Whether you’re a new couple or together for years, choosing the right romantic getaway can be tricky. Based on experience and careful research to make sure there’s something for everyone, I’ve gathered a selection of the best romantic getaways in the UK for you to choose from.
- Romantic getaways in Scotland
- Romantic getaways in England
- Romantic getaways in Wales
- Romantic getaways in Northern Ireland
Romantic getaways in the UK: Scotland
From misty highlands to historic cities, Scotland is the perfect place for couples who want to step into a rugged fairytale.
Wander the Highlands from The Torridon
The stunning scenery and serene seclusion of Scotland’s highlands are the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. You’ll find no shortage of excellent hotels throughout the highlands, but The Torridon Boutique Resort is special.
Spanning 58 acres of parkland at the edge of a lake, you can stay in five-star luxury in the main house, cosy comfort in The Stables, or have privacy in The Boathouse. If you feel like getting active, the hotel offers a range of outdoor activities and equipment too.
Explore Edinburgh together
Edinburgh is one of my top picks for a couple’s trip. You can easily spend a weekend (or longer) wandering the Royal Mile’s cobblestones and exploring cafes, pubs and boutiques. You should consider treating yourselves to an afternoon tea at The Balmoral too. Whereas if you like the outdoors, hiking up Arthur’s Seat to see the sunrise is a must.
If you are looking for somewhere romantic to stay the Prestonfield House is my favourite. Nestled under Arthur’s Seat, this 17th-century estate is a gorgeous hidden gem, home to opulent furnishings and fascinating antiques. Don’t miss the highland cows and peacocks that roam the hotel grounds.
Romantic getaways in the UK: England
With seaside retreats and forest escapes, England has a wealth of romantic getaways to offer.
Take in the seaside at The Grand Brighton
Just a short trip from London, Brighton is one of the best places in the UK for a romantic seaside getaway. For somewhere special to stay the historic Grand Brighton more than lives up to its name. Cutting an imposing, Victorian figure on Brighton’s seafront, a sea-view room at this hotel will be the cherry on top of your trip.
The rooms evoke elegant seaside chic with plenty of natural lighting. Whereas the Art Deco bar is a great place to unwind after you check in (try their signature Victoria Martini) and the couches make it easy to slip into your own world. As for things to do, Brighton has a bunch of great parks, restaurants, bars and nightlife too.
A weekend in Oxford
If you and your partner love history, you will love a romantic weekend getaway in Oxford. When it comes to accommodation, The Randolph is my pick for couples. The lush, elegant rooms are perfect for winding down, the spa services are indulgent (don’t skip the Turkish steam bath) and its location is ideal for sightseeing.
The hotel is opposite the Ashmolean Museum where you can spend a few hours exploring their collection of art and artefacts. (If you’re in the middle of venue shopping, they also host weddings).
Different couples will enjoy different parts of this bustling city, but some crowd-pleasers include walking through the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, taking a champagne-filled river cruise and skating at the Oxford Ice Rink.
Michelin-star dining in London
With restaurants offering top-quality meals from all over the world, couples who love food will find plenty to entertain them in London. For an extra special night choose La Dame de Pic London. Book a booth at this Two-Michelin-Starred restaurant and enjoy fine dining masterminded by Anne-Sophie Pic, who holds ten Michelin stars in total across her restaurants.
I recommend the tasting menu, so you can enjoy a range of foods and share your favourite dishes. It’s located in the Four Seasons Hotel Trinity Square, close to the Tower of London and The Shard, one of the best viewpoints in the city and a classic place to pop question.
An unusual romantic getaway
While couples’ holidays are usually about spending time alone with each other, doing a social activity together can be a fun way to bond.
Romance meets mystery at these gorgeous estates
My favourite option for couples looking for unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK is a murder mystery weekend. At these events, you and your partner can dress up, get into character and try to solve the mystery. The De Vere Group and Murder 57 are some of the best murder mystery companies in England, offering stays at the Horwood House and the Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel And Spa.
A treehouse tryst in Devon
If you are looking for a more secluded unusual romantic getaway check out Pickwell Manor, nestled in Devon’s countryside. Pickwell has a range of excellent self-catering accommodation options, but if you’re looking for a unique romantic weekend away choose to sleep amongst the trees.
The whole experience feels like a fun adventure. Once you arrive you’ll park at a wooden hut where you’ll find a wheelbarrow (for your luggage) and a lantern to light your way through the woods to your treehouse. With an open-plan layout, a spacious balcony and a bubbling hot tub, you’ll never want to leave.
Romantic getaways in the UK: Wales
Wales’ sweeping countryside makes it one of the best destinations in the UK for a couples camping retreat.
Camp (or glamp) at Pembrokeshire’s Top of the Woods
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a cheap romantic getaway in the UK is to get out into nature and go camping. At Top of the Woods in Pembrokeshire, you can pitch your own tent in their gorgeous wildflower meadow for just £16 a night. If you don’t have your own tent, or you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, their Glamping Domes and Safari Lodges are perfect.
You’ll still be one step away from the meadow, but you’ll have all the creature comforts of home indoors. Both include a wood-burning stove and kitchen appliances and the lodges have electricity. The domes and lodges automatically include a firepit and if you’re bringing your own tent, I highly recommend hiring one from the campsite. Things don’t get much more romantic than cuddling up by the fire, under the stars.
A farm stay in the Black Mountains
If you’re looking for a self-catering getaway, farm stays are a great option. They’re perfect for couples looking for true seclusion, allowing you to cosy up in your own cottage all day long. There are plenty of options in Wales, particularly around the Brecon Beacons National Park, but the Starlight Cottage has a few extra touches that make it stand out.
The cottage is on the grounds of an organic farm nestled high up in the Black Mountains. Inside it blends classic and modern styling with exposed beams and contemporary furnishings. Here you can relax and gaze out over the peaceful pastures.
The best part is that there’s a private spa close by that offers massages, beauty treatments and yoga classes. If you don’t want to use the well-equipped kitchen, you can also head to the local pub, under a mile away.
Romantic getaways in the UK: Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s idyllic forests and grand estates set the scene for your next date night.
Forest Spa retreat in Enniskillen
If you and your partner are looking for a rejuvenating romantic retreat the Finn Lough Forest Hideaway in Enniskillen is the perfect destination.
Finn Lough offers unique dome accommodation with transparent roofs, allowing you to sleep under the stars in comfort. During the day embark on the two-hour-long Elements Trail spa where you’ll stop at different private cabins including a Finnish Sauna, a Float Room and a Herbal Sauna.
Roughly one and a half hours from Belfast, the Finn Lough Forest Hideaway also makes a great day trip or stop off on a road trip through Northern Ireland’s countryside.
A country estate close to Belfast
The Culloden Estate and Spa is an idyllic retreat around 15 minutes from the centre of Belfast. You and your partner can enjoy the spa’s Sequoia Couple Serenity massage before retreating back to your room with views of the surrounding gardens and the Belfast Lough.
While the fine dining offered at the hotel’s restaurant, Vespers is unforgettable, one of my favourite parts of this hotel is the Cultra Inn. This traditional Irish pub on the hotel’s grounds offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a log fire in the winter and alfresco dining in summer. If you’re away for the weekend, head into Belfast and spend a few hours wandering around St. George’s Market together.
The UK has plenty of options for an incredible romantic retreat, from castles to spas with something to suit every couple. Looking for something extra special? Check out the top proposal spots or to kick off the year right, the best New Year’s Eve breaks for couples in the UK.
