Romantic UK Destinations for a Couples Staycation
Looking for romantic destinations for your next couples staycation? Britain is blessed with gorgeous spots that are ideal for a loved-up break. So if you’re a Brit wanting to holiday closer to home, you’re in luck!
Perfect for a week or long weekend, staycations are one of my favourite types of travel. Not only are they a great eco holiday option, but they’re so much easier to plan and prepare for.
Plus, for couples, a staycation is a wonderful opportunity to connect and explore beautiful destinations nearer your doorstep. After all, the UK has some of the world’s best places for a romantic escape!
From rugged coastline and countryside to national parks and pretty villages, there are so many picturesque spots to enjoy.
So if you want inspiration for a romantic break in the UK, here are some of my best couples staycation ideas for 2023!
Best staycation ideas for couples
1. Devon
Beautiful Devon is on most people’s lists for a romantic staycation. Within easy reach of London, it’s one of the UK’s top holiday hotspots and is famed for its beaches and wild national parks.
If you love being by the sea, Devon is the couples staycation for you! With coastline stretching for miles, consider walking part of the South West Coastal Path for stunning views at every turn.
On the south coast, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, gorgeous secluded coves and fossil-filled beaches that are perfect for a picnic. Picturesque fishing villages are also part and parcel, with pretty waterside towns including Salcombe, Torquay and Dartmouth.
On the other side of the county, Devon’s north coast has a rugged Atlantic shoreline and sweeping golden sands.
If you’re into surfing, North Devon’s Croyde and Woolacombe beaches are must-visits. Woolacombe is one of the UK’s prettiest beaches and has been crowned one of the world’s best by TripAdvisor.
Country pubs and cute cafes are found everywhere in Devon, so you’ll also have lots of places to rest, relax and take in the scenery.
Hotel picks: Salcombe Harbour Hotel, The Pig at Combe
2. Outer Hebrides
Staying on the coastal theme, Scotland’s Outer Hebrides also need to be on your radar. Boasting sensational beaches, the remote Outer Hebrides islands are a true gem and a heavenly choice for a couples staycation.
With its postcard beaches, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled to the Caribbean. And while it doesn’t have sun-warmed waters, a trip to the Outer Hebrides is definitely picture-perfect!
Even with the Scottish weather, the scenery in the Outer Hebrides is breathtaking. And, better yet, as a secluded paradise, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself – making it ideal for an intimate and romantic staycation.
Undoubtedly one of Britain’s best-kept secrets, these Scottish isles offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re strolling on powder sands or taking in the history, this will definitely be one of your favourite vacations.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also take a boat trip to the isolated St Kilda. This archipelago is a haven for wildlife lovers and is home to a colony of Atlantic puffins.
Across the Outer Hebrides islands there’s a lovely choice of places to stay. From self-catered cottages to cosy glamping pods, you’re sure to find a perfect place for a romantic, back-to-nature getaway.
3. Lake District
There aren’t many places as romantic as the Lake District. The inspiration for countless poets and artists, the beauty of the Lakes is undeniable. If you want to feel the romance – this is the place for you!
In summer, the Lake District comes alive and you can make the most of the picturesque landscape. There’s an abundance of hiking trails and water activities to take part in. But, if you want something less strenuous, you can also hop aboard a boat to take in the views.
Away from city lights, and with some of the UK’s darkest skies, stargazing in the Lake District is also a must. Staying in a glamping pod, yurt or cabin is an amazing off-grid option that will give you the best views on a clear summer’s night.
While summer is amazing for outdoor pursuits, autumn and winter are a personal favourite for a couples staycation in the Lake District. Awash with colour, the Lake District is truly magical in autumn and is one of the most peaceful times to visit.
With the colder months drawing in, you can also expect all the cosy vibes in winter – think roaring fires in charming lakeside cottages. Plus, you’ll find a ton of welcoming pubs that are perfect for a lazy afternoon on a crisp winter’s day.
4. Edinburgh
If you want a romantic city, Edinburgh needs to be high on your list. Deserving of its own spot, the Scottish capital has everything you need for a dreamy romantic staycation.
Edinburgh could be considered the most romantic city in the UK. And, as far as city breaks go, it’s a pretty relaxing city break, too.
With its historic Old Town, cobblestone alleyways and comfy cafes, Edinburgh is bursting with charm. It’s a very welcoming city, so you’ll feel totally at home here, and you’ll have lots to see and do to while away the time.
If you love history and art, an Edinburgh staycation will be a winner for you. You’ll find festivals throughout the year, with the Fringe being a highlight if you visit in August.
There are also numerous free museums and galleries for getting your culture fix. Or, for iconic landmarks, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat are all a must.
It’s not all about history either – in the Georgian New Town you’ll find a shopping paradise along Princes Street. Plus, there’s a plethora of bars and restaurants that are great for a couples staycation – the city has multiple restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.
Hotel picks: The Roseate, The Balmoral, The Raeburn
5. Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is possibly one of the UK’s most picturesque spots. Filled with charming chocolate box villages and glorious rolling landscapes, it’s easy to see why the Cotswolds makes the ultimate couples staycation!
Castle Combe is one of the most famous villages here. Quintessentially English, this village can’t be missed if you’re heading to the Cotswolds – you’ll feel you’ve been transported back in time.
If you holiday in the Cotswolds, you can spend your days flitting between gorgeous villages, ambling in the countryside or enjoying downtime at a traditional English pub.
If you want to go all-out, stay at a country manor for extra romantic vibes – Barnsley House is a lovely choice near Bibury.
If you want more to see and do, the Cotswolds has you covered. As well as pretty villages, you’ll also find vibrant towns and cities in the region. Cirencester, Cheltenham and Bath are all great options.
Bath is a must if you want a history fix – you’ll be able to visit the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.
Or, if you’re a culture lover, check out Cheltenham. This beautiful regency spa town is known for its festivals, but it’s also home to upscale restaurants, bars and boutique hotels that are perfect for a couples escape.
6. Isles of Scilly
Lying off the South West coast, the Isles of Scilly are a great alternative to a Cornwall staycation. Easily reached from Penzance, this beautiful archipelago has five inhabited islands that are all about nature.
Boasting shimmering turquoise seas and sugar sand beaches, these islands are the UK’s answer to the tropics. Scilly has its own balmy microclimate so you’ll find palm trees, bright succulents and plenty of sunshine – without crossing international borders!
As with most UK islands, the Isles of Scilly are renowned for being isolated and relatively untouched. With only a small population, it’s a blissful choice if you want to avoid the busyness of Cornwall.
Nature and wildlife are the main draw of the Scilly Isles. Tresco Abbey Garden is a lovely visit, and you can spot puffins, seals and dolphins around the islands, too.
If that’s not your thing, you’ll be able to try water activities and lounge on empty beaches, too! The Scillies are also a fab option for island hopping with boats offering trips between islands each day.
For somewhere to stay, you’ll find quaint, romantic hotels and peaceful B&Bs scattered across the islands. Plus, if you want more of a nature retreat, the Scilly Isles are an idyllic choice for camping with countryside spots and sites on the water’s edge.
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Britain has so much beauty – and it’s proof you don’t have to travel abroad to find a dream location. I hope this post has inspired you for your next UK getaway!
