From fairytale villages to unique cottage hideaways, you’ll find that there is no shortage of romance in the whole of the UK. Whether you enjoy spending time in the country or hitting the pavement in a big city like London, there are countless activities, events, and places to stay or visit that are perfect for reigniting a spark with that special someone. Skip the chocolates and roses and try one of these unique things to do.
Have a brief encounter
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Carnforth Station, Warton Rd , Carnforth LA5 9TR , UKGet directions
Carnforth Station in Lancashire replaced Milford Junction in that classic British weepie, David Lean’s Brief Encounter. The station has been recently renovated, in full respect of its position as a historic film venue and can be found under the clock featured in the film. Or, have a short, more modern get-together of your own at London’s recently renovated St. Pancras International Station. Meet the 30-foot-tall statue of Paul Day, The Meeting Place , then sip champagne at the longest champagne bar in the world, on the station platform.
Have some custom jewelry made
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Birmingham B18 6LE , United KingdomGet directions
At least 40 per cent of jewelery made in the UK, including that found in the exclusive Mayfair shops of London, is made in Birmingham’s Jewelery Quarter. The area is full of designers and designers (some trained at the district’s own jewelry college) who work out of small, glamorous shops. They can create a part to their own specifications, usually for much less than what you might expect to pay for custom work.
Visit the sexy giant
Direction
Cerne Abbas , Dorchester DT2 7AL , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 1297 489481
Web
Visit the website
The Cerne Abbas Giant might just be the sexiest ancient monument in the British Isles. Better let the National Trust, the most respectable of British institutions, describe it: “A huge outline carved into the chalk hillside above the village of Cerne Abbas depicting a naked, sexually aroused giant wielding a stick.”
Those hoping for a little more spice in their relationships have been drawn to love affairs close to the Giant’s most prominent trait. In the past, some even spent the night there. If you can’t speak on Valentine’s Day, keep in mind that some pictures, even old ones carved in chalk, can say a thousand words.
Be lord and lady of the castle
You can’t move without running into a castle or a castle ruin somewhere in the UK. More surprising still, many of them have been turned into unique luxury hotels. Imagine a room in a turret with ancient stone walls, a roaring fire, and baronial tapestries all over the place. Of course, these days most castle hotels are a bit more of the boutique hotel genre. But you’ll still find canopy beds, gorgeous bathrooms, historic panoramic views, moats, battlements, and so much more to keep those romantic fantasies going.
Holding hands on a beautiful beach
The UK has some beautiful beaches, carved out by the wind, ice age glaciers and long Atlantic currents. In fact, last year, the National Trust of Wales named some of the best landscapes to ask this question, and most of them were beaches. Some of the most popular include Watergate Bay, Saunton Sands, Compton Bay, and Sandsend.
Book the honeymoon suite
Book a romantic getaway at any time of year (honeymoon suites are very reasonable in mid-winter or early spring) and give your partner the reservation, hidden in a box of chocolates, perhaps, as a gift from Valentine for the future. Classic London City hotels like The Connaught, Dorchester and Goring are charming year-round.
Get lost in a maze
Direction
Maidstone ME17 1PL , United KingdomGet directions
The English are great creators of elaborate hedge mazes, and they’re not just family attractions. At the height of English labyrinth design, three to four hundred years ago, labyrinths were places of flirtation and secret lover dates. Go when the kids are at school and you’ll have plenty of private kissing time (that’s British for kissing), between thick walls of yew hedges. Leeds Castle has a dense yew maze with an exit through a romantic shell grotto, while the 300-year-old Hampton Court Maze is where the Three Men got lost on a Jerome K. Jerome ship.
Say it with flowers
Direction
Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR , UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7881 5200
Web
Visit the website
Roses, tulips, poppies, peonies and orchids are any one of the thousands of magnificent displays at the Chelsea Flower Show. It may not be scheduled until May, but tickets are already on sale online for Valentine’s Day at the Royal Horticultural Society website. Why not tuck a couple of flower show tickets into a fresh bouquet of English roses for a romantic surprise?
Romance on the lakes
Direction
Patterdale Rd , Windermere LA23 1NP , UKGet directions
Web
Visit the website
England’s Lake District is unfailingly romantic at any time of the year; Its varied landscapes, hills and falls, and spectacular lakes, softened by winter fogs or wrapped in snow, are the ideal backgrounds to feel comfortable with someone special. Windermere is arguably the most romantic of all the lakes, surrounded by wooded gardens and heathery hills dotted with sheep. And don’t think local restaurant managers and owners don’t know. Every February, they receive treats and special offers for lovers.
Stargaze en Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales is a stunning national park that is also home to an International Dark Sky Reserve. When the sky is clear at night, you can grab a blanket and snuggle up with your romantic partner while taking in some of the most incredible heavenly views anywhere.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Bristol
Bristol is famous for its International Balloon Fiesta, which runs for four days in August. During this time, you will see hundreds of colorful hot air balloons soaring into the skies or view the city from your own private balloon.
Stroll through a lavender meadow
Norfolk is famous for its lavender and is home to the National Lavender Collection, where more than 100 acres of fragrant herb grow in abundance. Take your boyfriend’s hand and enjoy these colorful meadows!
Rema and Cambridge
For a bit of romance in Cambridge, charter a ‘despeje’, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, similar to those that navigate the canals of Venice. You can take the boat alone on the lake or hire a navigator in case you prefer to enjoy the views with your loved one.
Picnic in Dartmoor
Idyllic Dartmoor is home to Emsworthy Mire, a moorland nature reserve where thousands of bluebells bloom each spring. There are few better places to have a picnic while listening to the chirping of the birds around you.
Ice skating at Somerset House, London
London has a few different ice rinks during the winter months, but few are as romantic as Somerset House. The neoclassical landmark is lit up from below as skaters of all ages and skill levels glide across the ice. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, it’s the ideal setting for winter romance.
Take a walk around Bibury
Bibury is an ancient town situated along the banks of the River Coln. It was once described by the poet William Morris as “the most beautiful town in England” – a designation with which we are willing to agree! You can rent one of the idyllic stone cabins for a stay or just walk.
Take a steam train trip through Scotland
Harry Potter fans will recognize the iconic steam train that runs throughout Scotland. Take a trip up the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness to feel like you are living part of the movie and feeling the romance of a bygone era.
