Visit Heritage, the destination for all things history and heritage in the UK, has picked its top romantic recommendations across the UK. Ideal for planning a weekend away for two, or planning a surprise day out, Visit Heritage has something for everyone.
Places to Stay
The Alexandra Hotel, Lyme Regis
Set on a clifftop overlooking Lyme Bay, with direct access to the beach, The Alexandra Hotel is the place to stay in Lyme Regis. With sea views from many of the bedrooms, the finest local, seasonal produce in the restaurant and a brilliantly stocked wine cellar, this is the perfect spot to escape to together. Dramatic Dorset landscapes and the spellbinding Jurassic Coast are on the doorstep to explore. Stays from £245 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis. Two-night Valentine’s Weekend Break from £545 based on two sharing.
The Gilpin Hotel, Lake District
A stay at The Gilpin is all about brilliant service, beautiful décor and the very finest culinary experiences. Six of the bedrooms have private cedarwood hot tubs, and five have their own treatment area, steam room, stone bath, sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub; this is a place for pure indulgence. The Michelin star restaurant Hrishi delivers unbelievable textures and flavours with an Asian twist. Stays from £127.50 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis.
Langar Hall, Nottinghamshire
Totally tranquil and wonderfully enchanting, Langar Hall oozes with romance. Set overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, this is a beautiful country house dating from 1837, with just twelve bedrooms and plenty of space to explore. The food is excellent; expect local Langar lamb, stilton, game from the Belvoir Estate and fresh fish from Brixham. Stays from £99 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis
Blackaddie Hotel, Dumfries & Galloway
Where could be more romantic than a tiny hotel on the banks of one of Scotland’s finest salmon rivers, in a brilliantly secluded spot? Blackaddie Hotel has just seven rooms, and a prime position on the banks of the River Nith, with beautiful views across Scotland’s Southern Upland Way. Walk along the river, explore nearby countryside, and return for the most delicious Scottish food. Stays from £120 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis
Sites to visit
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Wild coastal scenery and one of England’s great agricultural estates meet at Holkham Hall. A wonderfully elegant 18th century house, Holkham Hall is a gem waiting to be discovered. A 50ft domed ceiling in the Marble Hall and magnificent state rooms set the tone for a day out. Gaze at paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Gainsborough before taking a stroll on Holkham Beach, used as a filming location for scenes from Shakespeare in Love.
Shakespeare Family Homes, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Step back into the world of William Shakespeare with a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Start at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where it all began, before visiting Anne Hathaway’s cottage. The family home of Shakespeare’s wife, this is a quintessentially English thatched cottage, with the more romantic of gardens.
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
Stride the causeway, or cross by boat, and step onto St Michael’s Mount (see Featured Image) to tread medieval pathways and explore sub-tropical gardens. Winding up to the peak of the mount is wonderfully romantic, and the promise of the most spectacular view awaits. Admire the views, hear tales of islanders and unearth a brilliant history in every step.
Stokesay Court, Shropshire
Stokesay Court was the major location for Atonement, setting the romantic tone from the start. Disappear behind the impressive Jacobean façade to discover what lies within, and stroll the gardens to discover bubbling fountains, secret grottos and pools connected by cascades and steps. Spot heron and kingfishers and – if you’re lucky – otters in and around the pools.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Isle of Skye
A visit to the Isle of Skye is full of the promise of romance and intrigue. No visit is complete without stopping at Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Visit the Fairy Flag, said to be a sacred banner with miraculous powers when unfurled in battle, take a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan, spot seals, and enjoy a warm Highland welcome.
Keats House, London
The poet John Keats lived at this Grade I listed Regency house from 1818 to 1820. This was where he wrote his famed ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ and met and fell in love with Fanny Brawne. Keats left London for Italy, where he tragically died at the age of 25. Fanny wore his engagement ring until her death, and it is now on display at the house, while their love story was immortalised in Jane Campion’s 2009 film Bright Star. Catch a poetry reading and soak up the atmosphere.
VisitHeritage.co.uk is delivered by the team behind Hudson’s and Signpost Hotels, the UK’s longest established guide to the country’s best hotels.
