Whether you’re planning a surprise weekend away and a magical proposal or a week-long getaway with your favourite person, the UK is chock-full of romantic destinations, from dreamy beaches lined with turquoise waves to dramatic moors that place you in the heart of your favourite novel.
Our captivating country is also famed for its romantic eateries, with Michelin star restaurants and cosy cafés promising candlelit dinners aplenty, whether you want sea views, country charm, or a sharing plate of local cheeses – nothing says romance like a crisp cheddar!
To make your amorous adventures a reality, we’ve scoured the whole of the UK for the most fairytale spots for a romantic escape, from the southernmost point of Cornwall to the northern reaches of the Scottish Highlands.
Feeling inspired? Here are the most romantic places in the UK to visit with your beloved.
The Cotswolds, South West
Nowhere quite says romance like the honey-dipped charms of the Cotswolds, with its pretty villages, tranquil patchwork of fields, and dappled woodlands. One of the country’s most beloved National Landscapes (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), there’s a new picturesque scene around every cobbled corner, providing endless opportunities for a scenic stroll. Visit the likes of Arlington Row, Castle Combe, and Lower Slaughter for beautiful thatched cottages, or soak up the natural beauty on display at Westonbirt Arboretum and the famous Painswick Rococo Garden – both endlessly romantic spots for a picnic.
Lake District, North England
With towering mountains and glassy lakes that have inspired poets, painters, and directors alike, the Lake District promises a truly breathtaking backdrop to any romantic getaway. Spend your days exploring the twisting paths that take you past the shimmering waters and up the fells where far-reaching views await, before settling into your welcoming abode for a cosy evening in. The Lakes are particularly arresting in the autumn months, when the close-knit forests swap their rich green covers for the burnished beauty of coppers and golds. Pack a picnic with some local goodies and while away an afternoon soaking up the colourful vistas that wrap around the lakes, from Ambleside to Ullswater. Or, you can enjoy these loved-up landscapes from the comfort of one of the National Park's many fabulous Michelin star restaurants, many of which boast incredible settings.
Helford River, Cornwall
When it comes to tranquillity, Cornwall’s idyllic southern reaches make for a wonderfully serene stay, with the Helford River promising particularly arcadian adventures. This leafy paradise sits on the outskirts of the wild and rugged Lizard Peninsula, so you can spend your days soaking up the scenes that inspired Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek or you can travel a little further to a world of craggy clifftops and serpentine coves. The river, which winds its way past peaceful villages and cosy pubs, makes for a suitably romantic day out, with boat trips allowing you to explore every pebbled cove, as well as some of the most beautiful gardens in the county – it’s not often you can visit these lovely attractions by water.
Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire
Home to some of the most romantic destinations in the UK, Yorkshire enjoys a heady list of lovesome places to visit. One of our favourites, the endlessly beautiful and oh-so-dramatic Yorkshire Dales sweep across the landscape, with undulating hills, heather-kissed moors, and chocolate box villages combining to create a simply remarkable setting for your stay. From the striking geology around Malham Cove to the thundering beauty of Aysgarth Falls (both of which have famously stolen the show in films), exploring the Dales on foot is one of the best ways to share these scenes with your loved one – especially if you finish your romantic ramble with a visit to a local pub or Michelin star restaurant, where Sunday roasts and local wines await.
Bath, Somerset
Renowned as being one of the most romantic cities for couples in the UK, Bath’s golden-bricked setting is hard to beat when looking for a city break for two. The honey-hued streets have been used as a backdrop for many of our favourite romance books, shows, and films, from Bridgerton to Jane Austen, so it’s easy to see why loved-up couples choose this Somerset favourite. It’s exceptionally easy to build a heartwarming itinerary, whether you fancy relaxing in the depths of Bath Thermae Spa’s rooftop pool or retreating into one of the city’s many lovely restaurants and cafés for a fairytale feast.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Famed for its beauty (and fossils), Dorset’s coast has always held a special place in our heart, with the dramatic Jurassic Coast leading the way. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an array of beaches that rival any overseas sands, this stretch of coastline has romance by the bucketful. Boasting a selection of absolutely stunning sea view restaurants, Lyme Regis makes for a charming evening exploration (check out our webcam for a sneak peek), while the coast surrounding Durdle Door promises jaw-dropping landmarks and soul-stirring beach days aplenty.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
If it’s peace, quiet, and staggering views you’re after from your holiday for two, then the Scottish Highlands will be right up your snow-capped street. Home to some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, including Glen Coe and the mighty Ben Nevis, fill your days with spectacular sightseeing and incredible walks as you explore this wild and wonderfully rugged corner of the UK before returning to a cosy waterside lodge – or you can see it all in one swoop with a dreamy road trip around the NC500. One of the most romantic places in Scotland, Loch Lomond has become synonymous with romance, whether you want a dynamic backdrop to your walk or a mesmerising cruise across the mirror-topped waters.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales
Another of the UK’s spectacular coastlines worthy of a romantic break (or two), Pembrokeshire’s stunning coast boasts an incredible display of natural beauty and pretty waterside towns. From the golden charms of Barafundle Bay to the grand castles that tower over the landscape, there’s something for every couple here, giving you all the building blocks you need to create your perfect Welsh escape. For a bit of otherworldly beauty, head to one of the magical waterfalls that cascade through the woodlands or visit the Blue Lagoon for one of the most unique wild swimming spots in the country. St Davids, with its historic cathedral, makes for a lovely visit too. The smallest city in Britain, there are lots of lovely art galleries, independent shops, and farmers’ markets to explore, hand-in-hand.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Untamed and enjoying some of the best stargazing spots in the UK, Dartmoor National Park enjoys a wilder sense of romance – think Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre – with the rugged tors looming over the landscape and picture-perfect villages offering idyllic corners to explore. You’ll find countless opportunities for a romantic walk, with winter casting the surrounding scenery in a frost-kissed glow and summer promising a refreshing stop-off in a local pub garden. Climb to the top of Brent Tor to discover a 12th century hilltop church, visit a Michelin star restaurant in Chagford, or enjoy an oh-so-romantic horse ride across the moors, which often boast blooms of bluebells in the spring.
Freshwater and The Needles, Isle of Wight
From its deep connections to Tennyson to the outstanding coastline that fringes the rolling downs, this stretch of the Isle of Wight is a walker’s paradise, making it ideal for a romantic walking holiday. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Isle of Wight, Freshwater Bay promises beach days aplenty, while the surrounding coast path beckons to eager walkers. The Needles are a breathtaking walk to the west, and promise absolutely unrivalled views, with the chalk-white cliffs and reaching ocean offering a dreamy palette of colours.
Looking for a romantic place to stay in the UK? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages for a spellbinding getaway for two, from cottages with hot tubs to incredible sea view escapes.
