The Most Romantic Things to Do in the UK this Autumn

Autumn’s slower pace lends added romance to cosy cottage getaways in the UK. Cooler days are all the excuse you need for lazy morning lie-ins. Afternoons spent pottering around historic castles and National Trust gardens are even better without the crowds. Then it’s back to your cottage for a candle-lit dinner for two. There might even be time for a dip in the hot tub under a starry sky before bed. Let our round-up of romantic things to do in the UK this autumn get you in the mood, then check out our cosy cottages just for two in beautiful countryside locations around the UK:

Photo: Dannah Cottages (Top), Thorganby Hall (Left), Culdee Cottage (Right)

Coastal Walks and Sunset Picnics

Rugged cliffs, secluded coves, crashing waves… Add a sunset and a picnic for two, and the scene is set for romance. Look southwest for some of the best England coast path walks with sunset viewing spots. The King Charles III England Coast Path and South West Coast Path offer up photo-worthy stretches to explore with the one you love, such as the Lizard Peninsula and Godrevy Head in Cornwall. Less romantic but also important: check tides, the weather and local access before setting out.

Photo: East Trenean Farm (Top), Porth Hir (Left), West Wooley Farm (Right)

Castles, Ruins and Dramatic Views

Perfect for picnicking, photographing and proposing, there’s an undeniable romance to the UK’s many ancient castles and medieval abbeys. The gentle lull of midweek autumn afternoons is a golden opportunity to discover some of Britain’s most atmospheric ruins. Take Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales, for example. A stroll around this windswept fortress in a remote corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the most romantic things to do in the UK at this tranquil time of year.

Photo: Mill Cottage (Top), Breamish Valley Cottages (Left), Churchdale Farm (Right)

Secret Gardens and Grand Estates

For garden lovers on couples weekend getaways what could be more romantic than wandering hand in hand through beautifully landscaped grounds? Romantic National Trust gardens famous for their autumnal colour include Stourhead in Wiltshire. Meanwhile, Sissinghurst in Kent is a garden of secrets, cleverly designed with hidden spaces to get lost with your loved one. Check opening times, as some gardens operate a reduced schedule in autumn.

Photo: Great Eckworthy Holiday Cottages (Top), Beechcroft (Left), Upper Vobster Farm (Right)

Stargazing and Dark Skies

Celebrate a love written in the stars at the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, which includes events from guided night-time hikes to saunas by starlight. Exmoor is one of a handful of places in the UK with International Dark Sky Reserve status. Other places for romantic star gazing include the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, and Kielder and the Northumberland National Park. Discover more places to watch the stars and find hot tub cottages for two in dark areas where you can enjoy a private starlit dip. Remember to check the weather forecast for clear skies.

Photo: Mill Granary Cottages (Top), Lisa's Cottages (Left), Beacon Hill Hideaways (Right)

Slow Journeys by Heritage Railway

Follow in the footsteps of one of literature’s best-loved couples – Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley – and board the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express). This is one of the most romantic things to do in the UK if your other half is a Harry Potter fan. Take in the stunning landscape between Fort William and Mallaig, where you can stop for a waterside lunch or a cuppa at The Tea Garden café at the harbour before your return journey. Also check out the West Sussex Bluebell Railway, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire and the Ffestiniog Railway among others in Wales.

Photo: Balbinny (Left), Unique Retreats (Right)

Food, Wine and Fireside Evenings

Wine lovers take note: Devon has more small vineyards than any other area of the UK. Spend a day touring as many as you please, stopping to pick up a picnic from a farmers’ market on your travels. Then return to your cottage to enjoy a glass of Devon’s finest in your hot tub or in front of an open fire.

Photo: Coulscott House Holiday Cottages (Top), Wallops Wood Cottages (Left), Eaton Manor Country Estate (Right)

Build Your Perfect Couples’ Itinerary

Use our regional guides to build an itinerary for your holiday. We have romantic cottages just for two across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall, and our regional guides include great ideas for romantic things to do in the UK this autumn. For example, a holiday in Yorkshire and Lancashire might look like this:

Day One:

Morning: A coastal walk at Morecambe Bay.

Afternoon: Visit nearby Lancaster, where you can explore the intriguing Lancaster Castle. Stop for coffee at the castle café before you leave.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at your cottage, where you can relax and cook a meal for two.

Day Two:

Morning: Take a steam train ride through Brontë country from Keighley to Oxenhope.

Afternoon: Stop for a pub lunch in the village before your return journey.

Evening: Head for the Forest of Bowland for some star-gazing, then return to your cottage to warm up in front of the fire.

Where to Stay for Romance

Search our collection of romantic cottages just for two to find cosy boltholes across the UK. All our four- and five-star cottages are regularly reviewed, and most are inspected by independent external assessors, so you can rest assured that you are booking the best. What’s more, with Premier Cottages, you’re booking directly with the owner, so you get the best possible price with no third-party booking costs.

Tailor-made for You

As Taylor Swift sings: “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings.” Her point? When it comes to romance, you don’t need to over-complicate it. The most romantic moments are usually simple and uniquely personal. Just like choosing a base to enjoy some of these romantic things to do in the UK. Simply use the ‘filter results’ button on our search page to find cottages for two all over the UK that are perfect for you.

Book your romantic escape today

Explore Premier Cottages’ luxury cottages for two and reserve direct at premiercottages.co.uk.