Planning a romantic weekend break in the UK can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming – especially with so many beautiful destinations across the country to choose from. While many couples naturally gravitate toward the well-loved favourites, such as The Cotswolds or Cambridge, there are so many other gorgeous, unsung places to visit for a cute little romantic retreat.
In this guide, 10 Unexpected UK Romantic Getaways for 2026, I’m sharing a curated selection of places you may not have considered yet. Under-the-radar villages, coastal hideaways and countryside retreats that feel truly special because they’re a little less familiar.
So, if you’re ready to plan a UK romantic getaway that feels fresh, fancy and delightfully unexpected, let’s dive in.
10 Romantic Getaways In The UK You Haven’t Been To Yet
To help you plan your romantic weekend break in the UK, we’ve included a short itinerary, our favourite places to stay (and eat), a bit about each destination, and some travel tips. 10 UK short breaks for couples that you may not have thought of yet (we’ve left our most favourite till last!).
1. Truro, Cornwall
A firm favourite with us is the extremely good-value Alverton Hotel in Truro – a contemporary-styled, grade II historical show-hotel, with a double-rosette restaurant and the perfect positioning for a mooch around Cornwall. Right at the bottom of the M5 there’s no need to write Cornwall off as too far for a romantic weekend away, and Truro is the gateway to some of Cornwall’s prettiest coastline and villages.
Eat in the Alverton’s award winning restaurant each evening, but take advantage of cafes and culinary hot-spots in nearby villages such as Polperro, Fowey and Charlestown. This is Poldark and Pirate-ville territory, where a romantic weekend getaway consists of rum bars, tall ships and pasties. Or for the slightly more cultured; coastal walks, tickets to the Minack and a day trip to St Michael’s Mount.
Cornwall is a good idea any time of year, it’s not just sunshine and beaches. In fact, the shoulder-seasons are much quieter, the weather is milder than other parts of the UK, and if you are thinking of a UK couples holiday in winter, there are plenty of cosy pubs to hole up in beside a fire.
For the best deals at The Alverton, click here.
READ MORE: A Weekend In Cornwall – The Perfect Itinerary
2. Rye, East Sussex
The historic town of Rye in East Sussex is a charming little place of cinematic scenes and medieval romanticism. And a few nights at Jeakes House on Mermaid Street (named the UK’s most beautiful street) is the perfect romantic retreat for couples.
History lovers will appreciate the literary connections and antiques shops, plus the surrounding area’s association with the Napoleonic and other foreign invasions – there are plenty of castles and ancient villages to peruse. And food-enthusiasts can savour the farm-to-table eateries and fresh fish options on every pub or restaurants black-board. In fact, this romantic weekend getaway should absolutely include a trip to nearby town, Dungeness – an otherwordly landscape of shingle, award-winning contemporary architecture, and the best smoked-cod chowder you’ll ever try at the Dungeness Crab Shack.
It’s no wonder this little area of East Sussex has attracted celebrity homeowners such as Paul McCartney and Kate Winslett – its ancient woodlands, medieval manors, wild and solitary marshes and old traditional inns with hidden nooks and roaring fires, is the perfect place to disappear from the world with a slower rhythm.
For the best deals at Jeakes House Hotel, click here.
3. Buxton, Derbyshire
One of the most luxurious UK breaks for couples has to be a spa hotel, right? Well, why not double down with a spa hotel in a spa town. A purpose built holiday destination for Victorians wanting to pamper themselves! Welcome to the quiet elegance of Buxton – the Peak District’s answer to Bath.
Stay a few nights in one of the most romantic hotels in the UK, The 5 star Ensana Buxton Crescent. Expect chandeliers, painted ceilings, stained glass and a beautiful spa for the ultimate luxury experience. The Georgian crescents, thermal waters and sweeping architecture of Buxton all hint at centuries of well-being tourists passing through. This is your opportunity to feel pleasantly cocooned in another era – one where long baths, leisurely breakfasts and the art of doing very little were considered essential.
But, if you do desire a trip out, the ornamental Pavilion gardens, and indeed the rest of the Peak District, are waiting to be strolled. In fact, check out our 5 favourite Derbyshire walks with views (and pubs) here.
For the best deals at The Ensana Hotel, Buxton Crescent, click here.
4. Beadnell Towers, Northumberland
When it comes to cheap romantic weekend getaways, you certainly get a lot for your money on the Northumberland coast. Empty beaches, castles and ruins, starry skies and incredibly friendly locals, make you realise that romantic weekends don’t need to cost a fortune!
The Sunday Times and the Michelin Guide have both praised the recently refurbished Beadnell Towers Hotel as ‘a very special stay’ – it is cosy sophistication by the sea, for sure. Think exposed stone walls, free-standing bath-tubs, good food, and a fireside welcome that feels wonderfully indulgent after a day in the elements.
For the best deals at Beadnell Towers, click here.
The surrounding coastline is equally compelling – a wild, windswept beauty of vast horizons. Wander along the shoreline from Beadnell to Seahouses, explore the mighty silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, or take a stroll out to Dunstanburgh’s haunting ruins. Or, for a little adventure, hop on a boat to the Farne Islands for close-up wildlife encounters with puffins and seals. And, because this region is designated a Dark Sky area, evenings often end with a sky full of shooting stars… ah, so romantic!
Oh, and before we forget – this is the land of REAL fish and chips, so make sure you factor that into your weekend itinerary. Plus a visit to the smoke-house in Craster (on indeed The Jolly Fisherman restaurant which cooks their fish) – we really wouldn’t be doing our job right if we failed to omit those 2 very important food-facts!
5. The Lister Arms, Yorkshire Dales
We discovered this beaut of a hotel after watching The Trip (Steve Coogan & Rob Brydon reviewing restaurants for The Observer) back in 2010 and it has been a firm favourite ever since. And, I’d also put it down as another option for a cheap romantic weekend getaway idea, since rooms are often under £100 a night. However, the cheaper rates don’t equate to a lesser place – The Lister Arms is a gem.
Originally a coaching inn (along with some converted stables and barns), you can imagine the comfort level of this 300 year old stone pub. It has a country-chic homey vibe with an emphasis on quality, and is one of those places we book when we want guaranteed warm hospitality – this is the Yorkshire Dales after all.
Definitely eat in their award winning restaurant at least once during your stay – they pride themselves on hearty English food but perfectly done, and they have a unique signature afternoon tea consisting of miniature English classics. And, local, seasonal ingredients are standard. But this part of Yorkshire is flush with great pubs so you won’t struggle for choice locally once you’ve dined at The Lister Arms.
Nearby natural spectacles such as the super impressive limestone Malham Cove, romantic waterfalls Janet’s Foss and Scaleber Force, and picturesque Gordale Scar, are all worthy contenders for romantic hikes. And, local villages Skipton and Settle are cute little market towns for a browse as well. This is a stunning section of the Yorkshire Dales and a bit of an undiscovered pick for a romantic couples getaway.
6. Rhinefield House Hotel, New Forest
Something that has always puzzled me is why we don’t hear about the New Forest too often. In terms of Romantic UK getaways, it doesn’t get more fairy-tale and enchanting than an ancient forest park-land full of pretty drives, wild ponies and quaint villages. And yet, this area of southern England is often overlooked.
We recommend you stay at the Rhinefield House Hotel for a weekend of stately elegance and double-rosette standard dining. And if you’re visiting in the summer months, there’s also an outside pool and tennis courts for couples who like a bit of healthy competition.
When you do venture out, the surrounding area is rich with romantic distractions. Nearby Brockenhurst is full of charm, traditional pubs and popular bakeries. And, the pastel-painted sailing town of Lymington is only a 10 minute drive away for an ice-cream on the quay.
Some of our favourite things to do in the New Forest include a drive down one of England’s most scenic roads, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, a walk through the giant sequoias at Blackwater Arboretum, and dinner at The Pig – a restaurant famous for its 25-mile menu, meaning everything on your plate is grown, foraged, or sourced ridiculously close by – much of it straight from their own walled garden.
And wine lovers – don’t miss Setley Ridge Vineyard, just down the road. It’s a small, but full of character, vineyard where you can sample local English wines. Make sure you pick up a bottle to enjoy at your room later!
7. Cheltenham
The sweeping terraces of Regency architecture in Cheltenham make you feel like you’re stepping into a romantic Jane Austen novel, only with better coffee and more champagne bars. But we promise you, if Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet were off on a romantic weekend away these days, it would be Cheltenham they’d be booking!
Leafy gardens, pretty collonades and more cocktail bars and fancy restaurants than you could ever squeeze into one weekend mean that Cheltenham is an easy romantic city break choice. And the slightly bohemian side of the Montpellier neighbourhood, with even more trendy food spots and boutique shops, make No. 131 The Promenade a perfectly located hotel.
We admired 131’s attention to detail and finishing touches, and they were really singing my tune with the Hockney and Banksy artwork. Then there’s the two bars to choose from for pre or post dinner drinks – one a cocktail, one a gin bar. The beds are massive, there’s Nespresso in the room, your own personal robes, and especially appreciated by Mr MLLH – the rainfall shower. One tip though – ask for a quieter room as there is a late-closing bar next door and it can get noisy on a Friday and Saturday night.
For the best rates at No. 131 The Promenade, click here
The Cheltenham Festival is a famous event on the horse-racing calendar and is certainly worth attending for a bit of excitement and people-watching if you time it right. But Cheltenham is also known as a bit of a ‘festival city’ in other respects too – every time we have visited we’ve stumbled across jazz events, music in the band-stands and local music gigs. It’s a bit of a party town, but with a more refined, understated tempo.
And Cheltenham also punches high with its food scene – Montpellier is a definite foodie hangout but an area known as The Suffolks is equally a great spot for tucked-away bistro’s and craft cocktail lounges.
If you’re looking for romantic UK weekend getaways where you can leave the car at home – Cheltenham is your city. Positioned on several well-connected mainlines there are frequent direct services from most towns and cities in the UK.
8. Durham
When I was a teen, trips out with your boyfriend were always to Durham – even at that age, with a distinct lack of culture, I still appreciated the romantic vibes of my nearest medieval city. These days i fully understand why i felt that way about the north-east’s historic heart – the narrow cobbled streets that wind towards the cathedral, row boats on the river under the giant willow trees, and the quiet intimacy of the town make it feel like the perfect setting for a love story.
Our top choice of hotel in Durham is always going to be the 40 Winks Hotel on South Street. From the moment you arrive George is on hand to make your stay a beautiful one with his warm hospitality and local knowledge of all the best places.
Spend the morning brunching it up at the Flat White Cafe, then wander through the cobbled streets and explore the castle and its grounds. A romantic afternoon can be passed boating on the River Wear, and there’s always plenty going on in the evenings too. Whether it’s over to Millennium Square for a spot of theatre, or sampling some of Durham’s fine dining or cocktail bars. We love The Cellar Door and Michelin starred Coarse. Sunday’s are made for the Botanical Gardens and a roast dinner at Whitechurch pub.
Surrounded by Norman-era gargantuan buildings such as the Castle and Cathedral, there’s always this feeling a knight on his steed is about to gallop around the corner. But as one of the best UK breaks for couples in the north-east of England, you and your knight in shining armour can slow down, lose yourselves in the ancient archways and hidden courtyards, and enjoy one of England’s most atmospheric little cities.
9. The Wye Valley
If you’re searching for romantic UK getaways where the agenda is: explore, eat well, relax, repeat then the Wye Valley is a perfect choice. Sandwiched between the cute, history-soaked towns of Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, and Chepstow, this officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all rolling hills, atmospheric woodland and meandering river bends. Every turn in the road has you hopping out of the car to explore another postcard view – usually featuring a castle, because this stretch of borderland countryside is absolutely littered with them.
Our favourite place to stay in The Wye Valley is the charming Parva Farmhouse in Tintern – a warm welcome from Marta, cosy rooms with views of the river, and an epic full-English keep us returning again and again. Tucked right into the valley’s curve, it’s the perfect spot for couples wanting complete tranquillity without being stranded in the middle of nowhere. From the doorstep you can wander hand-in-hand along riverside paths, explore the hauntingly beautiful Tintern Abbey, or climb up to the dramatic viewpoint at Devil’s Pulpit, where the valley opens below you in all its romantic, mist-filled glory.
Come evenings, there are plenty of cosy local pubs to settle in, or choose from a handful of excellent restaurants in the surrounding villages and towns. Chepstow offers riverfront dining and historic charm, Ross-on-Wye has indie restaurants and old-world pubs, and Monmouth’s food scene is quietly brilliant – all within easy reach for a leisurely dinner date. And, for an extra special date night, Michelin starred The Whitebrook prepares the most amazing 10-course menu from local ingredients and foraged produce, tucked away in an idyllic forest setting.
The whole region has a timeless, slow-down feel and romance comes easy when you’re surrounded by the kind of scenery that’s tailor-made for a love story.
For the best deals at Parva Farmhouse, click here.
10. Southwold, Suffolk
Combining beachy charm with a little metropolitan polish, Southwold in Suffolk is an irresistibly cool choice for a romantic weekend beach break. It’s become the destination of choice for young, trendy Londoners escaping the city, and it definitely has that ‘we’ve run away for the weekend’ feel to it! This stylish seaside town has mastered the art of feeling both effortlessly laid-back and quietly luxurious at the same time. We LOVE Southwold.
Our top hotel choice is the iconic Swan Hotel on the High Street. As the flagship of the Adnams Brewery – famously originating from Southwold – there are quirky little nods to their craft in the copper fittings and brewery inspired designs throughout the hotel. It’s very sleek and stylish, but with playful vibes and friendly staff. Make sure you book onto the Adnams distillery tour and finish with a brewers board in the bar afterwards.
For the best deals at the Swan Hotel, click here.
Your weekend in Southwold should consist of slow mornings, coastal wanders, and as many bakery pit-stops as you can sensibly fit in (Two Magpies is our favourite). Then a beach walk to the retro Victorian pier along the promenade of postcard-famous colourful beach huts will probably spark conversations about moving here someday – this place really gets under your skin.
Take the footbridge over to Walberswick, a gorgeous low-key neighbourhood with marshland views and a slightly bohemian vibe. There are plenty of places for a lazy lunch or glass of wine, then it’s back to The Swan for cocktails in the bar.
One of our favourite places of curiosity resides just down the coast – Dunwich – and fish and chips at The Ship Inn is the perfect Sunday plan. But not before you visit the Dunwich Museum for the low-down on this fascinating village. Once a powerful medieval city, akin to London, the old settlement was swallowed centuries ago by the waves and a walk along the beach sparks a haunting sense of what was lost out there to sea.
So, there you go – romantic weekend getaways for the discerning couple. Places with charm and panache that are fresh for 2026, and are just waiting to be discovered. Happy booking!
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