16 of the Best UK Honeymoon Destinations
Planning a UK honeymoon? Look no further than our guide to the best UK honeymoon destinations and look forward...
Looking for the best UK holiday destinations for couples? Then you’re in luck, because at Sykes we understand how important romantic getaways are!
Couple bookings have grown by 6% from 2023 to 2025; in fact, 41% of our bookings in the financial year 2025 were couples, showcasing how much people value quality time away with the one they love most.
In the UK, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic places to visit, so we know it can be hard to choose. To help you decide, we’ve used our booking data for 2026 so far to identify the destinations that couples are really booking!
From walking in the footsteps of literary greats to marvelling at stars in the clear night sky, our guide to the top UK holiday destinations for couples is sure to spark some wonderful ideas for your next romantic getaway!
Continue reading to find the best UK holiday destinations for couples in 2026…
First up in our guide to places to visit in the UK for couples is the breathtaking county of Northumberland. From starry skies to romantic castle ruins, this UK holiday destination has something for everyone and clearly couples agree as this destination tops our list for the most bookings per property so far in 2026!
Whisk your partner to the miles of beautiful Northumberland beaches, where a collection of majestic castles preside. Spend time exploring Bamburgh Castle Beach, where the Norman stronghold towers above the wide stretch of pristine sand.
Alternatively, meander the glistening shores of Embleton Bay, which is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. While inland, you can walk along Hadrian’s Wall, one of the best walks in the UK, with its far-reaching views for a taste of local history. The Cheviot Hills and wild moorland offer even more opportunities for peaceful strolls with your loved one.
After a day of admiring the alluring landscapes, gaze at starry skies and take in the UK’s largest International Dark Sky Park. This is the perfect opportunity for retreating from the crowds and enjoying the company of your partner.
Sprinkled across the landscape are a number of charming towns and villages. Some must-see places include Alnwick, which is home to one of the largest inhabited castles in England and Alnwick Garden, home to the largest wooden treehouse in the world.
Craster, Seahouses and Beadnell are also well worth a visit on your next UK couple’s getaway, with Beadnell ranking among the most booked locations for couples in 2026 so far!
If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape with dramatic views, peaceful surroundings and plenty of fresh air, Scotland should be near the top of your list. From loch-side lodges to charming border towns, it’s a country that’s made for switching off and spending quality time together.
The Highlands and Scottish Islands offer some of the most remote and romantic settings in the UK. Couples can enjoy long walks through Glencoe, spot wildlife on boat trips from Skye or toast the evening with a dram from a local distillery.
Down in Dumfries and Galloway, one of the regions most popular with our couples in 2026, you’ll find quiet beaches, forest trails and historic ruins tucked away in the countryside. While another popular region, the Scottish Borders provides a gentler pace, with river walks, market towns and cosy country pubs to enjoy.
Scotland has something for every kind of couple. Whether it’s hiking Scottish mountains in the Highlands, exploring ancient castles or watching the sun set over a deserted Scottish beach, it’s the perfect place to reconnect. With so much space and variety, you can make your trip as relaxed or adventurous as you like – set against one of the most scenic backdrops in the UK.
Coming in third in our list of the most popular romantic destinations for couples in 2026, is the Yorkshire Dales. With rolling hills, drystone walls and peaceful walking trails in every direction, the Yorkshire Dales is a timeless option for a romantic countryside escape. It’s the sort of place where days are spent exploring and evenings are spent unwinding in a cosy cottage or country inn.
Couples can enjoy leisurely walks to hidden Yorkshire waterfalls, scenic drives through the national park or a relaxed afternoon exploring charming market towns like Grassington. Packed with local shops, traditional pubs and riverside walks, it’s a lovely spot to spend a day, and we can easily see why it’s one of the most popular destinations with our couples.
Further afield, you’ll find historic castles, pretty villages and miles of walking routes that are ideal for couples who enjoy a slower pace. There’s something calming about the Dales that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s a walk through the hills, a pub lunch in a stone-built village or a scenic drive with no real plan, the Yorkshire Dales lets couples truly switch off and enjoy some quality time together.
For many couples, a break in the Lake District is the ultimate romantic escape. With its dramatic peaks, glassy lakes and charming towns, it’s no surprise that Cumbria continues to be one of the UK’s most popular destinations for couples.
Whether you’re rowing across Windermere, the most famous lake in the Lake District, walking hand-in-hand around Derwentwater or enjoying the views from a hilltop picnic spot, the scenery here does all the hard work.
Ambleside and Keswick are some of the most popular lake towns with our couples, and it’s easy to see why! Both are packed with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, while Bowness-on-Windermere is a lovely spot for boat trips, lakeside strolls and lazy afternoons by the water. And if you’re feeling active, there are endless opportunities for walking, cycling and wild swimming.
The Lake District has everything couples need for a romantic break: cosy cottages, stunning views and plenty of fresh air. Whether you’re here to explore or simply relax together, it’s a place that always feels special.
The fifth most popular destination with our couples in 2026 so far is the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast! With iconic towns like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, and the perfect combination of peaceful countryside with dramatic coastline, we aren’t surprised.
The North York Moors and Yorkshire Coast offer couples the best of both worlds. It’s a region that’s rich in natural beauty, historic charm and timeless seaside escapes.
Inland, the Moors are perfect for couples who enjoy walking, with heather-covered hills, woodland trails and cosy country pubs dotted along the way.
For couples preferring a coastal day out, head to Whitby for fish and chips by the harbour, climb the steps to the abbey or simply wander its cobbled streets. Scarborough offers all the fun of a traditional seaside town, while the nearby Robin Hood’s Bay is a quieter spot, perfect for a hand-in-hand walk along the beach.
With its mix of peaceful walks and charming seaside towns, this part of Yorkshire has a laid-back feel that’s ideal for a romantic getaway. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or tucking into fresh seafood, there’s plenty to enjoy together.
Few places blend coast and countryside quite like Dorset. With golden beaches, historic villages and mile upon mile of walking trails, it’s a county that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple things, making it a perfect choice for couples.
Along the Jurassic Coast, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and picture-perfect seaside towns, such as Weymouth. With some of the best beaches in Dorset, including the iconic Chesil Beach, and a whole host of romantic restaurants for date night, it’s the perfect romantic setting for couples who love the coast!
It’s also home to Lyme Regis, one of the county’s coastal highlights, with its historic harbour, fossil-rich beaches and winding streets filled with independent shops and cafés. Further along the coast, places like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door offer stunning views and scenic walking routes, while inland, you’ll find quiet countryside, thatched cottages and traditional pubs ideal for a long lunch.
Whether it’s strolling hand-in-hand along the beach, exploring a quaint market town or watching the sun set over the sea, Dorset is made for romantic moments. It’s a place where you can switch off, explore at your own pace and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Cornwall has long been a favourite for UK couples looking to escape the everyday. With its rugged coastline, golden beaches and sleepy fishing villages, it offers the kind of slow-paced charm that’s ideal for a romantic break.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors together, whether that’s walking the South West Coast Path, discovering tucked-away coves or watching the waves roll in from a seaside café. Towns like St Ives and Carbis Bay were most popular with our couples ,which comes as no surprise as they’re great places for day trips, along with Padstow and Fowey. With easy access to beautiful Cornish beaches and plenty of attractions to explore, they should be at the top of your romantic destination bucket list.
Inland villages such as Lostwithiel and St Neot offer something a little quieter, ideal for those looking for a peaceful romantic retreat away from the crowds. Plus, if you’re after a bit of indulgence, there’s no shortage of farm shops, seafood restaurants and spa experiences to enjoy.
Whether it’s the sea views, the slower pace or the sense of getting away from it all, Cornwall delivers a classic coastal escape. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, and with each other!
With its mix of dramatic mountain views and sweeping coastal scenery, North Wales is one of the UK’s most striking and varied destinations, and a fantastic choice for couples. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation or an unforgettable honeymoon, you’ll find it here.
The region is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Snowdonia National Park is perfect for couples who enjoy walking, with well-marked trails and breathtaking views from every angle. On the coast, the Isle of Anglesey offers peaceful beaches, cliffside walks and cosy spots for two.
For a romantic day out, visit pretty towns like Conwy or Betws-y-Coed. In Conwy you can tour the spectacular castle and ancient town walls before ending the day with a stroll on one of the best beaches in North Wales. Whilst in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, you can marvel at the spectacular waterfalls in the River Conwy, which runs alongside the village.
North Wales strikes the perfect balance between adventure and escape. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, strolling along the shore or just enjoying the peace and quiet, it’s a place that brings you closer to nature and to each other.
Taking the penultimate space on our guide to UK holiday ideas for couples, is the Cotswolds. Few places in the UK feel as romantic or as timeless as the Cotswolds. With its rolling hills, honey-coloured stone cottages and peaceful walking trails, it’s a region that’s practically made for couples seeking a quiet countryside retreat. For that reason, it’s also a great place to go for a babymoon.
Spend your days exploring picture-perfect villages, browsing local shops and stopping off at independent cafés. Bourton-on-the-Water is a must-visit and a favourite with our couples, with its low stone bridges, riverside walks and charming tea rooms that make it feel like something from a storybook. You can truly lose yourself in a romantic break here.
Elsewhere in the region, you’ll find farmers’ markets, historic estates and woodland trails, all providing the perfect setting for a slower pace and proper time together.
The Cotswolds offers an escape from the everyday. It’s a place where you can enjoy long walks, slow mornings and cosy evenings, all surrounded by peaceful countryside and traditional charm.
Last but certainly not least in this list of the best couples destinations for 2026 is the South Coast. For couples dreaming of sea views, sandy beaches and sunny strolls, the South Coast offers everything you could want from a romantic UK break.
Covering Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, this idyllic region is best known for its warmer climate, wealth of historic towns and some of the country’s best coastal scenery. It’s always in demand! You’ll find a wide variety of places to visit, from quiet coves to classic seaside destinations including Margate and Brighton.
The Isle of Wight is one of the region’s highlights – perfect for a ferry adventure, with cliff-top walks, pretty beaches and plenty of charming villages to explore. All of this makes it popular with our couples in 2026 and could be the perfect setting for your next adventure.
Elsewhere along the coast, spots like Rye, Chichester and Barton-on-Sea offer a peaceful, easy-going feel that’s ideal for a relaxing escape. Mixing cultural hotspots with warmer weather and easy access to some of England’s best beaches, the South Coast is an unbeatable romantic destination.
All insights presented in this article are derived from internal booking data provided by Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Booking growth was assessed by comparing the number of couples’ holidays booked in financial year 2023 with those booked in financial year 2025. This comparison allowed us to identify trends and changes in demand over time.
To determine the share of total bookings, we calculated the percentage of couples’ holidays in financial year 2025 relative to all holidays booked during the same period. This helped us understand the significance of couples’ holidays within the broader booking landscape.
Regional rankings were established by analysing booking data for calendar year 2026, as of October 24th, 2025. We identified the regions with the highest number of couples’ bookings and then calculated the average number of bookings per property in each region. This calculation only included live properties that accommodate more than two guests, ensuring relevance to couples’ travel.
The top locations featured throughout the article were selected manually. These were chosen from a shortlist of the top three destinations within each of the highest-ranking regions, based on their popularity and performance in couples’ bookings.
Ready to book your romantic break? Then check out these wonderful romantic cottages in the UK. For more inspiration check out this guide covering the best UK destinations for short breaks. Or, if you’re planning on bringing your pooch along for the adventure, then taking a look at these dog-friendly UK destinations would be a fantastic idea to consider!
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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