The Top 10 Romantic Destinations in the UK
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You don’t have to jet off to exotic beaches or Venetian canals for a romantic escape. From country retreats to glistening city scenes, the United Kingdom boasts some exceedingly romantic destinations. Think countryside walks in peaceful, tranquil surroundings followed by a multi-course country house hotel meal. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply treating a loved one, here are 10 top romantic destinations in the UK.
1. London - The Mandrake 5*
Stay in this charming boutique hotel and oasis in the heart of London. With a peaceful terrace overlooking pretty hanging gardens, you’re just a stone’s throw from bustling Soho. Rooms are kitted out with opulent furnishings, from plush velvet pillows to unique, bespoke artwork. It’s the perfect place to explore London’s most romantic hot spots, from scenic strolls along the South Bank to luxurious wining and dining.
2. Cambridge - Clayton Hotel Cambridge 4*
It doesn't get more romantic than a couple punting along the city’s tranquil canals and River Cam. Cambridge's historic university streets and leafy squares add a great atmosphere to your couple’s getaway. Explore its cobblestone avenues and watch the sunset over Parker's Piece. The Clayton Hotel is the perfect base, offering sophisticated interiors and a delightful lounge with a roaring fire when the evening draws in.
3. The Lake District - The Samling 4*
The serene splendour of the Lake District makes for an ideal couples' retreat. Enjoy long walks in the countryside beside tranquil lakes and ancient woodland. The Samling is the perfect overnight option. Resting on the northern edges of Lake Windermere, you can sit and watch the sunset from the hotel’s gorgeous gardens. Often voted among the best restaurant-hotels in the country, the Michelin-awarded menu is a culinary delight.
4. Edinburgh - The Bonham Hotel 5*
Edinburgh is among the country's most stunning romantic city breaks. Boasting impeccable food and important historic landmarks, nothing is better than sunsets over Edinburgh Castle. Explore this magical city before returning to The Bonham Hotel. Located in the leafy and luxurious West End, it provides guests with opulent rooms and delightful award-winning dining.
5. Castle Combe - The Manor House Hotel 5*
The Cotswolds is a picture-postcard rural getaway, with historic villages and pretty chocolate-box houses. Castle Combe is the perfect base from which to explore this charming region. There is an abundance of gentle walks and cosy, centuries-old pubs. The Manor House Hotel is among the top romantic destinations. Based in a 14th-century building, you have access to 365 acres of tranquil parkland and a Michelin-awarded restaurant. The interiors feature a delightful blend of period antiques and opulent mod cons for an unforgettable stay.
6. Whitby - Grinkle Park 4*
Whitby is a spectacular coastal escape that has inspired Gothic romantic novels for centuries, thanks to its enchanting medieval ruins. Split between 18th-century fishermen’s cottages and higgledy-piggledy streets, it’s the perfect couples' getaway. Enjoy sunsets across the bay while dining on the freshest seafood and fish brought straight from the boat. Grinkle Park is the perfect base from which to explore Whitby, offering 35 acres of gorgeous woodland and access to the North York Moors.
7. St Ives - Carbis Bay Hotel
One of Cornwall's most picturesque ports, St Ives is a charming blend of unbeatable beaches and slate-roofed cottages. Enjoy long walks by the beach followed by a meal at the renowned Porthminster Beach Café. The Carbis Bay Hotel is the perfect seaside retreat. Enjoy stunning views of the coast and harbour from your breakfast table or enjoy a cooling dip in the terraced pool.
8. Isle of Skye - Skeabost Country House Hotel
With picture-postcard waterfront villages and rugged inner terrain, the Isle of Skye is unmissable. As Scotland's second-largest island, you'll find a wide range of exciting museums, studios and galleries to enjoy. Take a sailing trip along the coast for stunning panoramas of towering sea cliffs or marvel at the magic of the island’s famed Fairy Pools. The Skeabost Country House Hotel is a romantic loch-side hotel, with luxury interiors and roaring open fires.
9. Stratford-upon-Avon - Billesley Manor Hotel 4*
Head to the heartland of British literature and explore Shakespeare’s birthplace. Read a love sonnet or two and take in a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Follow the canal towpath from Anne Hathaway's Cottage to Mary Arden's Farm for the most delightfully romantic outdoor excursions. The Billesley Manor Hotel is the perfect base, offering a charming century-old topiary garden and stunning 16th-century interiors. You can also indulge in a pampering spa after a day's sightseeing in Shakespeare's country.
10. Llyn Peninsula – Natural Retreats
For a truly remote and romantic experience head to the Llyn Peninsula in Wales. With unbeatable coastal vistas and a wild and rugged coastline, it’s the perfect break for those seeking seclusion. There are ample romantic excursions to enjoy in the vicinity, from quirky Portmeirion to Mount Snowdon. Natural Retreats gives you ultimate relaxation, with charming seaside cottages tastefully decorated in a welcoming country aesthetic.
The Voyage Privé travel expert’s opinion on romantic destinations in the UK
There are plenty of desirable getaways to treat your loved one to in the UK. From spectacular seaside scenery to moody mountain vistas, you'll find welcoming pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy in the evening. Watch the sunset or take a charming country walk amid picture-postcard valleys. The UK is quite simply bursting with romantic retreats, with cities, towns, villages and landscapes that have inspired the best poets, writers and painters.