01/23/2026
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday. Translation?
It’s perfect for a romantic two- or three-night escape: No rushed dinners, no alarm clocks, no squeezing romance into a Tuesday evening.
The catch? You won’t be the only one who noticed.
By the time February rolls around, the most obvious romantic destinations are often booked well in advance, which can make last-minute planning feel a bit… uninspiring. Paris? Full. Classic spa hotels? Eye-watering prices. The same predictable spots? You’ve probably already been there.
The good news? A romantic Valentine’s weekend doesn’t need to be obvious to be unforgettable.
If you know where to look, there are plenty of destinations that feel intimate, relaxed and special — without the crowds. Think cosy landscapes, food-led cities, boutique hotels and places designed for slowing down together.
Here are 8 romantic weekend getaway ideas, all within the UK or a short hop away, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
February in the Lake District is all about misty views, crackling fires and long walks that end with a pub lunch.
Stay in a secluded lodge or a boutique country hotel, spend your days wandering by the lakes, and your evenings doing absolutely nothing — together. It’s quiet, atmospheric and effortlessly romantic.
Perfect if you love nature, calm and cosy moments.
Edinburgh in winter feels like stepping into a novel. Cobbled streets, candlelit restaurants and dramatic views everywhere you turn.
Spend the day exploring the Old Town, warm up in a whisky bar, and book a small, character-filled hotel rather than a big chain. Romantic without trying too hard.
Ideal for couples who love history, culture and moody city vibes.
Stone cottages, rolling countryside and proper slow living.
A Valentine’s weekend in the Cotswolds is about fireside dinners, country walks and pretending time doesn’t exist. Book a private cottage or a small inn and keep plans deliberately vague.
Best for couples who want peace, comfort and a bit of countryside magic.
If you’re craving a little sunshine without going too far, Lisbon is a dream in February.
Think pastel streets, tiled façades, incredible food and golden light. It’s romantic, relaxed and far less hectic than in summer — perfect for wandering hand in hand with no real agenda.
Great for couples who love food, warmth and beautiful cities.
Bath is elegant, walkable and quietly romantic.
Book a boutique hotel, stroll through the Georgian streets, and spend an afternoon soaking in the thermal spa — especially magical on a cold February day. It’s refined, calming and very easy to fall in love with.
Ideal for spa lovers and low-effort romance.
Yes, Bruges is known as romantic — but winter is when it really shines.
The canals are quieter, the streets glow at night, and everything feels intimate rather than busy. Add chocolate, wine and cosy cafés, and you’ve got a Valentine’s weekend that feels straight out of a film.
Perfect for classic romantics (without the Paris crowds).
Wild landscapes, dramatic views and complete escape.
The Yorkshire Dales are ideal if you want to unplug, breathe deeply and spend proper quality time together. Choose a remote cottage or a small countryside retreat and let the outside world wait.
Best for adventurous couples who love space and silence.
If Paris is calling, you don’t have to dismiss it — just rethink it.
Instead of the most central (and crowded) areas, look at neighbourhoods like Montmartre or Canal Saint-Martin. You’ll still get the romance, but with a more local, relaxed feel.
Perfect for couples who want timeless romance with fewer clichés.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean packed restaurants or predictable destinations. Sometimes the most romantic weekends happen when you choose somewhere a little quieter, a little slower and perfectly suited to the two of you. A couple of nights away, good food, long conversations and no schedule?
That’s romance done properly ❤️