The Best Romantic Getaways in the UK

Looking for romantic long weekend getaways in the UK? From countryside chic to cool city stay, we have a few dreamy ideas to send Paris packing…

Rolling hills, lakes galore, and chocolate box villages - the Lake District is the perfect choice for couples seeking an active romantic getaway in the country. Whether you want a pretty B&B, a magical mansion stay, or to book in for romantic cabin getaways in the UK complete with a hot tub, the Lake District has it all. This corner of England is also home to Michelin starred restaurants, award-winning pubs, and impeccable picnic spots. From a gentle stroll to a full-scale hike - walkers will be in their element when exploring the Lake District. Catch a sunrise at the Castlerigg Stone Circle. On warm weather days, you can rent a rowing boat and drift out on Lake Windermere or hit one of the many wild swimming spots. Home to one of England's most romantic poets, Grasmere is gorgeous with its babbling streams and gingerbread shop.

The ancient town of Cambridge offers one of the best romantic long weekend getaways in the UK. Compact enough to explore on foot, leave the car behind. Famed for being an elite university town, Cambridge is steeped in tradition. The architecture is all honey-coloured stone and ornate spires. In particular, couples should work a visit to Kings College into their itinerary to drink up those riverside views and whisper secrets in the stunning chapel. Rent bicycles and pedal through the leafy parts of town or take part in the national pastime of punting down the river. Evenings can be spent sipping and swirling at the Cambridgeshire Wine School or leaping into each other's arms on a ghost tour.

The Tuscany of England, the Cotswolds is pure romance. If you are wondering 'where can I go for 2 nights in the UK', look no further. Pockets of pretty thatched cottages can be found across the six counties, each village with its own unique charm. Even beyond the village greens, couples can find castles, churches, and falcon centres to explore. Bibury is the poster child of the Cotswolds and even William Morris called it 'the most beautiful village in England'. Walk down Arlington Row with its 17th-century weaver's cottages lining the banks of the River Coln. In summer, the nearby lavender fields perfume the air, and in the winter - fireside pubs welcome frostbitten fingers to dine on wholesome fayre.

You don't have to splurge on your next romantic getaway. These budget-friendly destinations remind us that the poets were right - there is no wealth but love…

North Yorkshire's cathedral city is another quirky romantic getaway. With a tightly wound medieval centre and the York Minster at the heart, it's a great choice for a small city break. After seeing the stunning cathedral, couples can pick a cafe along the quaint historical street of The Shambles. From pottery painting to wine tasting, York hums with activity. Chocolate lovers can treat each other and learn a little about history at York's Chocolate Story. There are countless choices of accommodation - simple B&Bs orcosy hotels and nooks and crannies perched atop pubs.  The birthplace of another of Britain's love poets - WH Auden, York inspires sweet nothings.

Bristol is arty and hip and full of cool speakeasy bars, making it perfect for a quick fling. While it may not be the first place you think of when planning a romantic break, the city has so much to offer. A world-class art scene means you can indulge in a cultured afternoon seeking out the best street art, museums, and pop up galleries. Grab a delicious dinner and split a bottle of wine at one of the quirky waterfront restaurants and take an outdoor swim at the steamy Clifton Lido. Evenings are all about sniffing out the best cocktail bars in Bristol. The Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel sets a romantic scene. Located in a Grade I listed building and full of Victorian heritage, guests can enjoy mellow mood sharing boards and cocktails in the Keepers Kitchen & Bar. After, you can unwind in the steam room after a day exploring the town.

The seaside village of Staithes is a stone's throw from the popular town of Whitby. Spilling down into the sea, Staithes is a tiny town with a lot of charm. Take the steep coastal path down into the old part of the village to explore the ginnels and salt-crusted cobbled streets. Connect with local culture in the Staithes Art Gallery and go rock pooling on the tidal beach. With the North York Moors right on your doorstep, there's plenty of hikes to tempt you out into the wild. Whitby is also down the road with its ruined Abby and gothic romance. After blustery moorland walks, head to one of the local pubs to curl up beside the fire.

Special occasion settings don't come any finer than the following spots. With five-star sophistication, you can plan the perfect luxury escape…

Where is the most romantic place in the UK? With spa days and hot air balloon rides, Edinburgh has the answer. Edinburgh knows how to deliver when it comes to luxury romantic getaways. The Scottish capital is packed to the hilt with five-star hotels, castle sights, world-class museums, and gourmet dining spots. Climb Arthur's Seat for stunning city views and visit Edinburgh's Castle for a nibble of history. Stroll arm in arm along the Royal Mile that takes you from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The pretty mile-long street takes you through the old town and is lined with quirky shops and the city's top tier restaurants. Shopping on the cobbled streets of the ritzy west end is the perfect spot for picking up a tailored designer kilt. Whisky lovers can take a tasting tour or for a one of a kind experience, you can hire the Queens Royal Yacht.

The Big Smoke is the perfect choice for a glitzy romantic break. The capital serves up a classic couples escape with a wide choice of wonderful hotels for every budget and no shortage of things to do. Days can be spent wandering the art stuffed halls of the V&A and over-indulging at a ritzy afternoon tea. Take long meandering walks and charming cheeseboard picnics on the lawns at Hampstead Heath.  As evening rolls around, stand in awe at a Waterloo sunset, hit the West End for a world-class show, or enjoy a spot of stargazing at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

Bath is one of the best destinations for romantic spa getaways in the UK. The Thermae Bath Spa is steamy bliss.  Start the day soaking in a rooftop pool overlooking rising spires. Book a private tour for two of Bath Abbey with its gleaming stained glass windows. Literary lovers can stroll hand in hand along Gravel Walk - the stomping grounds of Jane Austen. On warm weather days, you can rent a boat and punt down the River Avon or explore the Botanical Gardens. Skip wet weather with a lavish high tea at the Pump Room at the Roman Baths. Snuggle up in the evening with a romantic film at the 'Little Theatre' where couples can book special love seats for cosy cinema dates.

Summer dreams or winter warmers, a romantic beach escape shouldn't be tied to a season. The UK's coastal corners are utterly enchanting…

The lesser-known coastline of Northumberland may be windy and wild, but it's also one of the most romantic coastal getaways in the UK. Also known as the Holy Island, this was the spot where the Vikings first touched base in England. History abounds on the tiny island and the ruins of the Priory only add to the atmosphere. In the spring and summer, wildflowers blaze on Lindisfarne and seals can be heard barking in the bay. Close by you will find epic castle ruins, moody coastal walks, and plenty of fresh seafood suppers. For those who crave romantic weekend getaways in the UK with a hot tub, this stretch of Northumberland is well known for its dark skies. Pour a glass of wine, slip into steaming waters, and watch for shooting stars.

Cornwall is full of sweeping romantic spots, but few capture the mythology and magic quite like Tintagel. Famed for its connection with King Arthur and Guinevere, this area of outstanding beauty makes for one of the best romantic coastal breaks. Perched on the edge of a cliff, Tintagel Castle is a collection of mesmerizing medieval ruins. Cross the bridge and take the steps down to the tiny beautiful beach where you can pay a visit to Merlin's Cave. Crashing waves, dramatic headlands, and ancient legend all make Tintagel an atmospheric spot. Hike to the waterfalls of St Nectan's Glen to splash in the pools beneath the thundering 60ft drop.

Wales is full of secluded romantic getaways but the Brecon Beacons is always a soul stirrer. This national park stretches on for 45 miles, going all the way from Carmarthenshire to the English border. Mountains are dressed in heather, woodlands are deep and full of waterfalls, and there's plenty of peaceful villages and castle ruins. Couples can go horseback riding, take a trip on the mountain railway and visit quirky Hay on Wye with its bookshops and colourful cafes. As a dark sky reserve, nights are best spent cosying up in the great outdoors with a hot chocolate in hand.

Want an off-kilter destination to celebrate your love? These unique romantic escapes help you to think outside the box…

Looking for quirky romantic getaways? Cool couples can head for Brighton. The bright lights of the pier, chic cocktail bars, indie stores, and grand hotels set the scene for a bohemian escape. Afternoons are lost wandering The Lanes. Brighton's famed maze of streets come packed to the brim with charming eateries and beautiful boutiques. Tap into childhood nostalgia with sticky cotton candy and arcade games on the pier. Duck into the Grand Pavillion for a peek at the summer palace of King George IV. Toast a sunset with a champagne picnic for two on the pebbled beach or head to one of the many hidden jazz haunts.

Get away from it all with a unique romantic getaway to the Isle of Mull. The Scottish islands are magical and none capture that feeling of rare romance quite like Mull. Jaw-dropping scenery, a wealth of wildlife, and lots of stashed away places to stay make days on Mull memorable. Be sure to visit Tobermory with its paintbox coloured waterfront and tiny sprawl of shops. Visit a local cheese farm for lunch and sample spirits at the distillery. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, couples can find white sands at Fionnphort. Take romantic island hopping to a whole new level and make the short trip across to the tiny smidge of Iona. Turquoise waters, an impressive Abby, and Hebridian warmth make for a welcome retreat on Iona.

A taste of Italy can be found on the Welsh coast. Portmeirion is one of the most unusual romantic getaways in the UK. Sitting just south of Snowdonia is a tiny village made to look like Italy. Couples will need to splash on a day ticket to get in, but on the other side, you will find a private beach, estuary, village, and sprawling gardens. Pastel-coloured architecture,  a pretty piazza, and exotic plants all add to the visual appeal. This surreal project was created by local architect Sir Clough William-Ellis in 1925. Exploring Portmerion is like stepping into a film set. You can take forest train tours, peace out in the Japanese Garden, and slurp homemade gelato. Don't leave without taking the nearby Snowdon Mountain Railway up to the dizzying heights of Snowdonia.

Snow, steaming hot tubs, and flickering fires - winter is the season of romance. These cosy romantic retreats help you to stay warm this winter…

Secluded getaways are gorgeous in Glencoe.  Soaring peaks, the rustle of a deer stepping out of the forest, and roaring fires - the Scottish Highlands serves romance with a side of dramatic delight. Active couples can follow trails to thundering waterfalls and hike the Lost Valley. Rent a car and drive the famous winding road of Glen Etive  - the backdrop to the James Bond film 'Skyfall'. A foodie paradise - Glencoe serves up plenty of fresh and locally sourced options for supper. Historic pubs and Michelin starred restaurants offer shelter from the storm, inviting couples to curl up with a bottle of the finest dram.

Scotland's answer to Switzerland, the Cairngorms are a gorgeous winter escape. Thick fir forests, roaming reindeer, and mountains powdered with snow - this is the storybook romance you have been waiting for. Active couples can hit the slopes at Glenshee with runs to suit all skiing abilities. Romantic dining, snowy rambles, and luxury highland hotels or remote cabins in the woods, the Cairngorms will make you fall in love with winter.