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Choosing the right romantic weekend getaway can be tricky. Based on experience and careful research, I’ve gathered a selection of the best romantic getaways in the UK – whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday or a random weekend for two.
Best romantic weekend getaways: 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 5-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. For added romance or a special occasion, book a meal at the award-winning 1887 restaurant .
Explore Edinburgh together
Edinburgh is one of my top picks for a romantic weekend getaway. 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.
If you like the outdoors, hiking up Arthur’s Seat to see the sunrise is a must (now a romantic favourite due to the Netflix hit One Day.)
For a romantic stay try Prestonfield House. 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 (or the 24-hour room service.)
Best romantic weekend getaways: 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 I recommend the historic Grand Brighton. Cutting an imposing, Victorian figure on Brighton’s seafront, a sea-view room at this hotel will be the cherry on top of your weekend trip.
The rooms evoke elegant seaside chic with plenty of natural lighting. Whereas the Art Deco bar is a great place to unwind (try their signature, Victoria Martini). As for things to do, Brighton has a bunch of great parks, restaurants, bars and nightlife too. The city is also famously LGBTQ friendly.
A romantic 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).
If it’s your first time in the city take a romantic stroll through the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, book a Champagne-filled river cruise or try skating at the Oxford Ice Rink.
Michelin-star dining in London
If you love food, a couples weekend in London is the option for you. 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. Just make sure you book in advance!
Ideas for a unusual romantic weekend 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 weekend in the tress in Devon
If you are looking for a break from the city 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 weekend getaways: 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.
A country estate close to Belfast
The Culloden Estate and Spa is an idyllic retreat around 15 minutes from the centre of Belfast. For a relaxing romantic weekend, book a Sequoia Couple Serenity massage before relaxing in your room with views of 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.
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