Unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK


From tucked-away treehouses to luxury bubble domes, here’s where to head to for unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK.

indulge in the spa at Finn Lough's secluded UK location. Image credit: Finn Lough
indulge in the spa at Finn Lough’s secluded UK location. Image credit: Finn Lough

The UK is a travel destination full of surprises. Whether you’re searching for Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands or exploring London’s food markets, you’ll be captivated by the country’s hidden corners. With a wide range of unusual and unique accommodation on offer, there’s endless scope for unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK. Here are some of our favorite options.

Scotland

Achnagairn Estate, Inverness – the perfect romantic weekend away in the UK

Achnagairn Estate is a unique castle hotel, often booked for weddings, with a series of self-catered lodges ideal for romantic weekend getaways in the UK. Each room is decorated according to quirky themes. We recommend the “Classical Beauty”, a large suite decorated in notes of black and gold, with a bath in the center of the room. Head to the on-site restaurant, Table Manors, which serves dishes made using local, fresh produce. The chef can also tailor the menu to suit any requirements.

There are plenty of activities on offer nearby. Take a trip to the Tomatin Distillery to sample some local whiskeys. Or why not visit Loch Ness, where you can take a luxury cruise across the water in search of Nessie?

Glenshee Treehouses, Perthshire – a secluded romantic getaway in the UK

If you enjoy experiencing nature in luxurious surroundings, you’ll love the two treehouses on offer at Glenshee Treehouses. These beautiful octagonal buildings have been designed with couples in mind and is a must if you are looking for unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK. Each boasts a woodburning stove, a king size bed, and panoramic mountain views. The pièce de résistance is an outdoor deck with a private hot-tub.

The entrance to Glenshee Treehouses. Image credit: Craig Cantwell
The entrance to one of the Glenshee Treehouses. Image credit: Craig Cantwell

Considering you’re right next to the Cairngorms, one of the UK’s last natural wildernesses, a bracing country walk comes highly recommended. Spend the evening relaxing in the hot tub, drinking champagne as you watch the stars.

Northern Ireland

Finn Lough Resort, County Fermanagh – dome living in tranquil lakeside surroundings

If you’re looking for secluded romantic getaways in the UK, Finn Lough Resort ticks all the boxes. Nestled on the shore of beautiful Lough Erne, this resort offers a serene environment to spend time with your partner. We recommend staying in the unique bubble domes, which have 180° transparent walls. The domes come with four-poster beds, ensuite bathrooms, and a telescope so you can stargaze from the comfort of your room.

The resort offers an Element Trail experience – a forest spa experience, which includes a lakeside Finnish sauna, an outdoor hot tub, and fireside relaxation suite. Only two people are allowed to enter every 30 minutes, so privacy is guaranteed.

Try something different with these bubble dome options at Finn Lough. Image credit: Finn Lough
Try something different with these bubble dome options at Finn Lough. Image credit: Finn Lough

England

No. 15 Great Pulteney, Bath – A romantic city break in the UK

If you’re looking for romantic getaways, England has a lot to offer. Couples will especially love No. 15 Great Pulteney, a boutique hotel with a gourmet restaurant and 40 individually-designed rooms. The hotel is renowned for its unusual underground spa, which has custom-made art installations, exposed stone vaults, and a barrel-shaped sauna. Enjoy a treatment or relax in the armchairs by an open fire in the retreat area.

Bath is a renowned spot for hot air ballooning in the UK. There’s a range of local operators you can book through, many offering the added option of a bottle of champagne.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London – A luxury hotel offering

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the capital’s highest hotel. It’s located on the 34th to 52nd floors of the Shard building, designed to be an architecturally striking vertical city. Inside is equally cutting-edge, with rooms decorated in a sophisticated urban style. We particularly love the amazing rooftop infinity pool, which offers unparalleled views of London. The hotel’s restaurant, TĪNG, has a modern British menu with Asian influences.

Be swept away by the romantic skyline views atop The Shard. Image credit: Shangri-La Hotel
Be swept away by the romantic skyline views atop The Shard. Image credit: Shangri-La Hotel

Take a five-minute walk to Borough Market, the city’s top food market and browse through the stalls, selling everything from home-cured meats to fresh oysters. To travel further afield, book a reliable Blacklane car service in London and explore in style.

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat-Saisons, Oxfordshire – a gourmet country manor

The Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat-Saisons is a country manor hotel owned by two-Michelin star chef Raymond Blanc, so expect plenty of gastronomic delights and French flair. The hotel’s 32 lavish rooms exude sophistication, especially the opulent Garden Suites. Outside is just as attractive, with a Japanese garden, sun-dappled orchard, and lavender-lined pathways. The hotel’s main attraction is, of course, the food. It offers a variety of gourmet breaks, which includes items like a seven-course dinner at the two Michelin-starred restaurant, or champagne and macarons in the garden. If you’re a foodie, this is the perfect spot for a romantic luxury weekend in the UK.

Learning a new skill together can be very romantic. Book a course at the manor’s cooking school or gardening school, where you can learn everything from basic patisserie skills to growing micro herbs.

The Water Tower, Cornwall – one of National Trust’s most romantic cottages

This Rapunzel-esque tower is the stuff fairytales are made of. Climb the winding staircase up four stories to discover a unique circular room on each floor. Although its self-catered, there’s an advance meal booking service, where you can order rustic dishes such as game casserole and fish pie. The Water Tower is located on the gorgeous Trelissick Estate, which occupies its own peninsula on the River Fal.

Take the King Harry Ferry down the river to St Mawes. You’ll love exploring the art galleries and restaurants of this idyllic Cornish fishing village.

We’re sure this list will leave you feeling inspired about booking a romantic weekend away in the UK. Whether you prefer city breaks or secluded getaways, there’s something here for you.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dani Redd

Dani Redd is a freelance food and travel writer based in Bangalore. She has bylines in National Geographic Traveller India, Intrepid Magazine, Ethos, Culture Trip and more.