Uncover enchanting tales and timeless beauty in these captivating destinations for a truly romantic escape.
Our experts have scoured the country to uncover the most enchanting destinations for you and your loved one.
Top 10 romantic UK ruins:
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Corfe Castle, set on a hillock in Dorset’s Purbeck Hills, exudes romance with its tumbledown walls and ghostly towers.
Explore the essence of this romantic ruin, resonating with tales of William the Conqueror and the courageous Lady Mary Bankes.
- Perfect pursuit: Climb to the highest point for a breathtaking view of the Purbeck Hills, a perfect spot for a romantic embrace.
- Romantic Retreat: The Bankes Arms in Corfe Castle village – ask for a room with a view of the castle. Check availability and book now on TripAdvisor.
Useful information
Visit The National Trust for opening times and prices. For free entry, become a member or you can buy day tickets at Corfe Castle.
For more information read the full feature about Corfe Castle: what to see and do
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Framlingham Castle’s baker’s dozen of stone towers stands as a testament to love and historical significance. Uncover the castle’s role in Mary Tudor‘s ascent to the throne and marvel at the impressive curtain wall and iconic Tudor chimneys.
- Perfect pursuit: Enjoy a dizzying circuit around the top of the walls, offering panoramic views of Framlingham mere and the Suffolk countryside.
- Romantic Retreat: The Crown in Framlingham. Book room nine for a half-canopy bed and views over the medieval market square. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Framlingham Castle.
For more information read the full feature about Framlingham Castle: what to see and do
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Northumberland‘s Belsay Hall, a fusion of Greek and Roman architecture, tells a tale of love and transformation. Wander through the vibrant formal gardens, a symphony of colours, brought to life by landscape designer Dan Pearson, and revel in the enchanting setting.
- Perfect pursuit: Explore the quarry garden’s romantic allure.
- Romantic Retreat: Tranwell Farm Shepherds’ Huts. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Belsay Castle.
For more information read the full feature about Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens: what to see and do
Ynys Llanddwyn, Ynys Môn
Embrace the Welsh spirit of romance on Ynys Llanddwyn, the island of St Dwynwen. Visit the 16th century chapel ruins dedicated to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Newborough Forest.
- Perfect pursuit: Discover the history and mythology of the area – most notably St Dwynwen’s three wishes.
- Romantic Retreat: Cwtch Hafod’s Luxurious Log Cabins
For more information read the full feature about Ynys Llanddwyn: what to see and do
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Whitby Abbey, with its gothic splendour, invites you to a romance tinged with a touch of horror, all set against a backdrop of stunning coastal views.
- Perfect pursuit: Climb the 199 Steps with your beloved, and let the dramatic skeletal remains unfold a story of love and the enduring legacy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Romantic Retreat: The Belfry in Whitby. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
Useful Information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Whitby Abbey.
For more information read the full feature about Whitby Abbey: what to see and do
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Forever tied to the love story of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire offers a glimpse into a bygone era of courtly affection. Delve into the castle’s history, where Tudor romance comes alive amid Tudor towers and a blushing rose-colored facade.
- Perfect pursuit: Stroll through the recreated Elizabethan garden, evoking the ambiance of the queen’s historic visit.
- Romantic Retreat: 61 Warwick Road, Kenilworth. Book room six for some original oak beams. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Kenilworth Castle.
For more information read the full feature about Kenilworth Castle: what to see and do
Cleeve Abbey, Somerset
Nestled in a valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Cleeve Abbey offers a tranquil escape. Explore well-preserved medieval architecture, including a delightful refectory and one of the best-preserved great dormitories.
- Perfect pursuit: Saunter around the intact cloister and find the trefoil headed arch recess, originally designed as a seat for the abbot during the daily spiritual reading.
- Romantic Retreat: The White Horse Inn at Washford. For that extra slice of romance, ask for a room overlooking the Washford River. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Cleeve Abbey.
For more information read the full feature about Cleeve Abbey: what to see and do
Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
Carisbrooke Castle, a Victorian ideal of a romantic stronghold, captivates with its charming village-like ambiance. Explore the castle’s collection of buildings, each telling a unique story, and immerse yourself in its picturesque surroundings.
- Perfect pursuit: Visit the Princess Beatrice Garden for a tranquil and romantic escape within the castle walls.
- Romantic Retreat: One Holyrood in Newport. Check availability and book now on Booking.com
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Carisbrooke Castle.
For more information read the full feature about Carisbrooke Castle: what to see and do
Kilchurn Castle, Argyll and Bute
Kilchurn Castle, cradled by mountains on the shores of Loch Awe, offers a splendid blend of history and natural beauty. Stroll through its ancient tower, surrounded by Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, and discover the romantic lore of the 1st Earl of Breadalbane and Countess Mary Campbell.
- Perfect pursuit: Look for the lintel dated 1693, bearing the initials of the 1st Earl of Breadalbane and Countess Mary Campbell, a power couple of their time.
- Romantic Retreat: Tower of Glenstrae. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
For more information read the full feature about Kilchurn Castle: what to see and do
Lochleven Castle, Perth and Kinross
Lochleven Castle, a tiny island sanctuary, whispers the tale of Mary, Queen of Scots’ daring escape. Ferried across Loch Leven.
- Perfect pursuit: The castle is open in May-September, so if you’re visiting in February, sit on the banks of Loch Leven – the largest natural shallow water body in lowland Britain – and watch the tufted duck and teal as they dabble for food, or huge flocks of wintering wildfowl.
- Romantic Retreat: The Old Schoolhouse in Kinross. Check availability and book a room on Booking.com
For more information read the full feature about Lochleven Castle: what to see and do
For a thrilling sense of history, fall in love with a crumbling castle or tumbledown church this spring
Robert Browning, Love Among The Ruins
That’s what Victorian poet Robert Browning said in his poem Love among the Ruins, and who are we to disagree? He was merely touching on a mysterious fact of life that no one is ever taught but which everyone acknowledges: there’s something about ancient ruins that brings out the romantic in us.
Looking for more inspirational Days Out?
Check out our expert guides for more enchanting experiences, including Britain’s most impressive castles, Best British rural romantic films and Best romantic film locations to stay. There’s also Best romantic experiences and Romantic cottages and cosy hideaways to stay in the UK if you are on ther search for something romantic