Today I want to share my guide to the best romantic winter getaways in the UK. Each place on my list has something unique that will make couples fall more in love, and all of them showcase the best of the United Kingdom. Whether you want to travel somewhere with beautiful streets or you’re looking for the perfect spot for a proposal, there are plenty of places to visit in the UK in winter. I’ve included a map, too.
Romantic Winter Getaways in the UK
One of my favorite things about romantic winter getaways in the UK is that not many people think to take them. They opt for romantic weekend getaways in Europe or winter sun destinations like the Caribbean instead.
But winter is the perfect time for romance in Britain. Curling up in front of a cozy fire, sipping hot cocoa with your sweetheart, and watching the snow fall outside makes this season a great one for UK winter breaks for couples.
If you’re worried about the weather, you shouldn’t be. The British weather is unpredictable year-round, and snow is as romantic as it gets. It’s a good excuse to cuddle up to your other half for warmth, too.
If you have the right clothes, you’ll be fine in the cold. My winter packing list can help ensure you’re prepared for all weather.
To top it off, there are fewer crowds, shorter wait times, better travel deals, and deeper discounts at this time of year than in the peak season. Winter means attractive prices on everything from transport to tours and more.
There’s often increased availability and better last-minute deals available for accommodation, too. Whether you want to stay in a romantic boutique hotel, a place with a hot tub, or a cottage for two, you have options.
UK Winter Breaks for Couples
My guide to romantic places to visit in the UK in winter comes from personal experience. I’ve visited all the places on this list, and I can personally attest to how worthwhile they are as destinations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
1. Isle of Skye
My top pick for romantic winter getaways in the UK is Scotland’s Isle of Skye. This island in the Hebrides is one of the best places for couples to visit in winter for many reasons.
One is that the sunrise takes place late enough that you don’t have to get up early to see it. With deep pinks and purples and the backdrop of snow-capped Cuillin Hills, it makes this one of the most magical places to visit in the UK.
Another great thing about visiting the Isle of Skye in winter is that you’ll have the place to yourselves. From Talisker Bay to the Fairy Pools and waterfalls, the lack of crowds makes seeing the island with your love a special treat.
Seasonal scenery is another reason for couples to visit in winter. The Black Cuillins are atmospheric with a dusting of snow on top, and thick frost on the ground looks like glittering diamonds when the sun hits it (proposal, anyone?).
Add to that the fact that in the peak summer months Skye suffers from insects like midges and problems with overtourism, and winter is the perfect time for romance.
If this sounds like your kind of winter break for couples, you can book accommodation here. I’ve stayed at the Sligachan Hotel and I loved the rooms and the hotel’s location next to the famous Sligachan Old Bridge. You can book a room here.
2. Edinburgh
When it comes to UK city breaks for couples, it’s hard to beat Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is full of festive cheer at this time of year, and it has one of the biggest and best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Britain.
Edinburgh also has fun Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and decorations in winter. From George Street to Princes Street Gardens and St Andrew Square, the city fills with the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.
If you’re looking for a romantic place to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK, the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations are for you. You’ll ring in the new year with a multi-day extravaganza that includes fireworks, a torchlight procession, a street party, and more.
Even if you’re not visiting Edinburgh at Christmas or New Year’s, there’s plenty to love about Auld Reekie in winter. From the fairy-tale castle on the hill to the royal palace, stunning views, and charming Dean Village, this place 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 inspire romance in this city during the colder months.
If this couples’ escape 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.
3. York
Next on my list of the best romantic winter getaways in the UK is York. Up in the north of England, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK at any time of year. But it’s particularly good for couples to visit in the winter.
Like Edinburgh, York is home to some amazing Christmas markets. From Coppergate to St Sampson’s Square and the Shambles, the city is bursting with chalets selling Christmas gifts and food.
York also gets crowded at other times of year, so walking along the city walls, exploring the narrow Snickelways, and taking in York Minster are all easier to do in winter when there are fewer people around.
Additionally, York looks magical in winter light. Between all the Christmas lights and the soft sunlight, the city glows during the season and there’s something romantic around every corner.
If you want to take this romantic trip, 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 hard to beat for a romantic bolthole. You can book a room here.
4. Rye
Rye is one of my favorite romantic winter getaways in the UK. Located in England’s East Sussex, this charming place is not only one of the prettiest towns in Britain, but also a cozy retreat in the cooler months.
Winter is the perfect time to be in Rye because there are fewer people around, the town’s narrow streets are easier to explore hand-in-hand, and there are plenty of warming pubs to duck into.
There are a lot of fun things to do in Rye in winter, too. From climbing the church’s bell tower to visiting the former home of writer Henry James, this place has a lot to offer.
Rye is also a short walk from Camber Castle, a historic fortress with Henry VIII connections. It’s one of my favorite castles near London, and nothing inspires romance like a good castle.
Rye is also near coastal gems like Camber Sands, one of the best beaches in East Sussex. On a clear day it’s fun to take a romantic walk along the shore.
If that all appeals, you can book a hotel in Rye here. If you want something unique, the historic Mermaid Inn is said to be haunted. You can book a room here to see if it’s true.
5. Brecon Beacons
If you like the countryside, Brecon Beacons National Park (officially called Bannau Brycheiniog) is an ideal place to go for a winter weekend in Wales. This area is perfect for couples’ getaways in the UK.
There are lots of walking and hiking trails throughout the park, and the landscape is full of adorable sheep, ponies, waterfalls, and spectacular peaks.
My favorite thing to do here is trek to the top of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. There are amazing views from the summit.
Winter is a great time to visit the Brecon Beacons because it’s far less crowded than summer and there’s something extra rewarding about taking a long country walk in the cold and coming home to a warm fire.
Cozy pubs round out the scene. From village numbers to ones in neighboring towns like Abergavenny, there’s no shortage of romantic places to warm up over a hearty meal.
If you and your partner want to escape to this part of Britain, you can book accommodation here. There’s a range of options when it comes to places to call home-away-from-home for a weekend.
6. The Cotswolds
Another of my favorite UK winter breaks for couples is the Cotswolds. I love this part of the English countryside at any time of year, but the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter for several reasons.
One is that it’s less busy with crowds than in the summer. Iconic places like Arlington Row in Bibury get extremely touristy in July and August, but in December my other half and I had the whole street to ourselves.
Beyond that, the Cotswolds villages are beautiful in winter. From the fairy-tale topiary hedges in Painswick to the houses in Upper Slaughter, the area exudes charm all season long.
And that’s to say nothing of the landscapes, which are moody and atmospheric with everything from mist to snow and light. They make a romantic winter weekend in the Cotswolds well worth the trip.
If getting a leg stretch is on your agenda, there’s no shortage of walks in the Cotswolds you can take. From circular routes to walks between villages, there are plenty that inspire love.
If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in the Cotswolds here. I’ve stayed in the area countless times and I love Thyme. It’s a beautiful country house hotel surrounded by lush gardens. You can book a room here.
7. Bath
Right on the border of the Cotswolds, Bath is another of the best romantic winter getaways in the UK. That’s not least because the city was the setting of many a Jane Austen love story (not to mention a filming location for Bridgerton).
If you’re a fan of Austen’s novels, you won’t want to miss the Pump Room. You and your sweetheart can have tea in the historic surroundings where her heroines once fell in love.
Bath is famous for its history as a Roman spa town, too. 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.
If you’re visiting during the festive season, the city has a beautiful Christmas market, too. It looks lovely against the backdrop of Bath Abbey, and it makes this one of the best places to visit at Christmas in the UK.
There’s enough to do to fill a weekend in Bath, and 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.
If you want to take this escape, you can book a hotel in Bath here. My other half and I have stayed at The Yard in Bath and we’re fans of its romantic atmosphere. You can book a room here.
8. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is another of the top UK winter breaks for couples. Spending weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon will let you and your loved one immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world.
Stratford is full of houses The Bard and his family lived in, theaters showing his plays, charming streets, and cozy 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 riverfront area is a romantic place to explore, too. Seeing the swans float by as you walk along the Avon is a fun thing to do with your love.
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 romance. You can book a room here.
9. St Ives
St Ives is next on my list of winter breaks in the UK for couples. This seaside town in Cornwall is one of my favorite spots to visit on the coast in England. With scenic shoreline, great food, and picture-perfect beaches, it has all the ingredients for romance.
As if that’s not enough, St Ives is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK. There’s a big fireworks show every year, and it’s a fun place to cozy up and share a kiss with your other half when the clock strikes midnight.
St Ives is known for art as well. From Tate St Ives to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, it’s the perfect place to channel your inner culture lovers. There local art galleries in town where you can get a souvenir from your trip, too.
If you want to get really romantic, you can arrive by sleeper train from London. It’s an ideal way to travel if you want to take a weekend trip to St Ives.
If you like the outdoors, there are lots of coastal walks you can take from the town. They’re great ways to get some exercise and enjoy Cornwall’s spectacular views with your sweetheart.
If you like the sound of this escape, you can book accommodation in St Ives here. From hotels to cottages, there are lots of great places to stay.
10. Scottish Highlands
When it comes to romantic winter getaways in Scotland, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. This part of Britain inspires love when it comes to natural beauty.
The hills and glens, lochs and coos all make for rugged landscapes rarely seen outside this part of Britain. Add to that medieval castles and legendary monsters (in Loch Ness, anyway), and the Scottish Highlands have a lot to love.
Whether you want to visit the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond, or Glen Coe, there are a lot of options for places to travel here.
If you like getting outdoors, walks like the Pap of Glencoe are just the ticket. You can also drive along the road from the James Bond movie Skyfall while you’re here.
If you like cities, Inverness and Aberdeen are great places to go. And if castles are your thing, beauties like Eilean Donan are over-the-top romantic.
If this sounds good, you can book accommodation here. My other half and I loved our stay at the Isle of Eriska. Its unique island location and historic atmosphere make this country house hotel perfect for couples. You can book a room here.
11. North Wales
North Wales is another of my top picks for romantic winter getaways in the UK. This part of Britain is known for its stunning landscapes and dramatic coastline.
You can read all about it on my blog post about a couples’ road trip in North Wales. It’s full of ideas for places to visit in this part of Britain.
If you love the outdoors, there’s no shortage of things for you and your sweetheart to do here. Snowdonia is ideal for hiking, not least because Mount Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales.
If you love romantic walks on the beach, Llandudno is a historic seaside resort town and Anglesey has rugged island scenery. The South Stack Lighthouse is amazing.
If legendary fortresses inspire love for you, you’re in luck. There are lots of stunning castles in Wales, including the famous one in Caernarfon and the romantic Penrhyn Castle and Powis Castle.
If you and your other half want to feel like you’ve escaped to the Italian seaside without leaving Britian, whimsical Portmeirion looks like Portofino on the Welsh coast.
If you like the idea of this trip, you can book accommodation in North Wales here. My favorite place to stay is Portmeirion. It’s truly a romantic fairy tale. You can book a room here.
12. Lake District
Next on my list of romantic winter getaways 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.
The Lake District is also 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 great places to do it.
Pretty towns like Windermere and Keswick make this the perfect winter escape for couples, too. And that’s to say nothing of charming villages with gingerbread shops like Grasmere.
If the two of you are into history, you can also visit places like Blackwell, a famous Arts and Crafts house. Also worth a trip is Brantwood, the home of leading Victorian art critic and social reformer John Ruskin.
If this appeals, you can book accommodation in the Lake District here. My top pick is Forest Side Hotel. I stayed in a beautiful room here with my other half once, and we loved the restaurant. You can book here.
13. Northumberland
Northumberland is next on my list of the best places for winter breaks in the UK for couples. I used to spend a lot of time in this county in the north of England, and it remains one of my favorite romantic destinations.
There’s a lot you can do with your sweetheart in Northumberland, including visiting famous castles like Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle. Cragside is a dream, too.
If you like the outdoors, taking walks in the Cheviot Hills and seeing the castle and priory on Holy Island is a must.
If towns are more your thing, Berwick-upon-Tweed is just the ticket. You can walk along the fortified walls hand-in-hand, take in the stunning views of the bridges, and explore the charming lanes.
My Northumberland itinerary will show you everything from Alnwick Castle to Craster, and my list of Northumberland destinations can help inspire your romantic travel plans, too.
If all that appeals, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a place to stay is The Cookie Jar in Alnwick (it’s right near the castle). I loved the interiors as soon as I walked in, and the breakfast is great. You can book it here.
14. The Peak District & Derbyshire
The Peak District and Derbyshire make for another of my top picks for romantic places to go in the UK in winter. With stunning scenery, these areas are not only full of natural beauty, but also some of the most famous stately homes in Britain.
Chatsworth House is an icon in its own right, and it’s also famous for being a filming location for Pride & Prejudice and other romantic movies set in England. If there’s a place that inspires love, this is it.
Other stately homes in the Peak District have been used as filming locations for houses from Bronte sister love stories. From Haddon Hall to Kedleston Hall, there’s no shortage of them to fall in love with.
Towns like Bakewell and Matlock are worth visiting as well. With picture-pretty streets and cozy 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 other half love getting outdoors and into nature, this is an ideal place to do it.
If this 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.
15. London
No list of romantic winter getaways in the UK would be complete without London. The UK capital is a great place to visit in the cooler months, and there’s no shortage of places that inspire love here.
There are lots of fun things to do in London at Christmas. The city comes to life with markets, carol concerts, lights, pantos, decorations, seasonal ice skating rinks, and more. It’s an amazing place to be during the festive period.
But even after the new year has begun, there are advantages to visiting London in winter.
It’s less crowded, so things like getting theater tickets, booking restaurant reservations, and watching the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace are much easier. There are special festivals like Winter Lights in Canary Wharf, too.
My itinerary for romantic things to do in London and my guide to the most romantic places in London can help give you ideas for how to spend your time in the city. If you’re here in February, my Valentine’s Day ideas for London can help, too.
If you want to go on this trip, you can book a hotel in London here. I’ve also written about the best places to stay in London and the top quirky hotels in London if you want specific recommendations.
Map of UK Winter Breaks for Couples
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned in this blog post. You can find it here. If you click on the pins, you can find my blog posts about each one. I hope it helps you plan the perfect escape!
Romantic Winter Getaways in the UK
I hope my list of romantic winter getaways in the UK has inspired you and the one you love to get out and see the country in the cooler months. If you need more inspiration, you can take a look at my blog post about the most romantic places in the UK.
I’ve enjoyed my visits to all these places and I have a feeling you will, too. So wrap up warm and have fun exploring. Happy travels!
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