With Valentine’s Day coming up we have a great number of choices for romantic getaways. Whether you save the trip for winter or summer these options can give you an idea of the most beautiful, intimate and exciting spots that should cater to all kinds of couples.
Lake District
The Lake District is a beautiful part of the UK, but be warned if you want to go around Valentine’s Day then be prepared for some cold weather. However, if you and your partner are the outdoors type who don’t mind a bit of cold then there are some incredibly romantic hikes and viewpoints. There are many to choose from but we recommend two found in the West. We also included a picturesque village in case you’d rather stay in cosier settings, or visit once done trailing the lakes and hills.
Darling Fell, Above Loweswater
The area of Loweswater is surrounded by some epic mountains, which makes for some incredible views. It’s located in the West of the Lake District at the end of some minor roads towards Foulsyke. You’ll be in tangent to some beautiful hillsides before making the climb over to Darling Fell, guaranteeing some astonishing sights.
Ennerdale Water
The waters are incredibly clear at Ennerdale with it being one of the most westward lakes in the Lake District. Its picturesque setting is ideal for a romantic walk amongst the forest and mountains. It is also surrounded by quaint West Cumbria towns. If you wish to do a quick hike in the morning before the early sunset then be sure to plan your route correctly and take advice from the tourist boards and offices.
Hawkshead
Hawkshead is a small and delightful village that was loved by the likes of both Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. It is filled with cottages, ally ways, cobbled lanes and friendly residents, all set upon the grand hills and nearby lake, Latterbarrow. You can visit Beatrix Potter’s house, take in a local tour of surrounding lakes or simply past the time in the local pub or tea room.
Bath
Bath is an ancient city established back in Roman times, subsequently named after its famous Roman Bathhouse. As such, it is a uniquely beautiful part of the UK with picturesque architecture, independent shops, sprawling lanes and romantic restaurants. Even in colder months, there are a lot of options for you and your partner. We can recommend just a few of the many options but even if you want to go for a weekend and explore the streets and wander the old roads you surely won’t be disappointed.
Dinner at the Ivy
The Ivy Bath Brasserie is a sophisticated dining experience located in the heart of Bath just by the river. It serves quintessential five-star British cuisine and is open not just for dinner but brunch and lunch too. It has an exquisite interior that consists of both private dining rooms, bookable tables and an open terrace for al-fresco eating. Consider the Ivy for an easy-going yet sophisticated and romantic dinner option.
Little Theatre
Dinner and a film can often be the perfect date and when you’re in Bath you can visit one of the nicest cinemas in the UK. The Little Theatre has kept it’s 1930’s art-deco style to this day. The boutique-style offers patrons the chance to sit on a plush sofa with a glass of wine and take in the film. They run many unique indy films you might not normally see as well as most of the leading films in the current box-office.
The Weir at Pulteney Bridge
Close to the Ivy is one of Bath’s most romantic spots. Pulteney Bridge is a beautiful old bridge built in 1774. Besides its unique arches and the weir beneath it what makes the Pulteney Bridge so unique is its one in four bridges in the entire world to have shops built on the bridge itself – both sides. Whether night or day this should be a spot you aim to take a romantic stroll across, surrounding it (and on it) are independent shops, galleries and cafes to explore.
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a huge area in the UK that covers many counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Within this massive area are idyllic towns, markets, some of the most beautiful walking trails in the country as well as national landmarks. It is no wonder that the Cotswolds is one of the most popular places for romantic getaways, filled with an abundance of bed and breakfasts and places for fine dining. Although it might seem cold in February for a place famous for its walking trails the amount of British villages and activities more than makes up, besides the dim winter light can make for charming walks if you wrap up enough!
Witney
Witney has a long-established history as a wool-trading area and today it is the biggest market town in the Cotswolds. It has streets filled with unique shops, two markets a week and year-round festivities. There are also parks and tree-lined greens for strolling around and buildings and shops still maintained in their 17th Century design. Nearby is Cogges, a local farmstead that offers tours to its odd history. It’s also very nearby Oxford, which itself is a lovely day trip for couples.
Blenheim Palace
For an extraordinary day out try and visit one of the grandest palaces in the UK. Built in the early 18th Century the massive grounds and houses have had residents from royalty to British icons, in fact, it was even the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Today there are guided tours of the art and furniture as well as the grounds itself. Not only that, there is an upcoming 1920’s themed experience with talks, lunches, teas, dinner and cocktails all in the decor and style of the roaring ’20s.
Lygon Arms Spa
A spa day or weekend can be the perfect getaway, particularly in colder months. The Lygon Arms spa is ideally tucked away in the sprawling countryside of the Cotswolds surrounded by three acres of private gardens. They offer men and women saunas, beauty treatments, massage and luxury swimming pools. Just nearby is also their world-class hotel the Lygon Arms Inn, their wine bar and fine dining restaurant.
London
England’s capital obviously holds some of the best attractions and restaurants in the entire UK. Naturally, it is also filled with romantic choices for couples. In may seem quite daunting but with the right ideas you and your partner can have an intimate experience in this British Metropolis. Whether its art, restaurants, music or relaxation London has it all. Immerse yourself in its quaint and famous districts, take in dining with incredible views or stick to the streets and eat at one of the best food markets in Britain.
Notting Hill
Made famous by the romantic comedy film of the same name this West London area can be a romantic day out for any couple. On Saturdays, it holds the famous Portobello Market, which is filled with oddities and antiques as well as records and second-hand clothes. There is also the boutique cinema and bar playing indy films and the latest blockbusters. The area is lined with pubs and restaurants including the Walmer Castle and Sun In. If it’s a particularly nice day you can even take a walk to High Street Kensington and onward into Hyde Park.
Aqua Shard
This particular restaurant may have the best, if not at least, the grandest view in all the UK. The restaurant is 31 floors high within the monumental Shard building. You can have a world-class lunch or drinks with a panoramic view of London as it bustles beneath you. Valentine’s Day would be a perfect time to go as the restaurant has just gone over some impressive renovations.
Borough Market
Just beneath the Shard by London Bridge is one of London’s favourite food markets. Mostly covered and filled with vendors and food shops the Borough Market can be a great lunch spot any time of the year. For a romantic day out exploring shops or museums this could be the perfect place to stop and enjoy a quick lunch, they even boast London’s best beef sandwiches as well the finest cheeses and wines and unique dishes from India or the Orient.
We hope you enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner. If you need any transport needs Sixt is here to help with locations across the UK including 20 in London. Happy Valentine’s!
