Today I want to share my guide to the best Valentine’s breaks in the UK with you. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to plan a romantic winter getaway or a weekend trip for that special someone. If you’re wondering where to travel on February 14th, read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.
Valentine’s Breaks in the UK
Let’s start with the obvious. The United Kingdom isn’t exactly synonymous with romance. I’ve dreamed of romantic getaways in Paris and Cyprus, but not so much in Leicester (nothing against Leicester…it’s a great city!).
That said, over the years I’ve discovered Britain has its share of romantic travel destinations.
From wild Scottish islands to country getaways near London, there’s no shortage of places to fall in love with. Whatever your travel style or idea of romance, this list can help you plan the perfect getaway.
Whether you’re looking for the best UK city breaks for couples, the most remote place in the UK, romantic castles near London, or something else entirely, there’s an escape for you.
1. Isle of Ewe
When I first heard of Scotland’s Isle of Ewe, I thought of sheep. It’s in the name, after all. But when I said “Isle of Ewe” out loud, I realized it sounded just like “I love you”. Try it. See?
I’m not the only one to have discovered this, either. The Isle of Ewe is a famous place for everything from marriage proposals to good old fashioned declarations of love. Many couples take boat trips or kayaks around the island to bask in the romance.
Located on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands in Ross and Cromarty, this island in Loch Ewe is a unique place to escape to on February 14th.
If this getaway sounds like your idea of romance, you can book a place to stay nearby here. My top pick is the Aultbea Lodges. They offer sweeping views of the Isle of Ewe and out to the Hebrides islands. You can book a room here.
2. The Cotswolds
Next on my list of Valentine’s breaks in the UK is the Cotswolds. With picturesque cottages and chocolate-box villages, this place is hard to beat when it comes to fairy-tale beauty.
Nothing says romance like a fairy tale, so this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can follow my itinerary for a winter weekend in the Cotswolds.
If not, some of my favorite places in the area are Bibury, Upper Slaughter, Castle Combe, and Painswick. They number among the most beautiful villages in Britain. You can see more highlights on a Cotswolds day tour.
There are a lot of romantic National Trust Cotswolds houses to visit, too. Some have even been filming locations for love-inspired movies and TV shows.
If you don’t want to drive, you can visit the Cotswolds without a car. My 3-day Cotswolds itinerary will show you all kinds of things you can do with your other half without wheels.
If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in the Cotswolds here. I’ve stayed in the area on countless occasions and I love Thyme. It’s a beautiful country house hotel surrounded by lush gardens. You can book a room here.
3. Derbyshire
Derbyshire is another of my top picks for Valentine’s breaks in the UK. With stunning scenery, this part of England is not only full of natural beauty, but also home to some of the most famous stately homes in Britain.
This includes one that featured in the movie Pride & Prejudice. If there’s one thing that says romance in Britain, it’s a good Jane Austen site.
And there’s no better place to channel your inner Elizabeth Bennet (she’s the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, but you knew that) than Chatsworth House, the place where she and Mr. Darcy finally fall in love.
Other stately homes in the Peak District have been used as filming locations for houses from Bronte sister love stories. Whether you go to Haddon Hall or Kedleston Hall, there’s no shortage of them to fall in love with.
Towns like Bakewell and Matlock are worth visiting as well. With beautiful streets and charming pubs and restaurants, they’re great places for couples to explore.
There are plenty of hikes and walks to do in the Peak District National Park, too. If you and your significant other love getting outdoors and into nature, this is an ideal place to do it.
If this Valentine’s Day trip appeals, you can book accommodation in Derbyshire here. My top pick for a romantic place to stay in this part of Britain is The Cow Dalbury. It’s has stylish atmosphere, and you can book it here.
4. Vineyards Near London
Next on my list of Valentine’s breaks in the UK is the vineyards near London. Being Californian, I’m used to attending winery weddings.
But here in Britain I’ve discovered I don’t have to travel all the way to my home state just to experience a little romance among the vines.
In Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, and other counties, beautiful English wineries with seriously good sparkling wines offer all the romance without the hassle of airport security and 11-hour flights.
There’s plenty of bubbly in Kent for those in need of liquid courage before saying Isle of Ewe. I mean, I love you.
If wine isn’t your thing, never fear. There’s plenty of cider and beer tasting in Kent, too. Whether you want to sip cider at the source or tour a brewery and toast to your love, you have no shortage of options this Valentine’s Day.
If that all appeals, you can book a place to stay here. If you want something unique, the historic Mermaid Inn in Rye is said to be haunted. You can book a room here to see if it’s true.
5. Causeway Coastal Route
Quality time together is a great way to express affection, and a road trip is the perfect way to do it.
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route has been rated one of the top five road trips in the world, placing it among the most romantic places in the UK.
Along the way are gorgeous coves, stunning seascapes, and lots of spots to pull over and soak up the scenery with the one you love. From the Giant’s Causeway to Dunluce Castle, there’s no shortage of romantic inspiration here.
Nearby is the Bushmills Irish Whiskey distillery. That means you’re not far from something to loosen your tongue (substantially!). This stuff is strong, so drink with care if you don’t want to get carried away and accidentally propose marriage.
Even if you don’t drive, you can still base yourself in Belfast and do this as a day tour. I did, and it was a great way to experience the coast of Northern Ireland without a car. You can book a tour here.
If this Vanlentine’s Day getaway appeals, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve stayed at the Malmaison Belfast and I like its stunning exterior and city center location. You can book a room here.
6. Portmeirion
Out in Wales, Portmeirion is another of my top picks for Valentine’s breaks in the UK. An Italian seaside town climbing a hillside on the Welsh coast, this village is an architectural fantasy world created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
With towers in bright hues and antique treasures dotted throughout, Portmeirion is his masterpiece.
From vibrant buildings to historic treasures and a larger-than-life chess set, its hodge-podge of styles makes for a fairy-tale experience. And that’s to say nothing of the coastal trails and beaches around it.
Best of all, you can stay right in the village. Yes, you read that right. This is no museum. It’s a full-fledged resort. With guest rooms, on-site restaurants, and plenty to do and see, there’s no need to leave.
If you’re yearning for a romantic weekend getaway in Europe but you want to stay in the UK, Portmeirion is just the place for you and your love. Exploring the village, taking long walks through the woods, and admiring the sea is just the escape for you.
If this sounds like your kind of place to spend Valentine’s Day in the UK, you can book a room here. I stayed here once and I highly recommend it.
7. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is another of the top Valentine’s breaks in the UK. Spending a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon will let you and your loved one immerse yourselves in Shakespeare’s world.
Stratford is full of houses The Bard and his family lived in, theaters showing his plays, and atmospheric old pubs for drinking and dining.
Spending 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon will allow you sufficient time to visit all the Shakespeare houses, see a play one evening, and explore the streets and riverfront area. Given how much The Bard inspired romance, you’re bound to fall in love.
It’s not all about Shakespeare, though. This place is packed with historic streets that will take you back to a more beautiful time. The half-timbered facades are enough to make you fall in love with this town (and your other half) even more.
The riverfront area is also a romantic place to explore. Seeing the swans float by as you walk along the Avon is a sweet thing to do with your special someone.
If this break appeals, you can book a hotel in Stratford here. My top pick is The White Swan. It’s been hosting guests since 1560, and its historic Character Rooms and four-poster beds will make you feel like you’re in a Shakespearean sonnet. You can book a room here.
8. Edinburgh
When it comes to Valentine’s breaks in UK cities, it’s hard to beat Edinburgh. There’s plenty to inspire love in Auld Reekie on February 14th.
From the fairy-tale castle on the hill to the royal palace, stunning views, and charming Dean Village, the Scottish capital has romance written all over it.
Add to that romantic restaurants like The Dome and The Witchery, fun pubs, and lots of opportunities for whiskey tasting, and there’s plenty to spark romance in this city on Valentine’s Day.
The Scottish capital is one of the prettiest cities in Britain, and everywhere you look there’s a breathtaking view to inspire your inner romantic.
Edinburgh is famous for charming streets like Circus Lane and pretty areas like Stockbridge. The views from the Scott Monument are unparalleled, the Water of Leith is a dream, and Dean Village has “will you marry me?” written all over it.
If this Valentine’s getaway appeals, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here. My top pick for a romantic place is The Witchery by the Castle. It’s one of the most unique and atmospheric hotels in the city. You can book a room here.
9. Bath
Bath is another of my favorite Valentine’s breaks in the UK. Known for its beautiful Cotswold stone crescents and picturesque streets, it’s one of the most romantic places to visit in Britain.
And that’s to say nothing of the city’s Jane Austen connections. You and your sweetheart can have tea in the Pump Room, where her heroines once fell in love. If that’s not enough, there are lots of Bridgerton filming locations in the city.
Bath is famous for its history as a Roman spa town as well. Visitors can still take a dip in the waters today. It’s a great way to warm up in winter and get into the romantic spirit at the same time.
There are also lots of romantic restaurants and independent shops in Bath that make the city worth a getaway on Valentine’s Day. From swoon-worthy bookshops to candlelit dining rooms, there’s enough here to fill a weekend in Bath.
If you want to see more of the area while you’re in town, you can even visit Bath and the Cotswolds together. It’s fun to see the city and take in romantic villages and towns like Castle Combe and Lacock in Wiltshire.
If you want to go on this romantic trip, you can book a hotel in Bath here. My other half and I have stayed at The Yard in Bath and we loved how romantic it was. You can book a room here.
10. The Lake District
Next on my list of Valentine’s breaks in the UK is the Lake District. This is one of the top destinations for nature lovers and fans of country walks. The scenery and hiking trails here are hard to beat.
From Ashness Bridge to Surprise View and Gummers How, there are a lot of places to get outdoors here. Hikes like Catbells, the Buttermere Ridge, the Langdale Pikes, and the Old Man of Coniston are famous, too.
Additionally, the Lake District is home to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top farm and William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage. If you want to channel your inner storybook lovers or be inspired by poetry, these are the ideal places to visit.
Pretty towns like Windermere and Keswick make this the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway in the UK, too. And that’s to say nothing of charming villages with gingerbread shops like Grasmere.
If you’re a couple that’s into history, you can also visit places like Blackwell, a famous Arts and Crafts house. Also worth a trip is Brantwood, which was once the home of leading Victorian art critic and social reformer John Ruskin.
If this sounds like your kind of trip, you can book accommodation in the Lake District here. My top pick is Forest Side Hotel. I stayed in a beautiful room here after attending a wedding in Cumbria with my other half, and we loved the restaurant. You can book here.
11. York
Up north in Yorkshire, York is another of the best Valentine’s breaks in the UK. It’s one of the top places in Great Britain for old-world atmosphere and charming streets.
From the medieval city walls to the hidden passages and narrow Snickelways, there’s something romantic around every corner in this part of England.
Add to that a pretty river, independent shops, hilltop castle ruins, and one of the most famous cathedrals in Britain, and York is full of romance.
Additionally, York looks magical in winter light. The city glows during the season and there’s love in the air.
If you want to take this romantic getaway, you can book a hotel in York here. My top pick for a place to stay is the Guy Fawkes Inn.
With four-poster beds and windows looking out onto York Minster, this notorious medieval criminal’s house-turned-secret-escape is full of atmosphere. You can book a room here.
12. London
I couldn’t write a blog post about the best Valentine’s breaks in the UK without including London. The capital is one of the most romantic places in Britain, and it’s well worth a visit.
February is a great time to be in London. It’s less crowded than in the peak season, so things like getting theater tickets, booking restaurant reservations, and watching the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace are much easier.
London has world-class everything, too. No matter what your passions or interests are, you’ll find something to do, see, and love about this city.
From museums to music, performances to parks, the UK capital has it all. My guide to winter in London and my themed London itineraries can help you find things that fit your interests.
If you need more inspiration, I’ve written about the most romantic places in London. I’ve also published an entire itinerary for romantic things to do in London.
My blog post about Valentine’s Day ideas for London can help, too. It has specific recommendations for things to do on February 14th.
If this trip appeals, you can book a hotel in London here. I’ve even written about the best places to stay in London and the top quirky hotels in London if you want suggestions.
Map of Valentine’s Day Getaways in the UK
As promised, I created an interactive map of all the Valentine’s Day getaways I mentioned in this blog post. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you can find more information about each destination. I hope it helps you plan your perfect romantic escape!
Best Valentine’s Breaks in the UK
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best Valentine’s breaks in the UK for couples, and that you and your other half get a chance to visit them all someday. They’re beautiful places to get into the romantic spirit on February 14th.
If you need more inspiration or if you want to travel further afield, take a look at my blog post about the world’s most romantic travel destinations. You’ll fall in love with them, too!
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