Best romantic getaways: Top 3 UK destinations for the perfect couple's break
There’s an abundance of unique and adventurous romantic getaways to be had across the UK, that are perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthday celebrations or pure-and-simple spontaneous weekend escapes. And there’s no need to break the bank if you’re on a tight budget, nor to use up lots of annual leave – a staycation in the UK can save you all that hassle! Since good things always come in threes, we’ve rounded up some podium-placing top picks of the UK’s most romantic destinations. So, whether you’ve been dating a year or have been married for ten, there’s an unforgettable minibreak waiting for you, that’s sure to get those sparks flying! Read on for charming country retreats, or action-packed city break ideas!
Where is the most romantic place in the UK? The Lake District tops the list for an unforgettable stay!
Nothing sets the scene for romance quite like nature. So, if you're looking to impress, take your other half on a road trip into the depths of the picturesque English countryside! When it comes to the ultimate picture-perfect backdrop, the Lake District goes unrivalled. After all, it was the inspiration behind the poems of many of the great Romantics, like Wordsworth and Coleridge. With its immense green mountains, winding valleys, and glimmering lakes that mirror back the stunning landscape that stretches as far as they eye can see, it's easy to see why. Whether you head to this UNESCO world heritage site for a day date that's packed with adventure, or decide to make the most of the breathtaking scenery by staying a little longer and spending a night or two in one of the many cosy cottages located in and around the Lakes, you can be confident that visiting this heavenly location will put romance on the cards. With no end of walking trails, you can set off for a romantic stroll in any direction you choose – just remember to take your walking boots with you! If you and your partner enjoy being put through your paces, why not take on England's highest mountain together and embark upon Scaffold Pike (get prepped with the help of our UK Mountain Guide). Nothing unites a couple and gets your heart pounding like a hardcore challenge! Plus, you can always head to a nearby local pub for a well-earned dinner date upon your descent. If you prefer to take it easy though, then amble in the direction of Friars Cragg in quest of a unique vantage point. The views alone are enough to make you swoon, and this idyllic spot – overlooking Derwentwater – is the perfect place to snuggle up on a bench and spend some quality time with your partner, free from the distractions of everyday life. Sit back, side by side, and soak up the beauty of the Lake District that unfolds before you! Other activities worth weaving into your time here are a visit to the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle (for a truly romantic atmosphere, time your trip for sunrise or sunset) and an afternoon paddle around one of the many lakes in a hired-out rowing boat. If you're wanting to feel all loved-up, the Lake District is the place to go!
Wondering where you can go to spend a romantic weekend or night away in the UK? How about a short stay in Edinburgh?
If city breaks are more your thing, why not head to Scotland's utterly romantic capital? Though relatively small, Edinburgh is one of those cities that simply has it all – a bustling and dynamic centre, a stunning skyline, green expanses, hills to hike and charming coastlines to explore. On top of all that, Edinburgh is a city that overflows with culture, art and history. Since there's no end of things to see and do here, it's the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend that's filled with excitement from start to finish! If you're in the mood for an up-hill, amorous adventure, you'll want to conquer Arthur's seat – an extinct Volcano and ancient fort that watches over the entire city. As it's pretty blowy up top, you might thank yourself if you take a windbreaker with you! For similarly spectacular panoramic views but an incline that's a little less physically intense, head up Calton Hill instead. Hovering directly over Princes Street (the city's major thoroughfare), this high-up hotspot is best enjoyed on a fine blue day, at sunset, or beneath the stars on a clear evening. Not only does it look out onto all the city's key landmarks, like the Sir Walter Scott Monument and Holyrood Palace, but it also offers sensational views of the Firth of Forth estuary and the architecturally impressive bridges that straddle it. Should you venture to Calton Hill in the daytime, you may well want to pop into the contemporary art centre that sits atop its summit too. We all know wandering around an exhibition is painstakingly romantic! As well as countless art galleries, the city of Edinburgh has many other dreamy date locations: take a tour around the National Museum of Scotland, saunter down the Royal Mile to the tune of bagpipes, take in the vision that’s Edinburgh Castle, amble hand in hand through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or venture towards Cramond Island or Portobello for a blissful beach walk. If you’re looking to splash out, you could even soak up some spa treatments in one of the city's many glamorous hotels! And if, after all that, you're still looking for ways to dial up the romance, then lucky for you Edinburgh is a foodie’s paradise – it has tons of options available, from fine dining to traditional pub-grub, along with some of the best whiskeys in the world! Trust us, you’re going to love it!
Escape to England's New Forest for a secluded staycation
If you're yearning for a peaceful mini-break, green surroundings, and a romantic retreat right in the heart of rural England, we know just the place... Only an hour and a half from London, the unblemished, natural oasis of the New Forest is the ideal Southern location to explore with your better half. One of the UK's must-visit National Parks, it is a patchwork of unenclosed pastureland, woodland and heathland, strewn with rich colours and intersected by clear rushing rivers. While they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there's no denying that the New Forest has what it takes to capture your heart – meaning it's the perfect place for a whirlwind weekend of romance! Wander through the vast open space with your closest companion, and enjoy catching sight of ponies, donkeys, cattle and deer en-route. If, instead of travelling on foot, you're keen for a little more excitement, then hop on a bicycle and make the most of the New Forest's numerous cycling routes for an unforgettable bike ride. Alternatively, saddle up and seize the opportunity to roam the New Forest on horseback. Just like the movies, this romantic staycation will see you and your soulmate riding off into the sunset together! As well as giving you a chance to max out on nature and confess your love among ancient trees, the New Forest also provides plenty of opportunity for fishing, sailing and pottering around cute, quaint villages. From the village of Beaulieu (which, quite romantically, means 'beautiful place' in French) to the bustling villages of Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst (the New Forest's unofficial capital), there's lots of hidden gems to discover. Spend an afternoon meandering through these towns, exploring their antique shops and stopping off for a drink in one of their many local pubs or cafes. Whatever you get up to, a trip to the New Forest is the perfect place for a fairytale romance.
Pack your bags and fall head over heels on holiday!
If you're wanting to sweep that special someone off their feet, a change of scene is sure to help do the trick. Whether you settle upon the Lake District, Edinburgh or the New Forest, the flawless beauty of each of our handpicked locations is bound to tug at your heartstrings and impress your lover. So go on... whisk your partner away to one of these idyllic places and get ready for romance!