Most Romantic Hotels in the UK

It doesn’t have to be expensive or luxurious. It doesn’t have to be in the middle of nowhere. And it doesn’t have to have four-poster beds, private hot tubs or complimentary champagne. All of these are romantic touches, but our Guru’s recommendations for their ultimate guide to the most romantic hotels in the UK are a magical mixed bag of obvious choices and less-known-treasures.

They’ve broken the list up not by location but by the kind of hotel you’re looking for - so if you do want all out luxury or an intimate hideaway then you’ll find their top picks easily. And you’ll soon be booking yourself in to one of the most romantic hotels in the UK. Sigh…

For a Special Occasion

Cliveden House is a grand neoclassical country pile, a National Trust treasure, and probably still best known for its part in the Profumo affair. But it seems like everyone who’s ever been anyone has stayed here, from Churchill to Chaplin and Lawrence to Lennon. There are 44 rooms and 15 suites, but staying here still feels like you’re staying in a country home rather than a hotel. There are original Old Masters on the walls, a spa which boasts Canadian cedarwood hot tubs as well as a whirlpool hot tub, boats on the river, two pools and a truly wonderful afternoon tea.
The Corinthia Hotel isn’t the most famous of London’s grand hotels, but it’s probably the most irresistibly seductive. Beautifully restored and the the right amount of glitz and glamour, the decor is creative and impeccable, the flowers are always perfect, there’s an exceptional choice of dining options, and an excellent afternoon tea service, plus an award winning spa. And you’re right in the heart of things.

The UK’s Best Honeymoon Hotels

The Torridon is a remote country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon, with just 18 rooms and 53 acres of park and woodland. The decor its a wonderful mix of Scottish country house opulence and contemporary design. And there’s a seriously good restaurant and whisky bar.
It’s not overseas, but it is over the sea, Longueville Manor in St. Saviour, Jersey, is a 14th century manor house turned 30 room hotel, surrounded by lovely gardens. There are tennis courts and a croquet lawn, plus fine dining in the 3 AA rosette restaurant, four-poster beds and every luxury you might need.

For a Romantic Country House Hotel

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa is a spectacular Italian Renaissance mansion turned country house hotel, just outside Henley in Marlow-on-Thames. This 79 room property is a romantic charmer, surrounded by 65 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens leading all the way down to the river. As well as having a top spa, the hotel has an excellent restaurant.

The UK's Most Romantic Seaside Hotels

Driftwood Hotel overlooks Cornwall’s Gerrans Bay, and has 14 light, airy, marine inspired rooms and a Michelin starred restaurant. Private and right on the coast.
The Old Quay House Hotel in Fowey is a boutique, 11 room property with estuary views, crisp, minimalist rooms and an inventive restaurant.
The Scarlet is a relaxed, adults only (a rarity in Cornwall) eco-friendly designer hotel overlooking Mawgan Porth beach. There are superb views and a great cocktail lounge and stylish restaurant. And the hot tubs here are very special indeed – they come heated by real log fires, and are outside, for fabulous sunsets, and star-gazing at night. Of all the many UK hotels with hot tubs, this is one of our favourites.

For a City Break

Prestonfield is a beautiful hotel surrounded by peaceful gardens - but just five minutes from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. There are 23 bedrooms decorated opulently and with wonderful detail, plus there are spectacular public spaces: three drawing rooms, a whisky bar and a fine restaurant.
It might not be a big obvious choice for London, but Hazlitt’s in the West End is a wonderful Georgian-built boutique hotel in the thick of the action on Frith Street in Soho. It’s elegant, a bit quirky and extremely memorable, with a wonderful literary heritage.
Now here’s one of those big London names you were expecting, The Berkeley. A legendary institution with views of Hyde Park and easy access to the best of Knightsbridge. The restaurants, bar and spa are topnotch and the service is impeccable.
The Witchery by the Castle is famous in another city, Edinburgh. Its nine rooms are superbly located on the Royal Mile, within a Gothic building known for its romantic and eccentric interiors and Scottish restaurant.

Romantic Hotels in the UK with Hot Tubs

For many of us it’s the ultimate way to unwind, so if you love the idea of your own hot tub, check out our Guru’s ultimate guide to UK hotels with hot tubs, or consider these highlights:

The Lake District boasts two excellent luxury hotels that offer the hot tub experience. The first, Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, offers a tempting offer of 'us and them', because if you splash out you get the much more private Lake House Suites, which have exclusive use of their own spa, as well as a romantic cedarwood hot tub on the lake edge.For romantic liaisons where you want absolute privacy amongst the finest landscape nature can offer, Gilpin Lodge is near unbeatable.
Second, The Samling above Lake Windermere has long been a favourite of foodies and romantics – it's a small and charming country house hotel set amidst lovely walking country, overlooking the lake. Their outside hot tub is another with panoramic views.
South Lodge Hotel is a classic country house retreat near Horsham, West Sussex, with 89 individually designed rooms and suites with handmade mattresses and pillow menus throughout. You’re surrounded by 93 acres of park and gardens and beyond that you have views of the South Downs. One of the restaurants has a Michelin star, the other two AA rosettes. Both the Godman and Farriers Suites have their own private terraces with hot tubs.
The wonderful Vineyard at Stockcross, is a five star country escape close to Newbury, with a magnificent health centre and lovely grounds. The hot tub is inside, so good for all weathers, and can seat up to six comfortably. It's a great place to sip a glass of ice cold champagne before dinner.

For Foodies

The Great House in pretty, medieval Laverham, is a luxurious, five room hotel with a French chic restaurant with 3 AA rosettes. Rooms start from around £95 per night.
Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye is a wonderfully quiet 15 room lodge just a short drive from Skye Bridge. The rooms are traditional and filled with natural light and there’s a stunning Michelin starred restaurant.

For a complete escape

South of Belfast in rural Northern Ireland, Newforge House is a six room country house hotel. Built in the elegant Georgian era, the decor has been updated sympathetically where needed. One of the passionate owners is a professional, and accomplished chef.
Ardanaiseig, on the beautiful banks of Loch Awe in Argyll is a glorious, and eccentric, baronial mansion turned 18 room country house hotel, with stunning views and award winning food. For real privacy choose the boat shed, which is right on the water.
Also to the north of these isles, Duisdale House near Sleat on stunning south-east coast of the Isle of Skye, is a 19th century hunting lodge with 18 rooms. The gardens are beautiful. Great for those who love the great outdoors.

For great value

The Printworks in Hastings, is a hip, seaside haven converted from an old print works. There are just two rooms, decorated loft style, with a bohemian feel. Rooms start from around £80 per night.
The Miller of Mansfield is a traditional, ivy-covered inn in the pretty village of Goring-on-Thames. There are 15 individually designed suites, views of the river and the restaurant is well reviewed. Rooms start from around £80 per night.
Somerset’s The Swan is a wonderful gourmet pub escape in the charming village of Wedmore. The rooms are luxurious, with stand alone bath tubs, and contemporary decor, and there’s a fabulous restaurant with food by the River Cottage’s Tom Blake.
Morecombe’s beautiful Art Deco Midland Hotel is also under £100 per night, and offers beautiful, chic rooms and stunning suites, all with sweeping sea views and access to an excellent spa.
The Bailbrook House Hotel, just outside Bath, is a tastefully renovated historic house with 2 acres of private gardens and wonderful views.

Still not sure?

Browse our Ultimate Guide to UK Hotels with Hot Tubs for relaxing inspiration?
Or consider our Guru’s list of 25 of the UK’s Best Country House Hotels?
Or our Guru's list of the most romantic hotels just outside London?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Romantic Hotels in the UK

Driftwood Hotel

St Mawes (Cornwall)

Set in scenic private grounds, this chic and intimate hotel overlooks stunning Gerrans Bay. Light, marine inspired rooms are the perfect example of comfort meets luxury. Fabulous food at the restaurant makes dining a spoiling yet casual affair, matched by a fine wine list. A dream Cornish location.

Romantic Break - Perfect for a romantic retreat — think sunset strolls on the beach, candlelight dinners, and a private cabin with a terrace
Foodies - Chef Olly Pierrepoint creates stunning dishes in this highly regarded 3AA Rosette restaurant
Great walks - Grab a hotel picnic and head out through the private estate right down to the coast and explore the beautiful beaches
Fishing - Right on the coast, there are plenty of fishing boats to rent for the day with equippment and guides if necessary

from £220 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Romantic Hotels in the UK

For a Special Occasion

The UK’s Best Honeymoon Hotels

For a Romantic Country House Hotel

The UK's Most Romantic Seaside Hotels

For a City Break

Romantic Hotels in the UK with Hot Tubs

For Foodies

For a complete escape

For great value

Still not sure?

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Romantic Hotels in the UK

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