There are Devon hot tub breaks for couples, and then there is Runaway Keep. Tucked away in the heart of the South Hams, this beautifully designed annexe is one of those rare finds — somewhere that feels entirely private, quietly luxurious, and completely yours from the moment you close the gate behind you.

“Our stay at The Stables was our dream weekend; we felt completely disconnected and enjoyed every minute of our peaceful retreat.” We think this guest comment really sums up what makes this romantic Essex bolthole so special. Located in a very secluded area with great access to footpaths and quiet lanes you can really escape everyday life and completely chill in these stylish surroundings. Pet friendly.

We don’t think you will find a retreat with much more English charm than this! The historic Brook Cottage, sat on the side of the River Stour, is a great destination for couples hoping to escape to the countryside from the city. You can get there, from London, in 90 minutes, and then lay back in luxury by its open fire, and under its oak beams.

This romantic 18th Century thatched cottage is situated opposite the church in the picturesque Portman Estate village of Durweston, in the heart of Dorset within an area of “Outstanding Natural Beauty”. Lovingly restored in 2009, No 53 Durweston is a luxury holiday cottage that boasts a huge traditional Inglenook, oak flooring, cob walls and beams.

So you want to surprise your partner with a romantic weekend away? Noble intentions. Very thoughtful. Potentially disastrous if you get it wrong. Get it right and you’re a romantic hero. Get it wrong and you’re the person who kidnapped them to Cornwall when they had a big presentation on Monday morning. But don’t panic. We’ve got you. Here’s how to plan a surprise getaway that’ll actually work, with minimal risk of it all going horribly wrong.

Be lulled to sleep by waves and sea breeze at this beautiful harbour retreat in Cornwall. We think The Studio is one of the prettiest seaside escapes you could wish for…This retreat is pint-sized, open plan and beautiful, with wooden rafters across the ceiling and natural white light flooding in through the windows. Wake up in a sumptuous bed for a day of seaside bliss.

This luxury retreat gives you the chance to wake up with a view of the countryside right at the end of your bed. Hidey Hole Cabin has been created as an ideal bolthole for romantics who want to experience chic and sleek design, mixed with beautiful East Sussex scenery along with the cosiness of a toasty log burner and a cinema-style projector.

Ever dreamed of whisking your loved one away to a storybook cabin where time slows down and romance blooms as naturally as the surrounding countryside? Tucked away amongst olive trees in a peaceful corner of Sussex, Olive Tree House is the rustic-luxe love nest you’ve been searching for.

Row up to your own lake-side lodge, complete with huge views, champagne treats and a private hot tub, at this Devon hideaway. The stunning Black Swan is set in 35 acres of lakes, gardens and ancient woodland, in the countryside of Cullompton. The location is an ideal spot for exploring both town and country, with the trendy historic city of Exeter nearby, along with the beautiful Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks just a hop away.

The Rose and Crown is an 18th century coaching inn set on the middle of three village greens in the picture postcard village of Romalkirk in the picturesque Teesdale valley. The Rose and Crown is, as The Sunday Telegraph phrased it, ‘seriously snug’ with its panelled walls, cosy sitting room, plenty of books and magazines, old prints and a crackling fire in the dog grate.

Head to this retreat if you want to really wind down in luxury, in peaceful surroundings. Alde Barn Cottage is full of the little – and large – extras that make a holiday special. It includes a huge private hot tub, built in its own indoor-outdoor garden room, just for you, as well as your own log burning fire, a romantic mezzanine bedroom, a nice big garden for you to enjoy, and even a Nespresso coffee machine.

Seclusion, privacy and luxury; this is Woodpeckers. Surrounded by 35 acres of lakes, gardens and woodland, you’ll struggle to find a lodge like it. With its large hot tub, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi shower and your very own rowing boat this romantic bolthole makes for a perfect Devon honeymoon retreat or short break getaway. On top of all this you will be greeted on arrival by Champagne and flowers.

If you are looking for a truly inspiring escape then we think we’ve found the place for you. Treetop House is like nothing you have ever seen before, hand-crafted with a true designer’s eye. It is sat up by a gorge with a tumbling stream and panoramic views of the sea and island vistas of the West Highlands.

Stour Barn is a beautifully designed Suffolk hot tub cottage with vaulted ceilings, massive oak beams and wood flooring. With its eclectic mix of antique and modern furnishing, this single storey barn offers a perfect hot tub break for two in a very relaxed setting just outside the little Suffolk village of Stonham Aspal. And it’s pet friendly too!

For a real pampering experience for couples, we think the Mulberry Lodge is one to remember. It mixes the luxury of a spa break with the privacy of your own little lodge in the woods. This retreat is settled within the trees just a mile out of the town of Richmond, a quaint hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s within easy reach of natural wonders like the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, and some tasty days out, for example the delights of Wensleydale and its award-winning creamery.

This has to be one of our favourite romantic retreats. Somehow Chobbs barn ticks all the right boxes; a picture perfect character exterior, beautiful interior, private garden and a very warm welcome to one of Suffolk’s hidden gems. Owners Aly and Tim have pulled off something very special here, effortlessly combining old and new.

Perfect for romantic cottage breaks, honeymoons and mini moons, Moorland View has a cosy log fire, beautiful boutique décor, oak-beamed rooms, a huge copper bath for two, beautiful views and a romantic rose garden.

This pet friendly romantic retreat has certainly got the wow-factor and is a great place to get away and explore the North. You’re almost touching Hadrian’s Wall here, and Orchard House Barn is close to the stunning town of Hexham and the coast and castles that give the whole of England its historic reputation. The barn is tucked in the pretty hamlet of Sandhoe, in the Tyne Valley, and offers a taste of luxury, out in the country, just a half hour hop from Newcastle.