6 Romantic Weekend Escapes

Windswept landscapes, sunset dinners, candlelit bars – get the romance flowing with a weekend getaway to one of our picks of 6 of Britain’s most loved-up locations. They’re all easy to get to by train, too, so you can spend more time relaxing with your favourite other person.

Oh, and don’t forget to make it #TwoTogetherRailcardOfficial with a Two Together Railcard, where you can enjoy 1/3 off rail fares when you travel together – meaning more adventures with your Valentine this year for less. 

1. Stratford-upon-Avon 

Filled with handsome timber-framed inns and Tudor houses, it’s easy to get swept up in the romantic charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Start and finish your Friday evening with dinner at Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar(external link, opens in a new tab), which serves up a range of seasonal dishes.

On Saturday, head to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage(external link, opens in a new tab) to learn about her romance with the Bard and for a stroll around the lush gardens. Later, head to Shakespeare’s Birthplace(external link, opens in a new tab) where you can see actors in period costume perform the legendary playwright’s romantic soliloquies. Then take in a show at the RSC Stratford(external link, opens in a new tab) – it’s advised to book tickets in advance – before popping into the Dirty Duck(external link, opens in a new tab) for post-show drinks.

On Sunday, make it a leisurely one with brunch and coffee at MOR Bakery(external link, opens in a new tab) then a canal and river cruise (external link, opens in a new tab)on a Dutch barge – the perfect last day in Shakespeare’s home town.

Nearest station: Stratford-upon-Avon 

2. Loch Lomond 

If you’re in want of spectacular natural beauty for your romantic weekend getaway, Scotland’s Loch Lomond has it in spades.

Once you’ve set yourself up on the edge of the loch – Lodge on Loch Lomond(external link, opens in a new tab) gets rave reviews – all that’s left to do is enjoy your Friday evening in style. Consider the award-winning waterside Colquhouns(external link, opens in a new tab), a cosy restaurant that proudly uses local produce.

On Saturday, take your pick from fun and active activities like speedboat rides(external link, opens in a new tab) and guided canoe safaris (external link, opens in a new tab)or keep it a little more chill with a relaxing circular cruise(external link, opens in a new tab). If you and your partner are keen ramblers, there are hikes taking you up Ben Lomond(external link, opens in a new tab), Bracklinn Falls and into Argyll Forest Park(external link, opens in a new tab).

Wrap up your weekend away with a ramble around the beautiful village of Luss and then visit the nearby Maid of the Loch paddle steamer(external link, opens in a new tab) at Balloch Pier. It’s just a 10-minute walk from here to Balloch train station.

Nearest station: Balloch 

3. The Broads 

The Broads in Norfolk delivers 125 miles of waterways brimming with wildlife for a peaceful riverside break. Base yourself in Wroxham, known as “The Capital of the Broads” and begin the weekend with a meal at The Old Mill(external link, opens in a new tab).

Make Saturday a boating day for the best way to escape other visitors and get close to nature (take your pick from hour-long guided tours to day boat hire(external link, opens in a new tab)). You can even moor your boat at riverside pubs like Acle Bridge Inn(external link, opens in a new tab). Don’t miss Turf Fen Mill(external link, opens in a new tab), a windmill you can only reach by boat.

On Sunday, you could head into Norwich to visit the city’s Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery (external link, opens in a new tab)or make a beeline for Alby Crafts and Gardens and choose something by a local artist to take back home.

Nearest stations: Hoveton & Wroxham, Norwich 

4. Exmoor 

Fancy a romantic weekend getaway in wild and rugged Exmoor? No problem. Stay in picturesque Dunster amongst Exmoor’s rolling hills and spend day 1 exploring the village’s medieval castle and watermill(external link, opens in a new tab). Exmoor is also home to Europe’s first designated dark sky, perfect for stargazing at night(external link, opens in a new tab).

On Saturday, hike up Grabbist Hill(external link, opens in a new tab) for expansive views or walk along Dunster Beach. For something special, consider a horse ride – even beginners are welcome at the Exmoor Pony Centre(external link, opens in a new tab). There are plenty of cafes and pubs in Dunster, too, and Reeves Restaurant(external link, opens in a new tab) is ideal for a romantic evening meal.

On Sunday, visit Porlock’s Whortleberry Tearooms(external link, opens in a new tab) or venture further to Lynton and Lynmouth for the funicular railway(external link, opens in a new tab) and the unusual rock formations at the Valley of Rocks(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: Taunton 

5. Crickhowell 

Surrounded by the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, Crickhowell is ideal for adventure-loving couples.

On Friday explore the historic remains of Crickhowell Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) above the town – which has impressive views of Usk Valley – then tuck into hearty pub food at The Bear(external link, opens in a new tab).

If hiking is your thing, there’s Table Mountain(external link, opens in a new tab) and Sugar Loaf(external link, opens in a new tab) close by to conquer on Saturday. There’s also mountain biking, caving (external link, opens in a new tab)and you can even hire a boat(external link, opens in a new tab) and glide along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Then visit Nantyffin Cider Mill(external link, opens in a new tab) for a lovely evening meal.

Make Sunday a treat day and tuck into a breakfast at Latte-Da Tearoom(external link, opens in a new tab) then choose your next read from Book-ish(external link, opens in a new tab), an independent bookstore and cafe in town. (You can also read up on the best bookshop cafes in Britain here.)

Nearest station: Abergavenny 

6. Dorset 

Whisk yourselves away to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and stay in the beautiful seaside town of Weymouth for a weekend break.

On Friday, wander along the Esplanade (don’t miss King George III’s bathing machine) and dine on fresh fish dishes at Rockfish(external link, opens in a new tab).

Walk to Durdle Door on Saturday and stop by Ringstead Bay for a picnic. If you fancy fossil hunting, Pirates Cove(external link, opens in a new tab) has treasures to uncover. Wrap it all up with a trip to the Crab House Café(external link, opens in a new tab), which will serve oysters straight from the water to your plate.

On Sunday, take a dip in the fresh sea and then warm up with a wild sauna(external link, opens in a new tab) at Bowleaze Cove. Or ramp up the thrills and look for dolphins on a 20-minute Rib Ride (external link, opens in a new tab)from the harbour.

Nearest station: Weymouth