Looking to reignite the spark in your relationship? Perhaps you want to celebrate a special anniversary or even just get to know one another a little better? Either way, when it comes to the UK, romance certainly isn’t dead and there’s a whole host of places that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with.
Bath
Best for: Taking it slow
Romantic thing to do: Enjoy an afternoon at the Thermae Bath Spa
You only have to look at pictures of Bath so see how beautiful it is, and when you’re there it gets even better. For starters, it’s famous all over the world for its Roman Baths which were built in the 1800s and are still intact today. After wandering around the cobbled streets, and having a quick history lesson, there’s plenty of places to relax your body and mind – and one of the best places to say cheers has to be the city’s incredible rooftop pool at the Thermae Spa. Incredible architecture also provides lots of picture-perfect opportunities for your romantic weekend away.
Edinburgh
Best for: Food-focused romantic getaways
Romantic thing to do: Have a picnic at Arthur’s Seat
Popular with honeymooners, Edinburgh is a great place if you’re looking to spend some quality time with your better half. There’s so much to see and do – whether you fancy sightseeing, shopping or even exploring the city with your tastebuds. In fact, it’s firmly putting itself on the foodie map. From award-winning menus to pop up fusion shacks, there’s something for every flavour and budget. Plus, after exploring the ancient streets, why not trek up to Arthur’s Seat, find a quiet spot and take in the views with a bottle of bubbly by your side? You’re also ideally located if you want to visit Edinburgh Castle and the nearby Loch Lomond.
Cambridge
Best for: Getting those picture-perfect moments
Romantic thing to do: Go punting up the River Cam
Quintessentially British, Cambridge has lots of romantic things to do. You can start your day with champagne brunch in one of the many organic cafes, then treat your other half to some retail therapy or stock up on some goods for a mid-afternoon picnic. Of course, a trip here isn’t complete without some time near the canals – which have frequently appeared in films and books. Steeped in history, the city has plenty of stories to bring to life and, after dark, a fantastic social scene makes it a great place to let your hair down. You know what they say, couples that party together… get hangovers together.
York
Best for: Lots of activities
Romantic thing to do: Take part in a gin tasting experience
York is home to a rich history, beautiful architecture, lovely waterways and lots of activities such as chocolate making, gin tasting and even ghost tours! And, whether you want to spend time making your own adventures or prefer to join a guided tour, you won’t be disappointed. There’s also lots of award-winning pubs, bars and restaurants – whether you’re looking for a candlelit dinner or want to release a little friendly competition at the Arcade Bar and enjoy some quick snacks on the go.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Best for: A cultured weekend
Romantic thing to do: Choose a show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
As Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon has inspired many love stories, poems and paintings over the years making it the perfect place to appreciate your partner. Visit the theatre, head to Shakespeare’s birthplace and wander along the River Avon before stopping in one of the UK’s oldest pubs. Every Sunday and Bank Holiday, the area’s famous market is set up too which has stalls selling food, clothing, homeware and more. It’s the perfect place to purchase some goodies for a romantic night in back at your holiday accommodation.
The Cotswolds
Best for: Getting away from life’s stresses
Romantic thing to do: Feast on a seasonal tasting menu at one of the restaurants
From Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe to Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury (the UK’s most beautiful village), it doesn’t get much more romantic than a weekend in the Cotswolds. Just picture it now: you’ve hired out a cosy cottage, you go for walks deep in the countryside without another soul in sight, and you stumble across ancient pubs that serve up delicious seasonal menus made from local produce. Many of the walks and establishments are also dog-friendly so it’s the perfect place if your other half doesn’t like to go anywhere without the dog.
St Ives
Best for: A proper holiday feeling
Romantic thing to do: Ride a couple’s jet ski along the coastline
Having been named one of the world’s most wishlisted places, St Ives in Cornwall goes hand in hand with romance. Plus, when the weather’s on your side, you could actually be somewhere international. Spend your days on the beach, soaking up the rays. Take part in some couple’s water sports and don’t forget to book a table at one of the award-winning romantic restaurants and enjoy cocktails at sunset. Plus, if the rain does make an appearance, we can’t imagine a more picturesque place to cosy up to your loved one as you watch the rainy sea views ahead.
Lake District
Best for: Time away from social media
Romantic thing to do: Explore England’s largest lake by boat
The Lake District is home to some of the UK’s best-loved countryside and, even if you’re not a big walker, places like Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere still make for a fantastic break. Here, you’ll find rolling green hills, gastro pubs, quaint tea rooms and plenty of activities on dry and wet land. That’s not all as there’s also glacial lakes, rugged mountains and bundles of wildlife to keep your eyes peeled for. After a day out exploring, you can’t go wrong with a chilled evening in your very own lodge, with a glass of bubbles in the hot tub. Perfection.
Dorset
Best for: Incredible backdrops
Romantic thing to do: Go kayaking around Durdle Door
Dorset offers the best of both worlds – amazing coastline and beautiful countryside, and there’s plenty of scenery just waiting to be snapped away. In fact, if you’re looking for somewhere for a romantic proposal, you can’t go wrong with the Jurassic Coast. As well as this, there’s Durdle Door and Corfe Castle and the beach is also ideal for a lazy day. Pack a bag full of games, don’t forget your other half’s favourite food and drink, and take a waterproof disposable camera for some unforgettable memories splashing around.
Isle of Skye
Best for: Magical adventures
Romantic thing to do: Walk up to the waterfall at Fairy Pools
You get to the Isle of Skye by a connecting bridge off the north west coast of Scotland, which is a pretty impressive way to start your romantic break. It’s the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and is home to rugged landscapes, lochs and quaint pubs and cafes. Trips here might be slower paced but it means you have all the time in the world to spend with your loved one – and we guarantee you won’t have been anywhere as pretty as the harbours here. From boating and hiking to train rides and castle tours, there’s plenty of activities that are sure to find a place in your heart.
The Peak District
Best for: Getting the heart pumping
Romantic thing to do: Enjoy a bike ride along the Monsal Trail
Not only are you guaranteed to fall in love with the Peak District but there’s lots of activities that are sure to get your heart racing. The national park itself covers more than 550 square miles with a mix of dry and wet fun. If you do want to take things slower however, why not spend the day in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester or even South and West Yorkshire? Packed with cities, market towns and beautiful countryside, you’ll find michelin-starred restaurants, lively cocktail haunts and lots of places ideal for those special moments.
Harrogate
Best for: Park dates
Romantic thing to do: Book a table at Betty’s for champagne afternoon tea
Sitting pretty in North Yorkshire, Harrogate is an impressive spa resort that still has a pump room intact. Just like Bath, there’s also a Turkish Baths and Health Spa which attracts visitors from afar. But when you’re not busy bringing past stories to life, you can take it slow in the Valley Gardens, peruse the many shops or even book a table at one of the cafes or award-winning restaurants. At night, there’s a great social scene for couples and you’re also not too far from York or Leeds if you want to make a proper road trip out of it.
London
Best for: A proper British weekend
Romantic thing to do: Have drinks up the Shard
How could we not include the UK’s capital city?! From sightseeing to sports, live music to culture, there’s something for everyone and this city certainly knows how to do luxury romance. Start your day with a fizzy breakfast, before hailing down a taxi and heading to one of the department stores. Treat your other half to something fancy, before wandering along the South Bank and taking in the views. Head to one of the michelin-starred restaurants for a long, boozy lunch and then spend your afternoon relaxing in one of the 5* spas. That’s before we even mention the amazing accommodation and your plans for the evening…
So, there you have it. Our round up of the most romantic places in the UK. Of course, for a proper romantic break, you need heart pumping accommodation. While you could choose one of the luxury hotels in the UK, we’ve got something that will be remembered for all the right reasons. A luxury hot tub break for two is ideal for all ages, weather and budgets and we have them all over the UK!