Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day to knock your partner’s socks off or you’re always looking for ways to romanticise your life, you can’t miss our round-up of swoon-worthy things to do in the UK. From unwinding in a beach-view sauna to tucking into some seriously fine grub, this list will land you in the good books come the 14th of February…
Boat trip in the Lake District
With its lakes, mountains, fells and forests, it's no surprise the Lake District is considered one of the most romantic places in the UK. There’s no shortage of ways to explore the scenery here, from a circular walk or a spot of mountain biking to lapping up the good views while tucking into a feast. But the most romantic option? A boat trip! (Well, it is the lake district after all).
We’ve covered some of the best things to do in the Lake District before, and a trip on Ullswater Steamers scored high on our list thanks to the breathtaking mountain vistas and olde worlde charm of steam engine travel.
Or why not hop aboard a cruise on Windermere, England’s largest lake and widely considered the heart of the Lake District. Windermere Lake Cruises offers a variety of starting points, or, if you and your beau are more give-it-a-go types, hire a self-drive boat from them instead. You can even take your dog on board if you don’t mind a third wheel.
Hike in the Yorkshire Dales with a picnic
Whether wild and windswept or bathed in sunshine and peaceful, the Yorkshire Dales is always romantic. Spread out over hundreds of square miles, there is something for every keen hiker here. Explore moorland, dip down into valleys and scale epic hills, explore ancient ruins and marvel at waterfalls.
And to make it extra romantic? Take a picnic of course. Pack it full of your favourite foodie treats and a bottle of something delicious. If you're after some specific walks to try, check out the Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet’s Foss route detailed in our best walks in Yorkshire guide. Or, if ancient woodlands are more your scene, check out our guide to woodland walks in Yorkshire.
And, if your picnic doesn’t cut the mustard, or your walk is long enough to span two meals, why not treat yourselves to a Sunday roast or fish and chips? The Chippie in Hawes is in the Yorkshire Dales (don’t forget to order a side of fried Wensleydale cheese).
Beach sauna in Cornwall
With over 400 miles of coastline and 300 beaches, Cornwall is a seaside lover's paradise. And while there are plenty of walks in Cornwall where you can admire the sweeping sands and beautiful Cornish beaches, we’ve got another suggestion for you two love birds: a beach sauna!
The aptly named company, Saunas By The Sea, currently runs in the surfers' haven of Polzeath and Harlyn Bay, a stone's throw from the picturesque fishing port of Padstow. Alternatively, check out Escape to the Sauna, which has a year-round wood-fired sauna in Hayle, a winter sauna in Falmouth, and a summer sauna in Carlyon Bay. Or if you’re holidaying on the north coast, look no further than Olla Hiki Sauna, which currently runs out of Newquay.
That said, if you fancy something a little more luxurious, Cornwall is also home to several excellent spas with more prosecco and pamper vibes! We also have several gorgeous properties that boast their very own sauna, such as the coastal haven at Mount View Retreat, which overlooks St Michael's Mount.
Michelin star meal in Cumbria
If you fell in love over food, you and your other half should hotfoot it up to Cumbria, home to the most Michelin star restaurants outside of London. At last count, Cumbria boasted 13 Michelin-star restaurants, highlighting the area’s rapidly growing reputation as a world-class culinary destination.
Our top pick? L’Enclume. As if three Michelin stars weren't enough, the restaurant also bagged a Michelin green star for its dedication to sustainable practices. Unsurprising, considering the ingredients come from the restaurant's very own 12-acre farm. There's farm-to-fork eating, and then there's L’Enclume. It follows, then, that the menu changes often. Depending on when you go, you could tuck into winter radish, pickled rose and Chalk Stream trout tart or Cartmel valley roe deer with salted currants.
Alternatively, snap up a table at Forest Side set in a gothic mansion surrounded by greenery, or for an altogether more laidback atmosphere, head to Dog and Gun Inn for proper pub vibes with a Michelin star to boot.
(It goes without saying that if you two consider yourself gourmands, it would be a crime against food not to try the famous regional speciality of the area: the Cumbrian sausage).
Pottery class in Stoke-on-trent
If you've bonded over your obsession with The Great Pottery Throw Down or still aren't over that pottery scene in Ghost, you'll love this suggestion for a wonderfully romantic thing to do in the UK! Shaped by pottery for over 300 years, Stoke-on-Trent is considered the World Capital of Ceramics. Just last year the Staffordshire city was granted World Craft City Status thanks to its social, cultural, and economic contributions.
So where to begin? You could head to World of Wedgwood, one of the most famous pottery brands across the world, and learn all about their 250-year history with a factory tour. Another household name, you could visit the Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory, which is sat in a gorgeous spot alongside the Caldon Canal.
For a more hands-on approach, head to a ceramics studio like LoveClay and have a go at everything from a simple pinch pot to throwing a pot on a pottery wheel. More into shopping for pottery rather than getting your hands dirty? Wander through the city and pick up Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater, and Portmeirion, as well as pieces by artisan local makers.
Spa together in Bath
Think opulent Georgian architecture, Jane Austen romances, and the natural thermal springs of the Roman Baths. Truly, what could be more romantic than a trip to the World Heritage city of Bath?
And if your other half's not totally sold on spa days? Lure them there under the pretence of history. There is archaeological evidence of human activity around the hot springs in these parts dating back 8,000 B.C. The city itself was founded around the springs in 863 B.C., then in A.D. 43, the Romans set about creating 'Aquae Sulis', and by A.D. 70 they'd built a reservoir around the hot springs.
Today, the hot, mineral-rich waters from Kings Spring, the Hetling Spring, and the Cross Spring mean Thermae Bath Spa allows visitors to bathe in the UK's original natural thermal spa. So taking a dip is practically a history lesson (a lovely, relaxing history lesson).
Wander around a picture-perfect Cotswold village
If you and your love are most content when ambling about in pretty surrounds, look no further than the Cotswolds. With its preposterously pretty villages, honey-hued architecture, and miles of rolling countryside, it's easy to feel romantic wandering through this gorgeous National Landscape.
Head to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, and while away an afternoon alongside the River Windrush. Or visit Burford and spend some time perusing the eclectic mix of antique shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Considered by many the jewel of the Cotswolds, some time in Broadway is a must. Wander up the honey-bathed high street, take a stroll up to the iconic landmark of Broadway Tower, and wander around the 50-acre surrounding parkland, home to its own herd of deer. Check out our round-up of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds for more day trip planning.
Try whisky tasting in the Scottish Highlands
If it's peace and unspoilt scenery that does it for you two, book a cottage in the Scottish Highlands. With its towering mountain ranges, trademark lochs, and historic sites there’s a myriad of marvellous things to do here, and if you're partial to whisky, all the better.
Around here you'll find some of Scotland's oldest and newest distilleries, so whatever your flavour you're in luck. The unique setting of coastline, moor, and mountain creates a varied range of tastes, some peated, other sherried, and some are light and grassy. And some where the salty tang of the sea is detectable.
The Glenmorangie Distillery Co is an excellent choice for visitors. You can go on a distillery tour and get to know their creamy but complex single malt as you trace its 180-year history. The tastings are a great chance to explore the intricate flavours with professional guidance. Our pick? The Innovation Tour, which includes three drams and a chocolate pairing. A tipple and chocolate - what's not to love?
Just be sure not to visit between the 24th of February and the 4th of April, known as 'silent season', the whole production site is shut to allow essential works to be carried out.
Stare at the stars in Northumberland
We're finishing on a high, quite literally. After all, is there anything more romantic than looking up at the stars and pondering the big questions? We vote: no, which is why you should head to a dark sky site with your other half this Valentine's Day. And where better than Northumberland National Park, AKA the largest Dark Sky Park in the UK.
Rated Gold Tier by the International Dark Skies Association, you can see the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy without any special equipment on a clear night. Some 572 square miles of the county have nabbed the Gold Tier status for their pristine skies, meaning you and your partner can enjoy the show without the crowds. So what are you waiting for? Book a Northumberland holiday cottage and prepare to get starstruck.
Stay in a romantic holiday cottage
Whether you long for leisurely walks along the beach hand-in-hand with your favourite person or luxurious soaks in your very own hot tub, our collection of cottages for couples promises the perfect setting for a romantic break.
Find cosy boltholes with flickering fires that call for toasty evenings in and rural retreats that promise an endless supply of swoon-worthy walks across hill, valley, and dale, or, choose a coastal cottage for blissful sea views you can enjoy from the comfort of your holiday haven.
Fill the cupboards with local treats, from Cornish sparkling wine and chocolates to strawberries freshly picked in the Cotswolds and shortbread straight from Scotland, or enjoy a short stroll to the local pub for a quiet evening of good, honest food amidst a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
Feeling romantic? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages across the UK and start planning a memorable holiday with your favourite person.
