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18 unique romantic getaways for a Valentine's mini-break with your other half
Valentine's Day is the perfect time of year to escape on a couples' retreat and our pick of unique romantic getaways will help you plan a holiday with a twist this month.
Fed up of run-of-the-mill hotels? Out to impress with something a little different? You're in luck as our ideas for unique romantic getaways are ideal for a chic and original escape for two.
Whether you're looking for an unforgettable weekend trip from London for Valentine's, or an amazing mini-moon idea for later in the year, you'll want to keep scrolling for ideas.
If you're looking for something with an edge, you'll be pleased to know that there's a unique romantic getaway to suit all interests and budgets.
You could enjoy a regal retreat in a 12th-century castle in West Sussex, where you can take afternoon tea overlooking the ruins, or stroll the 12 acres of glorious grounds. You'll also want to consider soaking up the spoils of a luxury country-house hotel that's actually a magnificent oasis in the city of Bath. Or you might like to wake up to wild ponies grazing on the grass of the hotel in the New Forest.
In Oxfordshire, you can tuck into Michelin-starred French fare in a quintessential honey-hued manor, or you might prefer to head up to Edinburgh and step into a fantastical medieval world full of Gothic glamour right next to the city's famous castle. And, if you're a spa lover, there are outdoor infinity pools in the Lake District and eco-retreats with cliffside hot tubs in Cornwall.
So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and get planning your unique romantic getaway…
Go on a quirky country escape in East Sussex
For a unique romantic getaway that appeals to eclectic tastes, head for the old East Sussex village of Ticehurst where the wonderful Bell awaits. You can hunker down in one of the seven rooms in the main inn, or the oast-house-style lodges in the garden for something straight out of Enid Blyton’s The Faraway Tree.
This country pub with rooms' eccentric interiors include top-hat lamps, giant stacks of books, eagle cuckoo clocks and neon signs.
A Colombian chef brings brilliant South American flavours to the gastropub menu, which features dishes that change with the seasons. A stay at this unique hotel, set on Ticehurst’s high street, isn't complete without checking out the pretty local arts and crafts shops, or heading to Chapel Down to sample the world-class sparkling wines.
Escape to two-Michelin-starred foodie heaven in Oxfordshire
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons is one of those rare bucket-list hotel experiences that don't require you to hop on a plane. Here, foodies are in gastronomic heaven at Raymond Blanc's twice-Michelin-starred restaurant, set in a lavender-lined, honey-hued country house.
The marriage of French flavours and produce picked from the hotel's English country garden is perfection. And rooms are luxuriously and distinctly decorated, with inspiration from Raymond's own travels.
We checked into the lovely Lavender room, which we'd thoroughly recommend. Le Manoir offers a unique romantic getaway, where you can hole up together, learn to cook like a Michelin-starred chef at the cookery school and while away hours strolling the romantic Japanese Garden hand in hand.
Stay at a characterful East Sussex inn
With its cobbled lanes, historic charm and lovely pubs, romantic Rye is a wonderful place to escape for a couples' weekend. For those staying the night, the Mermaid Inn is the perfect spot for lovers, with its four-poster beds, intimate dinners at the two AA Rosette-awarded Linen Fold restaurant and snuggly evenings in the Giant's Fireplace bar, whose name refers to its oversize inglenook. If you're planning on visiting later in the year, there are three patio areas to enjoy when the sun shines.
There's plenty of history to discover here, too – the 15th-century inn has smugglers' tunnels, hidden passageways and secret priest holes. Plus, it's just 10 minutes from Camber Sands so you can experience a pretty medieval town and a beautiful sandy beach all in one day.
Get romantic at a whimsical Georgian mansion in Norfolk
The Dial House is an eight-bedroom boutique bolthole, ideal for a unique romantic getaway near the gorgeously wild North Norfolk coast. Nestled in the market town of Reepham, the whimsical retreat is set between two valleys and just half an hour from gorgeous golden beaches. Along with the market place, visitors can explore the 18th-century houses and the beautiful countryside that surrounds the town.
The Georgian bed and breakfast boasts luxurious and imaginative decor reflecting the owner's love of travel and adventure. Rooms might have a freestanding bath tub or a four-poster bed, and there's a bakery on-site that's open seven days a week (guests are given a voucher to purchase breakfast here). There's even a 'secret' dining room hidden behind a revolving bookcase. How cool is that?
Hide away in a hotel with history in Edinburgh
One of the most romantic cities in the UK, Edinburgh is just the spot for lovers. On a unique romantic getaway, you can check into the lovely Hotel du Vin, a hotel with a history. Believe it or not, this luxurious address was once a poorhouse and later a science lab. Today, you can hole up in one of the distinctive rooms, which come with custom sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton bed linen, in-room roll-top baths, the works!
If great food is your thing then you must have dinner at the Bistro du Vin, where the dishes are dull of depth and flavour. The low lighting creates an intimate atmosphere for a romantic dinner and you can expect tasty food, including steak frites and classic moules marinière.
Enjoy the benefits of both town and country in Bath
Combine a luxury country-house hotel escape with a city break at The Bath Priory, which gives guests the best of both worlds – you'll feel the benefits of a rural escape, while being within strolling distance of the centre of Bath. An upscale and plush Relais & Châteaux hotel, it's perfect for a unique romantic getaway, offering modern country interiors, a state-of-the-art spa and four acres of glorious gardens.
It may feel worlds away from any signs of urbanity, but it's actually located in a quiet suburb of Bath, meaning the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is right on your doorstep. While in this oasis of a bolthole, be sure to enjoy afternoon tea in front of a grand fireplace surrounded by oversized oil paintings, before heading into town to discover delights such as the Roman Baths.
Soak up the sea air at a design hotel in East Sussex
Famed as one of England's most classic seaside resorts, Eastbourne got a lot cooler in 2021 when design hotel Port opened. Bringing a Scandi vibe to the delightful beach town, this fun and trendy hotel changes everything you thought you knew about the great British seaside escape. It's set right on the seafront so arm-in-arm coastal walks are essential and the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are nearby for couples who really like to get active.
The super-modern hotel has a relaxed vibe (you check in next to the bar of the restaurant) and locals love it, too. Dining at the restaurant is a treat, with its small plates for tapas-style meals and epic Sunday roasts. The dishes here are beautifully presented and packed with flavour. It currently has a pop-up in place, with a guest chef whipping up Wagyu burgers and lobster rolls. The rooms are also incredibly chic, with a nod to its name and location around every corner. If you're looking for a unique romantic getaway that makes you feel like you could be at a cool hotel in Berlin or Copenhagen, Port in Eastbourne is worth checking out.
Relax at a discreet hotel in London
London might not be the first place you think of escaping to for a hotel home away from home but The Hari offers exactly this. A luxurious boutique hotel in Knightsbridge, this gem of a hotel is perfect for a romantic break. Whether you're a couple looking to explore London for a weekend or you live in the capital but fancy a night or two away, this sleek hotel does comfort just how we like it.
The rooms are designed to be incredibly relaxing, with their banquette seating and marble bathrooms. Opt for a front-facing King Premium and you can spend your days soaking in the gorgeous tub with views overlooking the trees of Belgravia. Then there's the dining at restaurant Il Pampero, where hearty Italian food and excellent cocktails are on the menu. If you're after a London hotel that's understated yet luxurious, cutting-edge yet warm, The Hari is one to have on your list.
Step into a fantastical world right next to Edinburgh castle
If you go giddy for luxury Gothic glamour, The Witchery will certainly set your pulses racing. This unique romantic getaway is one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh – it is totally theatrical, with nine decadent suites, some with views out over the Royal Mile. The 16th-century buildings are set around the famous Witchery by the Castle restaurant (a dining destination in its own right) and are bursting with medieval character.
Velvet-lined walls, grand paintings, wood-panelling and large oak four-poster beds… some even have their own steps to climb up. The indulgent breakfast hamper is a treat and the delights of Edinburgh are literally on the doorstep – that's if you can bring yourself to leave this one-of-a-kind hotel.
Dive into an outdoor pool with waterside views in the Lake District
As one of the most photogenic parts of the country, the Lake District is always an excellent choice for a romantic break with your partner, especially if your love language is hikes. Lodore Falls is one of the oldest hotels in the region – but it's had some very modern updates. The sleek spa, undoubtedly one of the best in the Lakes, boasts an incredible outdoor hydrotherapy pool with underwater loungers and epic views out across Derwentwater.
As the hotel sits on 40 acres of land (complete with the namesake waterfall), there's myriad choice of walks right outside for you to enjoy together. Dogs are also welcome if you want to include them on this unique romantic getaway.
Stay in a Grade II-listed townhouse in rural Devon
We promised you quirky and we were not lying. The name isn't the only unusual thing about the Ginger Peanut in Devon: each room is named after a type of bird or animal, such as Duck, Quail and Rabbit.
The dining and decor are a contemporary surprise for such an authentic Georgian coaching inn set in the heart of Devon. It is in the sleepy small town of Bampton, which lies on a tributary of the River Exe. You'll be on the edge of the beautiful Exmoor National Park and under 20 miles north of Exeter. Once you've enjoyed breakfast at one of the various options in Bampton, you can head straight out onto the romantic country lanes to walk it all off.
Retreat for the weekend to a castle in West Sussex
Unique romantic getaways don't get much more exciting than a stay at a veritable 12th-century castle, filled with suits of armour, grand fireplaces and original architectural features. Amberley Castle in Arundel is, however, modern where it needs to be, boasting contemporary British cuisine in a grand setting.
There are 12 acres of magnificent grounds to enjoy romantic strolls around, and there's even the ruins of the Great Hall, destroyed in the English Civil War, to explore.
You can climb the ramparts for stunning views, play tennis or golf on site, and there is also a croquet lawn. With a moat and portcullis over the entrance, what could be grander or more romantic?
Dine al fresco in a Cornish cove hotel
Gorgeously rugged Cornwall is another excellent choice for a romantic staycation, with its beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns and spectacular scenery. Laidback yet now with added luxe, The Lugger offers a stay in an olde-worlde inn (the county's only AA five-star inn, in fact), in the quaint traditional fishing village of Portloe, where fishermen go out in search of crab and lobster.
At this 17th-century former smugglers' inn, you can wake up to the breathtaking beauty of the Roseland Peninsula in your characterful bolthole with sea views. The harbour-facing restaurant is the perfect place to try some just-landed lobster. A cosy log fire, contemporary rooms and bracing coastal walks also await on this historic, romantic escape in Cornwall.
See wild ponies from your hotel window in the New Forest
How often do you get to see free-roaming ponies in your hotel's garden? At Forest Park Hotel in the New Forest village of Brockenhurst, you could be enjoying a cocktail on the terrace or looking out of your window to see the beautiful sight of the region's signature animal grazing away (they're also often spotted casually blocking the country roads, so be sure to drive carefully).
The Tudor Renaissance-style hotel was originally a vicarage, built in the late 19th century. The staff can provide wellies and walking-route maps ready for your rambles, and there'll be afternoon tea or a glass of the bar's small-batch house gin waiting for a cockle-warming post-stroll treat.
Sleep in a hotel built into the medieval city walls of Southampton
The name gives it away… The Pig - in the Wall is literally situated within the old city walls of Southampton. The super-chic deli with rooms offers delicious food mixed with design-led decor (vintage meets modern rustic), with all the luxuries you need for a unique romantic getaway – you'll love the freestanding tubs in the bedrooms.
You can soak up the city, but also head into the New Forest for a day, with a complimentary return transfer to the original Pig in Brockenhurst one night for dinner. If you're after a city meets country escape, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Rub shoulders with the cool crowd at a stylish hideaway in Brighton
Artist Residence is an incredibly chic boutique hotel that's perfect for relaxed yet style-conscious couples. It's got all the ingredients for a unique romantic getaway and a stylish weekend break in Brighton.
It's just steps to the beach and boasts fantastic sea views, too. Inside, the decor is retro modern, with fun contemporary art pieces dotted around the place and a buzzy cocktail bar creating a gorgeous hub to watch the sunset over the Western Pier. Shopping district the Lanes is also just a few minutes' stroll away, in case you needed an excuse to hit the shops…
Relax on an adults-only spa escape with a private cinema in the Cotswolds
Without a doubt one of the finest hotels in the Cotswolds if not the country, Barnsley House is a unique romantic getaway that you'll fall completely in love with. The high-end haven has famous gardens, which were designed by Rosemary Verey, with a stunningly swish spa nestled within them. Helpfully for guests staying for a couple of nights, there are two restaurants to try (one of which is more formal), as well as the village pub.
The stylish private cinema offers a really memorable experience, and the adults-only serenity (over-14s are welcome to stay) and luxurious rooms are totally divine, too.
Hide away by the sea in a cosy yet luxurious Shepherd's Hut
What could be more romantic than two nights by the sea close to one of the UK's most upmarket beach towns? Tucked away on the tranquil grounds of Rick Stein's pub near Padstow, The Cornish Arms, are six snug wooden shepherd's huts, where you and your partner can forget about the stresses of everyday life and relish the salty sea air.
As you'd expect from a property owned by a top chef, mouthwatering food will be a big part of your stay. Look forward to a three-course dinner at The Cornish Arms, an upgraded breakfast on one morning in Rick's flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, and a portion of cod and chips to enjoy on the beach.
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