Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season of love than with a rural romantic escape. If you need some inspiration, take a look at this selection of ten wonderful Valentine's Weekend Cottages, or click here to see our full collection. We’ve even included some fun activity suggestions to get the sparks flying!
1. Love Nest | Peak District
What makes it special:
Love Nest is a wonderful place to while away hours with your loved one on a Valentine's Weekend. After days out exploring the Peak District, return to this cosy sanctuary to enjoy a long soak in the slipper bath and a snuggle in front of the roaring wood burner and luxurious 6’ four poster.
Why couples love it:
"Cosy and romantic, beautiful setting. Pool lovely and warm, had it to ourselves whenever we went. Good location for Bakewell and Chatsworth. Nice walks a short drive away. Loved the massive TV that you can watch from bed and all the beautiful fairy lights. Overall would definitely recommend!" - Suzy
Three fun couple activities:
- Explore Chatsworth Estate - the location for Mr Darcy's Pemberley!
- Stroll along the River Wye at Bakewell to the Love-Lock Bridge
- Get hearts pumping with a trip to Alton Towers
2. The Garden House | Norfolk
What makes it special:
In a stunning Norfolk location, The Garden House is an incredible Valentine's Weekend Cottage which combines the privacy of home comfort with the style and luxury of a boutique hotel. Enjoy a glass of fizz in the beautiful garden, a gorgeous rainfall shower for two and then snuggle up in the king size luxury Hypnos bed.
Why couples love it:
"Comfortable, very accommodating to our needs.. lovely stay! The property was cosy and clean, perfect for a couple. the owners made some lovely finishing touches with a food hamper, dressing robes and bottle of bubbly!" - Pardip
Three fun couple activities:
- Take the short stroll to the award winning village pub
- Enjoy a champagne afternoon tea at Biddy's beautiful vintage tea room in Aylsham
- Hire a Broads day boat
3. Campion Lodge | Essex
What makes it special:
For a cosy couples' experience, bag Campion Lodge, offering 5-star luxury in a beautiful rural location. A special Valentine's Weekend Cottage for couples and their dogs, relax in the warmth of your private hot tub and explore the 500 acres of surrounding private grounds hand in hand - with tranquil woodland, fishing lake and wildlife. With the world-renowned Constable country, beautiful villages, museums, stately homes and gardens nearby, what more could you possibly ask for on a Valentine’s Weekend?
Why couples love it:
"This is our 5th stay here and we love it. Visited Dedham today and had a beautiful walk along the river. So peaceful, so private. We are returning for our honeymoon here next year having got engaged here a year ago. Don't change a thing!!" - Sandy
Three fun couple activities:
- Hunt for treasure in Coggeshall and Long Melford’s antique shops
- Enjoy some stargazing from the comfort of your bubbling hot tub
- Admire the cutest of animals at Colchester Zoo
4. The Bothy | Somerset
What makes it special:
Enjoy panoramic countryside views from the garden in this cute Valentine's Weekend Cottage in the peaceful rural village of Tunley. It’s the perfect place to hole up for a fabulous break ‘à deux’, and a great base for a countryside walk or a trip to Bath - the park and ride is just 5 minutes up the road. The local pub serves excellent food too.
Why couples love it:
"The Bothy was fab!!! Perfect location for exploring Bath and surrounding areas. Andy the owner was a lovely guy, very sociable and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend." - Carl
Three fun couple activities:
- Have a spa day at Thermae Bath Spa
- Hire a rowboat or a punt on the River Avon
- Take to the skies in a Hot Air Balloon
5. Nant Y Plas | Wales
What makes it special:
Exuding history and character, Nant Y Plas is packed with features for the ultimate romantic break. With a gigantic roll top Victorian cast iron bath, a fairy-tale riverside terrace with barbecue, and 120 acres of enchanting private grounds to explore from the doorstep, it’s the ideal Valentine's Weekend Cottage for just the two of you.
Why couples love it:
"Amazing gem of a find. A very warm, spacious and spotlessly clean cottage with underfloor heating and a magnificent roll top bath. Absolute bliss to lie in bed with the window or door open, listening to the river running by and birds tweeting. Great place to chill and relax. Stunning countryside. Lovely walk around the farmland." - Bermuda
Three fun couple activities:
- Walk behind Henrhyd Falls - aka The Batcave in “The Dark Knight Rises”
- Visit Castell Coch, the ultimate fairytale castle
- Go dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay
6. Bijou Cottage | Kent
What makes it special:
You could hide away for days in this stylish cottage hideaway tucked away in the cute seaside town of Deal just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Bijou Cottage has oodles of charm, a wealth of original features, a cosy wood burning stove and a well-equipped kitchen for whipping up a romantic feast. It’s also perfect for couples who want to bring their canine pal along.
Why couples love it:
"An immaculate cottage situated in the heart of Deal town. We booked this for a few nights away after our wedding and were very impressed with how clean, tidy and cosy the cottage is. It has a log burning fire which was perfect for the winter evenings. Parking available within 5 minutes of the property, free of charge. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a base to explore Deal and the surrounding areas." - Adam
Three fun couple activities:
- Head to Walmer Castle and Gardens, once home to the great love of Queen Elizabeth I
- Watch the world go by with fish and chips on the pier and unbeatable sea views
- Whisper sweet nothings to each other on a stroll along quiet, pristine Deal beach
7. Glamping Shepherds Huts | Cumbria
What makes it special:
Set on the banks of the River Petteril, in the wild and magical Eden Valley, our Shepherds Huts are perfect for a peaceful romantic getaway. Whip up a boutique gourmet meal using the SMEG hob and gas oven. There’s storage heating for cosy nights swapping stories (although the resident pheasants and hares offer all the entertainment you need!) The welcome pack and the village pub are fabulous too...
Why couples love it:
"This trip was amazing from start to finish. The hut was so remote, hidden and beautiful. It has its own private bit of the river below and inside each little thing has been thought out, from a very welcome bed through to the kitchen which has everything you need and a bathroom provided with shampoo and conditioner. A basket with eggs, milk, home made jam, bread, coffee, tea and cereal and orange juice was on the side. It was so homely and so nice how much things had really been thought about. The location was ideal, with things only a short distance around. No signal - but that was what I needed as I was trying to detox from work and have a romantic weekend with my partner. Will 100% book again and likely for longer next time as two nights was just not long enough. BOOK NOW and trust me you will not regret it." - Lara (stayed at Hawthorn Retreat
Three fun couple activities:
- Explore Penrith on a self-guided Spy Mission themed Treasure Trail
- Take a walk in ancient woodlands to Aira Force Waterfall
- Stroll into Greystoke to see the castle and dine out
8. Woodland Cottage | Devon
What makes it special:
This gorgeous stone-built hideaway nestles in over 70 acres of beautiful private grounds with tranquil lake and abundant wildlife in North Devon countryside. Plenty of luxurious touches make Woodland Cottage the perfect bolthole for an unforgettable getaway with your other half.
Why couples love it:
"With high count bed linen, fluffy soft towels, beautiful toiletries and a hamper containing everything you could possibly need on arrival, including a decent bottle of wine, this cottage is definitely a five star experience. The eggs from the owners’ hens were the most delicious I've ever eaten. The cottage is spacious and so tastefully decorated that I'd be happy to move in...permanently." - James
Three fun couple activities:
- Take a picnic by the lake with a relaxing glass of wine
- Ride out on a quiet hack around Exmoor
- Step back in time at The National Trust's Arlington Court
9. Spring Water Barn | Cornwall
What makes it special:
With gorgeous interiors, a cosy wood burner and bags of character, Spring Water Barn is 5 star haven where you and your partner can withdraw from the world. Ideally positioned within the 20 acre Bonython Estate Gardens, spend your days exploring the magnificent estate, the renowned local beaches, historic coves and beautiful coastal path.
Why couples love it:
"Spring Water Barn is a fantastic place for couples to get away. A wonderful hamper of treats awaited us, and was very gratefully received after our long journey down. We loved exploring the grounds of Bonython and the surrounding areas of the Lizard Peninsula." - Emma
Three fun couple activities:
- Visit Cornwall's well beloved Seal Sanctuary in the pretty village of Gweek
- Explore a wealth of pubs serving excellent, locally sourced food and drink in nearby Mullion
- Sample an award winning afternoon tea at Polurrian on The Lizard
10. Miller's Loft | Norfolk
What makes it special:
This secluded loft barn conversion is the perfect romantic bolthole for two, offering stunning views of unspoilt North Norfolk countryside with frequent sightings of the resident barn owl and deer. Miller's Loft is situated on the Weavers Way and is ideally placed for simply relaxing, walking, cycling and exploring the North Norfolk countryside and coast during a Valentine's Weekend.
Why couples love it:
"Amazingly comfortable and spotlessly clean with everything you need, even provided us with a yummy hamper (home made bread, newly laid eggs, butter, wine etc etc.) Location perfect. Would highly recommend." - Gary
Three fun couple activities:
- Explore the coast, Broads and the many fine National Trust properties, including the magnificent Blickling Estate nearby
- Enjoy scenic walks and bike rides from the doorstep
- Dine at the acclaimed Saracens Head close by, or the award-winning Gunton Arms just a short drive away
Published on Sunday 15th January 2023 by Linnie Clements
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