Romantic Breaks in the UK

Romance doesn’t have to mean an eye-wateringly expensive hotel with hot tub and fancy restaurant, it can be discovering beautiful parts of the country on a scenic road trip, having a picnic on a beach watching the sun setting over the sea or star gazing on a camping trip.

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Quaint villages, rolling hills, and honey-coloured stone cottages.

The Cotswolds

Distance from London: 90 miles (145 km), drive time approximately 2 hours.
Distance from Oxford: 30 miles (48 km), drive time approximately 50 minutes.

Romantic things to do:

  • Wander around Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds."
  • Enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at a countryside manor.
  • Stroll hand-in-hand through beautiful Bibury, known for its picturesque Arlington Row cottages.
  • Visit Sudeley Castle and Gardens for a tranquil, romantic setting steeped in history.

Historic architecture, natural hot springs, and Georgian elegance.

Bath

Distance from London: 115 miles (185 km), drive time approximately 2.5 hours.
Distance from Bristol: 13 miles (21 km), drive time approximately 30 minutes.

Romantic things to do:

  • Relax together in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa, with stunning views over the city.
  • Take a romantic stroll along the Pulteney Bridge and wander along the banks of the River Avon.
  • Dress up in period costume and walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen at the annual festival in her honour.
  • Explore the historic Roman Baths by torchlight and take in the magical, intimate atmosphere.

Breathtaking lakes, rugged mountains, and cozy pubs.

The Lake District

Distance from London: 250 miles (402 km), drive time approximately 5 hours.
Distance from Manchester: 90 miles (145 km), drive time approximately 2 hours.

Romantic things to do:

  • Take a boat ride on Lake Windermere or rent a rowing boat and see how well you row in rhythm together.
  • Drive the Keswick Loop via Buttermere and Borrowdale and take in some of the most beautiful views in the lake district.
  • Do the circular walk at Tarn Hows, taking the detour to Tom Gill waterfall. It takes about 2 hours through stunning scenery.
  • Visit Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s home, and stroll, hand-in-hand through its romantic gardens.

Dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, and charming fishing villages.

Cornwall

Distance from London: 250 miles (402 km), drive time approximately 5 hours.
Distance from Exeter: 70 miles (113 km), drive time approximately 1.5 hours.

Romantic things to do:

  • Watch the sunset over a picnic at Land’s End or Porthcurno Beach.
  • Explore the pretty streets of St Ives, known for its art galleries and seafood restaurants.
  • Walk along the South West Coast Path for dramatic cliffside views and plenty of fresh sea air.
  • Visit the UK’s version of Mont St Michel, the iconic St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island with a historic castle accessible at low tide by a cobblestone causeway.

Rugged landscapes far from the crowds, best visited in spring and summer

Isle of Skye

Distance from London: 580 miles (933 km), drive time approximately 10 hours.
Distance from Inverness:
110 miles (177 km), drive time approximately 2.5 hours.

Romantic things to do:

  • Go wild swimming in the Fairy Pools near Carbost in the West of Skye, known for their crystal-clear waters.
  • Take a scenic drive to Neist Point Lighthouse, on the most westerly tip of Skye, for breathtaking coastal views.
  • Explore Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, steeped in history and beauty.
  • Do the Quiraing circular walk to see the dramatic landscape, formed by a massive landslip. The walk takes around 2 hours, but you will definitely want to stop and take photos along the way.

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