Book your holiday
Go on holiday to one of the places in our care for a trip filled with memories, while helping us look after these places well into the future. Image: The Slipway, Devon
Romantic holiday cottages for couples
Looking for a romantic getaway? We’ve handpicked our top holiday cottages for couples, including turreted towers, rustic cabins, historic lodges and even a former observatory.
With country havens, waterfront retreats and stylish coastal apartments, these romantic holiday cottages offer the chance to experience some of the UK’s prettiest coast and countryside.
Fairytale hideaways
Treleddyd Fawr Cottage, Pembrokeshire
This colourful vernacular cottage oozes rustic charm with its bumpy stone walls, low beamed ceilings and cosy nooks. It has two woodburners, one in the traditional parlour and one in the sitting room.
Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
A retreat in town for two, in the last remaining watchtower on Shrewsbury’s medieval walls. Town Walls Tower is full of original character features, including arrow slits, exposed stone walls and wooden floors. Follow the historic twisting stairs up to the bathroom with its luxurious copper roll-top bath and settle down for a romantic meal for two in the top-floor dining kitchen.
Old Mill Cottage, Herefordshire
With its rose-covered stone walls and white-trimmed windows, Old Mill is a 15th-century cottage full of charm. Cross the footbridge over the stream, wander through the woodland garden and open its quaint red door to access the cosy chocolate box interior. You’ll be greeted with a warming inglenook fireplace, rustic exposed beams and old quarry tiling.
Trelissick Water Tower, Cornwall
For the ultimate couple’s retreat, how about a weekend away in a fairytale tower? First used as a reservoir in the 1860s, Trelissick Water Tower has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind holiday cottage in Cornwall. Climb the spiral staircase to discover circular-shaped rooms with gothic-style, arched windows.
Rose Castle Cottage, Cumbria
If you’re looking for an escape for just you and your loved one in the heart of nature, Rose Castle Cottage is the perfect fit. With no neighbours on the horizon and few of the trappings of modern life, it’s ideal for a weekend in the Lake District. Wake up to views of rolling green fields and mountains before warming up by the log-burner after a long day hiking.
Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
Settle in for a historical retreat at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne. The clifftop landscape here is steeped in history and nature with sweeping North Atlantic views. This gothic gate lodge comes complete with a woodburning stove and a private garden for relaxing outdoor dining.
Kymin Round House, Monmouthshire
Be the ruler of your own castle in this mini fortress for two. Surrounded by tranquil woodland and scenic parkland, you’ll wake up to far-reaching views of Monmouth at your feet. It’s decorated in classic Georgian style and packed with original features, such as the ornamental fireplaces.
Dinefwr Deer Lodge, Carmarthenshire
Snuggle down for a tranquil stay in this bolthole for two surrounded by Dinefwr’s historic parkland. This simple stone building has lots of character and comfortable, cosy touches, such as the traditional carved oak bed. The back doors open out on a lawn edge by a babbling stream with views of the 18th-century deer park.
Coastal escapes
Gordon's Cabin, Devon
Full of natural light, this dog-friendly country retreat boasts a stylish, open-plan interior. It sits on the edge of the hilltop settlement of Mortehoe, which overlooks a wild and remote coastline. Walk along the South West Coast Path to Morte Point to watch the waves or head into the village for a cream tea.
Carolina Cellar, Cornwall
This romantic little hideaway overlooks the quiet inlet of Port Quin. With the slipway running alongside the cottage, you couldn’t be closer to the sea. Inside, there's an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, complete with log-burner for snug evenings in. The double bedroom has views of the bay and out to sea.
Boatman's Loft, North Yorkshire
Boatman's Loft rests right on the sea wall in the picturesque 17th-century fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. Although it’s a one-bedroom loft, it feels spacious inside. With views across the beach, you can watch the tide roll in, or walk into the village for a fish and chip dinner for two.
Little Chert, Isle of Wight
True to its roots, Little Chert is filled with retro features. This 70s bolthole will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with its quirky mosaics and slick wall bed. Take in the invigorating sea views from this hideaway perched high on a wooded cliff.
Riverside retreats
Cliveden Ferry Cottage, Berkshire
Less than two hours from London, this river-side holiday cottage makes for romantic Valentine’s Day breaks. Set on the banks of the Thames, it offers an idyllic location with views over the Thames. Make the most of the location and head on up to Cliveden to explore the stately home and gardens that have hosted royalty over the centuries.
West Gate Lodge, Yorkshire
Built using stone from the ruins of the 12th-century Fountains Abbey, West Gate Lodge offers a unique stay for couples. You’ll be on the doorstep of the atmospheric abbey and Georgian water garden, and when all the other visitors have gone home, you’ll have the grounds all to yourself. After a day of exploring, return to the cottage to sip a drink by the riverbank.
Powders, Cornwall
Treat yourself to a romantic break at this stylish 1930s wooden bungalow. Peeking through pine trees, the dog-friendly cabin sits on the edge of Frenchman’s Creek on the east coast of Cornwall. The woodland garden has impressive views over the tranquil waters and a path leads down to a private quay.
Cotehele Quay Lodge Cottage, Cornwall
Cotehele Quay Lodge is a snug cottage perched near the Tamar River, which bustled with local industry in the 19th century. Located on the Cotehele estate, it’s especially cosy in the evenings with the stove lit and shutters closed for the night.
Country cottages
Wicket Nook Cottage, Leicestershire
Wicket Nook is a dog-friendly holiday cottage for couples who’d like to explore the quaint market towns and heather-covered moors of the Midlands. A former gamekeeper's cottage, it’s situated on a quiet lane and overlooks the Calke Abbey estate.
The Cheese House, Dorset
If you’re looking for romantic holiday cottages with a view, you can’t get much better than The Cheese House. This charming cottage is nestled in wild countryside on a working cattle and sheep farm. It’s thought to have been used as the dairy for Westwood Farm and has been restored as a snug cottage for two.
Diston's Cottage, Gloucestershire
This end-of-terrace cottage in the Cotswolds boasts a wood-burning stove, private garden and old-fashioned stable doors. Savour a tipple in the traditional village pub, or take a romantic stroll through the gardens of neighbouring Snowshill Manor.
Hop Kiln Mews, Herefordshire
Eighteenth-century hop kilns are part of the fabric of this unusual apartment for two. Full of original features and natural light, it’s an airy dwelling with a story to tell. The shower room looks up into the tall, conical roof of the kiln while an internal window gives a glimpse into the historical building’s structure.
Woodland cabins
Durgan Wood Cottage, Cornwall
Completely secluded, just above the Helford River, Wood Cottage is a great choice for a romantic break. This dog-friendly cottage sits on the edge of a small wood. The tiny, timber-built thatched cabin was once used as an apple store but, after a careful restoration, is now a cosy nest for two.
Cartref, Gwynedd
Tucked away at the base of Snowdon, this romantic wooden cabin offers simple accommodation in a spectacular location. It's surrounded by rugged countryside and excellent hiking trails. After a day exploring the great outdoors, retreat to the cottage to relax.
Nant Las, Gwynedd
Find peace and quiet at this romantic retreat hidden amongst the trees. It was originally built as a 19th-century observatory and, as night falls, you can sit out together on the veranda to stargaze. When the sun rises, take for a gentle stroll to Rhaeadr Ddu Falls to see the 60ft waterfall.
Downpatrick Gate Lodge, County Down
A tranquil hideaway in Northern Ireland, Downpatrick Gate Lodge is surrounded by wildlife and woodland walks. This secluded cottage was built in the late 1700s and sits beyond gothic, wrought-iron gates that lead onto the Castle Ward estate. Have a relaxing soak in the roll-top bath or settle down for an evening by the woodburning stove.