Top places to visit in the UK for couples

Planning a romantic break in the UK can be just as exciting as heading abroad. With charming towns, rolling countryside, lively cities and some truly unique places to stay, the UK is packed with destinations perfect for two. Whether you’re after the best city breaks for couples, a cosy retreat in the countryside, or fun things to do as a couple beyond the usual Netflix-and-chill, there’s something for every pair.

Below are some of the top romantic places to visit in the UK for couples, along with ideas for what to see, where to stay and how to make your trip extra special.

1. The Cotswolds – Chocolate-box villages and countryside walks

The Cotswolds is one of the most classic romantic places in Britain and for good reason. Think golden stone cottages, winding country lanes, quaint tearooms and long scenic walks. It is the perfect escape when you want peace, good food and fresh air.

If you are wondering where to stay in the Cotswolds for couples, look for a charming cottage with a log burner and a garden that overlooks the hills. Many cottages for couples in this region come with roll-top baths, private patios and even hot tubs, which is ideal if you want a quiet break away from it all.

Fun things to do as a couple in the Cotswolds

• Wander around Bourton-on-the-Water and enjoy riverside picnics
• Visit Stow-on-the-Wold for antique shopping and cosy pubs
• Explore Sudeley Castle’s gardens
• Take a scenic walk up to Broadway Tower for panoramic views

Browse our cottages in the Cotswolds

2. London – Big city buzz with perfect pockets of romance

The Big Smoke might be one of the busiest capital cities in the world, yet there are still some incredibly romantic places in London that make you forget you’re in a bustling metropolis. Candlelit dinners, rooftop drinks, park strolls are just some of the romantic things to do that make London one of the best city breaks for couples in the UK.

Romantic things to do in London for couples

1. Walk hand in hand through St James’s Park at sunset
2. Book a private pod on the London Eye at twilight
3. Wander through Notting Hill’s pastel-coloured street
4. Explore Kew Gardens for a peaceful day outdoors
5. Enjoy a Thames River cruise with dinner and live music

If you prefer culture, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the V&A are great for slow afternoons together. For a more hidden gem, try Postman’s Park near St Paul’s Cathedral – a tiny leafy spot that feels wonderfully intimate.

3. York – A historical city with everlasting charm

Few cities are as atmospheric as York. Cobbled streets, medieval buildings and cosy pubs make it one of the best places to visit as a couple. York Minster adds romance to any day and the city is famous for its quaint tea rooms and scenic river walks. It’s also pretty compact, so you can wander everywhere on foot, hand-in-hand.

Things to do in York for couples

1. Walk the historic city walls at golden hour
2. Get lost together down The Shambles
3. Take a cruise along the River Ouse
4. Enjoy afternoon tea at Bettys
5. Visit York Minster for awe-inspiring architecture

Browse our cottages in York

4. The Lake District – Rugged landscapes and romantic adventures

The Lake District is one of the most romantic places to visit in the UK for adventure-seeking or peace-loving pairs. The scenery is dramatic, the lakes are mesmerising and the villages are cosy and welcoming.

Booking one of the many cottages for couples in the Lakes is the best way to experience it. Think stone cottages with wood-burning stoves, lake views and walking trails from your doorstep, leading to pubs serving hearty meals. Plus, if you stay somewhere really rural, you can stargaze from your cottage.

Fun things to do as a couple in the Lake District

1. Take a rowing boat out on Windermere or Derwentwater
2. Hike Catbells or Orrest Head for beautiful views
3. Visit Grasmere for gingerbread and lakeside walks
4. Explore Rydal Mount and its romantic gardens

Browse our cottages in the Lake District

5. Edinburgh – Culture and cobbles with a romantic edge

With elegant Georgian buildings, a hilltop castle and plenty of historic pubs, Scotland’s capital is firmly among the best city breaks for couples in the UK. It blends history, culture and eye-catching architecture in a way that feels effortlessly romantic. From the Royal Mile to the hidden wynds, the city is full of intimate corners and scenic viewpoints.

Things to do in Edinburgh for couples

1. Climb Calton Hill for sunrise views
2. Wander through Dean Village
3. Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town
4. Stroll along the Water of Leith walkway
5. Enjoy cosy restaurants in the New Town

6. Cornwall – Dreamy coastlines and beachside romance

Cornwall brings a different kind of romance – sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and wide-reaching ocean views. Spend time pottering around pretty fishing villages like Port Isaac or Mousehole, or digging your toes into the pale sands of Kynance Cove or Carbis Bay. What’s more foodie couples will love the buzz of Padstow or St Ives.

Cornwall also has plenty of unique places to stay for couples, ranging from clifftop cottages and swish converted barns to properties with ocean-view hot tubs.

Romantic things to do in Cornwall

1. Walk the South West Coast Path near St Ives or Padstow
2. Go for a sunrise beach stroll at Porthcurno
3. Visit the Minack Theatre for a show overlooking the sea
4. Enjoy seafood lunches in pretty harbour towns
5. Explore Tintagel Castle for Arthurian drama

Browse our cottages in Cornwall

7. The Scottish Highlands – Wild, remote and really romantic

For couples that love the fresh air, head to the Highlands. This is the UK at its wildest and most beautiful. You can hike in some seriously scenic spots, from the dramatic valleys of Glencoe and the rugged mountains of the Cairngorms National Park to the lakeside trails of Loch Lomond.

And hiking’s not the only way to get around. You can ride the Jacobite Express over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films. Or, glide along calm lochs on a boat cruise.

Best things to do in the Highlands for couples

1. Road-trip through Glencoe for breathtaking scenery
2. Visit Loch Ness for misty, magical mornings
3. Walk around Fort Augustus or explore the Cairngorms
4. Stay in a remote cottage surrounded by wildlife and silence

Browse our cottages in Scotland

Choosing the best romantic getaway for you

With so many fun things to do as a couple and plenty of unique places to stay in the UK for couples, it’s easy to plan a romantic holiday that suits you. From peaceful cottages to city hideaways and coastal retreats, the options are limitless.Take a look at our retreats for couples and start planning your romantic UK break today.