The Most Romantic Getaways in England
If you’re looking for a special kind of holiday, these romantic getaways in England are guaranteed to have your other half swooning.
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Ah, to be young and head over heels in love. Those were the days. Here at Plum Guide we’re not just experts in all things travel and accommodation. We can be romantic too, you know. So if you’re wanting to show your other half just how much they mean to you, then the gift of a romantic getaway could be the perfect thing. Who doesn’t love to travel and spend some quality time with their loved one? Read on to discover the most romantic getaways in England, as chosen by Plum.
London
Whilst the grit and the grime of London on a wet, gloomy day may not immediately strike you as romantic, don’t be so quick to cast judgement. The English capital can be beautifully charming. It is one of the most romantic getaways in England if you know what to look for.
Why not wow your other half with unforgettable views of the city skyline from one of The Shard’s fine-dining restaurants such as Oblix or Hutong. Alternatively, there’s Clos Maggiore – often hailed as London’s most romantic restaurant which has no doubt caused a lovely backlog of bookings.
View of the Shard in London's Central Business District
You could see one of the most romantic shows play out at a West End Theatre. No, not The Lion King. It’s Pretty Woman: The Musical (Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and many others too). Perhaps take a cruise along the Thames at night, watching the twinkling skyline glide by. The city is also home to many parks including St. James, Hyde Park, Richmond, Regents and many others – all perfect for a romantic stroll.
Find the perfect selection of roses at Kew Gardens and indulge in a food tour at Borough Market. Covent Garden makes for great afternoon teas, too. Whatever date you have in mind, you’re guaranteed to find it in London.
Valentine's Day, Plum Guide home in London
Cornwall
At the height of summer, there is no better place for a romantic getaway in England than the Cornish Riviera.
St.Ives, Mousehole, Boscastle and Mevagissey are just a handful of the many beautiful, picturesque villages on offer here. As soon as you arrive, it’s like you’ve travelled back in time - the ideal antidote to the stresses and chaos of modern day life. You can leave it all behind and reconnect right here.
Enjoy a picnic and skinny dip at Porthgwarra cove (made famous by BBC show Poldark, for those of you who are interested) before watching the sunset from above the cliffs. Of course, as you’d expect for such a beautiful part of England, there are countless walks all along the coast, as well as plenty of hidden gems such as the magical St. Nectan’s Glen with its gushing waterfall.
For a romantic dinner with oysters and fine wine you have any number of celebrity chef restaurants to choose from, including Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth. Cornwall is the place to dine and the best chefs in the world know it.
Withy Lane, Plum Guide home in Cornwall
Oxford
Hardcore studying and exam stresses aside, Oxford really is one of the most romantic getaways in England. It’s known as ‘the city of dreaming spires’ and it’s not hard to see why. The skyline is littered with them – dominated mostly by one of the world’s best universities, of course.
You can take a tour of this Hogwarts-esque campus if that’s your kind of thing. In fact, you can do a specific Harry Potter locations tour, if you're so inclined. Alternatively, grab yourselves a picnic with a bottle of wine and take a punt down the River Cherwell. Whilst it’s not quite Venice, it is romantic and guarantees some quality alone time with your other half (not counting the young punter standing awkwardly behind you trying desperately to avoid bumping into other boats).
Oxford University, UK
Take a moment to explore the Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum – the UK’s oldest botanical garden where you can escape the bustle of the city and recharge, surrounded by fifty shades of relaxing greenery. If this sounds right up your street, make a day of it by escaping into the countryside at the Chiltern Valley winery & brewery. Not only can you partake in endless hours of tasting and other such tours, there are also cookery classes to get stuck into. All in all, a very fun date.
Midsummer Night's Dream, Plum Guide home in Oxfordshire
Yorkshire
Up here they say it’s God’s own country and being honest, it’s very hard to argue with them. If the old, timeless magic of York doesn’t sweep you both off your feet, the moorland hikes certainly will.
In York, visit the impressive York Minster, walk around the old city walls (dating back to the Romans, no less) and sample the delights amongst the nooks and crannies of The Shambles. Let’s just hope the date doesn’t take after this famous street name.
Further out from the city, take a steam train from Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You can steam across the moors all the way to Whitby, one of the prettiest of England’s many seaside towns. It’s a uniquely quaint harbour that will have you busy all day from the delicious fish and chips, the beautiful coastal walks over to Robin Hood Bay (an absolute must) and the 200-odd steps up to the abbey overlooking the town - the location that inspired Dracula.
Back along the steam railway, it’s well worth stopping off at the village of Goathland – the main location in the hit UK TV show Heartbeat (if you don’t know what that is then congratulations, you’re still young). Furthermore, there are plenty of beautiful hikes and walks all over the North Yorkshire Moors, as well as the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales.
Anchor & Sail, Plum Guide home in North Yorkshire
