With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, make this year memorable by whisking your true love away to one of these terribly romantic spots:
1. Lover, Wiltshire
If you’re going to judge a place by its cover, then Lover is definitely the destination for amore. Not only does it have a perfectly fitting name for a Valentine’s break (forget that it’s pronounced like ‘Dover’), but in times gone by the most love-sick souls would send their Valentine’s letters from here in order to get a Lover stamp on the envelope. Located on the edge of New Forest National Park, Lover is also the perfect starting place for an idyllic walk in the woods. Stay in a nearby Travelodge and perhaps squeeze in a visit to Stonehenge or Avesbury too!
2. Brighton, Sussex
Time and time again, Brighton has been voted one of the most romantic destinations in Britain, and with good reason. Brighton has it all: a raging sea and extensive beach, a pier full of fairground games for an adrenaline-raising date, romantic narrow lanes to wander, cosy coffee shops and restaurants for February snuggles, and wild bars and clubs for dancing late into the night. Plus your own version of the Taj Mahal: the fantastical Pavilion. A Brighton Travelodge stay will be the cherry on top of the cake. It’s the easy choice for a sweet holiday on the coast.
3. Burgh Island, Devon
Step back in time and visit Burgh Island in Devon, escaping to a destination full of 1930s elegance, decadence and sophistication. The Burgh Island Hotel is fully restored to its 1930s Art Deco brilliance, and is said to have inspired Agatha Christie to write more than a few of her novels. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit. Besides, what could be more classically romantic than the Burgh Island Hotel Valentine’s Ball? Stay in a nearby Travelodge for a happily convenient end to a fairytale evening.
4. Oxford, Oxfordshire
What could be more soothing than wandering through the cloisters at Christ Church, exploring the meadows, punting on the river, and then cuddling up in a perfectly British teashop. Home to Alice in Wonderland, the ‘city of dreaming spires’ is a magical destination for the starstruck literature fan. The Alice Shop is the perfect place to purchase dreamy gifts, while dinner for two at The Cherwell Boathouse is a sure way to woo your sweetheart. If that’s still not enough, be sure to sneak in a smooch under Tte Bridge of Sighs before indulging in a tipple at the Turf Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in Oxford. Travelodge has a number of Oxford hotels, perfectly located for any short trip away.
5. Gretna Green, Scotland
Perhaps the Las Vegas of Great Britain, Gretna Green has always been famous for runaway weddings. It’s far from being a lovers’ destination of the past, however, with over 5,000 weddings a year performed in The Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green. And even if you’re not aiming to tie the knot just yet, few destinations get quite so romantic. Luckily, Travelodge has a number of hotels very nearby, perfect for short trips to Carlisle and the countryside.
