Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – maybe you’re hoping to celebrate the occasion with something more than roses and a candlelit dinner this year? Forget the cliché options of a romantic weekend in Paris – we’ve got some suggestions for alternative Valentine’s Day destinations that will help you avoid the crowds and give you the solitude you desire to spend some quality time with your beloved. Remember to check the restrictions before you travel. We’ve got you covered here.
Hay-on-Wye: A weekend for literary lovers
Best known for the annual literary festival held in this Welsh-border town each summer, Hay-on-Wye is the perfect spot for bibliophile couples to get away for a Valentine’s break. This ‘Town of Books’ has around 2,000 residents, with two dozen bookshops to boot. Browse the solid-wood shelves at Richard Booth’s Bookshop, a quaint shop that also has a cafe and art-house cinema, or find a sonnet to woo your lover at The Poetry Bookshop – the UK’s only second-hand bookshop dedicated exclusively to poetry.
Edinburgh: The perfect backdrop for romance
The mountains, glens, rivers and spectacular cityscape are the perfect setting for a romantic break for couples. Explore the rich history of the city, treat yourself at some of the finest restaurants in the country, and browse endless cobbled streets of independent shops. If you’re lucky with the weather, walk up Arthur’s Seat for a stunning hill-top view in the heart of the city. And if it is raining, warm up by a roaring log fire in one of the city’s many cosy pubs.
St. Ives: Relaxation in seaside bliss
Cornwall is usually rammed during the warmer months, but visit for Valentine’s Day and you’ll be sure to escape the crowds. Splash out on luxury, and book yourself a stay at the Tregenna Castle Resort – high on the hilltop overlooking the town, complete with an outdoor pool, golf course, tennis courts and on-site restaurant serving up delicious seasonal dishes, you won’t be judged if you never even leave the hotel grounds…
Scotland: High-adrenaline romance in the Highlands
If getting pampered and relaxing on Valentines isn’t really your thing, how about an adventurous couples break to get your heart pumping? You’ll be spoiled for choice of activities north of the border, but head to Fort William – the outdoor capital of the UK – and you won’t be disappointed. Rent some wheels and ride some of the best mountain biking trails at the Nevis Range mountain resort, get wet on a canyoneering trip, or strap on your walking boots and hike the Ben Nevis Mountain Path to the top of the UK’s tallest mountain. If you’d feel more comfortable taking someone’s lead up the Ben, we’d recommend hiring a guide for the day to avoid any navigational mishaps!
Ludlow: Gorge on food and views in the ‘loveliest town in England’
Shropshire’s ancient market town may be small, but its abundance of top chefs, commitment to local food and stunning scenery means it’s a thriving place to visit. Described by poet Sir John Betjeman as “probably the loveliest town in England”, Ludlow has nearly 500 listed buildings that take you back in time. The traditional open-air market is held four times a week, and you’ll be sure to find delicious grub throughout town – try the Unicorn Inn for locally sourced food, and enjoy a pint and river views at the award-winning Ludlow Brewing Company.
San Sebastián: Gastronomic grandeur in Spain’s food capital
If food is the way to your heart, then San Sebastián can provide the map. With more Michelin starred restaurants per square kilometre than any other city, Donostia – as it’s known in Basque – is the foodie capital of Europe. If you’re looking for something more low key (and less expensive), you’ll still have an unforgettable experience eating pintxos (a small snack traditional in the Basque country) in the old town. Flanked by the sandy beaches of the Bay of Biscay to the north and the mountains to the south with world-class dining, art and grand architecture to boot, this seaside town is the perfect location for a romantic weekend away. To step things up in the kitchen, how about taking a cooking class to ace your sweetheart’s favourite dish.
Zurich: Hot springs, high mountains and hedonism
Are you craving a Valentine’s Day of ultimate indulgence? Want to spend your weekend soaking in some of the most luxurious hot springs in Europe, sampling local wine and cheese, and people-watching from the warmth of a cosy bar? Zürich has got you covered. Try the B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa for your stay, walk snow-covered cobbled streets, take a day trip to the Alps by panoramic train, and visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a delicious Valentine’s gift.
Verona: ‘If you love someone, bring them to Verona!’
Now what could be more romantic than a Valentine’s trip to the setting of the ultimate love story: Romeo and Juliet. There’s even a Festival of Love held on, you guessed it, Valentine’s Day. Stroll hand in hand through the landscaped gardens at Giardini del Gusto, explore cobble-stoned streets and pink palazzos, and make a wish in the Pozzo Dell’Amore (The Lover’s Well). Verona oozes romance for star-crossed lovers and hopeful sentimentalists alike, and whatever you do, you’re sure to write your own love story in this fairytale city.
Ljubljana: a hidden gem of romance
Slovenia is a small gem of a country tucked in between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, and Ljubljana, the capital is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities. It’s easy to enjoy on foot, and is full of green spaces and a distinct local culture.
Snuggle up with cosy winter glamping
Get adventurous option and opt for a cosy glamping experience, cuddling up by a wood-burning stove. Camping gets you outside and away from civilization, unlike any other getaway.
But if a Valentine’s break in a tent in February doesn’t scream romance for you, fortunately, there are an increasing number of glamping options that offer snug spaces year-round, so you can curl up together surrounded by nature. There are lots of different glamping options, like this floating cabin in Pembrokeshire or a secret yurt in Mid Wale – whether you’re sleeping under canvas or bobbing around the lake, you’ll be sure to be the only ones around for miles.
