22 most romantic locations in the UK
Planning on surprising your other half with a romantic weekend away? A staycation lets you escape life’s everyday distractions and enjoy some quality time together. But choosing where to stay isn’t always an easy task – after all, the UK is filled with gorgeous destinations. The number two has many connections with romance, so to help you with your plans, here are 22 of the most romantic locations in the UK.
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This includes the first 10 locations. Scroll further for all 22 romantic locations.
1. The Lake District
Location: Cumbria
Best for: Enjoying a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere together
The Lake District is a magnificent national park, encompassing much of Cumbria’s idyllic countryside. A lovely setting for a weekend break without the usual distractions, you’ve got the choice of completely unwinding or getting your walking boots on and discovering this stunning region together.
Romantic place to stay: The cosy one-bedroom Topiary Cottage is just two miles from the scenic town of Windermere in the Lake District.
2. Portree
Location: Isle of Skye
Best for: Picturesque strolls along the town’s colourful port
Portree is the largest town on the dramatic Isle of Skye, offering a wonderful selection of bars and eateries beside its pretty harbour – ideal for a date night together. A great place from which to explore the rest of the island – be sure to make a stop at the magical Fairy Pools if you have the time!
Romantic place to stay: Experience the peaceful and incredibly remote surroundings of Portree from The Bothy, a two-bedroom barn conversion near the coastal village of Staffin.
3. Bath
Location: Somerset
Best for: Unwinding in a traditional Roman bath
The historic city of Bath is perfect for a relaxing weekend away together. Spend an afternoon indulging in some well-deserved pampering at The Thermae Bath Spa – Britain’s only thermal spa with a fabulous rooftop pool.
Romantic place to stay: 1 Countess Chapel is a stylish two-bedroom home set right in the heart of Bath.
4. Llanddwyn Island
Location: Isle of Anglesey
Best for: Popping the question on this magical island
Set just off the golden sands of Newborough Beach on the Isle of Anglesey, Llanddwyn Island is a popular destination for proposals. Not only are the views absolutely gorgeous, but it’s said to be the home of the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
Romantic place to stay: Enjoy the peace and quiet of Tan Twr Farm Cottage in Anglesey, a charming two-bedroom home set within its own private garden.
5. Castle Combe
Location: Wiltshire
Best for: Strolling through the gorgeous streets of this historic village
Often named as the ‘prettiest village in England’, Castle Combe is steeped in beauty and rich in local history. It’s a really lovely place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon stroll, before heading into one of the local pubs for some tasty grub.
Romantic place to stay: Get back to basics at the cosy one-bedroom Jasmine Hut, Myrtle Farm, a quirky shepherd’s hut less than 15 miles from Castle Combe.
6. Notting Hill
Location: London
Best for: Spending the day at the Portobello Road Markets
The colourful houses of Notting Hill in London have been forever etched into movie history, but there’s more to it than being the setting of a rom-com classic. Take a stroll through its streets on Fridays and Saturdays and you’ll get to enjoy the eclectic Portobello Market – ideal for treating your other half to something special!
Romantic place to stay: Cosy up in the elegant Chelsea – Draycott Place Apartments, a lovely one-bedroom apartment nestled in the heart of the capital.
7. Stratford Upon Avon
Location: Warwickshire
Best for: Discovering the history of this pretty market town
A fabulous setting for a romantic getaway, Stratford Upon Avon is a quintessentially English town nestled in the idyllic Warwickshire countryside. Take walk through its picturesque streets lined with vibrant flower displays and historic Tudor architecture, before sitting beside the banks of the River Afon with a tasty picnic.
Romantic place to stay: Spring Cottage is a cosy one-bedroom home from home, nestled in the peaceful village of Snitterfield.
8. Durdle Door
Location: Dorset
Best for: Gazing out across Dorset’s magnificent coast at sunset
One of the most iconic landmarks along the entire Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch that has been featured on Dorset’s postcards for decades. It’s worth heading down just before sunset – the views are absolutely gorgeous.
Romantic place to stay: Apple Tree Cottage is a bright and airy home in Dorchester, just a short drive from Durdle Door and many other coastal landmarks in Dorset.
9. The New Forest
Location: Hampshire
Best for: Enjoying scenic walks together through Hampshire’s ancient forests
Enchanting glades, ancient forests, and heather-laden moorland – the New Forest National Park in Hampshire is a delightful setting for a romantic break away. From horse riding treks to cycling tours, there are plenty of ways to discover it together too!
Romantic place to stay: Pond View is a delightful one-bedroom log cabin, set on a working farm in the New Forest.
10. Bakewell
Location: Derbyshire
Best for: Having an indulgent afternoon tea in one of the town’s cosy cafes
While the town of Bakewell might be best known for its delicious shortcrust pudding, there’s plenty more to discover here. A peaceful setting for a relaxed romantic weekend away, you can spend your days strolling along the banks of the River Wye.
Romantic place to stay: 3 Old Hall Cottages is a two-bedroom holiday home in Bakewell, and offers a lovely retreat to return to after a busy day exploring the village.
11. Portmeirion
Location: Gwynedd
Best for: Experiencing a slice of Italy along the North Wales Coast
Portmeirion is a colourful tourist village in Gwynedd, less than ten minutes from the port town of Porthmadog. Built between 1925 and 1975 by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it was modelled in the style of a traditional Italian village. A gorgeous destination to enjoy a couple of days away together beside the scenic North Wales coast.
Romantic place to stay: Soak up the sights from the aptly-named Harbour View, a two-bedroom home with delightful views across Porthmadog.
12. Edinburgh
Location: Scotland
Best for: Hiking up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views
The historic city of Edinburgh is a lovely place to spend a weekend with your other half. Its cobbled streets are lined with an array of interesting boutiques, bars and eateries – and not to mention the mighty Edinburgh Castle that keeps watch over everything in the city below.
Romantic place to stay: Cosy up in front of the toasty log burner at Lilybank Apartment, an attractive two-bedroom home with lovely views across the Forth Road Bridges.
13. St Ives
Location: Cornwall
Best for: Soaking up the sunshine on the beach
If you and your partner both love the sights of sandy beaches and brilliant blue shores, then St Ives holiday cottages to rent might provide the perfect getaway for you. This popular Cornish town offers plenty to do – from browsing the local art galleries to enjoying a boat trip over to Seal Island.
Romantic place to stay: The Hobbit Flat is a bright and colourful one-bedroom fisherman’s cottage, close to St Ives’ beautiful beach.
14. Robin Hood’s Bay
Location: Yorkshire
Best for: Romantic strolls along the bay
Yet another lovely coastal location for a romantic break, Robin Hood’s Bay is an old fishing village set on Yorkshire’s beautiful north coast. Its tranquil sandy bay is perfect for a romantic evening walk, before popping into one of the local pubs to warm up.
Romantic place to stay: Minstead Cottage is a stylish two-bedroom home, conveniently located in the heart of the village.
15. Bibury
Location: Gloucestershire
Best for: Exploring the renowned Cotswolds AONB
Lined with characterful stone cottages and colourful hedgerows, Bibury is a picturesque village nestled within the Cotswolds AONB. A gorgeous setting to spend time with your other half, you can spend your weekend enjoying some of the lovely walking trails in the surrounding countryside.
Romantic place to stay: Coln Cottage is a lovely one-bedroom holiday home set within the ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, just a short drive from Bibury.
16. Oxford
Location: Oxfordshire
Best for: Visiting all the city’s interesting museums together
As well as being home to one of the most renowned universities in the world, the city of Oxford is full of interesting museums and galleries. A fabulous destination for couples who are self-confessed history buffs, you can fill your weekend with the Bodleian Library and the Museum of Natural History – among many more historic attractions.
Romantic place to stay: Unwind in the delightful setting of Country Cottage, a gorgeous one-bedroom home surrounded by the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside.
17. Primrose Hill
Location: London
Best for: Having a cute picnic together (if the weather permits!)
Planning a visit to the capital? If the sun is shining, pack a picnic basket and head to Primrose Hill to enjoy splendid skyline views across the City of London. Afterwards, you can pop into one of the trendy bars in Camden Town.
Romantic place to stay: Soho One is a contemporary one-bedroom apartment in the heart of London.
18. Hope Valley
Location: Peak District National Park
Best for: Walking to the summit of Mam Tor, before grabbing a tasty pub lunch
The dramatic surroundings of Hope Park are ideal for a hiking holiday together. From rock climbing to cycling, there’s plenty of adventure to be had in this beautiful part of the Peak District – you might even find a new outdoor hobby to enjoy together!
Romantic place to stay: Let Charlotte’s Cottage be your cosy hideaway for the weekend – a lovely one-bedroom retreat nestled within Hope Valley.
19. The English Riviera
Location: Devon
Best for: Sipping cocktails beside Torbay’s bustling harbour
The English Riviera is a 22-mile stretch of South Devon’s stunning coastline. With its picturesque villages, sandy beaches and glittering ports – it’s a delightful location for a romantic break, especially in the warm summer months.
Romantic place to stay: Close to Torquay’s seafront, Blue Harbour Cottage is a pretty two-bedroom holiday home set along the stunning English Riviera.
20. Kynance Cove
Location: Cornwall
Best for: Taking a dip in the Kynance Cove Mermaid Pool
Set on the west coast of Lizard, Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed locations. It can get quite busy, so it’s worth heading over in the early morning or the evening to avoid the crowds.
Romantic place to stay: It’s just a short drive to Kynance Cove from Morvoren, a stylish three-bedroom retreat in Landewednack, Lizard.
21. Giant’s Causeway
Location: Northern Ireland
Best for: Getting a scenic selfie together at this unique landmark
The Giant’s Causeway is an iconic World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Its unique landscape was formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption, but legends say that it was actually an Irish giant known as Finn MacCool who created the causeway. Regardless of its origin, it’s a great place to grab some scenic snaps together!
Romantic place to stay: Just a ten-minute drive from the Giants Causeway, Woodleigh Cottage is a cosy two-bedroom home near Ballycastle.
22. Loch Lomond
Location: Scotland
Best for: Exploring the dramatic landscape of the Trossachs National Park
Surrounded by wild countryside, the mirror-like waters of Loch Lomond stretch over 95 miles across the national park. If you don’t feel like hiking, you can always see the sights on a romantic lake cruise or boat tour.
Romantic place to stay: Nestled within the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Quarry Cottage is a cosy one-bedroom base for all your hiking adventures.
