Despite its modest size, there are limitless possibilities for romantic getaways in the UK.
Cities that date back to Roman times await you alongside mediaeval castles that have withstood their share of turmoil (as have the strongest relationships, you might say!).
Prefer to reconnect among ancient woodlands, pretty valleys, coastal villages, and beautiful islands? The British countryside has plenty of those too.
Whether you are looking for something nearby like a romantic staycation or you want to get away somewhere that feels completely different from home, you can find that without your passport and often with a simple train ticket or road trip.
Get inspired with these 12 weekend breaks in the UK for couples.
Romantic getaways in the UK
This guide pulls together a mix of cities, villages, national parks, and islands.
Whether you are looking to splash out on a top-end stay at a boutique hotel or spend quality time together in the great outdoors, this list of romantic UK breaks has something for everyone.
Hiking in the Lake District or simply hopping on a boat to take in the sights is one of the most romantic getaways in the UK for nature-loving couples.
1. Lake District
The Lake District is one of the classic weekend breaks UK for couples who crave the great outdoors.
There are hundreds of hiking trails on offer ranging from easy to challenging. However, you can visit the Lakes as a romantic getaway without getting muddy. Row yourselves across the crystal-clear lakes on rental boats and toast your success in traditional British pubs and tea rooms.
As the quintessential Lake District town with exceptional hotels, restaurants, and activities, Windermere is always a good starting point for visiting the area. But be mindful that it does get busy and is popular with families although there are adult-only hotels in town, such as the Applegarth Villa Hotel & Restaurant.
Further north, Keswick is located on the northeastern corner of the picturesque lake, Derwentwater. The market town is brimming with museums and places to eat. Meanwhile, the Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lodore Falls, and the Catbells are right on your doorstep when you want to stretch your legs without overexertion.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in the Lake District: The Mary Mount Hotel. Evoking the spirit of a country estate, this quiet hotel is sited southeast of Derwentwater and looks over the lake and Catbells. Book a stay at the Mary Mount Hotel here.
How can you not fall in love all over again when you sit together taking in these views of the Isle of Skye?
2. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the rugged Inner Hebrides archipelago in the Western Isles of Scotland.
The natural wonders of Skye will bond you and your significant other for a lifetime. Plan a hike to see the Old Man of Storr: a series of craggy rocks that loom over the moorlands.
The ethereal blues and greens of the Fairy Pools will lead you to believe that magic really does exist. Remember to pack your swimsuits if you fancy taking a dip. Wild swimming in the Isle of Skye is a wonderful experience.
Last but not least, Mealt Falls (Kilt Rock) will wow you as the waters crash down the coastal cliffs and into the ocean.
Raw nature paired with whisky distilleries, tranquil fishing villages, and Scottish pubs make Skye one of the coolest weekend breaks for couples in UK.
As the Isle of Skye is connected to the Scottish mainland, it’s one of the easiest Scottish isles to visit.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in Isle of Sky: Broadford Hotel. This elegant hotel is the original home of Drambuie whisky liqueur. Rooms are stylishly furnished with tartans aplenty to keep you warm and snug even in winter. Book a stay at the Broadford Hotel here.
This cute little town is a perfect weekend escape for those that want a quiet place to relax while still having plenty to see and do.
3. Haworth
Not only is Haworth one of the prettiest villages in West Yorkshire but its wild moors inspired Emily Brönte to pen the dramatic love story, Wuthering Heights. Nowadays, the rectory recreates the Brönte family home as the Brönte Parsonage Museum and is a must for literary-minded couples.
Right outside the village, a short and easy hike threads through the moorlands to the Brönte Waterfall and Top Withens. This is the perfect spot for a rosy-cheeked selfie to remember your romantic getaways in the UK!
Upon return to the hilltop settlement, Haworth’s Main Street is peppered with adorable tea rooms and old-worldly boutiques. Traditional English pubs with open fires (and rumours of residence ghosts) beckon you in for an atmospheric dinner with your favourite person.
Getting to Haworth is part of the fun. Check the latest schedule with Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR); they run heritage steam trains to the village from the town of Keighley.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in Haworth: Wool Combers Rest & Brönte Parsonage. A self-contained apartment off Main Street lovingly appointed in a rustic-chic style with a small garden. Book a stay at the Wool Combers Rest here.
The beauty of the Isle of Wight makes it one of the most spectacular places to take a weekend getaway in the UK, especially if you have a three-day weekend and can do some exploring around the island.
4. Isle of Wight
Floating just across the Solent, the Isle of Wight is the largest of England’s islands.
Noted for its mild year-round climate, the island is awash with hiking trails and beaches to explore. Savour each other’s company with walks along sandy beaches such as Sandown Bay or the rugged Compton Bay.
Officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Isle of Wight is where you’ll find some of the darkest skies in the UK. Surprise your other half with a stargazing date night that they’ll never forget.
The Isle of Wight does get busy during the school holidays and summer holidays. You should plan your romantic escape around these peak periods.
The Isle of Wight is an easy ferry or hovercraft ride from Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington. You can travel as a foot passenger or take a car. As access is via boat, romantic UK breaks to the island feel like a proper getaway.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in the Isle of Wight: The Boathouse. This boutique inn is located above a bistro and offers panoramic views of the Solent. Rooms are light and airy with the best ones granting uninterrupted sea views. Book a stay at the Boathouse here.
Broadstairs is such a cute little beach town and a perfect getaway from London for the weekend.
5. Broadstairs
Broadstairs is a tiny coastal town in the Thanet district of east Kent that was once the favoured holiday destination of Charles Dickens.
Expect to spend your weekend gorging on artisanal coffee and gourmet cuisine at the town’s upscale grills and bistros. There are several gorgeous beaches within access of the town which offer quieter conditions than the local spot, Viking Bay. Journey north to Botany Bay for a spot of rock-pooling and fossil hunting.
Often overlooked in favour of the better-known Whitstable and Margate, Broadstairs is a more peaceful destination for romantic getaways in UK. However, you can easily access these neighbouring towns by bus from your Broadstairs base.
Historic Ramsgate is a pleasant hour-long walk along the coast. You can reward yourself with brunch at the vintage warehouse, Petticoat Lane Emporium, or fish and chips on the sand.
Served by fast trains from London, Broadstairs is convenient for residents of the capital seeking a break from the city.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in Broadstairs: Artfuls. This kooky bed and breakfast consists of themed bedrooms and private bathrooms with ornate claw-footed baths. Book a stay at Artfuls here.
Plenty of benches to enjoy a romantic rest on a weekend in Bath and the architecture is pretty spectacular, too.
6. Bath
Bath is a handsome city in the county of Somerset. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, it’s one of the most affluent cities in the UK. The city centre is compact and walkable with grand Georgian buildings, green squares, and cute cafes.
The two main attractions are the Roman Baths and the, err, other Roman Baths.
The Roman Baths is an original public bathhouse that was used for hygiene purposes as well as worship of the goddess, Sulis Minerva. Bathing is strictly off-limits but you can tour the historic bathhouse and sip water from the drinking fountain.
When planning weekend UK breaks for couples, the Thermae Bath Spa should feature at the top of your list. This modern complex is built atop a Roman foundation and consists of thermal swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a heated rooftop pool that overlooks the city.
In terms of where to eat, Ponte Vecchio comes highly recommended. Authentic Italian and homemade limoncello in a romantic, riverside setting – bliss.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in Bath: The Gainsborough Bath Spa. Accommodation in Bath doesn’t come cheap so you might as well suck it up and treat yourself to a stay at this lavish hotel. Tubs are fed directly by the thermal springs in the top suites. Book a stay at the Gainsborough Bath Spa here.
The beautiful Cotswolds are the perfect romantic UK getaway for couples that want to cozy up in a cute little B&B and explore the picturesque villages.
7. The Cotswolds
With its idyllic villages and rolling hills, the Cotswolds is one of the dreamiest romantic UK getaways in south England. The density of wedding venues tells you something!
Burford serves as an excellent base for couples to discover the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The High Street stretches down from the River Windrush and provides several hours’ worth of pottering around cafes, bakeries, and independent boutiques.
Buses depart from The Hill and help you connect to nearby palaces, abbeys, and attractions. Cycling in the Cotswolds is highly recommended for adventurous souls.
Burford is abundant in cosy inns where you can check-in for the night or plan on a pub-hopping date night. Award-winning restaurants vie for their share of attention too. The Cotswolds is an excellent destination for foodies with tons of great restaurants to enjoy.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds: The Lamb Inn. This traditional Inn dates back to the 15th century and comes with all the trimmings: open fireplaces, flagstone flooring, and country-chic rooms. Book a stay at the Lamb Inn here.
If you don’t already live in London, this is perhaps one of the best UK getaways in the country. There are countless things to do in this city from museums to live shows, amazing restaurants to romantic hotels. London has it all for a weekend away.
8. London
Despite its vastness and somewhat chaotic streets, you can’t deny that London is one of the most captivating cities in Europe. With castles, green parks, West End shows, and world-class restaurants, the prospects for wooing are endless.
When planning romantic UK breaks to London, the trick is not to pile so much pressure on seeing all the sights. Rather, use the opportunity to explore the prettiest neighbourhoods and find attractions off the beaten track.
Enjoy a leisurely handheld stroll along the canals of Little Venice while pretending that you’re in Italy. The offbeat Greenwich neighbourhood is perfect for couples, with its quirky food market and deer-studded Greenwich Park.
Kensington Palace is far calmer in comparison to more famous landmarks. Plus, you can coincide your visit with an afternoon tea at the Orangery.
Coffee-loving couples could spend an afternoon pursuing the delights of Chiswick High Street before catching an arthouse flick at the glamorous Electric Cinema in Notting Hill.
During the summer months, you can catch outdoor screenings of London-based rom-coms at movie pop-ups.
There’s a side of London for all couples.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in London: Artist Residence London. This vintage property is located in peaceful Pimlico, within walking distance of Victoria Station, the River Thames, and Westminster Abbey. Book a stay at Artist Residence London here.
There are tons of great hikes to do around Brecon Beacons and if you head here on an early morning, you can have some of these views all to yourself. What’s more romantic than that?
9. Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is one of the three national parks in Wales. Composed of gentle hills, beautiful lakes, and rivers, the landscape is a dreamy backdrop for romantic weekend breaks in the UK.
While the mountains aren’t as tall as Snowdonia, the scenery packs just as much punch as its neighbouring mountain range to the north. The Beacons provide quieter conditions overall and the choice to be as active as you wish.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is ideal for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and river tours.
Innumerable ruins of ancient castles stud the national park. Pay a visit to the likes of Crickhowell, Abergavenny, and Carreg Cennen to create decades’ worth of memories.
You can also ride the Brecon Mountain Railway; these vintage steam locomotives chug their way through the valleys while you sit back and soak up the views.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in Brecon Beacons: The Celyn. Surrounded by green hills, woodland, and flora, this rural bed and breakfast is set among a working farm. Modern rooms offer panoramic views and breakfast is included in the rate. Book a stay at the Celyn here.
The ruins and natural beauty of the Isle of Arran should not be missed if you are able to get here for a weekend trip.
10. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is deemed “Scotland in miniature”. So, if a road trip to the Highlands and faraway isles isn’t viable, this incredible island is the perfect alternative.
The island offers a mix of gentle to moderate hiking trails. Goatfell, the tallest peak, is easily accessible for most. You can go horseback riding on the sandy beaches, look for seals, otters, and basking sharks, and take a boat trip to Holy Island.
Plan to visit Lochranza Castle at golden hour for an unforgettable sunset. This is conveniently located for the Lochranza Distillery where you can sample Arran single malt.
There’s no shortage of friendly taverns where you can experiment with the delights of haggis!
Regular ferries (foot passenger and car) connect Ardrossan with Brodick. This makes Arran one of the most convenient romantic getaways in the UK for those based in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in the Isle of Arran: The Douglas Hotel. Within walking distance of Brodick Ferry Terminal, this mansion offers contemporary rooms with views of the sea and Goatfell. Book a stay at the Douglas Hotel here.
Enjoy a little sunset view over Bamburgh Castle or walk along the beach at sunrise. This is one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country.
11. Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty consists of pristine sandy beaches, ruined mediaeval castles, and adorable towns. Stretching from Alnmouth up until Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scotland-England border, you can take your pick from a handful of towns.
Bookish couples should make a date to browse the piles of tomes at Barter Books, Alnwick. The eclectic bookshop is within a converted old railway station.
There are castles by the dozen but if you only visit one, make it Bamburgh Castle. The inhabited castle has a rich history of folklore and provides jaw-dropping views across the North Sea. They host weddings too if you’re planning a weekend of venue scouting.
When planning romantic getaways in the UK with a car you can easily jump around the towns and castles of the Northumberland coast. Otherwise, buses and trains are available.
See the location on Google here.
Where to Stay in the Northumberland Coast: The Joiners Arms. This beachfront inn is equipped with atmospheric rooms furnished with plush fabrics, exposed stone walls, and clawfoot bathtubs making it perfect for your romantic getaways in the UK. Book a stay at the Joiners Arms here.
A hiker’s paradise, a weekend in the Peak District will allow you to have both a fun city break and a wonderful weekend enjoying mother nature.
12. Peak District
The Peak District is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK and is an especially fantastic romantic getaway in the UK if you enjoy hiking, visiting cafes and small villages, and relaxing in a country pub at the end of a day spent outside in the elements.
The region is pretty big and depending on where in the UK you are coming from, you may want to base yourself in different parts. A personal favourite base is Sheffield.
Staying just outside of the Peak District in this cool city is a great way to have both a wonderful day out in nature and a fun night on the town exploring the city that is home to the most breweries in the entire country.
From Sheffield, it’s about a 20-30 minute drive to hikes like the Stanage Edge Walking Route or the Mam Tor Walking Route.
Once back in town be sure to stop into Heist Brew Co, Kelham Island Brewery, and True North Brew Co for an evening bar crawl.
Don’t forget to stop at The Tap in the train station which is not only been stunningly refurbished but has a huge selection of locally brewed beers (including some of their own).
Where to stay in the Peak District: Brocco on the Park. Located just on the western edge of Sheffield you can easily use buses to get into and out of town for a night out and you are as close as you can get without actually being in the Peak District for a day of hiking. The hotel is stylish and romantic, perfect for a weekend break in the UK. Book a stay at Brocco on the Park here.