There are few things more romantic than the natural beauty of British countryside. From rugged coastlines and breath-taking vistas to majestic hills and brooding horizons, there is a whole lot to love about its glorious landscapes. Add in the rough seas, dramatic skies and blustery February weather – which gives you plenty of excuses to cosy up in your C&C holiday cottage! – and there is nowhere more wildly romantic to celebrate this Valentine’s Day than the North of England and the South of Scotland.

Dotted with secluded beauty spots and stunning areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), Northumberland and the Scottish Borders have more than their fair share of spectacular scenic spots where you can get away from it all and enjoy some blissful solitude with your loved one. Discover our pick of the most romantic places to explore.

 

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

If you’re after swoon-worthy views, glorious sunsets and romantic beach walks then a trip to Bamburgh beach is for you. Wander along the pristine golden sands hand in hand while you admire the magnificent silhouette of Bamburgh Castle. Or, if your idea of romance involves more active pursuits, pack a thermos of hot chocolate and embark on a scenic hike along the coastal paths – there are 64 miles of way-marked trails and a number of circular routes to choose from! – stopping for a hearty pub lunch along the way.

STAY: Return from your adventures and burrow down in your Crabtree & Crabtree coastal cottage. Located right in the centre of Bamburgh village, Windley is an ideal Valentine’s Day bolthole with local shops, quaint tea rooms, cosy pubs and restaurants and the beach right on your doorstep. Or, if you’re looking to escape the Valentine’s Day throngs, then book at stay at Lyme Grass, The Rushes or Wild Rye – which are positioned between the coastal villages of Bamburgh and Seahouses.

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Snaking through some of Northumberland’s most wild and beautiful countryside, with many impressive landmarks, viewpoints and ancient artefacts to discover along its length, the ancient stone monument is a gorgeous spot for a walk, picnic or adventure with your loved one. Make sure to visit Sycamore Gap – a dramatic dip in the landscape where the iconic Sycamore tree, which famously starred in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, can be found. The views from there are spectacular and it’s a wonderfully romantic spot to spend a few quiet moments taking in the surrounding landscape.

STAY: Stretching across 73 miles of undulating countryside between the North Sea and the Irish Sea, there are countless places to base yourself while you visit. Cosy up in picture-perfect East Cottage, charming Lakeside Cottage Emily, which is located in the stunning grounds of the Capheaton Estate or choose Lowtown Cottage for its magnificent country views.

Holy Island, Northumberland

Completely cut off from the mainland by twice daily tides, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a wonderfully romantic place visit with your love. As charming as it is mysterious, the pint-sized tidal island is rich in legend and history. Discover the ruins of the 12^th century Lindisfarne priory – once the epicentre of Christianity in Anglo Saxon times – before winding your way up to Lindisfarne Castle which sits loftily on a rocky plateau overlooking the island. From this vantage point, enjoy magnificent views across the island and surrounding sea.

STAY: Experience the full island experience – and the magic of having Holy Island (almost) to yourselves – at high tide with a stay at Cambridge House Cottage - Number One, one of our Lindisfarne village cottages. Sitting in a captivating spot on top of the hill that rolls down to the causeway, Bee Cottage is extremely well positioned for romantic jaunts across to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Or, if you’d prefer to stay put and capitalise on the fantastic panoramic views, wrap up in coats and blankets and enjoy a cup of tea – or cocktail – on the patio before watching the blush-pink sunset sprawl across the horizon.

The River Tweed, Scottish Borders

For a weekend where you can escape, slow down and just luxuriate in the company of your loved one, there is no where better than the River Tweed. Snuggle down in a river-side cottage and spend your holiday strolling down the banks of the River Tweed, indulging a spot of fishing, or just taking the time to sit and admire the view.

STAY: For a cottage that is as romantic as its river-side setting, you can’t beat the exquisitely decorated Swan’s Nest or Park End at Milne Graden. Similarly well-positioned are The Bothy at Dryburgh and Dryburgh Steading Two.
 

St Abb's Head, Scottish Borders

Rugged and wild, St Abb's Head in the Scottish Borders is characterised by dramatic coastlines, crashing waves and jagged rocks crested with seabirds. Teeming with wildlife, the St Abb's Head Nature Reserve is home to over 50,000 sea birds including the bright-beaked puffin and grey seals. Wind your way along the spectacular cliffside walks to the picturesque St Abb’s Lighthouse where you can sit and take in panoramic views and spend time bird watching or spotting seals.

STAY: Just around the corner from St Abbs, are the fine sandy beaches of Coldingham Bay, which is often hailed as one of the most picturesque beaches in Scotland. Stay at our beach-side apartments 1 The Bay, 3 The Bay or 7 The Bay to make the most of the coastal views. Each have sliding doors onto sheltered patios so that you can enjoy a romantic al-fresco sundowner no matter the weather. Or, if a traditional cottage is more your style, head to the north of St Abbs and stay in delightful Windyrig.

Scott’s View, near Melrose, Scottish Borders

For views so spectacular that they inspired the writing of Sir Walter Scott, this famously scenic spot is a beautiful place to share with your loved one. Offering a stunning panorama of the River Tweed, the Eildon Hills and the green patchwork of border country below, Scott’s View is the perfect place for a scenic picnic, proposal or romantic ramble.

STAY: If you’d prefer to admire the countryside from the comfort of your holiday home, book to stay at The Studio where large windows, a pretty stone patio and a woodfired Swedish hot tub are all made for soaking in the views. A little further afield, the beautifully presented Mulberry Cottage, which has been decked out with plush furnishings and bold paint colours, is a fabulously romantic hideaway.
 

Romantic boltholes made for two