stay for relaxing exploration
The Cotswolds are awash with romantic places to stay: pretty villages studded with chocolate-box cottages, delightful teashops and undulating countryside. The likes of Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden look as if time has stood still, with charming, thatched cottages a common sight.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, whatever the season, the Cotswolds is as beautiful in winter with frost in the fields and fires roaring in the hearths, as it is in the warmer months when the countryside comes alive with colour. Take your pick of the pretty towns and villages – all lovely places to stay for your anniversary…or a getaway, just because!
Romantic things to do in the Cotswolds
Romantic Cotswolds cottages
York – best place to stay for history and culture
If you’re looking for romantic places to stay packed with history and interesting things to do, York’s your city. With its majestic Gothic cathedral, outstanding National Railway Museum and pretty timber-framed shopfronts, it’s a top pick for couples who like their cities full of character.
Ideally placed to reach from London or Leeds, a romantic weekend away here can be spent perusing the independent shops, taking a thrilling ghost tour, or a boat cruise on the River Ouse. If you’re planning your upcoming nuptials, York is one of the most romantic places in the UK for a honeymoon!
Romantic things to do in York
Romantic York cottages
Lake District – best place to stay for fresh air and views
The astoundingly beautiful scenery of the Lake District can’t fail to spark a little romance. With rural and romantic places to stay tucked away within the glorious landscape, it’s the perfect spot for a couple who love walking.
Amble alongside the sparkling lakes of Windermere, Coniston and Derwentwater (to name but a few), and make memories boating on the water, swimming, cycling and soaking up some history. When day turns to night, find a peaceful spot and give stargazing a go – the Lake District has some of the darkest skies in the country. What could be more romantic than that?
Romantic things to do in the Lake District
Romantic Lake District cottages
St Ives – best place to stay for inspiring art
A paradise for artists and lovers, St Ives is one of the best places to stay in the UK for couples who want an intimate getaway to enjoy the finer things in life. White sand beaches, turquoise water, delightful eateries and quirky streets peppered with independent shops; the Cornish seaside town is the UK’s answer to the Mediterranean.
View the work of some of the most prestigious contemporary artists exhibited in the numerous galleries throughout the town; most notable is the Tate St Ives with its regular exhibitions and thought-provoking art. At the end of a day filled with culture and cuddles, tuck into a mouthwatering seafood feast while drinking in sea views (and maybe a cocktail or two).
Romantic things to do in St Ives
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Norfolk Broads – best place to stay for fun on the water
Picture yourselves gliding along peaceful waterways, rambling through wonderful scenery or snuggling up in front of a roaring fire in a cosy pub – if you’re looking for places to stay for your anniversary, or simply for a spontaneous getaway, the Norfolk Broads have much in the way of romance to offer.
Pretty towns and villages such as Wroxham, Hoveton and Coltishall provide a backdrop for your water-based escapades, and promise a fine array of pubs, restaurants and shops for whiling away happy hours together.
Romantic things to do in the Norfolk Broads
- Day boat hire – lots of choice from companies across the Norfolk Broads
- Horning – one of the prettiest villages in the Broads
- Cycling – mile-upon-mile of cycle routes for all abilities
Romantic Norfolk Broads cottages
North Devon – best place to stay for laid-back coastal exploration
Miles of sandy beaches, clifftop walks and charming towns and villages await in the rural enclave of North Devon. There is an array of good places for a romantic getaway, from the pretty coastal village of Appledore to the glorious beach destinations of Croyde and Woolacombe.
Enjoy dog-friendly beach strolls and meals with a view at Instow, pull on your wetsuits and try your hand at surfing at Westward Ho!, Saunton, Croyde or Woolacombe, explore the epic heights of Exmoor National Park where it meets the sea at the Valley of Rocks, and enjoy a wander through the beautiful gardens of RHS Rosemoor.
Romantic things to do in North Devon
Romantic North Devon cottages
Gower Peninsula – best place to stay for awe-inspiring Welsh scenery
Studded with awe-inspiring beaches and with rugged scenery aplenty, the Gower Peninsula is one of the most romantic places to stay in Wales. Just a short drive from Swansea, it’s popular among surfers, with favourite spots being Llangennith and Rhossili Bay.
When you’re not surfing, you can be enjoying all sorts of activities, from coasteering to walking along some of the most scenic sections of the Wales Coast Path.
Romantic things to do on the Gower Peninsula
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Pembrokeshire – best place to stay for adventures on the coast
An enchanting destination packed with scenery and lots of options for a foodie couple, Pembrokeshire is surrounded by sea on three sides, offering the perfect coastal escape. Adventurous pairs can take their pick of water sports, while more sedate activities include walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or soaking up some culture in St Davids, the UK’s smallest city.
Hop on a boat trip to discover some of the coastal wildlife, or play at being lord and lady of the manor at one of Pembrokeshire’s many magnificent castles. There are numerous unique experiences to enjoy with your partner, including alpaca trekking, guided ghost walks, and even art or photography classes.
Romantic things to do in Pembrokeshire
Romantic Pembrokeshire cottages
View our top 10 romantic places to stay on a map
Find your perfect romantic getaway
No two couples are the same, that’s why our collection of romantic cottages features everything from hobbit-style hideaways to dazzling coastal apartments. Whether you like your getaways full of adventure, or prefer to follow your taste buds around the best eateries, we have romantic places to stay in the UK to suit everyone.
Give yourselves something to look forward to, you deserve it!
Find your romantic retreat