The UK offers so many beautiful and memorable places to visit if you’re planning a romantic excursion. Some couples are drawn to the hustle and bustle of its busy cosmopolitan centers, from Bristol in the southwest up to Inverness, north of the Scottish Highlands. Others would prefer to soak up history, visiting battle-scarred castles or ancient monuments. There are also festivals, celebrating everything from music to food, dance to theatre.
Say you’ve connected with someone on a dating website and are considering where to invite your new partner for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend. With such a diverse range of potential locations for a romantic getaway, how do you decide which one to opt for? Here are seven of the best to help you narrow down this almost impossible choice.
Vertigo-challenging dining
Situated on England’s south coast, with commanding views over the Channel, Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower rises to 170-metres, making it two-and-a-half times taller than London’s Nelson Column. There are three observation platforms, the tallest offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. You and your partner can marvel in the vista (on a clear day you can see for over 30-kilometers.) Afterward, enjoy a mouth-watering meal at the aptly-named Clouds Café.
Enchanted Forest of Dean
Located in Gloucestershire, in England’s tranquil West Country, the Forest of Dean comprises breathtaking natural scenery, including ancient woodlands which were used as royal hunting grounds long before the Norman Invasion of 1066. Today, this mesmerizing landscape of oak forests interspersed with lakes is a haven for picnicking couples. Explore the 14-acres of trees, and you’ll get a sense of the many times this area has featured as a backdrop in popular movies. The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have all made use of this majestic treeline.
Relaxing watersports
Forget splashing around or fishing, what more romantic way to make the most of England’s waterways than enjoying a punt in Cambridge? Exemplifying the relaxing lifestyle of the city’s university students at leisure, these wooden boats can be hired for the afternoon. Either curl up in your lover’s arms and enjoy being propelled through the River Cam, or take the initiative to steer the vessel yourself as you explore the calm waters.
Escape to Poldark country
Made famous by the recent Poldark TV series, the Cornish coast contains some of England’s most enthralling countryside. Rugged cliffs plunge into the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, while the coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages, welcoming romantic couples with mouth-watering local delicacies. Work off your feasting with a clifftop stroll, taking in the finest scenery Cornwall has to offer.
Capital panorama
Another unforgettable activity is a trip to Edinburgh’s Calton Hill. After a brisk climb from the road, you’ll be surrounded by a grandiose, multi-columned Napoleonic War memorial and an observatory. The views over Scotland’s capital city are breathtaking, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to savoring local cuisine in nearby eateries.
Seaside delights
Brighton, on England’s south coast, is synonymous with weekend breaks. The Palace Pier has been welcoming visitors since Queen Victoria was the monarch in 1899, and has been the iconic backdrop to films such as Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia. After a fun day on the coaster rides, it’s a short stint to the popular restaurant, Riddle and Finns, to dine on champagne and oysters.
Steamy wonders
Whether or not you and your partner are fans of the Harry Potter films, you can recreate the famous steam train ride over the fabulous Glenfinnan Viaduct, in Inverness-shire, Scotland. This is surely one of the most romantic journeys you’ll ever experience.