12 Best Romantic Things To Do In The UK

romantic things to do in uk
Alex
Alex 
Updated
| 5 min read

The UK is one of the world’s leading countries where people come from all over the world to visit. Many people come to this little island to experience English culture first hand. Although the United Kingdom is not really known for its sunny weather, that doesn’t stop tourists from flocking here to experience what it has to offer. For those who want a little clarification, the United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island and while the island might be small, distinct differences can be found all through from the city life of London to the highlands of Scotland. If you’re traveling around here with a partner check out some of the best themed hotels, heritage hotels, and romantic things to do in the UK.

1. Cruise into the River Thames sunset (from USD 39.43)

romantic things to do in uk | cruise into the river thames sunset

A romantic trip to the United Kingdom isn’t complete without witnessing the most beautiful sunset over London’s iconic River Thames. This GetYourGuide tour is one of the best ways to experience such a magical thing. To get the evening off to a good start, raise a glass of bubbly with your loved one and taste some of the finest hors d’œuvre like canapé. As you welcome the sundown in London’s picturesque riverside, bop to live pop and jazz music when you sign up for this tour.

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London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

Duration: 2.0 hour

1604 reviews

2. Ride horses in the outskirts of London (from USD 141.0)

An exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors of London is going on a tour horse riding-style. When you sign up for this Airbnb Experience hosted by Nicky and Richard, you’ll first be briefed on what should transpire during the day, as well as partaking in light welcome refreshments. To be perfectly clear, though, this isn’t your typical horseback riding tour. It’s even better. You’re not riding for riding’s sake. You’re exploring the hidden gems of the London outskirts but in style!

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Horse riding near London with lunch

Duration: 3 hours

370 reviews

3. Check out the beautiful flowers at Arlington Court Gardens


A simple but romantic to do in the UK for couples is to admire the beauty of Arlington Court, which was built in 1820 as a manor house in North Devon England. The home itself was lived in until the 1940s when the last owners passed away and gave the land to the national trust. The home is still filled with many of their things but it is now a museum. But where the real romantic fun is in Arlington Court Gardens. The adjoining park and garden area is part of the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. It is a must-visit with your spouse.

Arlington Court Gardens

Address: Arlington EX31 4LP, United Kingdom

Website: Arlington Court Gardens

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

Price: 17 USD

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4. Enjoy a long walk on Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombebeach
Source: Photo by user Rodw used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Woolacombe Beach, one of the best romantic places in the UK, was actually privately owned until 1948 and had originally belonged to the Chichester Family. Now Woolacombe Beach is one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom having won a bunch of awards attesting to the fact. Although the nearby population is only about 1000 people, many flock here in the summer months to spend some time on the beach or play golf at the nearby course. Spend a weekend by the coast with a loved one and take a long walk along the sandy shores.

Woolacombe Beach

Address: Woolacombe Beach, Devon, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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5. Walk the grounds of Sudeley Castle

Aerial photo of Sudeley Castle
Source: Photo by user Wdejager used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Have a fairy tale romance at one of the United Kingdom’s most interesting castles. Located in Gloucestershire the present structure was built in the 15th century after having replaced a pre-existing structure built in the 12th century. The castle is still in fact privately owned however the current owners open the house to visitors and with the manicured gardens on-site, a trip to Sudeley Castle makes a great romantic afternoon.

Sudeley Castle

Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, United Kingdom

Website: Sudeley Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 30 USD

Tip from Content Creator

Sudeley Castle Sudeley Castle Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is one of my favourite attractions in the Cotswolds. The former home of Henry VIII, it's packed with wonderful history, and is also incredibly beautiful, offering scenic views across the Gloucestershire countryside. Additionally, It has the most beautiful grounds, is the burial place of Henry VIII’s sixth wife, and has hosted countless celebrity weddings, including Liz Hurley’s and Felicity Jones'.

Here are more reasons why you need to add Sudeley Castle to your list:

The prettiest grounds - it’s located in the Cotswold village of Winchcombe and set in acres of countryside.

You can get festive at the Spectacle of Light, where you can follow an illuminated trail around the castle grounds.

Explore the castle to see the beautifully restored interiors and bedrooms.

Uncover history by seeing the final resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife.

Walk around ten award-winning gardens, including the Secret Garden and the Knot Garden with 1,200 box hedges.

Grab a hot chocolate and a bite to eat at the Castle Pantry.

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6. Go foraging across Abergavenny

Abergaveny
Source: Photo by user Bothar used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Located in Wales, Abergavenny is a surprisingly good place for foodies and is one of the best places to visit in the UK for couples. IF you’re vacationing around the area and you want to try some real local food, then Abergavenny has plenty of traditionally Welsh spots to try. The area was originally a site of Roman fort and over time the area thrived as a market town. Join local foragers or set out on your own with your partner and see what you can find around the area of Abergavenny. But even if that’s not for you, the yearly food festival also makes a great romantic activity.

Abergavenny

Address: Abergavenny, Wales, United Kingdom

Website: Abergavenny

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7. Hike up Brecon Beacons National Park (from USD 72.0)

There’s nothing like a little physical activity together to get the endorphins going. Take a trip to one of Wale’s most beautiful parks and one of the highest points in the area at Brecon Beacons National Park. Head out with your guide on this walking tour with round-trip travel from your hotel included in the price. Stop along the way for some photos and admire the stunning Welsh countryside.

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Hike up the Brecon Beacons highest mountain, Pen-y-fan

Duration: 5 hours

8 reviews

8. Admire the view from Calton Hill

Edinburgh Calton Hill
Source: Photo by user Saffron Blaze used under CC BY 3.0

Located in central Edinburgh, Calton Hill is regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the headquarters of the Scottish government which is in St Andrews House, located on the southern edge of the hill. The hill not only offers some spectacular views of the city but is also home to many Scottish landmarks like the Robert Burns Monument and the National Monument. Events take place throughout the year here like festivals but even without that, the views over Edinburgh here are unmatched.

Calton Hill

Address: Calton Hill, Edinbrugh, Scotland

Website: Calton Hill

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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9. Hike to the Falls of Bruar


One of the best couples’ activities in the UK is hiking up the Falls of Bruar. It is essentially a national landmark for the country of Scotland as it has been a popular tourist attraction since the 18th century. Poet and national hero Robert Burns immortalized them in a poem. Burns urged the landowner to plant some trees in the area as it was a little barren at the time and after his death, Burns’ wish was granted and now lush vegetation surrounds the area. Feel like you’re in an enchanted wonderland while you explore the Falls of Bruar with your loved one.

Falls of Bruar

Address: Bruar Water, United Kingdom

Website: Falls of Bruar

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Have a romantic dinner at Morston Hall


Get your partner and enjoy one of the best meals you’ll ever have at one of the UK’s most-loved Michelin-starred restaurants. The restaurant is located in a 17th-century country house hotel that has been transformed over the course of 23 years. The property has 13 individually designed rooms as well as a beautiful garden surrounding the estate. Just a few miles off the Norfolk coastline this will be a dinner like no other.

Dinner at Morston Hall

Address: The St, Holt NR25 7AA, United Kingdom

Website: Dinner at Morston Hall

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11. Enjoy an evening at Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre


Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre was founded in 1969 and has since been a staple in the community with amazing performance artists. The company tours so you don’t necessarily have to be in Leeds to catch them performing The Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre has put on a number of different shows over the years from Beauty and the Beast to the Great Gatsby to even children’s favorites like The Three Little Pigs. The dancers are from all walks of life and coming from all over the world from places like Cuba, Canada, and Estonia.

Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre

Address: Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PA, United Kingdom

Website: Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 8:30pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 25 - 70 USD

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12. Spend some time at Lost Gardens of Heligan

Heligan Italian Garden
Source: Photo by user chris_j_wood used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lost Gardens of Heligan are some of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. Located in Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are typical of a 19th-century Gardenesque-style featuring different designs and manicures. The garden first started to be cultivated by the Tremayne family in the 18th century and its been featured in plenty of movies, TV shows, and even books.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Address: B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN, United Kingdom

Website: Lost Gardens of Heligan

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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Bring romance into your life

Daily life can become so hectic that we may not be able to spend more time with our loved ones. Visiting a place that offers ample romantic things should be on the list of all those who live a busy and sedentary life. Pick the activities you liked and plan your itinerary before visiting the UK.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

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