This North Yorkshire retreat is an ideal place to step back in time a little and live the country life for a few days. The Forge is a comfortable spacious hideaway, newly refurbished by owners Denise and Nigel. The inglenook fireplace is still there, but now there’s a modern kitchen, a swish en-suite shower room plus a separate bathroom, and hidden treats ranging from local cake to Masham’s famous Theakston’s beer.

We think this is the ideal place to surprise and spoil your partner – it has a look of complete relaxed luxury. Water Cottage has all the history, and wooden beams, to take you back to the past, and it’s set in one of South England’s most beautiful villages. Kersey, a favourite subject for artist’s, will win you over in a moment. It’s a great retreat for Londoners, as it’s only 90 minutes away.

Escape to one of the country’s most beautiful villages. The gabled cottages and cobbled streets of Lavenham in Suffolk have a rare charm. For the romantics – that’s us - the Grade 1 listed cottage The Tryst is a bit of a dream.

A unique setting means you’ll never get bored at this romantic holiday cottage in Essex; there’s a host of boats passing the canal at the front, there are stunning views across the nature reserve at the back and the historic town of Maldon is just around the corner. It’s dog friendly too so you can share this break with your four legged friend.

We hear Sir David Attenborough has described Rothiemurchus as “one of the glories of wild Scotland”, and looking around it’s not hard to see why. This idyllic location is set in the heart of Cairngorms National Park – with its endless trees and walks and long stretches of pure country joy. The Boat House is a decadent space for two – and really, with its three gorgeous master bedrooms, we think this is a space you will want to share – so track down your two most romantic friend couples and get yourselves here.

We think Constance would be an ideal retreat choice for a couple who want a romantic break and have a couple of kids along with them too. You’re set in a rather grand location, within the tenth century Pickwell Manor, in peaceful grounds including an Italian Garden and rose arches, and also with the benefits of six acres of space to play, with beaches and rock pools just a 20 minute stroll away.

This romantic retreat is a picture postcard place to tuck yourselves away, and a great hideaway from which to explore cliff top walks and the sandy beaches of England’s coastline. Liberty is a calming first floor apartment in the grounds of the lovely Pickwell Manor, in the quaint Devon village of Georgeham.

This elegant retreat is a perfect pick for a couple searching for days exploring some of the most beautiful parts of south England, followed by relaxed evenings in their own private hot tub. Batcombe Hollow has been specially designed to offer a modern sophisticated eco space for a pair to enjoy, between an orchard and a host of walking routes, set in the quiet grounds of Strawberryfield Park. The lodge is an ideal choice for those searching for time away in the fresh west country air.

Peace and quiet and a cosy cottage for two . . . The Owlery is a perfect cottage for couples as it is situated in its own surroundings within Dittiscombe Valley. Here guests can unwind and enjoy twenty acres of open space, the ponds, woodland and meadows, and a little bird and wildlife-watching from the cottage garden.

This sunny spot is a beautiful place to hideaway and we’ve found a charming little romantic bolthole for couples here. Honey Hedge has woodbeamed ceilings, a woodburner for cosy evenings and great sea views. We think it’s a great place to escape to enjoy Cornwall and some of the best south English coastline.

Awel-For means sea breeze in Welsh; a well chosen name as this very cute little fisherman’s cottage is located only 150 yards from the beach at Llansantffraed, Llanon in West Wales. This picture perfect cottage has been decorated and furnished with great care and attention to detail including walls clad in painted pine tongue & groove boards and a lovely roll top bath, making it a beautiful and cosy seaside retreat. Outside you’ll find a private hot tub with country views - no wonder it was voted as one of the Sunday Times Top 100 UK Cottages in 2010!

Head to the heart of the romantic Bronte countryside to discover a hideaway which mixes wild Yorkshire moors with luxury. Higher Scholes Cottage, next to the quaint town of Haworth, has its own hot tub, log fire and gorgeous four poster bed. The cottage has great views over the countryside that inspired the classic novel Wuthering Heights.

Always dreamed of having your own off-grid cabin in the woods? Now you can experience it yourself in the romantic Bulworthy Cabin in gorgeous Devon. Heat and warm water comes from the wood burning stove, electricity from solar panels and you can cook over the campfire or on the barbecue. Set in a secluded woodland glade, this is the ultimate ‘getting away from it all’ woodland escape.

Just look at those views! This Northumberland retreat for couples sits right on the side of the beach and would make a great escape for those who love the coast. Anchor Cottage in Cresswell has all the character of a fisherman’s home from way back when, with added modern touches and a seven-mile stretch of beach on the doorstep.

The South of France is pretty irresistible if you are a fan of relaxed living, fine food and some easy going sunshine. That’s partly why we are sure The Gatehouse will be popular – its location, on the side of a country lake, in the beautiful châteaux-peppered region of Dordogne, makes it ideal for romantic couples. And then, there are a few other things we think you will like about this retreat too…

We love quaint harbour hideaways and fresh walks by the sea – and this romantic retreat offers the best of both worlds. The Abbey Stables is tucked away in a quiet conservation area, a stone’s throw from the harbour-side in atmospheric Penzance, yet only a couple of minutes walk to Chapel Street, with its electic mix of shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and cafes. If you fancy a car free holiday, it is a 5 minute walk to the train and bus station too.

Rudding Park is a beautiful, romantic hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Awarded Independent Hotel of the Year at the Catey Awards (2019) and Best Hotel in England by Visit England’s Award for Excellence (2018), Rudding Park is also the only hotel in the UK to feature in the Tripadvisor 2017 Hall of Fame. It is listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay - Best UK Spa Hotel and has an award winning luxury spa.

Hot tub heaven! Located on its own private island and surrounded by 35 acres of lakes, gardens and woodland, Kingfishers is a lodge unlike any other. Accessible across a private footbridge and complete with your own jetty, rowing boat and large hot tub, this romantic bolthole makes for a perfect Devon honeymoon retreat or short break getaway. On top of all this you will be greeted on arrival by Champagne and flowers.

LATE AVAILABILITY! Well your writer here at Romantic Retreats is from Derbyshire and so her eyes lit up when this beautiful hideaway appeared. Candlelight Cottage is a relaxed home from home overlooking the sweet little village of Litton. It’s a lovely location and a close hop from Peak District towns like Bakewell and Buxton and famous sights like Chatsworth House.

In the heart of the Sussex High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the depths of a lovely garden sits this tranquil old cottage. Completely self contained, it allows you to relax in its peaceful surroundings in considerable comfort. The owners have done everything to combine many of the luxuries of a top hotel with the charm and freedom of your own country cottage.