Rural and coastal escapes
When you feel the need to escape from the world, you can find rural retreats in villages that cling to the sides of cliffs, tumbling down to bays of blue. The only noises you’ll hear will be the crash of the surf and the call of the seagulls, and the hardest decision you’ll make is which flavour of ice cream to choose. For a weekend country break of a different kind head inland across cattle grids and over ditches and dales to cosy boltholes to be greeted with homemade cake, safe in the knowledge that the only blackberry to worry about is the one atop your scone.
Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens
Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Tuck into a home cooked meal at The Kirkstile Inn
Enjoy a delicious menu made from the best Cumbrian produce, washed down with a pint of freshly brewed ale at the Kirkstile Inn in the heart of the North Lake District.
Location: Loweswater, Cumbria
Snuggle up in luxury on the Northumberland Coast
Five star luxury, romantic walks along the spectacular Northumberland Coast, cosy up in front of a smouldering fire and fresh locally sourced food.
Location: Newton by the Sea, Northumberland
Relax and reconnect on a romantic Cornish coastal break
It’s all about you and your time together at Headland Hotel and Spa, where you can connect with each other, the ocean and the wild Cornish coastline.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Explore the cobbled lanes of Clovelly
This ancient fishing village clings to the cliffs on the North Devon coast and tells a magical tale of living history.
Location: Clovelly, North Devon
UK breaks: 24 hours in Hastings
Head down south to this arty East Sussex enclave for super-cool galleries, cute boutiques, excellent coffee shops and superb sea views.
Escape on a romantic break to Merchants Manor Hotel
Hot tubs hidden away in a secluded garden, snooze-inducing massages, and an award-winning restaurant serving sublime locally-sourced dishes; welcome to Merchants Manor.
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall