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Romantic holiday cottages for couples

The bed within the open-plan living room at Dinefwr Deer Lodge, Carmarthenshire
The bed within the open-plan living room at Dinefwr Deer Lodge, Carmarthenshire | © Mike Henton

Looking for a romantic getaway? We’ve handpicked our top holiday cottages for couples, including turreted towers, rustic cabins, historic lodges and even a former observatory.

With country havens, waterfront retreats and stylish coastal apartments, these romantic holiday cottages offer the chance to experience some of the UK’s prettiest coast and countryside.

Not only will you get to enjoy an enchanting break when you stay at one of our romantic holiday cottages, but you're also helping us look after the places we care for.

Fairytale hideaways

The exterior of Town Walls Tower, Shropshire

Town Walls Tower, Shropshire 

A retreat in town for two, in the last remaining watchtower on Shrewsbury’s medieval walls. Town Walls Tower is full of original character features, including arrow slits, exposed stone walls and wooden floors. Follow the historic twisting stairs up to the bathroom with its luxurious copper roll-top bath and settle down for a romantic meal for two in the top-floor dining kitchen.

The exterior of Old Mill Cottage, Brockhampton, Herefordshire

Old Mill Cottage, Herefordshire 

With its rose-covered stone walls and white-trimmed windows, Old Mill is a 15th-century cottage full of charm. Cross the footbridge over the stream, wander through the woodland garden and open its quaint red door to access the cosy chocolate box interior. You’ll be greeted with a warming inglenook fireplace, rustic exposed beams and old quarry tiling.

The exterior of The Water Tower, Trelissick, Cornwall

Trelissick Water Tower, Cornwall 

For the ultimate couple’s retreat, how about a weekend away in a fairytale tower? First used as a reservoir in the 1860s, Trelissick Water Tower has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind holiday cottage in Cornwall. Climb the spiral staircase to discover circular-shaped rooms with gothic-style, arched windows.

The exterior of Rose Castle Cottage, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria

Rose Castle Cottage, Cumbria 

If you’re looking for an escape for just you and your loved one in the heart of nature, Rose Castle Cottage is the perfect fit. With no neighbours on the horizon and few of the trappings of modern life, it’s ideal for a weekend in the Lake District. Wake up to views of rolling green fields and mountains before warming up by the log-burner after a long day hiking.

The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry

Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry 

Settle in for a historical retreat at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne. The clifftop landscape here is steeped in history and nature with sweeping North Atlantic views. This gothic gate lodge comes complete with a woodburning stove and a private garden for relaxing outdoor dining.

The exterior of Kymin Round House, Monmouthshire

Kymin Round House, Monmouthshire 

Be the ruler of your own castle in this mini fortress for two. Surrounded by tranquil woodland and scenic parkland, you’ll wake up to far-reaching views of Monmouth at your feet. It’s decorated in classic Georgian style and packed with original features, such as the ornamental fireplaces.

The garden at Dinefwr Deer Lodge, Carmarthenshire

Dinefwr Deer Lodge, Carmarthenshire 

Snuggle down for a tranquil stay in this bolthole for two surrounded by Dinefwr’s historic parkland. This simple stone building has lots of character and comfortable, cosy touches, such as the traditional carved oak bed. The back doors open out on a lawn edge by a babbling stream with views of the 18th-century deer park.

Coastal escapes

The kitchen at Gordon's Cabin, Woolacombe, Devon

Gordon's Cabin, Devon 

Full of natural light, this dog-friendly country retreat boasts a stylish, open-plan interior. It sits on the edge of the hilltop settlement of Mortehoe, which overlooks a wild and remote coastline. Walk along the South West Coast Path to Morte Point to watch the waves or head into the village for a cream tea.

The exterior at Carolina Cottage, Port Quin, Port Issac, Cornwall

Carolina Cellar, Cornwall 

This romantic little hideaway overlooks the quiet inlet of Port Quin. With the slipway running alongside the cottage, you couldn’t be closer to the sea. Inside, there's an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, complete with log-burner for snug evenings in. The double bedroom has views of the bay and out to sea.

The exterior of Boatman's Loft, Yorkshire

Boatman's Loft, North Yorkshire 

Boatman's Loft rests right on the sea wall in the picturesque 17th-century fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. Although it’s a one-bedroom loft, it feels spacious inside. With views across the beach, you can watch the tide roll in, or walk into the village for a fish and chip dinner for two.

The sitting room at Little Chert, St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

Little Chert, Isle of Wight 

True to its roots, Little Chert is filled with retro features. This 70s bolthole will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with its quirky mosaics and slick wall bed. Take in the invigorating sea views from this hideaway perched high on a wooded cliff.

Riverside retreats

The outdoor seating at Cliveden Ferry Cottage, Berkshire

Cliveden Ferry Cottage, Berkshire 

Less than two hours from London, this river-side holiday cottage makes for romantic Valentine’s Day breaks. Set on the banks of the Thames, it offers an idyllic location with views over the Thames. Make the most of the location and head on up to Cliveden to explore the stately home and gardens that have hosted royalty over the centuries.

The exterior of West Gate Lodge, Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

West Gate Lodge, Yorkshire 

Built using stone from the ruins of the 12th-century Fountains Abbey, West Gate Lodge offers a unique stay for couples. You’ll be on the doorstep of the atmospheric abbey and Georgian water garden, and when all the other visitors have gone home, you’ll have the grounds all to yourself. After a day of exploring, return to the cottage to sip a drink by the riverbank.

The exterior of Powders, Helston, Cornwall

Powders, Cornwall 

Treat yourself to a romantic break at this stylish 1930s wooden bungalow. Peeking through pine trees, the dog-friendly cabin sits on the edge of Frenchman’s Creek on the east coast of Cornwall. The woodland garden has impressive views over the tranquil waters and a path leads down to a private quay.

The sitting room opening onto the portico at Cotehele Quay Lodge Cottage, Cornwall

Cotehele Quay Lodge Cottage, Cornwall 

Cotehele Quay Lodge is a snug cottage perched near the Tamar River, which bustled with local industry in the 19th century. Located on the Cotehele estate, it’s especially cosy in the evenings with the stove lit and shutters closed for the night.

Country cottages

The cosy sitting room at Wicket Nook Cottage, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

Wicket Nook Cottage, Leicestershire 

Wicket Nook is a dog-friendly holiday cottage for couples who’d like to explore the quaint market towns and heather-covered moors of the Midlands. A former gamekeeper's cottage, it’s situated on a quiet lane and overlooks the Calke Abbey estate.

The loggia at The Cheese House on Westwood Farm, Dorset

The Cheese House, Dorset 

If you’re looking for romantic holiday cottages with a view, you can’t get much better than The Cheese House. This charming cottage is nestled in wild countryside on a working cattle and sheep farm. It’s thought to have been used as the dairy for Westwood Farm and has been restored as a snug cottage for two.

Exterior of Diston's Cottage, Gloucestershire

Diston's Cottage, Gloucestershire 

This end-of-terrace cottage in the Cotswolds boasts a wood-burning stove, private garden and old-fashioned stable doors. Savour a tipple in the traditional village pub, or take a romantic stroll through the gardens of neighbouring Snowshill Manor.

The exterior of Hop Kiln Mews and neighbouring cottages, Herefordshire

Hop Kiln Mews, Herefordshire 

Eighteenth-century hop kilns are part of the fabric of this unusual apartment for two. Full of original features and natural light, it’s an airy dwelling with a story to tell. The shower room looks up into the tall, conical roof of the kiln while an internal window gives a glimpse into the historical building’s structure.

Woodland cabins

The exterior of Durgan Wood Cottage, Cornwall

Durgan Wood Cottage, Cornwall 

Completely secluded, just above the Helford River, Wood Cottage is a great choice for a romantic break. This dog-friendly cottage sits on the edge of a small wood. The tiny, timber-built thatched cabin was once used as an apple store but, after a careful restoration, is now a cosy nest for two.

The outdoor bath and shower at Cartref, Gwynedd

Cartref, Gwynedd 

Tucked away at the base of Snowdon, this romantic wooden cabin offers simple accommodation in a spectacular location. It's surrounded by rugged countryside and excellent hiking trails. After a day exploring the great outdoors, retreat to the cottage to relax.

The exterior of Nant Las with outdoor table and chairs for two, Gwynedd

Nant Las, Gwynedd 

Find peace and quiet at this romantic retreat hidden amongst the trees. It was originally built as a 19th-century observatory and, as night falls, you can sit out together on the veranda to stargaze. When the sun rises, take for a gentle stroll to Rhaeadr Ddu Falls to see the 60ft waterfall.

The exterior of Downpatrick Gate Lodge, County Down

Downpatrick Gate Lodge, County Down 

A tranquil hideaway in Northern Ireland, Downpatrick Gate Lodge is surrounded by wildlife and woodland walks. This secluded cottage was built in the late 1700s and sits beyond gothic, wrought-iron gates that lead onto the Castle Ward estate. Have a relaxing soak in the roll-top bath or settle down for an evening by the woodburning stove.

The exterior of The Birdcage, Port Isaac, Cornwall

Find more romantic holiday cottages

Whether you're looking for somewhere just for the weekend or a longer break, find a romantic holiday cottage for you and your loved one.