The Best UK Destinations for a Romantic Getaway

With its scenic coastlines, rugged moors and vibrant cities featuring luxury hotels, the UK makes an ideal destination for a romantic vacation, such as a honeymoon or holiday to celebrate a special anniversary. But with so much diversity across the country, which destinations are best for a romantic escape? Read on for our top 5 romantic destinations in the UK.

London

In a recent poll, London was voted the Number One most romantic place in the UK – gathering 18% of the vote. As the capital of England, London is an iconic destination and although known for its chic vibrancy, it boasts a number of hidden romantic spots, where you can enjoy relaxation with a loved one, such as one of the city’s luscious green parks. It is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, where you can enjoy afternoon tea or a romantic meal.

If you’re planning a romantic trip to London, perhaps for an engagement, then we highly recommend indulging in a picnic on Hampstead Heath as a romantic treat. The park features 800 acres of greenery, meaning you’ll be sure to find a quiet spot, and the parks also boasts epic views of the city. Alternatively, you could head to Hyde Park and enjoy the ancient Italian Gardens or even hire a row boat for two and paddle out on the Serpentine.

If you’re visiting in the winter months and would like something a little more active, check out the ice-skating rink at Somerset House. The building’s 18^th century façade creates a romantic atmosphere and there’s also a seasonal bar, where you can relax with drinks overlooking the ice rink. Alternatively, head to Little Venice in northwest London – it is a lovely place for an autumnal stroll, when the orange–brown hues of autumn contrast perfectly with the multi-colored houseboats that bob up and down on the river.

The Lake District

The Lake District is a National Park in Cumbria in northwest England and features green hills, mountain landscapes and tranquil lakes, where you can enjoy walking trails, cycling and sailing trips. Its quaint villages, with authentic tea rooms and boutique shops, make for a particularly romantic escape if you’re looking for something remote and rural.

If you’re thinking about a relaxing break in the Lake District then we highly recommend enjoying one or more of the numerous walking trails in the county – there are routes suited to a range of abilities and it is a wonderful way to discover the region, including the rare wildlife and countryside scenes. We also recommend visiting the ruins of Lowther Castle for a romantic day out. This fairytale-like building is the perfect place to let your imagination roam and with its 130 acres of grounds you can also enjoy privacy in the tranquillity of nature. Literary enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to Rydal Mount, which was William Wordsworth’s family home. It is a wonderfully quaint country cottage that could have stepped straight out of one of his romantic poems!

Cornwall

With around 300 miles of coast, featuring dunes, cliffs, medieval harbors and oak-forested creeks, no article on romantic England would be complete without mentioning Cornwall. Set in southwest England, the region is well-regarded for its artistic heritage and has long attracted painters, sculptors and potters thanks to its rolling skies, scenic coastlines and the rugged beauty of its moorlands.

Here you can enjoy pristine beaches, sea-view walking trails, iconic Cornish pasties in an authentic bakery, quaint fishing villages and a relaxing pace of life that is simply blissful. It is also a great place for surfing, with a number of resorts offering perfect surfing conditions. We also recommend visiting the Eden Project, where you can immerse yourself in the scent of rare and exotic trees, flowers and plants in the grand domes. Its vast gardens make for a stunning backdrop to a romantic day out and the venue also hosts a number of events, including music concerts, storytelling and art exhibitions.

Another day out that we recommend, especially for honeymooners, is a visit to the Camel Valley, which is Cornwall’s largest vineyard. It offers guided tours and tasting of its award-winning wines – we highly recommend sampling the 2012 Pinot Noir Rose Brut, which is simply divine!

The Cotswolds

Looking for a romantic country retreat where you can experience the charm of authentic English life? Then head for the Cotswolds in south central England! The honey-colored towns and villages are a wonderful discovery that seem to have strayed into the 21^st century from another era. It is certainly no surprise that the region has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as here you can discover thatch cottages, cobbled streets and rural country scenes that will have you brimming with pleasure on your UK vacation!

For a romantic treat, visit Painswick Rococo Garden in Gloucestershire, which is situated in a hidden valley. The garden dates back to the 18^th century and features vibrant flowers, winding woodland walks and unusual vistas. Sticking with the natural theme, another place to enjoy romantic walks is Westonbirt, which is a National Arboretum where you can learn about the different tree species that have made the UK their home and stroll through grassy meadows – we particularly recommend visiting in the autumn months when the orange tones of the trees are simply glorious!

There are also plenty of historic houses and museums to visit in the Cotswolds, including Shakespeare’s family home, Berkeley Castle and Broadway Tower Country Park. There’s also a wildlife park with giraffes, lions and lemurs.

Edinburgh

The untamed beauty of the Highlands has made Scotland a well-regarded romantic destination in the UK, where you can enjoy colorful moors decorated with purple heather and vibrant thistles, as well as mysterious lakes and fairytale-like castles surrounded by mist-filled moats. With its relaxing countryside and vibrant cities, Scotland offers extraordinary variety, especially so in the city of Edinburgh, which takes the final spot on our top five romantic places in the UK. The history-soaked medieval tenements of the Old Town contrast perfectly with the sweeping elegance of the New Town, which features Georgian villas and monuments, and the city conjures images of the past in a particularly romantic way.

If you’re thinking about a romantic vacation in Scotland, we highly recommend basing yourself in Edinburgh, where you can enjoy visiting the castle to take in rolling views of the cityscape or climb Arthur’s Seat to enjoy a picnic overlooking the city. Whiskey enthusiasts will also love the wide range of Scotch available in the city, including rare vintages, and you could even join a tour of a local distillery. From Edinburgh you can also enjoy a day trip to the famous Loch Ness, where you can take a boat trip to experience the mystery of the tranquil waters.

If you’re interested in a romantic vacation to the UK, take a moment to browse our selection of custom tours. We have the unique ability to customize all our packages to your requirements, including pre-arranged tours and activities, meaning you can relax and look forward to your romantic UK getaway. For a tailor-made vacation, contact us at 1-347-594-5500 or click here to send an online inquiry.