There is nothing we enjoy more than a romantic weekend away in the UK. Exploring the gorgeous countryside before settling into a cosy hotel with a glass of champagne makes for our perfect day, and the UK is full of romantic hotels offering all the bells and whistles. We’ve had our fair share of romantic getaways in the UK, but haven’t made it to any romantic hotels outside of England, so we decided to team up with other bloggers in order to compile a list of the most romantic hotels in the UK & Ireland.
The hotels listed below offer everything you could ever want for a romantic weekend away – luxurious amenities, breathtaking views, cosy bedrooms, and perfect locations. We’ve added every hotel below to our list of places we want to stay, and we cannot wait to experience more romantic hotels in the UK! Read on and we promise your romantic weekends away will be set for years to come!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that, if you book one of the hotels below, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Romantic Hotels in England
From the Cotswolds to the Lake District, the Cornish coast to the Yorkshire Dales, England is filled with stunning landscapes. Lucky for us, these landscapes also offer an abundance of stunning country house hotels and luxury city hotels. Here are some of the most romantic hotels in England:
The Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley
We spent two nights at the dog-friendly Black Swan in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, and haven’t stopped talking about going back since. Located in the quiet market town of Helmsley, the Black Swan is the perfect place to getaway from the city without feeling too closed off from the world. The Black Swan is a traditional coaching inn that was refurbished into a stylish hotel, and offers a perfect combination of old and new.
The rooms are spacious but cosy, and some even have a perfectly situated window seat overlooking the town. Spend your evening wandering the market town, popping into shops and pubs. Then, enjoy dinner in the Black Swan’s Gallery Restaurant; we recommend the tasting menu! End your night with a nightcap in front of the cosy fire before returning to your room.
Daylesford Farmhouse, Cotswolds – Rosalie from Rosalie Goes
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Cotswolds is Daylesford Farmhouse. It has all the charms and romance of a rustic country retreat, but with thoroughly modern and upscale amenities. During the day, you can enjoy long country walks, morning yoga in a sun drenched barn, picnics in poppy fields, and cycling down country lanes. Afterwards, you can retire to their Michelin starred restaurant for seasonal dishes sourced from the land around you.
Each cottage rental also includes a relaxing one hour treatment at the luxurious Haybarn Spa per guest, so you’ll be able to properly unwind. Best of all, it’s easily accessible – just a 90 minute journey to Kingham Station from London, and a ten minute ride in a cab from there. Doubles start at £150.
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Great John Street, Manchester – Anne from TravelTheGlobe4Less
Great John Street in Manchester is an old Victorian school house which has been lovingly converted into an opulent townhouse with individually styled rooms. Plush velvet drapes, crisp linens, and bedding in rich reds, browns and beiges, invite you to linger in rooms oozing romance.
The hotel has a fabulous rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, and an intimate bar perfect for a nightcap. For lovers, however, the highlight has to be the cast iron roll top tub big enough for two, and the spacious walk in rain showers. Doubles start at £250.
The Manor House, Castle Combe – Josie from Where Jo Goes
I have to confess that the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe holds a special and romantic place in my heart because it’s where I spent the first night of my honeymoon. It has a unique location being at the heart of Castle Combe, often described as the prettiest village in England. A quintessential Cotswold hamlet, it has a shallow river running through it, half-timbered houses, market cross, village church and traditional country pubs. It’s so well preserved that it has featured as a screen location in everything from War Horse to Downton Abbey.
The hotel is a magnificent country house with acres of parkland. Many of the rooms are in a mews of cottages leading up to the main hotel including one large cottage that makes an archway over the road. Our room, Browns Ground, was individual and quirky with views across the lawns to the village. The hotel itself is plush and luxurious with a sense of history and tradition. We’ve been back since to stay at the Manor House and to visit the village. What makes a romantic hotel in my eyes – a perfect location, a beautiful building, stunning views and opulent design. The Manor House has all of these and will always be a special place for me. Doubles start around £200/night.
Romantic Hotels in Scotland
With gorgeous vistas and stunning castles, Scotland is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Can you imagine anything better than arriving home to a castle after a day of walking or whisky tasting? We asked some travel bloggers to share their pick for the most romantic hotels in Scotland. Read on for some swoon-worthy destinations!
The Inverlochy Hotel – James from Worldwide Shopping Guide
Situated just outside of Fort William, the Inverlochy Hotel is one of Scotland’s most beautiful hotels, and an ideal location for a romantic vacation in Scotland. Don’t just take my word for it, though: in 1873, Queen Victoria commented that she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.”
The Inverlochy Hotel is located at the foot of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and this makes it a popular destination for active couples. Foodies, meanwhile, will appreciate the hotel’s onsite restaurant, which has been awarded 3 AA Red Rosettes. For everyone else, the beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands are guaranteed to keep you spellbound for the entirety of your stay.
Prices start from £335 per night, so this hotel definitely isn’t suitable for backpackers or those on a budget. If your budget is flexible, however, and you’re looking for quality and luxury, then this could be the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway in Scotland.
Ballachulish Hotel – Amy from Two Drifters
A beautifully cozy and romantic hotel is found within the start of the Scottish Highlands. This is the Ballachulish Hotel, and we stayed here in early spring of 2013. Situated on Loch Linnhe, the hotel has the special feeling of a castle perched on a secret lake. It feels like something out of another time, though it is not overly fancy.
The Loch is rimmed by mountains, and the place is full of wilderness and beauty. With toasty fireplaces, nightly bagpipes, and lovely views, this is an amazing place to stay close to the gorgeous Glencoe region of Scotland’s highlands. Doubles start at £95.
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Eagle Brae – Stefan & Sebastian from Nomadic Boys
We recently stayed at Eagle Brae in the Scottish Highlands, just outside Inverness. It is a resort made out of log cabins, each individually crafted. They’re gorgeous, so homely, and located in the middle of the Highlands. The stunning Scottish backdrop along with the cozy cabins made this by far one of our favourite romantic hotels we’ve been to in the UK.
You can book a cabin for just 2 people, which starts from £683 for 7 nights (~£98/night).
Glenarroch, Isle of Skye – Liza from Tripsget
One of the most romantic hotels in the UK (or maybe even in the entire world) is Hotel Glenarroch on the Isle of Skye. If you like hiking, amazing landscapes and gorgeous castles, Scotland is a place for you. The Isle of Skye is quite a remote part of Scotland and it takes time to get there, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Most of the hotels on the Isle of Skye are B&Bs and Glenarroch is not an exception. It’s located in a quiet village Kyleakin, not so far away from the Skye bridge. It looks very average from the outside, but it’s lovely and very cosy inside. It even has a large bathtub in the room – perfect after days of hiking and exploring the island. However, the most romantic thing about this hotel is the proximity to the sea and fantastic sunsets.
In case you would like a secluded romantic long weekend getaway, Glenarroch and the whole Isle of Skye, in general, are a good option for you. Doubles start at £85.
The Torridon – Jessica from Independent Travel Cats
The Torridon is a 5-star luxury country house hotel located in Torridon, Scotland. Although built as a hunting lodge, it looks a lot like a castle and is set next to a beautiful loch. It is a great place to relax and a perfect romantic retreat for those traveling in the Scottish Highlands.
We stayed here as part of one of our many trips along the North Coast 500 and we felt pampered here with comfortable rooms, nice bath robes, afternoon tea service, a large whisky selection, and fine dining in the hotel restaurant. There are also opportunities to go on scenic hikes nearby or book outdoor activities with the hotel like kayaking, archery, or climbing. This is a very popular place to stay so we recommend booking well in advance if you want to stay here, especially over the summer months. Doubles start at about £220 for the smallest room.
Ackergill Tower – Laurence from Finding the Universe
Nothing says romantic quite like a Scottish castle perched on the edge of a windswept bay!
Dating from the early 16th century, Ackergill Tower checks pretty much all the boxes you might want from a romantic hotel – a stunning location, a fabulous building, windy old staircases and sumptuous rooms (with four poster beds, of course)! If you’re driving Scotland’s North Coast 500, it’s a perfect stopping spot. Rates vary depending on time of year, but start in the region of £120 for two people with breakfast. Note that there are rooms available in both the castle and the nearby cottages – for the most authentic experience make sure to book in the castle itself!
Old Drynie House – The World Pursuit
While traveling along Scotland’s famous North Coast 500 route in the Scottish Highlands we had the privilege to stay at Old Drynie House. It’s located above Inverness on the Black Isle. After 60 countries together it was the first real bed and breakfast we have ever stayed in.
The experience was what I like to call old school romantic. Being a traditional B&B, the owners were very personal and gave us a lot of information on the area after greeting us with a cup of tea. We were checked in to an all pink room with a roaring fire. Our room had a nice seating area and an epic collection of romantic DVD’s to enjoy together. We had one of the larger rooms here, but each one is different and has its own character.
The morning’s breakfast was beautifully served on lovely china in a group setting. The selection of fresh fruits, baked goods, and hot breakfast items was splendid. Doubles start at £150/night.
Romantic Hotels in Northern Ireland
There’s nothing more romantic than finding a spot to enjoy as a couple, with absolutely no interruptions. Northern Ireland has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including wonders like Giant’s Causeway. After a day of exploring the gorgeous nature that Northern Ireland has to offer, check into a romantic hotel in Northern Ireland:
Beech Hill Hotel – Amber from With Husband in Tow
Just outside of the Derry city centre, the Beech Hill Country House Hotel sits on an 18th Century plantation. The kitchen at the hotel’s Ardmore Restaurant is cooking, in part, from a 200 year old cookbook from the Skipton family, who once owned the land. The owners worked with a local food historian to get the recipes right. Most of the produce is grown onsite in their own English walled garden.
Not only does the property have an amazing history, but the gardens and grounds are perfect for strolling. And, on cold days, enjoy afternoon tea with some of the best scones in Northern Ireland, while sitting in front of a roaring fire. Or, partake in a wee drab of Irish whiskey in the lounge before dinner. It’s almost like experiencing an episode of Downton Abbey. Best of all, the hotel is centrally located, so it’s possible to explore all of Northern Ireland from the Beech Hill. Rooms at the Beech Hill start around £80 a night.
Romantic Hotels in Ireland
Ah, Ireland, the Emerald Isle. The land of shamrocks and castles and Guinness. Can you think of any place more romantic for a weekend getaway? Ireland offers some of the most stunning country hotels in the world, and we’re so lucky that the below bloggers were willing to share their experiences staying in them! Here are some of the most romantic hotels in Ireland:
Lough Inagh Lodge, Connemara – Hannah from Ireland Stole My Heart
Located in the heart of Connemara, one of Ireland’s most picturesque regions, is a historic manor and one of the country’s most romantic hotels: Lough Inagh Lodge. Built on the shores of Lough Inagh, with views of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range, Lough Inagh Lodge offers a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts who want to escape the crowds and experience the wild landscape of Ireland.
There are only 13 rooms in this boutique property, giving it a private and intimate feel. The décor is modern with old-world design and includes a bar, library, and fine dining restaurant serving dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients. Each of the beautifully decorated rooms is named after a famous Irish wordsmith, adding to the Irish charm.
The elegant hotel and the surrounding picturesque landscape make Lough Inagh Lodge the perfect place for a romantic break in Ireland’s west coast. Double rooms with breakfast start at €185/night.
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Lough Eske Castle, Donegal – Christina from Our Sweet Adventures
Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa is one of the most romantic hotels we have ever stayed at. It was like we were living a fairytale. The hotel is located between Lough Eske Lake and the Blue Stack Mountains in Donegal, Ireland. It is also one of only two five star hotels in the Donegal county of Ireland and one of the best spas in the entire country.
What makes this hotel romantic are the luxurious garden suites that make you feel like royalty and their relaxing spa. Just taking a leisurely stroll throughout the castle’s estate and gardens or a hike to the Lough Eske Lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon with loved ones. After a nice afternoon outside, couples can enjoy a romantic day at the spa with couples massages and access to the thermal suite. The thermal suite has a heated stone chair, thermal infinity pool, sauna, steam room, sanarium and tropical experience showers.
The castle hotel also has two bars and a restaurant on site for guests to enjoy. You never have to leave the castle’s estate to get everything you need for a romantic getaway. Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa has reasonable rates for being a luxurious five star hotel. In addition to a beautiful room, a full Irish breakfast is also included in the daily rate. Depending on the time of the year, guests can find a daily rate around €255 to stay at this romantic castle hotel.
Ballinalacken Castle Country House – Dan from HoneymoonAlways
For a romantic stay in Ireland, I recommend the Ballinalacken Castle Country House. You do not actually stay in a castle, but instead in a bed and breakfast located on a high point next to castle ruins. The hill top provides amazing views of the surrounding coast line, including the Cliffs of Moher in the distance. To take full advantage of the view, there are chairs positioned at most windows throughout the house. All rooms are furnished with antiques, with some having romantic four post beds.
While staying at Ballinalacken Castle you are able to tour the castle ruins, with the owner sharing the history of the property. The top of the castle provides an amazing view once again. The best part of our stay was the three-course meal we had interrupted by an amazing sunset over the ocean. Rooms at the Ballinalacken Castle Country House range from €65- 100 per person per night and includes a hot breakfast at the restaurant.
Kilkea Castle – Bret & Mary from Green Global Travel
Located in Kildare, Kilkea Castle was easily our favorite of the various different castles we visited in the Emerald Isle. Built by Sir Walter de Riddlesford in 1180, Kilkea is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the entire country. His granddaughter eventually inherited the property and married Maurice Fitzgerald, the 3rd baron of Offaly. From that point on, Kilkea Castle remained in the Fitzgerald family for over 700 years. Purchased a few years ago by an American entrepreneur, the castle has been completely refurbished.
We stayed in the Ernest Shackleton Suite (named after Kildare’s famous explorer), which boasted a massive king size bed, a gorgeous sitting area with a window overlooking the lushly landscaped grounds, a romantic fireplace and luxury toiletries. From the homey bar and intimate private dining area to the fantastic restaurant and lovely English gardens, Kilkea Castle ranks among our favorite places we’ve ever stayed!
Dromoland Castle, Clare – Sherrie from Travel by A Sherrie Affair
A turn down a lane in Clare, Ireland, brings you to the impressive and grand castle, Dromoland Castle. It is like turning back time at this romantic hotel. A great getaway castle for a couple to have luxurious accommodations with an experience of old world royalty.
At Dromoland Castle, there are several romantic escapades for the traveling couples: skeet shooting, archery, golfing and a walk through the surrounding woods on a falconry outing. Enjoy a horse drawn cart ride through the forest sipping on some wine while your storyteller leads you through the lush landscape. In the later part of the day, be pampered with a couples massage and facials at the spa. Dinner at Dromoland Castle leads you to their Earl of Thomond Restaurant. It’s a night to dress up for as it is a special evening to enjoy this exquisite and delicious restaurant. Romance is on the menu with beautiful crystal chandeliers, candle lit tables and service with the highest attention.
Your lovely room is perfect for a night cap with the 24-hour room service available. In front of your own fireplace, make a toast to each other and to your romantic holiday at Dromoland Castle. Doubles start at €200.
Ballyseede Castle, Tralee – Nicole from All About Rosa Lilla
Ballyseede castle, in Tralee, is truly one of Ireland’s most romantic castles. I should know, I chose to get married there.
Once you pass through the gates of Ballyseede castle, you are entering into a magical world steeped in history and splendour. A long winding carriage drive, through ancient woodlands and manicured gardens, leads to an elegant castle that looks as if it were built to outlive the vices and follies of man through the ages. It has been fought over, lived in and loved, and carries forward its ancient grandeur to this day.
Raise your hand if you considered booking (or actually booked) one of the above hotels while reading this post! We are so lucky to live in a region that offers so many stunning hotels, all of which offer incredibly romantic experiences. Hopefully you found some inspiration for your next romantic getaway in the UK or Ireland in this post! If you’re looking to go a bit further afield, check out these romantic weekends in Europe.
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What a wonderful collection. There is something for everyone here, no matter your definition of romance! Thank you for including my suggestion – I’ve really enjoyed reading the others, great collaboration!
Thanks for participating! We are so lucky that we got so many great suggestions – looking forward to trying them all one day!