10 of the Most Romantic Places to Visit in the UK
3 Feb 2021
With Valentine’s Day 2021 just a few weeks away, we’re certainly starting to feel the love here at Dews Coaches. And with travel unfortunately limited at the moment, we’re dreaming of all the places we wish we could whisk our loved ones away to for a weekend of romance.
A short minibreak is ideal for those who are short on annual leave or on a tight budget. Uniquely, the UK is notorious for its intimate countryside getaways and lively city escapes, offering plenty of romantic weekend breaks for couples of all interests. There’s so much to see and enjoy, most of which you can whisk your way around on a quick weekend getaway
What are the Top 10 Romantic Getaways?
Although we may be in lockdown right now, it’s certainly the perfect time to start planning those next romantic weekend breaks in the UK.
If you’re stuck and looking for a little inspiration, take a look at our recommendations of the 10 most romantic breaks here in the UK.
1. The Cotswolds
Known for its honey-soaked stone cottages and centuries-old buildings, the Cotswolds is a classic choice for romantic weekend getaways in the UK. Book a stay in one of the hundreds of cosy cottages up for rental, and enjoy spending your days strolling hand-in-hand through a beautiful selection of quite simply, the most quintessential British villages. There’s also plenty of rolling countryside to explore in the warmer weather, as well as welcoming pub gardens to stop for refuelling along the way.
Bordering four separate counties, the Cotswolds is the largest Area of Natural Beauty in England, meaning there are plenty of picturesque destinations to choose from. If you’re new to the area, then you may want to take a look at some of the Cotswolds villages which have been voted the prettiest, including; Astall, Snowshill, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.
Be mindful though, the prettiest Cotswold villages are very popular in the summer amongst tourists. So, if you can, try and explore the villages early in the morning and in the late afternoons, and enjoy escaping into the surrounding countryside during the middle and busiest parts of the day.
2. York
Often hailed as one of the most romantic cities in the UK, York is packed full with beautiful architecture, history, and culture - offering so much for couples to do on a short weekend away. There are plenty of beautiful boutique hotels to choose from, including budget-friendly rentals.
If you’ve never been before, enjoy exploring some of its most renowned landmarks on a guided tour, where you’ll explore impressive landmarks such as the York Minster cathedral, the medieval street known as the “Shambles,” and the historic stone walls which enclose the city.
In the evenings, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer. With bustling bars to snug restaurants, there’s also a diverse arts and music community - with entertainment available to enjoy every single day of the year. For something different, try one of the city’s after-dark ghost walks for a quirky and spine-tingling few hours of fun!
3. Cambridge
It would be impossible to create a list of the most romantic cities UK and not include our beloved city of Cambridge. With its quaint lanes, stunning architecture, and car-free centre, it’s the perfect destination for a romantic weekend in the UK.
One of the most popular activities to enjoy is punting along the River Cam, which is popular amongst both the local students, residents, as well as international tourists. If you’ve never done it before, we recommend booking onto a guided punting tour, so you and your partner can soak up the views as you’re carried gently along the river. If you wish to, there’s also usually an option to pre-book a picnic, or simply just some strawberries and champagne - it could be, quite literally, the cherry on the top of a very romantic day.
Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, then fear not, there are still plenty of beautiful streets to explore. With limited car routes, the city is best explored by foot, and some of the most impressive architecture lies at the end of narrow lanes and cobbled alleys. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture to somewhere more open, Cambridge also offers plenty of other walks. In fact, we believe that one of the best walks in Cambridgeshire runs straight from the city and down to the open and green Grantchester Meadows.
4. Portmeirion
For couples looking for a taste of little Italy here in the UK, a trip to north-west Wales is a must, as here sits the small, colourful, and unique village of Portmeirion. Created over a fifty-year period (1925 - 1975), this unusual tourist destination was purposely built in the style of a traditional Italian village, with the hope of bringing a hint of the Mediterranean to the UK.
Filled wirth colourfully-painted buildings and quirky architecture, this picturesque tourist attraction is idyllic for couples looking for romantanic getaways in the UK. There’s some beautiful shops and a snug hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea on a rainy afternoon. If the sun is shining on your visit, we recommend taking a short stroll down to the beach, or walk along its clifftop paths to catch views that stretch for miles.
With Portmerion being a tourist attraction, it does unfortunately have some travel restrictions. The village is only open between the hours of 09:30 - 15:30, and during peak season you can find yourself spending £13 to gain entry (for adults). However, the village does have several hotels available for bookings, which you can check into should you wish to explore its quiet streets after closing hours.
5. Edinburgh
The city of Edingburgh is the perfect destination for a romantic weekend break in the UK. From cosy dining and jazz bars to cobbled streets and boutique shops, there’s plenty of things to experience in this intriguing city.
Being the capital of Scotland, it is one of the most popular cities for tourists in the country, and so expect to see crowds during peak travel season. However, it’s also one of the most enchanting, complete with snippets of medieval history; from the castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, to the old bricked walls which enclose the city.
For couples travelling in the summertime, you can soak up Edinburgh’s exciting arts festival, known as the Fringe - which is the largest of its kind in the world. Throughout the year there’s also plenty of street performers and pop-up shows to catch - the perfect activity during a romantic weekend away.
Of course, no trip to Edinburdgh is complete without a climb up to Arthur’s Seat. As the highest point in the city, you can take in panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas. The walk isn’t too difficult, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views.
6. London
For an action-packed weekend away, a trip to the capital always offers plenty of opportunity and excitement. From Cambridgeshire, you can access the city in under an hour on a high-speed train, so you can shoot off straight after work on a Friday evening and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore first thing on Saturday morning.
The city really does have something to offer everyone on a weekend away. Enjoy some of London’s biggest attractions, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Madame Tussauds; explore the many cafes, restaurants and other eateries which are so often raved about; indulge in a shopping spree down the Oxford Street; or marvel at a dazzling show in one of the West End’s leading theatres.
Despite its reputation for its lavish lifestyle, there are so many budget-friendly options to enjoy too. With a little bit of research, you can soon find some great cheap hotels, which offer easy access transport links to some of the city’s most popular destinations. During the daytime, there’s also plenty of free sites to enjoy. For example, South Kensington is home to the city’s three largest and most renowned free-entry museums, while the classic galleries of Tate Britain and Tate Modern are located on Millbank and also offer free-entry.
7. Bath
If you’re looking for a romantic city break somewhere a little more relaxing, then you’ll certainly enjoy a trip to Bath. A city built for pleasure and relaxation, the historic city of Bath has been a destination for wellbeing ever since the Romans first descended upon it.
Bath is the largest city in Somerset, made famous for its Roman-built baths which are still available for you to visit today. The city’s Thermae Bath Spa is another big draw, being the only place in Britain which houses natural thermal hot springs that you can bathe in.
Once you’ve spent some time rejuvenating at the spa, or at one of the city’s boutique hotels, you should head out into the city to soak up the stunning Georgian architecture. Fortunately, the city is quite compact, meaning it can be easily explored by foot. Highlights include the impressive honey-coloured buildings at the iconic Royal Crescent and Circus area, as well as the many museums, galleries and entertainment venues, which offer something for everyone.
8. Peak District
Escape with your loved one for a romantic weekend break in the Peak District to enjoy the very best of the British Countryside. From camping under the stars to sharing a bottle of locally-made wine over a picnic in the countryside, there are so many romantic things to enjoy while on a weekend away in the Peak District.
You won’t need to travel far to access the area’s most popular walks, as there are plenty of cosy hotels, B&Bs, cottages as well as traditional pubs and restaurants in the local area. The only difficult decision you’ll have is trying to narrow down your options!
Of course, the Peak District is an expansive area, and if you’ve never visited before, you may not know the best places to visit. But according to the local experts, some of the most scenic routes for couples to enjoy include; Stanage Edge, Monsal Head, Dovedale Valley, Chatsworth House, and Lathkill Dale.
9. Land’s End
Famous for its unique location and breathtaking scenery, Lands End is also a popular destination for couples looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway in the UK.
Soak up coastal views with some of the area’s clifftop trails, enjoy dining with views across the Atlantic Ocean, or sit back and relax with a drink at one of the area’s many outdoor pubs and gardens. Land’s End is perfect for couples looking to taste the salty sea air and enjoy spectacular coastal views.
Whilst here, we also recommend taking a short three-mile drive to the east of Land’s End where you’ll find yourself in the serene Porthcurno Bay. Set in beautiful gardens, a visit to The Minack Theatre in this area is certainly a must. This outdoor ampitheatre, carved from the cliff’s granite, was created in the 1930s and overlooks spectacular panromaic views of Porthcurno Bay. In the summer, you can catch a live theatre show between the months of May and September, which is especially spectacular during sunset.
10. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon was the home to the great poet and writer William Shakespeare, where he wrote some of the world’s greatest love stories. Spend a weekend indulging in this medieval market town in Warwickshire, and it’s not difficult to see where he sought his inspiration from.
With more than 800 years of history, Stratford-upon-Avond is a heavenly break for you and your partner, with a wide range of leisure, accommodation, and entertainment experiences. Immerse yourself in history with a trip to William Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as a visit to wife Anne Hathway’s cottage. There’s also plenty of museums and old farms on offer to discover.
At night, soak up the fairytale ambience of the town and experience Shakespeare’s plays for yourself with a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. You can also enjoy a candlelit dinner along the riverside, or even idle away an hour or two during sunsent on your very own gondola.
Have your own special day coming up?
The weeks surrounding Valentine’s Day are, unsurprisingly, often some of the busiest times we receive enquiries for our wedding bus hire availability in Cambridgeshire.
If you have your own special day coming up in the near future and are looking for a vintage coach to add some charm to the occasion, then why not contact us to find out some further information about our vehicles?
With a friendly customer liaison team who will be happy to tailor a package to suit your wedding transport needs, we’re committed to doing everything we can to make your travel solutions as spectacular as they can be.
