Britain’s most romantic places
6 destinations to get you loved-up for Valentine's Day
Honestly, nobody who knows me would ever accuse me of being much of a romantic, but maybe that will change if I toddle off to some of these lovely destinations. In honour of Valentine’s Day, I’ve put together a list of Britain’s top-rated romantic places, which promise to melt even the hardest of hearts…
Tintagel Castle
According to English Heritage, Tintagel Castle tops their list of most romantic destinations. The historic castle sits on the clifftops of North Cornwall and has long been associated with King Arthur – it’s meant to be where he was both conceived and born – as well as the Celtic legend of Tristan and Isolde. There’s a small beach beneath the castle, where at low tide you can explore Merlin’s Cave.
Visit English-heritage.org.uk
Brecon Beacons
Meanwhile, Rough Guides puts Wales’ Brecon Beacons on their list of most romantic destinations in Britain, calling it a paradise for those wanting to stroll out of their back door and straight into the mountains of the “boundless National Park.” You can walk, bike, horse-ride, or try many other outdoor pursuits in the beautiful Welsh countryside, then top it off with some gourmet food in a gastro pub.
Visit Breconbeacons.org
The Lake District
From one National Park to another - Conde Nast Traveller recommends The Lake District as its choice of Britain’s most-romantic place, saying, “Maybe it’s the glittering lakes, the rugged mountains, the village pubs or those views, which are somehow only elevated by the ever-unpredictable English weather.” The famous Lakes have, of course, inspired writers from William Wordsworth (visit his house here) to Beatrix Potter (and her house, here) and even Taylor Swift. They haven’t lost any of their magic, today.
Visit Visitlakedistrict.com
Stratford-upon-Avon
VisitEngland’s recommendation for a romantic getaway, is to come over all Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. You can tour his home, wander around Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, take a boat trip down the River Avon and see one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Visit Visitstratforduponavon.co.uk
Carrickfergus
Time Out, meanwhile, reckons one of the best destinations for romantic couples, is Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Just outside Belfast, on the coast, the town is one of the oldest in Ireland and has a 12th century castle. The Titanic made its first journey up the lough, anchoring nearby. But it’s most famous as the subject of the folk song, with its famous lyrics, “I wish I was in Carrickfergus.” Well, now you can be.
Visit Discovernorthernireland.com
Isle of Skye
Another destination which is regularly voted one of the most romantic in the nation, is the Isle of Skye. Homes & Gardens has it on its top romance list, for the Fairy Pools, at the bottom of the Cuillin Mountains. The beautiful rock pools are fed by waterfalls and a destination for wild swimming.
Visit Visitscotland.com