The pandemic has changed the way we see everything, including holidays!
Some of you may have never considered a staycation until it was the only option you had.
And while you’d probably prefer to go abroad for a romantic couples holiday, the truth is, there are so many romantic UK city breaks for couples for you to choose from.
From seaside spots and quaint, historic cities to bustling metropolises home to many great date nights, there’s something to suit every couple.
So If you need a little guidance deciding which of the many best UK city breaks for couples you and your loved one want to go on, then keep reading.
Because we’re here to help!
1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh has everything you could possibly want from a romantic weekend and the best part is that there are so many free things to do in Edinburgh too.
The Scottish capital is characterised by its adorable little streets and quaint corners and is the perfect place to take a break with your other half.
Edinburgh Castle is a beautiful place to spend some quality time.
And the sunsets that can be seen from it are unmatched!
I recommend Cold Town House, which sits just beneath the castle, for delicious pizza, craft beers and cool cocktails after a long day of exploring the sights of this stunning city.
If cultural events are your thing, then why not try and get up to Edinburgh for the famous Edinburgh Fringe?
This world-renowned celebration of the arts runs every August.
Make sure to book ahead, as everything gets booked up super fast when the Fringe is on!
2. Bath
Bath is easily one of the prettiest cities that England has to offer, making it one of the best UK city breaks for couples.
There’s no wonder Bath’s a great place to get married. Or even celebrate your hen do!
No trip to Bath would be complete without heading over to the famous Roman Baths.
Even if you’re not a history lover, they’re still well worth the trip.
They’re beautiful to look at and have barely changed since they were built centuries ago, making them all the more impressive.
If the Baths get you in the mood for a bit of a pamper, then your next step should be Thermae Bath Spa.
Just around the corner, it gives visitors the option of a rooftop pool or two thermal baths.
What could be more romantic than a dip in the pool at sunset?
However, if you’re not looking to spend too much money, don’t worry because there are so many great free things to do in Bath too!
3. Cambridge
This is a great city to explore by foot, so hop on a train up to Cambridge with your partner and leave the car behind.
For some romantic Instagram shots, take a wander through the city’s beautiful university colleges.
King’s College and Queens’ College should be top of your list for cute selfies.
Next stop, the river! Climb aboard one of the punts and sail down the river to see Cambridge from a different angle.
This is a great date idea and is something you can’t do everywhere so makes for a unique day out.
4. Brighton
Brighton is one of my favourite cities in the world, let alone in the UK!
It’s friendly, fun, and colourful, and there’s so much to do here you’ll never be bored.
Take a stroll down the pier and play some arcade games.
Then, if it’s a summer’s day, why not follow it up with a dip in the sea?
Fish and chips on the beach for dinner is a classic beach date staple.
So stop off at one of the many fish and chip stands that are dotted around and get yourself a delicious bite to eat!
If fish isn’t your thing, head to one of the lovely independent restaurants in The Lanes.
Terre à Terre is a personal favourite and one of the best vegan restaurants in Brighton.
Serving up vegan and veggie treats that are so good, you won’t miss the meat at all!
It’s a perfect date night spot and is right in the heart of The Lanes, so it’s super easy to find, and you won’t be disappointed.
5. London
Of course, no list of the best UK city breaks for couples would be complete without a mention of London.
In the English capital, the date possibilities are pretty much endless!
From theatre to sightseeing, museums to street markets, and even to scouting out the best London Instagram spots, there’s something to suit pretty much every taste.
In fact, there’s so much to do that you could probably go on a couples’ break here every weekend for three months and still not have ticked everything off your list.
Plus, London is home to some of the best foodie spots in the country.
And there’s no shortage of quirky places to eat in London for those of you who like to diverge away from the typical chain restaurants!
6. Liverpool
This fun port city is one for nightlife and music lovers, but there are so many romantic things to do in Liverpool too!
If you or your partner are a fan of The Beatles, there’s probably no better place for a city break than the home of the famous band.
There are guided Beatles tours and a Beatles museum, so it’s the place to be for their fans!
There are also many amazing cocktail bars in Liverpool which would make for fab date spots.
My favourite is The Florist, a gorgeous floral-themed bar that is quite literally couple photo heaven.
7. Oxford
Along with Cambridge, Oxford is one of the UK’s most famous cities due to the prestigious university. But it’s not all academia!
Even if you only have one day in Oxford, you can tick off a lot in a short space of time.
Similar to Cambridge, you can watch the city float by with a river cruise or by hiring a punt, which you can man by yourself.
This is a great idea if you want to laugh at your partner struggling to punt down the river, or even to show off your own remarkable punting skills!
Tour the world-renowned university and get some adorable pictures.
Or if you’re a literature lover then check out landmarks dedicated to literary legends like J.R.R. Tolkien and CS Lewis.
There are also a bunch of cute rooftop bars and little eateries to stop off at, so you’ll have plenty of places to pick from for date night.
8. York
The charming cobblestone streets of York are a lovely setting for a romantic stroll.
Home to W.H. Auden, the famous poet, it isn’t hard to see where he got the inspiration for his love poems in a city like York.
The magical York Minster is a gorgeous landmark to take a look at, and legend has it that if a couple shares a kiss under the Minster’s Heart of Yorkshire window, then they will be together forever.
Worth a try, right?
End your day with a delightful evening walk along the River Ouse.
Or take an evening walking tour which will show you a side of York that only comes out in the evening.
In fact, there are so many romantic things to do in York that it’s best to stay here for as long as you can!
9. Manchester
Comedy clubs and bars line many of Manchester’s streets.
So if you and your partner are night owls, then this may be the city break for you.
A relaxing and romantic spot for couples is the rooftop terrace at King Street Townhouse.
This gem boasts an infinity pool and a heated canopy where you can share a drink with your loved one.
For something more adventurous, pay Chill Factore a visit and learn to ski or snowboard at the UK’s longest indoor snow slope.
After a chilly adrenaline-rushing session, curl up with your partner by the fireplace to warm back up and spend some quality time together.
10. Bristol
Bristol is a really cool city, but there are also plenty of romantic things to do there.
For a unique date, jump in a hot air balloon and take a ride over the city.
Heights not really your thing? Grab a drink in a Bristol harbourside pub and watch the sun go down over the city.
If you’re there on a warm day, pack up a picnic and enjoy some food and wine in one of the city’s lush green spaces.
Of course, you can’t go to Bristol without checking out the street art.
It is the home of Banksy, after all!
You can either take a guided graffiti tour or explore the city on your own, which can be a really fun way to pass the day.
There are also plenty of romantic things to do in Clifton, a little suburb known for its independent boutique shops, stunning Georgian architecture, and a whole host of lovely little eateries.
11. Birmingham
While Birmingham might not jump to the forefront of your mind when you think of the best UK city breaks for couples, there are actually so many fun things to do in Birmingham that would make great dates!
Start your break with a stroll down the city’s long and winding canals, pausing at one of the many pubs that are dotted along the way for a quick stop.
If walking isn’t your thing, take a canal boat trip so that you can see the sights while sitting comfortably.
In the evening, grab a bite to eat at the funky Digbeth Dining Club, which offers street food from some of the UK’s best independent traders.
Then follow it up with some golf at the quirky Ghetto Golf.
After all, what makes for a better date than some friendly competitiveness between lovers?
12. Lancaster
Lancaster Castle is a great date setting if you’re into your dark history, as it’s where the famous Pendle witches were killed.
The guided tour gives you all the gory details and is a cracking date idea for you budding historians.
Williamson Park is a beautiful green space and has a butterfly house and a minibeasts centre for any animal lovers out there.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the city has a wonderful street market called Charter Market, where you’ll find everything from food to pottery.
It might be a bit of an unusual shout for a city break, but give it a go.
We’re sure you’ll love it!
13. Newcastle
What’s more romantic than being by the seaside?
Make the most of your trip to the sea and indulge in some fresh seafood at Riley’s Fish Shack, one of the best indoor activities in Newcastle, which is widely regarded as having absolutely incredible food.
And even better, it looks out to sea!
Cinema lovers, book in at Tyneside Cinema and book a snuggly sofa seat to share with your partner.
And when you get there, why not treat yourselves to a bottle of wine? It is date night after all!
For an unrivalled view of Newcastle, climb Grey’s Monument.
Not only is it a great place to see the city, but it’s also famous for being a meeting place for lovers!
For more recommendations, read about the best free things to do in Newcastle, the best rooftop bars in Newcastle, and the best places to go for bottomless brunch in Newcastle.
14. Glasgow
Often when you think of Scotland, your mind jumps straight to the winding streets of Edinburgh.
But that’s not all that the country has to offer!
Glasgow is Edinburgh’s cool little sister and is one of the best UK city breaks for couples.
Take a romantic stroll through Pollok Country Park and take a break at the Burrell Collection, thought to be one of the largest collections of historical objects ever assembled by one person.
If you like jazz, consider going to Glasgow in late June for their International Jazz Festival.
It’s a great way of making a trip of it and getting to hear some of the best music jazz has to offer.
This 2 days in Glasgow itinerary will help you get the most out of the city.
However, if you’re keen to explore further afield, don’t worry because there are so many great day trips from Glasgow too!
15. Belfast
Got 2 days in Belfast? Start by getting some stunning views of the city without having to go to the effort of climbing a hill.
Check out the Victoria Square Dome, where you and your partner can gaze out over the city together.
Then take a stroll through Queen’s University’s beautiful campus, renowned for its striking architecture and gorgeous grounds.
For the best bars in town, take a trip down to the Cathedral Quarter, where you can rest your legs after a day of taking in all that this wonderful city has to offer while enjoying a cold pint of beer.
As you can see, the UK isn’t short on places to go on a romantic trip.
If you’re looking to book a cheaper getaway and get to know our wonderful cities better, then hopefully this guide has helped you to pick the perfect destination for you!
