Romantic Retreats to Book Now
From chocolate box pretty to cool and contemporary, there is a romantic retreat for every couple
GREENHEAD HOTEL
In brief: A newly-refurbished boutique hotel on the Northumberland and Cumbria border.
Our highlight: The beautiful bedrooms with lots of little luxury touches.
Insider guide: There are seven newly refurbished (dog-friendly) bedrooms (and an adjoining 47-bed hostel) at Greenhead Hotel, so there is accommodation to suit everyone, including couples looking for a romantic hideaway. The new owners, Jordan and Anna, have worked their magic since taking over in 2020, and the hotel now boasts a cosy bar and snug, and a chic, modern restaurant, all serving homemade classic dishes using the best local produce available, under the watchful eye of Jordan and Head Chef Dan. The specials board often features game from the local shoot in season, and the bar features handpicked local ales and a good selection of wines – the perfect pick-me-up after walking a stretch of the nearby Hadrian’s Wall.
Station Road, Greenhead, Brampton CA8 7HB
016977 47411
greenheadbrampton.co.uk
HIGH FORCE HOTEL
In brief: An 18th century hotel adjacent to England’s largest and most powerful waterfall, High Force.
Our highlight: The private out-of-hours access to High Force. Get up early and the hotel staff will open the gate so you can enjoy the drama of the waterfall in splendid isolation – so romantic.
Insider guide: There are 10 individually-designed and newly refurbished bedrooms to choose from, all with luxury linen and doggie treats for any four-legged-friend you bring along for the stay. The food at High Force is particularly special, serving up British classics and international favourites – and the knowledgeable staff are on-hand to pull the perfect local pint, give you a taste of the finest wine from their global wine cellar, or shake up a classic cocktail.
Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0XH
01833 622336
raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel
THE COLLINGWOOD ARMS
In brief: A historic inn with views across the river Tweed, perfect for families.
Our highlight: The warm welcome and understated luxury without an ounce of stuffiness.
Insider guide: The Collingwood Arms offers the perfect combination of style and comfort, bringing together a fusion of period rooms with modern amenities and comfortable beds. All 13 rooms and two suites have ensuite facilities and the deluxe double rooms feature roll-top baths with separate showers. Perfect for the sporty couple, the inn is surrounded by so many sporting opportunities, and obligingly has a Rod Room, secure gun locker and kennels (dogs are allowed in the main public areas). In the dining room, Head Chef Steve Lyall and his team deliver mouthwatering dishes using only the best local produce, accompanied by an extensive wine list. More informal dining is available in the cosy and characterful bar.
Main Street, Cornhill-on-Tweed TD12 4UH
01890 882424
collingwoodarms.com
GRASSINGTON HOUSE
In brief: An original Georgian house hotel overlooking the picturesque cobbled square of Grassington.
Our highlight: This is the perfect romantic Dales escape.
Insider guide: In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this Grade II-listed Georgian restaurant with rooms boasts nine bedrooms – each one individually-designed. In the restaurant you’ll find everything from traditional Sunday roasts to a gourmet five course menu, enjoy a new grazing menu or romantic sharing platter in the fireside bar, or brave the outside and enjoy a drink al fresco on the cosy terrace overlooking the village.
5 The Square, Grassington BD23 5AQ
01756 752406
grassingtonhouse.co.uk
THE IMPECCABLE PIG
In brief: 10 luxurious bedrooms and a bistro-style restaurant in the heart of Sedgefield.
Our highlight: The Cochon D’or bedroom – complete with seven-feet wide bed and a free-standing round brass bathtub – a perfect romantic retreat.
Insider guide: Rooms here are decorated with individual touches such as hanging foliage, golden tiles and plush velvets. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway (or just somewhere to escape the everyday), The Impeccable Pig is the perfect place to relax. If you can pull yourself away from the stunning bedrooms, head to the restaurant which has been designed with stylish rich green and gold tones to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Sunday lunches here are amongst the best in the North East, while the midweek a la carte menu offers everything from Plancha grilled halibut and king prawns to wagyu burgers and ricotta baked gnocchi.
Front Street, Sedgefield TS21 3AT
01740 582580
impeccablepig.co.uk
THE HARE
In brief: A renovated 12th century inn in the stunning North York Moors.
Our highlight: Perfect for foodies, the tasting menus here are the creation of multiple award-winning head chef, Paul Jackson, and his team.
Insider guide: In the pretty countryside village of Scawton, The Hare is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, with plenty of walks to explore around the local area before heading back to enjoy a fine dining experience in the intimate dining room. Each dish on the tasting menus showcases different cooking techniques, from modern to more traditional methods, as well as The Hare’s personality on each individual plate.
Scawton, near Helmsley YO7 2HG
01845 597769
thehare-inn.com
THE LAMB & LION INN
In brief: An old English inn with a rich history.
Our highlight: A cosy restaurant alongside four-star bedrooms – what’s not to like?
Insider guide: After a day exploring the romantic city of York, unwind in this characterful York inn which offers regional ales and a mixture of both classic and cosmopolitan dishes, served in an intimate and cosy restaurant lit by carriage lanterns.
2–4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH
01904 654112
lambandlioninnyork.com
WREA HEAD HALL
In brief: An elegant hotel in vast landscaped grounds on the very edge of the North York Moors National Park.
Our highlight: 1881, the in-house restaurant in the oak-panelled dining room, which serves up fresh, seasonal dishes on the daily-changing menu.
Insider guide: Built in 1881 for the Ellis family, this Gothic country house has now become a much-loved, elegant (adult-only) country hotel – great for a romantic getaway – with unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside. The hall, with its stained-glass, mullion windows, is the centre of the hotel, sunlit in summer, while the huge log fire ensures it’s cosy in winter – the perfect place to curl up with a book. We’re big fans of the views over the National Park from The Tower Room.
Barmoor Lane, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PB
01723 371190
wreaheadhall.co.uk
THE TRADDOCK
In brief: A small, family-run hotel in the heart of the Dales.
Our highlight: A great rural escape, the hotel is in the tiny village of Austwick, with famous walks such as the Three Peaks and Wainwright’s Crummackdale walk starting from the doorstep.
Insider guide: This is a charming and homely hotel, and a great place to relax and recharge, away from the outside world. The award-winning restaurant has forged great relationships with local artisan producers and makes the most of the seasonal produce. The 14 rooms range from large suites to smaller doubles, but all are beautifully furnished and many have stunning views over the surrounding fells. Take note, the friendly staff here are more than happy to organise hampers and packed lunches for any guests who are planning a romantic walk.
Autwick, Settle LA2 8BY
01524 251224
thetraddock.co.uk
