Couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to booking a romantic weekend in the UK. From dreamy canal walks and thrill-seeking adventures to candlelit restaurants and charming cobbled streets, the UK is full of romantic destinations. So get ready to whisk your partner away for some much-needed quality time with our round-up of the best cities to visit in the UK for couples.
York
Location: Yorkshire Hugged by ancient Roman walls, York is renowned for its deep-rooted history. And it’s so compact you can easily explore it all on foot. Hop from shops, to cafes, to bars as you soak up York’s vibrant culture. This incredible North Yorkshire city is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park too!
Cost: £££
How to get there: York is easy to reach from most major UK cities – Leeds (45m), London (2h 30m), Edinburgh (2h 42m), and Manchester (1h 28m).
Best things to do: Hire a York City Cruise boat and take in the beautiful sights from the River Ouse. Stop by the impressive York Minster, and have a date night at the Everyman Cinema.
Cambridge
Location: Cambridgeshire If you’re visiting Cambridge for a romantic getaway, there’s plenty to see and do. The city is mostly known for its history and the university, but it also has a hugely vibrant culture. Couples will love the intimate dinner settings and quiet bars to cosy up in. As for entertainment, there are galleries, theatres and music venues aplenty.
Cost: ££££
How to get there: Cambridge is well connected to other UK cities. From London you’ll reach Cambridge in 1h 19m, Birmingham in 2h 47m, Liverpool in 4h 13m and Norwich in 1h 20m.
Best things to do: Hire a bicycle and tour the city on two wheels, or go wine-tasting at the Cambridgeshire Wine School. And a trip to Cambridge isn’t complete without a punting tour along the River Cam!
Bath
Location: Somerset Home to the world-famous Roman baths, Bath is one of the best cities to visit in the UK for couples. Relax, unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life with your partner in this romantic city. But aside from the rejuvenating baths and spas, Bath is also brimming with heritage, Georgian architecture and an incredible food and drink scene.
Cost: ££££
How to get there: It’s easy to travel to Bath, take the train from London (2h 9m), Bristol (15m) or Reading (1h 3m). Best things to do: Visit Dyrham Park and its impressive stately home, take in the views of the city from above at Bath Abbey Tower, or relax in Britain’s only natural thermal spa, Thermae Bath Spa.
Edinburgh
Location: Scotland With its stunning backdrop of the dramatic Edinburgh Castle, the city has long been a favourite for spending time together on romantic weekends away. It’s not hard to see why either, charming cobbled streets, traditional whisky pubs and an exciting cultural scene mean you’re never too far from something to do in Edinburgh.
Cost: £££
How to get there: Wherever you live in the UK, heading for a romantic break in Edinburgh is a breeze. Get there from Manchester in 3h 39m, London in 5h 20m, Leeds in 3h 2m, and Glasgow in 1h 10m.
Best things to do: Nothing says a romance more than a night under the stars at the Royal Observatory. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, go for coffee and cake at The Elephant House cafe where J. K. Rowling penned some of the famous books. You could even take a picnic and watch the sunset from South Queensferry.
Norwich
Location: Norfolk Voted the most romantic city in the UK, Norwich had to be on our list of the best cities to visit for couples. The city centre is brimming with award-winning dining experiences, cosy bars and romantic sights. Admire its medieval architecture and heritage as you stroll around the city hand-in-hand.
Cost: ££
How to get there: You can board direct trains from Cambridge (1h 22m), Peterborough (1h 35m), and London (1h 55m).
Best things to do: Take the short drive to the Norfolk Broads for romantic walks around enchanting waterways and canals. Pack a picnic and be with nature at the Plantation Garden. Or catch an evening show at the Norwich Theatre Royal.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Location: Warwickshire This romantic market town is best known as William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Wander Stratford-upon-Avon’s streets and walk in the footsteps of the famous playwright. Packed with a rich history and quintessentially English heritage, there’s an eclectic mix of independent shops, palate-pleasing restaurants and popular attractions to explore.
Cost: £££
How to get there: Travel by train from Cheltenham (3h 22m), London (2h 23m) or Birmingham (49m).
Best things to do: See one of Shakespeare’s plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, take a romantic stroll around the Canal Basin, or stop off for a drink in the Old Thatch Taven – the town’s oldest pub.
Liverpool
Location: Merseyside Looking for a city break for couples? Liverpool is sure to be a memorable experience. Its gorgeous waterfront is a hotspot for foodies, and of course, the city has a rich music scene, too. If you want to impress your partner, try taking them to one of Liverpool’s secret bars! And if you wanted to venture further afield, the Peak District or Lake District are perfect for day trips.
Cost: ££
How to get there: Regular train services run from Manchester (55m), London (3h 2m), and Leeds (1h 52m).
Best things to do: Travel across the famous River Mersey on the River Mersey Ferry Cruise. Let go of all that stress at the world-class Hope Street Hotel Spa. For something a little different, have a giggle with your loved one at Velocity Widnes, the UK’s largest inflatable park.