Romantic hotels in the UK for a loved-up couples weekend

You cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer scale and breathtaking landscapes that greet you in the Lake District. It’s not a UNESCO Heritage Site for no reason and nestled near the shores of Lake Windermere is a truly exceptional hotel.

Set in a 20-acre estate The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse exudes timeless elegance and has all the hallmarks of offering a truly private, romantic experience for two. After a lie-in in your king-size bed, pad over to the outdoor deck and take a dip in your own hot tub and enjoy the views over the Lake District Moors – then afterwards take a pew in your own private sauna.

After relaxing in the morning you can go on a boat tour across the lake, returning for a delectable afternoon tea and champagne, before spending the afternoon exploring the grounds. Guests will then have the option to dine Gilpin’s one-Michelin starred restaurant HRiSHi which serves classic modern cuisine with a twist…

Sometimes it’s all about the location and Drakes Hotel, which is located right on the seafront in Brighton, not only offers up uninterrupted views of the English Channel but is right in the centre of the action, if you so wished to leave the confines of your bespoke designed chamber.

However, before venturing out into the seaside resort, guests might want to first take a long soak in the free-standing bath overlooking the sea and make use of The White Company products available. For those looking for extra romance – Drakes will happily have the bath ready for you adorned in fresh rose petals and chilled champagne on standby before your arrival.

If the award-winning grandiose cocktail lounge wasn’t enough to entice couples to the Georgian delights of The Zetter Townhouse in London, then perhaps their own private bath on top of the roof will seal the deal in the hotel’s opulent Lear’s Loft.

Luxurious Egyptian cotton and fluffy white robes come as standard, but don’t expect the interiors to be anything but eclectic and decadent. Modelled on Sir John Soane’s Museum nearby in Holborn, guests will be able to peruse artwork and curiosities while sipping drinks in Seymour’s Parlour and partake, too, in some afternoon tea. After a long day pounding the pavements exploring the city, why not order in room service and share some charcuterie and a bottle of red…

Housed in a striking Italian Rennaissance building in Manchester’s Conservation Area, The King Street Townhouse is city chic meets homely vibe. The King Street Townhouse is grand but on a small scale, and there is a real sense of calm. Guests who opt for the Luxe J will have the added romance of a roll-top bath in the bedroom, with outstanding vistas across the city.

Manchester’s plethora of dining and drink options are right on the doorstep, but there’s no need to leave – after all, why not grab a cocktail or three in the heated South Side Terrace bar or take a romantic dip in the hotel’s infinity spa pool located on the seventh floor?

As guests approach the magnificent Cliveden House in Taplow, Berkshire, they will be left in doubt that the hotel, set on the banks of the River Thames and overlooking the stunning 19th-century Parterre Gardens, is a special spot to enjoy a romantic break.

Steeped in history, Cliveden has been owned by royalty, and it’s evident in not only the surroundings but the grand interiors. The emphasis in the 38 rooms and suites is that of elegance and comfort – handmade beds and luxurious furnishings.

After wandering the extensive National Trust grounds and gardens, guests can relax and take a soak in their own private hot tub, before dressing for dinner and making their way to the award-winning André Garrett restaurant to enjoy a tasting menu with culinary delights such as loin of locally stalked wild roe deer.

One of the most recognisable areas of Bath is John Wood the Younger ’s spectacular curved terrace of 30 houses, overlooking the Lawn, with views to the city beyond.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa can be found in the middle – and guests looking for impeccable service and a warm welcome will find it in spades at this luxurious five-star getaway. With traditional features, such as open fires and resplendent sitting rooms, there is much to explore in the hotel’s tranquil and romantic gardens.

Guests can also enjoy the extensive spa area – from floating in the relaxation pool to getting a massage treatment, no visit is complete without a glass of fizz in the Tattinger Spa Garden to end the experience. Meanwhile, the historic delights of Bath itself are close by, just a pleasant five-minute stroll to the centre.

What says romance more than a castle – and a 19th-century one at that. Surrounded by lush evergreen trees, flanked by mountains behind, and the sparkling loch in front, this fairytale setting of Inverlochy Castle will be enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Wrap up and stroll hand in hand and marvel at the views of Ben Nevis, which Queen Victoria once wrote: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” Inverlochy Castle is rich in history, and with only 17 rooms and suites, guests will truly feel like the lords and ladies of their own manor. Individually designed, the accommodation is traditional yet inviting with roll-top baths and oodles of space to kick back and enjoy the ambience.

Meanwhile, foodies will be in for an extravagant treat as the legendary pairing of father and son team Albert and Michel Roux Jnr’s eponymous dining room serves up sublime dishes such as Whisky Barrel Smoked Loch Fyne Salmon.