Valentine’s Day is on the way, and if you’re looking to show that special someone how important they are to you, what could be better than a romantic break? With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, it’s the perfect opportunity for a couple’s weekend escape, or even the start of a longer holiday. We have last-minute availability on a number of amazing properties – why not get some inspiration for a fantastic Valentine’s getaway with this list of top romantic destinations and ideas in the UK?
Go stargazing in the North York Moors
The night sky is a truly enchanting sight, and stargazing is a simple way to escape from the everyday world for a while, so what could be more magical and romantic than doing it as a couple? Unfortunately, though, if you live in a big city, the conditions are far from ideal for this kind of activity, as light pollution makes it hard to make out the finer details and the more beautiful, subtle touches that await in the heavens.
The answer, of course, is to escape from city life for a while and enjoy a stargazing excursion somewhere a little further afield, where light pollution is minimal. A number of places across the UK, many of them in beautiful national parks, have been officially designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites, offering the best opportunities for the clearest views of the stars.
The view of the sky in the North York Moors is particularly stunning, with specific sites at Dalby Observatories, The Moors National Park Centre, and Sutton Bank National Parks Centre. If you’re planning a last-minute Valentine’s break this year, there’s even a Dark Skies Festival taking place from 14th February to 1st March 2020 where you can enjoy a range of events revolving around appreciating and understanding the night sky.
Looking for somewhere to stay? The attractive accommodation at Country Cottages in Yorkshire is ideally situated on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, perfect for exploring the unspoilt surroundings but only a 15-minute drive from the picturesque market town of Pickering. There are cosy cottages and welcoming studio rooms suited for two, and you don’t even need to leave the premises to go stargazing – equipment is available to hire for £7.50 per night.
Pay a visit to Blenheim Palace
The elegance of a countryside mansion is hard to deny, conjuring up images of Elizabethan romance among perfectly maintained gardens in bloom. Take a trip as a couple to experience it for yourself with a visit to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, a magnificent 18th-century country house.
There’s plenty to do in this stunning setting. Take a tour of the palace’s glorious State Rooms and luxurious living quarters, explore the beautiful Formal Gardens with their variety of different styles and secrets, and take a stroll around the 2000-acre naturalistic parkland designed by the famous landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown.
Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, stands as one of England’s largest houses, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond even the beautiful house, garden and grounds, there’s usually something extra going on here. If you’re planning a Valentine’s break, from the 15th of February to the 13th of April 2020, there’s a themed event taking place allowing you to step back in time to a century ago and experience how things would have been during the 1920s, with period entertainment, costumed characters, vintage cars, and more.
Blenheim Palace is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which also provides an appropriately romantic setting for an escape with your partner. If you enjoy the great outdoors, or just appreciate stunning scenery, take a lovers’ stroll along one of the endless spectacular walking trails that criss-cross this countryside paradise.
If you’re planning to spend a romantic day or two at Blenheim Palace or out and about in the Cotswolds, there are plenty of superb properties nearby that are perfect for couples. The Cotswold Cottages country estate offers a range of amazing, unique properties to sleep anything from a couple to a large family. Relax together in one of these charming cottages, and don’t forget to make use of the on-site amenities such as the swimming pool, spa, and gardens.
Book your romantic break today
There’s still time to book a romantic Valentine’s getaway at one of these enchanting destinations, or anywhere else that may catch your eye. Take a look through our stunning range of properties and you’re sure to enjoy a couple’s break you’ll never forget.
