A Love Letter to the British Road Trip: Our Ultimate Guide to UK Romantic Getaways

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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