England is a fabulously diverse country, packed full of iconic landmarks, quaint villages, bustling towns and cultural cities, not to mention the breathtaking coastline and countryside.
From spectacular hiking in the Lake District to relaxing breaks in the Cotswolds, or outdoor adventures the Peak District, a romantic cottage holiday in England can be magical.
If you love to be beside the seaside then you’ll be spoilt for choice, from the beautiful sandy beaches of Cornwall and Devon, to the wilder and quieter shoreline of Northumberland, and the traditional heritage and charm of seaside towns such as Whitby, St Ives and Bournemouth.
Membership with English Heritage is a great way to see some of the best of England, including some of the most iconic stately homes, castles, gardens and monuments.
England really does have it all! What better way to enjoy a romantic holiday in England than from the comfort of a hand-picked romantic holiday rental?
2,494 properties found
York, North York Moors and Coast
2 1 1 Yes
Situated in the most picturesque countryside and farmland East Riding has to offer, find pure peace and tranquillity at this romantic, homely bolthole. It’s ideal for couples looking to spend quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The wood burner-effect electric fire, beamed ceiling and wonderful countryside views across open meadows in the open-plan lounge/diner create a truly warming atmosphere that invites weary travellers to unwind and dine from sunrise to sunset. Sleek and stylish, the contemporary kitchen provides everything you need to rustle up a romantic feast or midnight snack with your tasty local produce. At the end of a busy day, soothe sore walking muscles with a long soak in the bath in the sophisticated family bathroom before heading upstairs to the charming double bedroom; wonderful rural vistas will lull you into a dreamy rest before tomorrow’s adventure. Soak up the last of the evening’s sunshine by dining alfresco with a glass of something chilled on the walled patio before taking a scenic stroll around the owner’s farmhouse gardens and courtyard before bedtime. This peaceful and idyllic location deep in East Riding’s magnificent countryside is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect to the great outdoors, with a plethora of scenic country lanes to explore on foot or two wheels beginning from the doorstep. Situated on the tranquil River Derwent, venture to the picture-perfect village of Stamford Bridge, 2 miles away, to spot plenty of local landmarks including the impressive viaduct and corn mill or head to the historic walled city of York, 9.5 miles, away to explore the cobbled streets or the National Railway Museum. The Howardian Hills and North York Moors can be reached within 10 miles.
Weekly prices from £574.00
Keswick, The Lake District and Cumbria
2 1 1 Yes
Surrounded by stunning scenery in the Borrowdale Valley, near a pub and only 6.5 miles from Keswick, this ground-floor flat is a perfect romantic retreat. It’s one of five flats in a large house in a quiet location in the heart of the village of Rosthwaite. There’s lots to do in the stunning local area and your furry friends are welcome to join you too. The apartment has a private entrance on the ground floor, which takes you into a hall. Off the hall is the bright, contemporary living room, with a dining area, a kitchenette, and lovely views of the countryside. There’s funky furniture, a Smart TV, and a wall-mounted electric fire in the living area for spending cosy nights in. Down the hall is the attractive double bedroom with lovely pine furniture and plenty of storage. The apartment has a family bathroom with a bath and shower over, plus a shared garden at the front where you can enjoy the sunshine and stunning views. Rosthwaite is just 3 miles from Derwentwater and 9 miles from Crummock Water where you can go fishing, sailing, rowing and paddleboarding. Explore the area on foot with stunning walks in Borrowdale Valley and on the fells or visit some of the area’s impressive waterfalls, including Galleny Force (1 mile away), Lodore Falls (3 miles) and Moss Force Waterfall (8 miles). The market town of Keswick is 6.5 miles away and if you want to leave your car at home local buses will run you into Keswick from Rosthwaite. Borrowdale is a great location for rock climbing, and you can even go skiing on Raise near Helvellyn (12 miles away). Closer to home, treat yourselves to a romantic meal at the pub in the village hotel just 300 metres down the road.
Weekly prices from £411.00
Keswick, The Lake District and Cumbria
2 1 1 Yes
Sitting in the little hamlet of Stair with its beautiful scenery surrounding you, this delightful cottage is ideal for a romantic stay and a restful or active holiday. The vibrant town of Keswick is a short drive away (3 miles) with plenty of shops, eateries and pubs to choose from and an array of walks for all abilities; from challenging Skiddaw to the easily accessible Latrigg. As soon as you enter this charming cottage, it will feel like you are in your own little world and away from your everyday life. The cottage-style is open plan downstairs, with the living area offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere and amazing views of the fells from the bay window. Sink into the two-seater sofa or armchair surrounding the TV, with a flame effect electric fire creating an ambience. The kitchen/diner has breathtaking views over towards Catbells, and there are all the appliances you need to rustle up a romantic dinner after a day exploring. Up on the first floor is a double bedroom with a gorgeous stand-alone bath and a separate en suite shower room with WC. Outside, you can enjoy the wonderful shared garden area, which has seating so you can admire the views of Causey Pike. Stroll to the front garden with a drink and sit on the bench to take in the beautiful scenery, looking towards Catbells. Out and about, head to Surprise View (7 miles) and walk up to the viewpoint, which offers impressive views of Derwent Water. If you prefer water sports, then Bassenthwaite (3 miles) or Derwentwater (2 miles) are perfect for kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. History buffs will love a trip to the atmospheric, Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circles (7 miles) with panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat mountains as a backdrop.
Weekly prices from £585.00
Exeter, Devon
2 1 1 Yes
Steal away for a romantic retreat in rural Devon discovering walks from your doorstep and a cosy space to unwind at the end of each day. This characterful reverse level cottage is located on the grounds of the owner’s property where peace and quiet is assured, ideal for two hoping to enjoy the calm of the Devonshire countryside. Authentic original features including vaulted ceilings, brick walls and original beams add to the charming farmhouse nature of this pretty accommodation, whilst surrounding gardens and an acre of orchard space is perfect for spending time outdoors and exercising your four-pawed companion. External steps lead to the first floor of this pretty barn conversion, a building complete with climbing vines and stunning greenery in warm months. You’re instantly met by a bright open-plan living/dining room where evenings can be spent with your feet up. Comfortable sofas face a smart TV for logging in and picking up where you left off with your favourite shows. This storey also contains a compact but highly resourceful kitchen for preparing meals to be enjoyed at the dining table or on the patio space. Follow the spiral staircase to the ground floor to discover a comfortable king-size bedroom, complete with fresh linens and an electric fire-effect wood burner that keeps the space cosy and warm. A short car journey leads to the Dartmoor National Park (5 miles), a fantastic beauty spot that offers walks in mystical woodlands and unbeatable walking routes. The cathedral city of Exeter is 15 miles away and a cultural hub to explore, while beautiful Haldon Forest Park is 20 miles. For a trip to the coast, travel 27 miles to Exmouth which gives way to the Jurassic Coast, a 96-mile heritage walking route.
Weekly prices from £488.00
Plymouth, Devon
2 1 1 Yes
Within a mile of the spectacular Wembury Beach, this stylishly designed and light-filled reverse-level property makes a wonderful retreat for couples exploring this beautiful part of South Devon. Providing ample accommodation for two, this bright, fresh and airy coastal holiday home offers fantastic sea views and makes a tranquil, relaxing getaway. Plymouth is just a few miles to the north and is a fabulous base for keen walkers discovering the sheltered coves, sandy beaches, quaint villages and spellbinding countryside of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Entering this breezy and fresh detached property, head up the oak staircase which opens directly into the open-plan first-floor lounge/kitchen/diner. Featuring a characterful apex ceiling with light flooding in through the skylights, this is an ideal space to unwind in. The central dining area is perfect for sharing a romantic meal which you can cook in the light and fully equipped kitchen. The lounge is perfect for snuggling up together with a movie on the Smart TV, and features patio doors which open onto a charming glass-fronted balcony. There’s plenty of space here to dine alfresco and to take in the stunning views across to Great Mewstone. Returning to the ground floor you will find the cosy king-size bedroom along with a refreshing and stylish bathroom. Patio doors lead from the bedroom into the garden which features a lawn and outdoor furniture. The picturesque village of Wembury has some friendly pubs and restaurants and is known for a gorgeous sandy beach popular for its surfing and rock pools. There’s plenty to see in the area, with local attractions including Wembury Marine Centre, Wembury Woods and Wembury Point. Plymouth (7 miles) has plenty of great places to eat and drink as well as popular attractions including the Barbican, The Box and Plymouth Hoe.
Weekly prices from £634.00
Penrith, The Lake District and Cumbria
2 1 1 Yes
Dating back to 1900, this property was originally built as a gatehouse for the grand neighbouring property. Now providing delightful accommodation for two people, its the peaceful home-from-home youve been looking for. A spacious entrance hall welcomes you into this charming cottage and leads you through to the open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, a really wonderful space. The wood burner in the living area is a fantastic feature and the well-equipped kitchen is ideal for creating special meals a deux. The lovely double bedroom feels really relaxing and the bathroom has a shower over the bath to suit all tastes. A delightful patio with outdoor furniture and a BBQ area can be found off the living room and leads on to the enclosed lawned garden. Wrap up warm and enjoy a steaming hot chocolate in the autumn or dine alfresco in the summer, whatever the time of year youll be wanting to spend time out here thanks to the simply stunning views on offer. A stay here also gives you access to a shared natural woodland. Enjoy a stroll through the trees whilst keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife. Guests can also walk down to the river from the cottage, why not take a book and a flask of tea and enjoy a peaceful moment on the river bank. A walk at Lacys Caves is a must for anyone staying in the area. A circular walk starting from the nearby village of Little Salkeld, explore this intriguing set of caves carved into the sandstone by Colonel Lacy, who also has a connection to the cottage. If you do fancy a day out, why not plan a visit to picturesque Ullswater? Head to Glenridding where you can hire a boat to explore the water - or catch a ride on the steamer if youd prefer someone else to do the hard work. Stop off at Pooley Bridge for souvenirs or head up nearby Askham Fell for stunning views of the area. A trip to the popular market town of Keswick is a must; indulge in a spot of retail therapy before stopping for lunch at one of the independent cafes. Whatever you decide to do, this property is the perfect place to base yourselves. Though cosy by its nature, the accommodation is light, bright and airy thanks to having windows on all sides - all the better to make the most of those stunning views! The open-plan living/dining/kitchen area allows for easy living. Curl up in front of the wood burner with a good book or relax by watching the TV, which has Freeview and a DVD. The dining table is perfectly positioned by one of the windows so you really can dine with a view. The kitchen is well-equipped with everything youd need for a self-catering holiday; theres an electric oven and hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge/freezer. Theres also a handy dishwasher - so theres no need to fight over who has to do the washing up here! - as well as a useful washing machine. Though the cottage enjoys a beautiful rural setting, it does also benefit from Wi-Fi, perfect for keeping in touch with family and friends at home. The double bedroom is just as cosy and charming as the living room. With a 5-foot metal bed, original feature fireplace, built-in wardrobes and a chest of drawers positioned in the feature bay window, this bedroom a delightfully relaxing haven. As well as the requisite WC, the bathroom contains a shower over the bath so all tastes are catered for. French doors lead from the living area out onto a patio area with outdoor furniture and BBQ area and onwards to a lawned garden which is mostly enclosed with access to the lane. With stunning views of the River Eden, its the perfect spot for both that first morning cuppa and a refreshing G&T come 6 oclock. Whilst youre staying here, you can also enjoy access to a shared natural woodland and are able to walk down to the river, a real treat.
Weekly prices from £519.00
Whitby, North York Moors and Coast
2 1 1 Yes
Luxuriate in a romantic break at this exquisite apartment at the heart of Whitby. Sleeping just two guests, the one-bedroom bolthole is perfect for couples seeking somewhere truly special for their stay within the historic, coastal Yorkshire town. Set at ground-floor level, and with a lavish finish, the enticing apartment is well positioned for shops and eateries and is just 150 metres from the river and within 500 metres of the beach. Step inside to discover boutique, hotel-style accommodation with a sumptuous finish. Leave your outerwear in the hall and wander through to the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner to sink back into the plush sofa in front of the Smart TV for a spell. Open a bottle of chilled fizz or make fresh coffee in the machine over in the kitchen area, where you will also find everything needed to help you whip up delicious dinners for two on those evenings you choose not to dine out. When you are ready to turn in for the night, amble through to the king-size bedroom, which is equally impressive. Here you will find a lovely, free-standing bath within the bedroom itself, plus a TV for those lazy mornings in bed. There is also an en-suite WC and dressing room. There is no garden or outside area with this apartment, but elegant Pannett Park is just over 150 metres away. Stroll 500 metres from the apartment to climb the 199 steps up to the dramatic abbey ruins with their commanding sea views. Stroll out along the Cleveland Way to appreciate the natural beauty of the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Keen walkers might like to attempt the 7-mile stretch to the picture-postcard fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Venture out of Whitby to discover the magnificent North York Moors National Park and its many walks.
Weekly prices from £622.00
Keswick, The Lake District and Cumbria
2 1 1 Yes
Located on the first floor of an impressive terraced property, this stylish apartment makes a wonderful holiday getaway for two. Perfect for couples enjoying a quiet break, this charming hideaway is set in a residential part of the friendly Lakeland town of Keswick. Within easy reach of the town centre and its wide variety of attractions, the apartment is ideal for exploring this breathtaking region. Beautifully decorated, with sash windows, high ceilings and far-reaching views, this romantic retreat is perfect for making the most of the lakes, fells, villages and woods in the heart of the Lake District. Stepping into this pretty first-floor apartment, the inviting open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner provides an ideal living area for you to unwind. With a feature wall, solid oak floorboards and traditional sash windows, the cheery lounge is a perfect space to snuggle up, watch a film on the Smart TV or catch up with a book. The handy dining area is ideal for sharing a romantic meal for two, which you can prepare in the fully equipped kitchen area. The apartment also features an invigorating bathroom plus a spacious bedroom with a comfortable double bed and a TV. Back outside, a shared bench to the front of the property offers a charming spot to sit back in the evening and chat about the day’s events. This is a great base for exploring Keswick. Known as the adventure capital of the Lake District, the town has plenty of opportunities for activities including kayaking and canoeing on Derwentwater, or attempting the Keswick Climbing wall before heading to Skiddaw (5.5 miles). The town is home to a range of friendly pubs and restaurants, as well as the Puzzling Place, the Theatre by the Lake and the Derwent Pencil Museum.
Weekly prices from £484.00
Northallerton, Yorkshire Dales
2 1 1 Yes
This impressive holiday getaway for two has it all: gorgeous character, an array of modern comforts and a charming village setting. Walk in the stunning landscapes all around or discover nearby market towns, before heading back for a drink in the local pub and a peaceful night in your superb, boutique-hotel-style bolthole. A double-height, gabled ceiling with magnificent exposed beams gives the open-plan living space of this converted farm building impressive style. Underfloor heating ensures cosy toes, and light floods through the room thanks to glazed doors at one end. The superb kitchen, with its mirrored splashback and island hob, is brilliantly equipped for preparing romantic meals a deux, and as you dine at the glass table you can connect to the BOSE Bluetooth speaker and play some smooth melodies. After supper, stretch out on the comfortable sofa and set up a movie marathon on the Smart TV. When you’re feeling tired, it’s three steps up to the king-size bedroom, another impressive space with a high, beamed ceiling. An elegant bed, stylish artwork and colourful textiles set the scene for a great night’s sleep, with an en-suite offering luxurious showering space. As for al fresco enjoyment, simply step through the sliding doors and onto your private patio, where you can sip a morning coffee, pour a sundowner or take a meal outside to enjoy in the fresh air. Just 300 metres from a pub serving real ales and home-cooked food, the cottage is located in North Cowton, mid-way between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. A walker’s paradise! Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk passes through the vibrant market town of Richmond, 9.5 miles, with its landmark Norman castle and host of independent shops and great places to eat, and you can reach the historic Kiplin Hall in 6.5 miles.
Weekly prices from £592.00