A Love Letter to the British Road Trip: Our Ultimate Guide to UK Romantic Getaways
16 April 2025
There is something undeniably romantic about setting off on an adventure for two, the map folded on the dashboard, the countryside rolling past like a dream sequence, and the promise of hidden gems just around the bend.
Be it a mini-moon, an anniversary escape, or a spontaneous getaway for no reason other than love itself, a carefully curated UK romantic getaway can be the ultimate expression of wanderlust and devotion.
Romantic tourism is flourishing. PoB Hotels' 2025 Whitepaper found that 81% of couples are planning a getaway together in the next year, a marked rise from 76% in 2023/24. The latest trends in couple's travel 2025 shows travellers turning away from rigid package holidays in favour of personalised itineraries that reflect their shared passions, PoB Breaks emerges as the perfect answer for those looking for UK romantic getaways. These curated journeys offer a seamless blend of adventure, indulgence, and cultural immersion across the most idyllic corners of the UK. Whether you’re drawn to impeccable manors, coastal hideaways, or epicurean experiences, here’s how to craft the perfect luxury romantic escape on the road.
Romance & Restoration
One of the world’s greenest capitals, London has a romantic side best explored on foot. Stroll through Hyde Park, browse the artisanal delights of Borough Market, or dress up for a theatre night in the West End. For a refined stay, The Athenaeum places you opposite Green Park, while The Capital Hotel offers an elegant base for shopping in Knightsbridge. Those after a stylish Belgravia retreat will find The Hari an intimate sanctuary for your UK romantic getaway.
A short drive north lies the cathedral city of St Albans. Wander Verulamium Park before unwinding at Sopwell House, where the Mews Suites promise unparalleled seclusion.
From St Albans, take a scenic drive to Dedham, where you can canoe along the picturesque River Colne. Talbooth House, set beside the water, is a haven of comfort and fine dining. A little further, Lavenham - an impossibly picturesque medieval village - is home to The Swan at Lavenham, a 15th-century retreat with an indulgent spa.
Horse racing enthusiasts will find Newmarket a fascinating detour. With its world-famous training stables and retraining centres, the town embodies equestrian excellence. Unwind at Bedford Lodge, a luxurious hotel surrounded by lush rose gardens.
Dales, Lakes & Alba
Begin in the Yorkshire Dales; walk the trails of Wensleydale, uncover hidden waterfalls, or take a dip in a secluded wild swimming spot before enjoying a gourmet picnic surrounded by nature. Nestled here is Yorebridge House, a boutique retreat known for its individually designed rooms and creative dining.
Next, venture to the Lake District, a land of poets and painters; wander through Rydal Mount and Hill Top, or glide across Windermere or Buttermere by boat, soaking in the breathtaking scenery from the water. Set within 400 acres of woodland, Armathwaite Hall seamlessly blends elegance with contemporary, offering a sanctuary with spa treatments and lakeside views.
History lovers will relish a visit to Hadrian’s Wall, the ancient boundary of the Roman Empire. Walk along its rugged paths, uncovering forts and dramatic landscapes. Nearby, Farlam Hall elevates the trip with its Michelin-starred dining, led by Hrishikesh Desai, ensuring that even the most refined palates are satisfied.
Crossing into Scotland, embark on the South West Coastal 300, a scenic route of hidden bays and rolling moorlands. For something truly special, take a boat trip to Ailsa Craig, a rugged island home to puffins and glittering garnets. Your final stay at Glenapp Castle is nothing short of a fairytale - this baronial estate offers private boat excursions, whisky tastings, and an atmosphere of pure romance.
Cotswolds Allure
Begin in Bradford-on-Avon, home of the famed Bridge Tea Rooms, a perfect stop for a quintessentially English experience. Just a short distance away, Iford Manor delights with its whimsical wisteria display each May, adding a splash of colour to your UK romantic getaway. For an indulgent stay, Homewood Hotel & Spa offers rolling views of Somerset and a luxurious setting perfect for rejuvenation.
Next, head to Bath, a city brimming with history. Walk the ancient stones of the Roman Baths and admire the sweeping Royal Crescent, where you’ll find your next stop: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Indulge in luxury romantic escapes in one of Bath’s most famous landmarks, where summer DJ nights add a lively touch to your stay.
From Bath, journey to Castle Combe, often called ‘the prettiest village in England.’ Wander through the idyllic streets before heading to Tetbury, known for antique shops and independent eateries, before retreating to Calcot & Spa, a stylish country escape, or Whatley Manor, where Michelin-star dining and an eco-friendly spa await.
Continue to Painswick, where the legendary Rococo Gardens and the 99 yew trees offer a tranquil haven. Nearby, Cirencester is rich with Roman history, and a visit to the picturesque Bibury will leave you craving more. For a truly charming stay, The Painswick offers boutique bedrooms with stunning views.
In Cheltenham, experience festivals that cater to every interest, from jazz to literature to racing. The Cotswold Way walking route is a must for nature lovers, with panoramic views culminating at Broadway Tower. After a day of exploring, stay at Ellenborough Park, a manor house near Cheltenham Racecourse, and indulge in its lavish offerings.
Finish your journey in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, to explore his birthplace, stroll past timber-framed houses, and attend events along the River Avon. The charming Elms Hotel offers a boutique manor stay in the Worcestershire countryside, the perfect end to a romantic getaway.
Northbound Wellness
Begin with a deep breath and a sense of adventure. Discover tumbling water at High Force Waterfall, where the dramatic cascades of water are framed by England’s natural beauty. When it’s time to rest, Rockliffe Hall provides a perfect escape, an elegant hotel offering a world-class spa and a championship golf course designed for unforgettable couple's travel 2025 experiences.
Next, venture to the medieval charm of Durham, where riverside strolls and a deep-rooted cricket culture add a charming rhythm to your days. A short detour takes you to Seaham, known for its dramatic cliffs, historic churches, and quiet beaches - where you can stay at Seaham Hall, known for its Serenity Spa to restore both body and mind.
Finally, seek out the natural infinity pools scattered across the landscape or head into Keswick for some retail therapy. At Armathwaite Hall, a 400-acre lakeside estate, you’ll find an elegant sanctuary to unwind, and for those seeking a truly refined dining experience, Gilpin's Michelin-starred SOURCE restaurant offers a gastronomic journey.
Sensory Indulgence
Begin at Rutland Water and drift across the reservoir in a kayak, spot rare birds in the nature reserves, or take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. As evening falls, retreat to Hambleton Hall, where Michelin-starred dining has been an art form since 1982.
A scenic drive leads to Melton Mowbray, home to the famous pork pies and creamy Stilton cheese - indulgences best enjoyed with a leisurely picnic in the countryside. Continue into the Peak District - your haven for the night is Northcote, where Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s exquisite Ribble Valley cuisine turns every meal into a celebration of taste on your luxury romantic escape.
Browse charming galleries and antique shops in Cumbria and the Lake District, where each piece tells a story, or set sail on a river cruise, gliding through the misty fells. At Gilpin, choose between a Michelin-starred dinner at SOURCE or the ultimate privacy of the Lake House retreat, where secluded hot tubs and spa treatments promise pure indulgence.
The journey concludes in the Yorkshire Dales, where you can walk hand in hand through the rolling Wensleydale hills, embark on a mindfulness trek to reconnect with nature and each other, or even enjoy a playful alpaca hike. Unwind in the chic surroundings of Yorebridge House, set in the heart of Wensleydale, or elevate your escape with a stay at Grantley Hall, where Michelin-starred dining, restorative spa treatments, and the grandeur of a country house create the most luxurious finale to your sensory journey.
Date with History
Begin in York and wander hand in hand through The Shambles, where timber-framed buildings lean together as if sharing secrets. Stand beneath the soaring spires of York Minster, or take a leisurely stroll along the city walls. For an air of old-world romance, stay at Middlethorpe Hall, a William III country house set amid 20 acres of tranquil gardens.
Next, venture south to Rutland Water to discover the legend of The Lost Village, or meander through Barnsdale Gardens, once home to Britain’s best-loved TV gardener, Geoff Hamilton. Overlooking the reservoir, Hambleton Hall offers an idyllic retreat, with Michelin-starred dining that turns every meal into an occasion.
As twilight falls, immerse yourselves in the magic of the Kilworth House Theatre, where open-air performances unfold beneath a canopy of woodland stars. The romance continues onsite at Kilworth House Hotel, an elegant rural escape where Victorian grandeur meets modern luxury.
Finally, let the rolling landscapes of The Chilterns guide you towards a grand finale. Explore the honey-hued streets of Oxford, steeped in academic tradition, before stepping into the opulence of Waddesdon Manor. As your journey draws to a close, Hartwell House offers a fitting farewell - this National Trust-listed country house, set within 90 acres of landscaped gardens, is a retreat fit for royalty.
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