To some, Christmas is the most romantic time of year, to others, it’s Valentine’s Day. Whatever the holiday, we agree that as it gets colder, there is nothing more satisfying than exploring somewhere new in the company of your other half.
Think thatched-roof cottages draped in frost, or scenic country estates surrounded by dewy green fields, or even busy streets with lit-up billboards where people huddle wrapped in scarves and jumpers. If you do it right, England can be one of the most romantic places to visit in the world, where cold winter evenings pair perfectly with candle-lit dinners and portside walks.
With the helping hand of our Travel Specialists, offering their unmatched expertise about the United Kingdom, we have collated a list of 10 romantic places to visit in England. So, prepare to get cosy this winter and start dreaming about a romantic weekend in your dream English abode with Wayfairer.
Why Visit England?
Between its tranquil countryside, rugged coastline and busy, city squares, England is a phenomenal destination for all types of travellers. Whatever the time of year, its fascinating historical landmarks and lively modern hotspots just keep giving, offering an abundance of experiences, enough for a life-long vacation.
England is a nation with infinite horizons, but what could be better than including your trip in an all-embracing UK tour. With the help of our Travel Specialists, you can explore the best that the United Kingdom has to offer, staying in high-class hotels along the way.
See our best United Kingdom tours below:
Our top 10 most romantic places to visit in England:
3. London
4. The Lake District
5. St Ives
6. Isle of Wight
Second to its mighty kings and even mightier presence in the football world, England is most famous for its sweeping countryside. Protected by the National Trust, a charity organisation built to preserve the natural beauty of the United Kingdom, much of this rural space has become a great option for romantic getaways.
The Cotswolds is the largest “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” in England. On a trip to this 787-square-mile region, you are spoiled with hundreds of conservation villages characterised by thatched cottages and dry-stone walls. You can tour several of these enchanting neighbourhoods on your England trip, driving along peaceful country roads between each visit.
During your romantic Cotswolds tour, you can stay in quaint properties which ring with the historic charm that defines this region. A stripped-back, comfortable luxury blends with intimate moments by the fireplace in a cosy pub, tucking into a hearty dish and glass of red, whilst daytimes bring scenic walks arm-in-arm with your other half. Discover historic buildings and alluring gardens which have inspired authors and artists, sweeping estates packed with wildlife, and town roads lined with independent shops.
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Punting on the River Cambridge & historic university buildings
Cambridge, renowned for its prestigious university which Stephen Hawking attended, is a city which simply exudes romance. The old-worldly English charm is alive in Cambridge, combining with a lively air of modernity as a mixture of historic architecture, fascinating museums and trendy bars and restaurants creates a unique England tour found nowhere else in the UK.
Perhaps the most romantic endeavour on a trip to Cambridge is a journey along the River Cam, a picturesque body of water with banks draped in green and lined with footpaths. Here, the marvellous tradition of punting offers an afternoon of old-fashioned romance, transporting you and your loved one past the city's best landmarks. Following this soul-enchanting experience, a meal in one of Cambridge's classy dining venues or characterful pubs rounds of the perfect day.
And of course, one cannot visit the city without heading on a Cambridge University tour, as round each cobblestone corner lies a new visual feast for history buffs. The impressive King's College Chapel is one of the best stops, along with the legendary Bridge of Sighs which features in the film The Theory of Everything.
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Long hikes, scenic picnics and sightings of rare flora
Making a predictable appearance on this list is the capital of England, London, a city with endless facades which transforms into something new with each meal, tour and luxury stay. Homing some of the most beautiful boutique hotels in England, London offers an alluring stay equally defined by opulence and historic insight, perfect for those couples who love to discover and explore together.
You will find the best of the best in all categories in London, from the extravagant Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery to the finest restaurants in England. On your London tour, travel past some of England's most iconic historic monuments and buildings, like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the wonderful Buckingham Palace, and take romantic strolls through the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.
Next, you can dip into the city's incredible cultural diversity, represented by its vast gastronomy. Whether you choose the authentic eateries of China Town, the traditional pubs in the heart of London, or something fancy like the Shard, you are your other half are bound to uncover a shared love for England's melting pot of cuisines. And, what better way to round of the day than with a magical ride on the London Eye, a sky-scraping observation wheel which spotlights the city's skyline and the twinkling Thames.
For those couples who adore being in the great outdoors, there is no better England tour than in the Lake District, where the English countryside is at its most striking. No matter the time of year you are travelling, this region offers phenomenal hikes packed with other-worldly views, along with historic hotels and homely eateries.
The Lake District is located in Cumbria, in the Northwest of England, and beholds some of the most bewildering mountains, valleys and lakes in the United Kingdom, perfect for hikes and lakeside picnics. To us, there is no better way to connect with loved ones than in the midst of nature. You can visit spots like Derwentwater, an astonishing lake located near the friendly town of Keswick, Grasmere, best visited during the bluebell season in spring, or Wast Water, a dramatic mountain-scape voted Britain's Best View in 2007.
This mesmerising region is also where much of England's wildlife can be found, from the adorable red panda and red squirrel to the elusive badger and playful otter. The Lake District is also a birder's paradise, as a large population of ospreys, falcons, red kites and various water birds create a chorus which shapes your peaceful escape into something truly heart-warming.
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International cuisines and family-run restaurants
Along the gorgeous south coast of England is a multitude of quaint seaside towns which ooze with character and offer and peaceful and laid-back type of romance. St Ives is one of the best of these, situated in the county of Cornwall, the most southern point of the country, famous for cream tea, surfing and sailing. This particular coastal town captures the quintessential charm of the English seaside, but with an extra layer for those keen on art.
St Ives is the perfect couples' escape as you embark on your UK trip, offering scenic beach strolls, romantic boat rides, meals in family-run eateries, and tours of colourful galleries, both big and small. Visiting galleries run by local people is an insightful affair, allowing you and your partner to dip into the more intimate artistic scene before you tour the iconic Tate St Ives. Then, to round off your day, you can catch the sunset at one of the town's beaches, like Man's Head, before a romantic meal and relaxed evening in your charismatic seaside hotel.
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Scenic coastal walks and peaceful stays in luxury hotels
Whilst England may be a small country, it is certainly unique, with 19 inhabited islands. The biggest of these is the Isle of Wight, a gem of the English Channel with gleams with natural beauty and cultural character. A romantic escape to the Isle of Wight brings a multitude of opportunities for couples who seek both luxury and time in the great outdoors, as an array of charming hotels with a classic elegance open their doors to you. From your bedside, savour the island's beautiful shoreline and feel a burning desire to discover more.
The Isle of Wight is most of all loved for its scenery, bringing peaceful walks along alluring pathways to your romantic escape, perhaps along the winding trails of its Coastal Path. See the island's beautiful chalk cliffs and wander through its quaint villages, visiting landmarks like Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House along the way and dipping into the most curious parts of English history.
During your romantic trip to England, you may want to take time to indulge. There is no better place to do this than at the Isle of Wight, as a range of spas and luxurious restaurants are scattered across its most intriguing landscapes and towns, offering moments of bliss as you savour time with your other half.
Roman history, great architecture and Bridgerton filming spots
Situated on the very southern-tip of the Cotswolds, Bath is a city with boundless character, fascinating history and delightful streets lined with Georgian architectural gems. Since being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city has become one of the favourite places to visit in England for couples seeking a peaceful escape. You can expect a satisfying balance between educational experiences and indulgent moments, as this historic city has a modern scene that is very much alive.
Bath is most famous for its legendary Roman Baths (hence the name), an incredibly ornate landmark where 2,000 years of history unfold before you. Further excitement is round for the corner for history buffs, as Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein tells tales of this celebrated author, whilst those who seek a first-hand performance might head to The Forum, Bath's oldest and most iconic theatre.
Blending new with old, your trip to Bath's greatest cultural sites can be paired with meals and drinks at some of its most beloved dining venues, like The Botanist Bar & Restaurant, an especially trendy date spot. And, to top this all off, the show Bridgerton was extensively filmed in Bath - could you get any more romantic?
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Star-gazing, rustic castles and beautiful countryside
For those couples keen to embrace the spell-binding history of England, Northumberland is a fabulous place for a romantic break. This is the most northern county of England, encompassing many towns and villages, some of which face the vast blue of the North Sea, with picturesque beaches and shores adorned with historic gems.
With the hand of your loved one in yours, wander into medieval England, as the best landmarks in Northumberland offer a portal into the past. Take Alnwick Castle, a well-preserved medieval structure featured in iconic scenes of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, or Hadrian's Wall, a relic of the Roman era which can be accessed through an 84-mile long National Trail.
For a glimpse of the wall, visit Northumberland National Park, a sprawling area of fresh air and countryside which champions the natural beauty of Northern England, also beholding the second largest portion of protected night sky in Europe. This is where things get romantic, as the park offers a chance to gaze into England's most star-studded skies from various viewing platforms. A sight this beautiful certainly puts all worries into perspective, allowing you to recline and enjoy these carefree moments in each other's company.
Dunstanburgh Castle sits on the Northumberland Coast, shrouded in stars during gentle evenings like these.
9. York
Snorkelling, surfing and dining on the beach
Keeping to the north of England, this fantastic city captures all that people love about England. From its enchanting, historic houses and narrow streets with cobblestone roads, to its markets and shops run by friendly locals, York is a city with a memorable demeanour. For couples who are looking for quieter escape, York's old-worldly atmosphere brings an air of peace to your stay. As well as being a fairly small city, many of its most beautiful spots have the feel of a town or village.
One spot that does attract lots of visitors though, is The Shambles, a long, narrow road lined with medieval houses, some dating back to the 14th-century. Each shop along the Shambles has its own character, wacky or classic, offering everything from freshly-made fudge to Harry Potter themed trinkets and hand-made crafts. Whilst the street is often busy, a wander down it with your other half feels like stroll through a much simpler time.
Your romantic stay in York is crowned by the cosiest of hotels in England, many of which feel like a home away from home. Gastronomy in the city offers further treasures, from street markets bites at the Shambles Food Court to nourishing portions of pies and other English classics in York's best pubs, characterised by their low ceilings and illustrious histories.
10. Jurassic Coast
Gentle strolls, gorgeous floral displays and moments mwith the family
Just like the Romantic poets described, nature is interwoven with the human experience, stirring emotion in even the most nonchalant among us. So, where better to head on a romantic getaway than the Jurassic Coast, one of the most beautiful regions of natural extravagance in England, a World Heritage Site renowned for magnificent geology packed with archaeological secrets.
The coastline is 95 miles long, inviting you to savour England's most beautiful shoreline in a way which suits you as a couple. Whether you'd prefer a cosy Devonshire cottage or an opulent, luxury hotel in Dorset, the deep blue ocean lays just moments from your doorstep. Meanwhile, the Earth's history waits to be unravelled as you set off on a travel experience accented by laid-back, amorous moments and exciting discoveries. Each outdoor adventure amidst the unique coastal landscapes and limestone cliffs of the coast is matched by an intimate culinary affair of seafood, lcoal wines, and cream tea.
Fossil hunting is one of the most popular things to do on the Jurassic Coast, run by places like the Lyme Regis Museum and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. A geological marvel that is a little easier to make out is the Durdle Door, an 150-milllion-year-old limestone arch which sits on the sea, beside a peaceful beach.
We hope this list inspires you on your travel planning journey. If you want to explore more about the United Kingdom, click the button below.
If you are keen to venture on a UK tour with Wayfairer Travel, make sure to Enquire Today and get paired with the perfect Travel Specialist for you!