Have you been trying to find the most romantic retreats to whisk your loved one off to for that very special, perfect couples break?
Read on for a handpicked selection of the most charming UK pubs, inns and hotels to choose from for your romantic retreat.
Golden Lion Hotel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Step into the charm of St Ives, where centuries-old markets thrive, and architectural treasures such as St Ives Chapel stand tall.
On Market Hill, just by the River Great Ouse, the eighteenth-century Golden Lion Hotel invites couples to unwind in its grand Cromwell Suite or enjoy the intimate ambiance of its split-level courtyard.
This Valentine’s Day, The Golden Lion is running a lovingly crafted three-course menu. Begin with crispy calamari and garlic aioli or lightly spiced sweet potato soup. For the main course, choose between pan-fried sea bream with hazelnut romesco or ale & treacle-glazed short rib with truffled mash. End on a sweet note with vanilla crème brûlée cheesecake or warm chocolate fondue. A perfect way to celebrate the occasion.
Golden Lion Hotel: Market Hill, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5AL
The Bell Inn, Stilton, Cambridgeshire
Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside near Peterborough, The Bell Inn offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and rich history. This sixteenth-century retreat features 23 rooms and an award-winning AA Rosette restaurant. Does a romantic retreat get any better than this.
The Bell Inn invites couples to enjoy a romantic three-course dining experience this Valentine’s Day. Start with sweetcorn soup with tempura king prawns, a fresh burrata salad, or crispy pork belly with breaded apple. For the main course, choose from indulgent British beef wellington, truffle tagliatelle with parmesan and olives, or lemon sole with mussels marinara. Finish with a passion fruit vanilla cheesecake, white chocolate mousse with mango sorbet, or an apple frangipane tart. With its stunning surroundings and exceptional hospitality, The Bell Inn provides an unforgettable setting for romance.
The Bell Inn: Great North Road, Stilton, Peterborough PE7 3RA
White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages, the historic seventeenth-century White Hart Royal Hotel features original period details and serves regionally inspired cuisine including locally produced vegetables, meats and cheeses. The hotel provides the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside.
For Valentine’s Day, enjoy a three-course meal featuring starters like beetroot carpaccio, ham hock and chicken terrine, or gin and beetroot gravadlax. For the main course, choose from pan-fried fillet of hake with smoked bacon, oven-baked duck breast with braised red cabbage, or cauliflower steak with romesco sauce. End on a sweet note with strawberry cheesecake, passion fruit pannacotta, or a selection of British artisan cheeses.
White Hart Royal Hotel: High St, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0BA
Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Set amidst the dramatic landscape of Bodmin Moor, the legendary Jamaica Inn offers a captivating blend of history and intrigue. Known for its smuggling past and literary fame, the inn invites couples to explore its mysterious allure. Enjoy delicious dining and unwind in one of 36 uniquely designed rooms. The inn’s rich history, from its days as a remote stopover for stagecoaches to its portrayal in Daphne du Maurier’s iconic novel, has inspired generations of visitors, making it not only a place to relax but also a destination where the past comes vividly to life. This romantic retreat comes complete with a fascinating history.
Treat your loved one to the Jamaica Inn’s three-course Valentine’s Day meal starting with seared scallops or chicken liver parfait, followed by slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle or roasted cod with wild garlic pesto. For dessert, indulge in black forest gateaux, lemon posset with rhubarb compote, or a decadent chocolate rum pot.
In addition to the dining experience, the Jamaica Inn is running Valentine’s Movie Nights on 14th and 15th February. Couples can enjoy a chilled half bottle of Prosecco, and a selection of delectable sweet & savoury movie snacks, while watching either Ghost or Dirty Dancing.
Jamaica Inn: Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS
- Valentine’s Day Menu
- Valentine’s Day Movie Nights (£40 per couple)
Royal Wells Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Located in the picturesque town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the Royal Wells Hotel offers a perfect blend of history and luxury. Overlooking The Common, this Victorian gem is ideally situated a short drive away from romantic attractions such as Penshurst Place and Hever Castle.
Here, couples can indulge in a Valentine’s dining experience with starters like sweet potato soup or baked camembert. Delicious main courses such as short rib with truffled mash or pan-fried sea bream are followed by delectable desserts like chocolate fondue and crème brûlée cheesecake.
Royal Wells Hotel: 59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE
Meynell Ingram Arms, Hoar Cross, Staffordshire
Surrounded by the stunning Staffordshire countryside, the Meynell Ingram Arms is situated amidst rolling hills and scenic woodlands. Offering the perfect location for those looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat.
The hotel itself is a beautifully restored venue, combining rustic charm with modern elegance.
At the Meynell Ingram Arms, guests can enjoy a diverse and mouthwatering menu. Start with flavourful small plates like Tuna Tartare with wonton crisps or a smoked duck salad with a yuzu vinaigrette. Some hearty options for mains include Pan Roast Stone Bass with a range of fresh seafood or a Wild Mushroom Tortellini served with truffle oil and an artichoke velouté. Alternatively, share a Cote de Boeuf which comes with bearnaise sauce and dauphinoise potatoes.
Meynell Ingram Arms: Abbots Bromley Rd, Hoar Cross, Burton-on-Trent DE13 8RB
New Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale, Lake District
Escape to the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District, where the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel offers an ideal base for adventurous couples. Nestled in the heart of the Langdale Valley, this retreat provides cosy accommodations and an unbeatable location for exploring one of the UK’s most romantic destinations.
The Valentine’s Day menu is made perfect for sharing, start with tuna tartare or smoked duck salad, followed by baked Baron Bigod Brie with truffle. Main course options include pan roast stone bass or wild mushroom tortelloni. For an indulgent treat, enjoy a 28oz côte de boeuf with dauphinoise potatoes. Finish with rich chocolate cake or raspberry & limoncello cheesecake – a memorable way to celebrate love.
New Dungeon Ghyll: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale, Cumbria, LA22 9JX
The Manor, West Bexington, Dorset
Overlooking the Jurassic Coast, The Manor is a truly a coastal hidden treasure and a stunning romantic retreat. With its seaside serenity and boutique-style rooms, it’s the ideal destination for couples looking to enjoy an enchanting coastal escape.
At the Manor, start your dining experience with Marinated Nocellara, Gaeta & Cerignola olives or crispy squid with chilli and spring onion. For mains, try the Beer-battered fish & chips with North Sea haddock, or the Prawn & Crayfish tortelloni with lobster bisque. For something substantial, opt for the 8oz sirloin steak with triple-cooked chips. Finish with a sweet treat, like sticky toffee pudding with honeycomb ice cream or a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream.
The Manor: Beach Rd, West Bexington, Dorset, DT2 9DF
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