As great as the City may be, there’s nothing quite like packing up a weekend case and simply escaping the hustle and bustle. Even more so when it’s with your nearest and dearest! With life back in full swing after the pandemic, for many of us a romantic getaway is just needed. And by this, I’m not talking swan shaped towels and rose petals, but a place to truly switch off and spend time with your loved one. Below, I share my top picks for the dreamiest hotel retreats and escapes, no matter what you’re after. Whether you prefer to be by the sea or in the countryside, grab your other half and head to one of these romantic getaways from London. All of the getaways listed below are within easy reach of London to make getting there as simple as possible!
Romantic getaways from London: at a glance
Some of the links I’ve used in this post are affiliate – while it will make no difference to the price you pay, I may earn a small commission from the provider if you book something I’ve recommended. I’d never recommend anywhere I truly don’t love.
Romantic getaways from London: £200 or less
The Rose, Kent
Located in Deal, the most gorgeous little town on the Kent coast, there’s no better place for a romantic getaway near London on the coast. Just a short walk from the seafront, The Rose boasts the most amazing interiors. Having undergone a full refurbishment in 2016 from its colourful past, each bedroom is different with its own beautiful Wes Anderson inspired interiors. You’ll find gorgeous details inside from record players to nightcaps, as well as a fabulous onsite restaurant. The food is both delicious and beautifully presented, so well worth booking in during your stay. Take the time to soak up Deal, too – there are plenty of wine bars and antique shops to enjoy along the seafront.
Distance from London: 2 hours by car, or a 2 hour train journey via London Bridge
From £100 per night.
Artist Residence Brighton, East Sussex
A self-professed ‘quirky’ hotel, Artist Residence Brighton is the dreamiest of romantic getaways from London. Encapsulating the spirit of Brighton thanks to its creative and eccentric interiors all in one beautiful Regency townhouse, this seafront hotel offered artists free lodgings in exchange for art. Each and every room therefore offers something a little different in design and decor, alongside some impressive views over Brighton’s seafront and the legendary West Pier. When you’re not walking along the seafront or exploring iconic Brighton, you can enjoy open spaces to relax over brunch or cocktails with your loved one. Every room also features a Roberts radio, a Nespresso coffee machine, a fully stocked mini bar, and organic Bramley bath products for that all-important soak.
Distance from London: 2 hours by car, or a 1.5 hour train journey via London Bridge
From £115 per night.
Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Marlow-on-Thames
Located in the rolling Chiltern Hills, Danesfield House Hotel & Spa is one of the very best romantic getaways from London. Completed back in 1901, the beautiful hotel sits among 65 acres of lush, manicured gardens with stunning views over the River Thames and surrounding countryside. It offers the perfect bit of R&R needed for any busy Londoner. Each of the boutique rooms in the hotel is unique, and individually designed to make your stay special. Sink back into the dreamiest of four poster beds with your other half and look out at a gorgeous view across the Thames with a glass of bubbly in hand. To make your stay a little more romantic, Danesfield House also boasts an award-winning spa with a 20-metre swimming pool, and eight treatment rooms – perfect for enjoying a treatment or two during your stay.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £110 per night
The Mitre, Surrey
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, The Mitre is the perfect romantic getaway from London without having to travel too far. A beautiful boutique hotel that has recently undergone a luxurious makeover, it boasts magnificent interiors and bedrooms with bags of unique character. Focused on a fusion of romance and comfort, it’s an ideal romantic staycation for strolls in the local area – Richmond Park isn’t far – before enjoying a tipple at the Whispering Angel bar and sinking into a plush four poster bed. There is something equally romantic about the hotel’s riverside location, and the fact it’s directly opposite Hampton Court Palace with a history that dates back to 1665. The Mitre has two wonderful restaurants and bars, as well as a riverside terrace to enjoy in the summer months with a cold glass of bubbly.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car, or a 30 minute train journey via Waterloo
From £156 per night
Romantic getaways from London: boutique hotels
Barnsley House, Gloucestershire
Having been born and bred in the Cotswolds, I may be a little biased but it’s for good reason. In my opinion, frankly there’s nowhere better for a romantic getaway than the Cotswolds, with acres of countryside, crackling log fires, and plenty of free standing tubs to be found. Barnsley House is a luxurious country house hotel and in the adorable Cotswold village of Barnsley. Just a couple of hours’ drive from London, as well as packing bags of character, it features eighteen uniquely designed bedrooms. The real star of the show is the spa – it has a gorgeous al fresco hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and garden terrace. It’s just the tonic for escaping the busy London lifestyle. You’ll be pleased to know it also features its very own onsite bar, The Village Pub, with relaxed dining. Barnsley House is a great spot for exploring the Cotswolds.
Distance from London: 2.5 hours by car
From £350 per night, including breakfast.
Looking for a romantic place to stay in the Cotswolds? Check out my guide to the best hotels in the Cotswolds
Heckfield Place, Hampshire
Just an hour from the City, Heckfield Place is the definition of a home from home – perfect for a romantic getaway from London. Heckfield Place epitomises elegance, a Georgian family home that has been restored and transformed into a luxury hotel set in 400 acres of secluded countryside. Indulge with your loved one, whether you want to enjoy all-natural spa treatments, relish in delicious cuisine, or simply to enjoy a romantic stroll in the acres of private landscape. It really is the ultimate spot for unplugging and unwinding from a busy London lifestyle in the most beautiful of settings.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £450 per night
The Fish, Worcestershire
There’s no denying that the Cotswolds is one of the most romantic places on earth, so it’s super lucky it also boasts some of the most gorgeous hotels too. The Fish is one of the best for a romantic getaway from London, nestled in the heart of the 400-acre Farncombe Estate. A collection of country hideaways on a Cotswold hillside, you can choose from houses, huts, and hideaways, depending on the romantic break you fancy. Snuggle up in a plush shepherd’s hut with its own hot tub, or choose a modern treehouse. Whatever you do, head to Hook, the hotel’s restaurant, for a delicious seafood feast. Located next to beautiful Broadway, be sure to wander this beautiful Cotswold village and pop into The Lygon Arms for their delectable Sunday roast.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £350 per night
Romantic getaways from London: luxury hotels
Thyme, Gloucestershire
Is there anything better than the Cotswolds when it comes to romantic getaways from London? I don’t think so! Thyme really is the epitome of a romantic stay in the countryside. A hotel shaped by its surrounding nature (hence the name), it aims to conserve the land while offering guests a wonderfully serene place to stay. Thyme boasts its very own cookery school, spa, farm, cocktail ‘Baa’, tennis courts, and so much more. It pays special attention to the details, too – you’ll find antiques, local Cotswold gin in the minibars, and chess sets which you and your lover can play in the freestanding bath tubs. Once you’ve enjoyed a romantic weekend away in Thyme, you’ll struggle to go anywhere else. Don’t stay here without enjoying a gorgeous treatment at the onsite Meadow Spa – the deep muscle pressure point massages are truly to die for.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £360 per night
Beaverbrook, Surrey
A luxury country house hotel in nearby Surrey, Beaverbrook is perhaps the ultimate in indulgent romantic getaways from London. Nestled in the Surrey hills, the Grade II listed Beaverbrook has previously hosted iconic guests including Elizabeth Taylor and Rudyard Kipling. Decked out in the most beautiful interiors thanks to Soho House’s Susie Atkinson, it also has its very own Japanese restaurant run by a former chef at Nobu – perfect for a date night dinner. As far as romantic getaways go – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. Borrow a pair of Wellington boots and stomp among the 400 acre grounds, soak in your room’s roll top bath, or go for a swim in the 20-metre long pool. There’s even an ice skating rink in the winter. One of the romantic highlights of Beaverbrook is its incredible flower-fulled spa, complete with six treatment suites, a hammam, and all the facilities and treatments you could dream of.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £428 per night
Cliveden House, Berkshire
With the most beautiful setting of over 350 acres of National Trust Garden, Cliveden House is one of the most desirable romantic getaways from London in the country. It has always boasted an air of lust, having been the former home of the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, and it still has the same twinkle today. The perfect escape from City life, it’s a 5-star hotel and spa, set in a gorgeous 17th century Grade I stately home. Its amenities are fantastic, including a spa, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, heated indoor pool, a boathouse, and a library. Each of its rooms are unique, complete with roll-top baths for soaking while sippig on champagne. Guests can choose a romantic getaway package, featuring a choice of suite with breakfast, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne on arrival, and a romantic dinner for two in the Cliveden dining room. You’ll both have full access to the luxurious Cliveden spa during your stay, too. Do’t miss the Henry James room for a view of the rolling Berkshire countryside from the marble bath tub.
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car
From £495 per night
How to save when booking your romantic getaway from London
- Check to see if the hotel has any special packages for couples. Often, hotels will offer these at a discounted rate, and they can add a little extra romance to your stay – a nice bottle of champagne on ice to greet you will be sure to get your stay off to an extra special start.
- Book during sales periods. You’re most likely to get a great deal when you know when and where you want to go, and choose to book during a key promotional event like Black Friday or the January sales.
- Plan your travel. If you’re not looking to drive for your romantic getaway, and simply want to relax and let somebody else do the hard work for you, be sure to book any travel like trains well in advance. You can book train tickets up to 3 months in advance, and a railcard will help you to get a further discount.
- Use the Booking.com app. You can get an additional 10% off the hotel price when you book using the Booking.com app. It’s incredibly easy to use too.
- Be flexible in your dates. Of course, booking mid-week is always going to be cheaper than during peak days across the weekend. Treating yourself to a bit of annual leave during the week can be one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a romantic getaway from London.
- Try booking last minute. Sometimes you can get a great deal simply by booking on the day. Hotels are often prepared to reduce their rates simply to fill the room.
- Earn cashback. Make sure to book your trip via TopCashback or Quidco – you can get a small percentage of commission each time you book your stays. This can be extra cash for those cocktails you’ll be sipping on your romantic getaway.
And don’t forget to tell the hotel in advance if you’re celebrating a special occasion! You never know what extras they may throw in to make your romantic getaway from London extra special.
Have you stayed at any of these romantic getaways from London before? Are there any others you love that I’ve missed from the list? Let me know in the comments below!
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