The UK is surrounded by stunning scenery and some of the best romantic hotspots. From charming villages to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, here are some of the best places to visit and things to do on a romantic getaway in the UK with your loved one.
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Cosy coastal
Breathtaking beauty
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Somewhere scenic
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Cosy coastal romantic things to do
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
With multiple beaches, the picture-postcard Welsh village of Tenby is a fantastic destination for a romantic getaway with your loved one. Try a woodland walk together in Upton Castle Gardens or watch the sunset upon the golden sands of Castle Beach. Running regularly from Tenby is the boat to Caldey Island, where you can pick up some homemade chocolate to nibble on as you whisper sweet nothings to each other. Forget everything and venture to the island to explore museums, shops and eateries in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.
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Staithes Harbour, Yorkshire
With winding streets and character cottages, Staithes is a harbour village in Yorkshire lost in time. Caught from the port itself, stop for a romantic seafood lunch at Whitby Seafish in the harbour of Staithes. After this, wander the traffic-free lanes and pick up a trail to the sandy beach on North Yorkshire's Jurassic Coast. Just perfect for a romantic getaway.
Port Gaverne, Cornwall
One of the quaintest coves in North Cornwall, the National Trust's Port Gaverne is a small, sheltered inlet neighbouring Port Isaac. There are plenty of rock pools and crevices to explore together, before heading to the Port Gaverne Hotel to tuck into some quality cuisine amongst a collection of local art.
In the morning, go hand-in-hand along the shore with your loved one for a memorable seaside stroll. Soak up more sights - a sloping sandy beach, jagged cliffs and a dramatic coastal path in an area made famous by the likes of Doc Martin and Poldark - a truly romantic setting.
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A little taste of Italy, Portmeirion, Wales
It really will feel like you’ve whisked your beloved across the continent when you take them to this coastal village in North Wales. Designed to resemble a quintessential Italian village, Portmeirion is a colourful and quirky township that is just a joy to peruse. Marvel at its architecture and rest awhile in the sub-tropical gardens. Dine out in the renowned restaurants and cafes or add the icing to the cake with a spa treatment in a stunning setting. Lastly, an authentic Italian-style gelato cannot be missed as you make this a trip to remember forever.
Breathtakingly beautiful romantic things to do
Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons
Stargazing is an extremely cute date idea. It's breathtaking in its simplicity, as all you really need is a great location and each other. A great place to gaze up at the stars is in the magical International Dark Sky Reserve in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Choose a meaningful date, a time that is special to you both and brush up on a little astrology or astronomy if you want to keep the conversation flowing. To make it that little bit more memorable, bring a little flask of hot chocolate or even a drop of wine. With beautiful, clear skies above, grab a blanket, have a cuddle and ponder your amazing existence.
Horse-drawn carriage, Bath
A city that draws couples to it with its pretty architecture and Roman heritage, Bath is full of traditional parks and Georgian buildings. However, if you want to add a touch of true romance to your trip, you must see the sights of the city in style. Like a king and queen, take to the carriage and travel around the beautiful city of Bath, discovering the Royal Crescent, Royal Victoria Park and The Circus. Why not plan ahead and have the carriage pick you up, sightsee around the city and then have it drop you off at a romantic restaurant
Ice Skating at Somerset House, London
Take to the ice like Torvill and Dean (or like Bambi!) in the seasonal ice rink at London’s Somerset House. The famous Neoclassical building and twinkling Christmas lights set the perfect scene for winter romance, making this one of the top fun things to do in the UK for couples. With the backdrop of the 40ft Christmas tree in view, skate along surrounded by specially curated decorations by Moet & Chandon, as the festive music gives you the soundtrack you've been waiting for. Pick up a gift from Hotel Chocolat and then relax in the Skate Lounge where champagne and cocktails await, again provided by Moet & Chandon.
Honey cottage walk, Bibury
“The most beautiful village in England” - William Morris. Enough said!
OK, we'll say a little more. With honey-hued cottages and a network of dry-stone walls the length of the Great Wall of China, this cottage walk in Bibury is backed by huge swathes of undulating hillsides and welcoming country pubs to explore. The trail will take you through this renowned chocolate-box village, with its thatched-roofed cottages and trout-filled river, and you'll realise why it's one of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds. So, get out your camera, pull your loved one close and snap away.
Castell Coch, Wales
Dazzling ceilings and opulent furnishings await you in Castell Coch, an idyllic and opulent fort in South Wales. The 'Red Castle', as it is also known, is what happens when you have a lot of money and limitless imagination. Possibly inspired by fairy tales, the 13th-century castle with its conical roofs is surrounded by the ancient beech woodland of Fforest Fawr and stands out amongst the green foliage. Regularly voted as the Welsh public's favourite building, it's clear to see why it's one of Wales' top castles. Take a look inside too and marvel at the rich furnishings and Victorian interiors.
Gorgeous romantic gardens
Rosemoor Gardens, Devon
Nestled in the captivating Torridge Valley in Devon, Rosemoor Gardens is an RHS attraction full of romantic walks and resting spots to stop and take stock of the wonderful experiences you've had together so far. An enchanting place to visit in all seasons, you will discover flora and fauna, fountains, sculptures and exhibitions to share with one another. Add to this that it is an amorous choice for a wedding venue with a choice of seven settings throughout the gardens to exchange your vows. So, whether you're popping the question or saying 'I do', do it at Rosemoor.
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Traquair House, Scotland
Visit Scotland's oldest inhabited house and get lost together within Traquair House's hedge maze, not just within each other’s eyes. Planted in 1981, it is Scotland's largest hedge maze and has been known to be the location of many a wedding ceremony with couples getting married at the centre of the labyrinth (hopefully the page boy won't get lost with the rings!). One plucky fellow even lured his beloved to the centre to pop the ultimate question and then had some fireworks rigged to go off when she said 'Yes!' - luckily, she did answer in the affirmative.
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Chatsworth House, Peak District
View one of Europe’s most significant art collections, set within 105 acres of picturesque Peak District gardens, at Chatsworth House. It's the filming location for BBC's classic film Pride and Prejudice, one of the most romantic stories ever told.
Stroll around the beautifully appointed rooms, now the home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Christmas is an especially captivating time at Chatsworth, with over 25 rooms decorated using the stylings employed over the past 20 years. The garden, which has been maintained for close to 500 years showcases an impressive arboretum, a rock garden, sculptures and fountains.
When you're feeling peckish, visit one of the many restaurants and inns dotted across the estate
Arundel Castle, Sussex
Saunter around the castle's surroundings to live your own fairytale. Set high on a hill, Arundel Castle offers history through multiple eras, as well as beautiful gardens, furnishings, paintings and tapestries. Not to be confused with the kingdom from Frozen (although that too would be romantic), this castle in Sussex dates back nearly 1,000 years. It only received its gothic magnificence in the last 150 years which is still considered to be one of Victorian England's great architectural works. Some of the many gardens are award-winning plots so stroll around and take in the romantic fragrances of the Rose Garden and the grapes and lemons of the Glasshouses to name but two.
Handsome heights
Hot air balloon ride, Bristol
Privacy for two? Yes please! There aren't many more romantic things to do than taking one of the oldest and intimate forms of travel available. Give your loved one the gift of the whole sky when you take them up in a hot air balloon with a bottle of chilled prosecco and some strawberries.
Go above and beyond and view the city of Bristol from your very own hot air balloon. Alternatively, head to the annual International Balloon Fiesta to see hundreds of colourful hot air balloons take to the skies.
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
View things differently from the top of the city's 170-metre icon, Spinnaker Tower. This is a great place to visit in the UK for couples if you love romantic views of the night sky and the glistening harbour. After soaking up the views from the Sky Garden with its open roof, venture over to the glass-floored Sky Walk to watch the people of Portsmouth go about their business on land and sea. If you're a couple who love the taste of adrenaline, head over to the state-of-the-art VR experience, Altitude, which will take you out on a journey around one of the ribs that make up the landmark's spinnaker shape. Once you've built up an appetite, head to The Clouds cafe, where you can have an evening High Tea or a Sparkles package, enjoying prosecco over 100m up in the air.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh
Admire the view from the peak of one of Europe’s most handsome cities and one of Scotland's most romantic places, with panoramic views towards Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park. Calton Hill in Edinburgh is renowned for its historic monuments which comprise an important part of the city's skyline. Two of these masterpieces are the National Monument and the Nelson Monument. The former was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens but it never received the funding to see it completed. The latter, commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson, is shaped like an upturned telescope and features a time ball, which allowed ships of old in the Firth of Forth to set their timepieces accurately.
Ballroom Dancing, Blackpool
Go toe to toe in a ballroom dancing class with a stunning backdrop. Dating back to 1894, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom will transport you to a world of elegant charm and refined beauty. You may forget you're actually in Blackpool and think you're in the final scene of Disney's classic Sleeping Beauty, such is the opulence of this grand hall. Famous for its unique sprung dance floor, the ballroom features architecture so extravagant and lavish that the BBC deemed it necessary to host an episode of Strictly within its halls. Treat your loved one and show them how what a match made in heaven you truly are.
Elegantly edible romantic things to do
Lucy’s Tearoom, Stow on the Wold
Scone, jam and cream for two? Stop by this gorgeous Grade II-listed building and have an exquisite cream tea made fresh by friendly and passionate staff. Sit either inside the 300-year-old tea room or outside in the suntrap courtyard and enjoy a lovely afternoon of eating. Lucy's Tearoom is located in the picturesque Cotswolds setting of Stow on the Wold, which in itself is a romantic place to go for couples, but with its inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and flagstone flooring, Lucy's is definitely the perfect place to stop for a romantic afternoon tea.
Riddle and Finns, Brighton
Have the meal of a lifetime at Riddle and Finns, serving only the finest of champagne and freshly shucked oysters, with all the fun of this classic seaside resort just footsteps away. Coming highly recommended by Gordon Ramsay, this beachfront restaurant in Brighton serves a whole host of seafood and bubbles on exquisite marble tables in a room lit mostly by candles. They do operate a first-come-first-served system so you won't be able to reserve a table but it'll all be worth it once you have that first sip of champagne together.
Furleigh Estate, Dorset
Enjoy the fruits of Furleigh Estate’s labour by swilling the award-winning wine produced by vines in Salway Ash. Available for tours or just a drop-in to sample some of their exquisite harvests, the estate welcomes all to view their 85-acre vineyard and winery. Wander through the land, passing lakes and woodland teeming with wildlife, including deer, pheasants and partridges who happily roam the vineyards themselves.
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Somewhere scenic
Norfolk Lavender, Norfolk
Dance in the famous meadows of Norfolk Lavender and twirl hand in hand, just like in the movies! Norfolk is home to the National Lavender Collection, where you can wander amongst over 100 acres of fragrant lavender. Thought to have been introduced by the Romans 2,000 years ago, Lavender is known as the herb of cleanliness and calm. As you walk through the fragrant fields, you'll be reminded why this is one of the most romantic places to visit in the UK, and whilst the summer brings out the most vibrant colours, it is a destination that offers rewards all years and proves again why it's one of the best flower fields in the UK.
Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean
Explore the nooks and crannies of this magical wood, and let its otherworldly enchantment take you on a romantic journey like no other. Used for inspiration in Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Star Wars, the breathtaking Forest of Dean scenery can provide a romantic jaunt for nature lovers and sci-fi/fantasy lovers alike. Explore Puzzlewood's mile of meandering pathways, bridges and lookout points, which weave their way through a 14-acre ancient woodland and keep your eyes peeled for badgers, deer and foxes.
Picnic at Emsworthy, Dartmoor
Do you enjoy leisurely walks, romantic views and getting away from it all? Then you need to venture to Dartmoor and lose yourself in the beauty of its unforgettable tapestry. Enjoy each other’s company with a picnic of tasty treats at the nature reserve of Emsworthy Mire. Listen to the sound of birdsong and watch butterflies flutter around you as you picnic with your loved one. When you're done feeding each other figs and truffles, head down the gently sloping valley, taking in the sights of thousands of violet bluebells as you go.
Steam Train Ride over Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
Take a trip back in time aboard the classic steam train, made famous by the Harry Potter series. Often described as the greatest railway journey in the world, you'll take in many beautiful scenes on this 84-mile voyage in Scotland. From Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, to Loch Morar, Britain's deepest freshwater loch, you'll be able to sit back in comfort, hands in each other's laps as you marvel at sight after glorious sight. The 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, a top UK attraction for couples, overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument and if you're lucky, the train will pause a moment to take in the spectacular views.
Drive-in movie, Loch Lomond
A drive-in movie is a romantic treat in itself but it really is upgraded if the location is on point too. Why watch an adoring film in an empty car park when you can view it on the banks of Loch Lomond with Itison? Choose your film, order your street food from some of the best vendors in Scotland, and sit back to cuddle and snuggle in front of the world’s biggest mobile LED screen. As well as all this, whilst you’re waiting for the film to begin, you can get involved with in-car quizzes and their now-famous car-aoke!
Romance on the water
Punting in Cambridge
Recreate the Venetian tradition right in the heart of Cambridge. Curl up in each other’s arms for romance at its very finest, and let a tour guide take you through the awe-inspiring waterways of this wonderful city. Sit back on the comfy cushions, pull the blanket up around you both and open a bottle of bubbles if you so wish. If you want to impress your other half and celebrate your love in an even more unique way, why not take the lead and punt your way through the city's historic waters to explore Cambridge for yourself.
Boat on Lake Windermere, Lake District
Photograph the secluded surroundings together in your very own boat trip. Whether you choose to sit back on a lake cruise or navigate the lake yourself on a rowing boat, Lake Windermere is a simply stunning sight to behold. Windermere is the largest body of water in the Lake District and making memories together out on the water here is one of the best ways to appreciate the lake. Built to look like the traditional boats found on Windermere 200 years ago, the rowboats of Brockhole provide you with the privacy and romance needed to woo each other.
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Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
Take a dip with your loved one into a traditional Roman bath. Located on Hot Bath Street, so it should be easy to find, these waters are a stone's thrown from the city's 7th-century abbey so you can take in a little culture before soothing those muscles for the rest of the day. This is one of the most relaxing and romantic things to do in the UK for couples and here you can enjoy Britain's only natural thermal waters like the Celts and Romans did 2,000 years ago.
The Thermae Bath Spa offers two pools where you can sit back and soak in the naturally warm and mineral-rich waters. Choose from the Minerva Bath with its sociable columns, flowing curves and whirlpool, or the open-air pool where you can take in the city of Bath skyline. Add to this a treatment or two and you'll be floating on air as you wander around in your complementary robe and flip-flops. Lovely!
Dolphin spotting, Cardigan Bay, Wales
Get closer to nature and closer to the one you love by sharing a magical experience with them in Wales. Head to Cardigan Bay’s Special Area of Conservation and encounter the heralded bottlenose dolphin as well as Atlantic grey seals and watch them play merrily around your boat. When they’ve had their fun and you’ve snapped your photos, the boat may take you to explore the hidden sea caves which are sometimes used by the seals as pupping sites. Make this a ‘Bay to remember’!
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Enjoy remote romance at the foot of Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye and take your dearest for a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters of the Fairy Pools. This is wild swimming at its best so make sure you head down early if you want the area to yourselves. As you slip into the cool waters with the one you love, thinking of all the rolling hills and dazzling waterfalls you passed to get here, embrace and wonder if there really are any fairies watching you from behind the rocks in this magical and mystical place.
Self-catering romantic holiday cottages
Looking for your perfect romantic escape? The possibilities are almost endless - what takes your fancy from our list? Perhaps you now have several ideas for romantic holidays or are planning a road trip across the country together.
From beachside retreats to country hideaways, our romantic cottages in the UK are perfectly placed to be able to enjoy these wonderful days out. Whisk your loved one away to one of our romantic cottages for a holiday the two of you will never forget.
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