Is this the best five star holiday cottage in the Lake District? The Old Hay Shed offers super stylish and spacious accommodation over two levels in the picturesque foodie village of Cartmel. And with its stunning vaulted master bedroom suite including a huge freestanding bath and walk-in shower this cottage can compete with some of the best hotels in The Lake District.

We know what you’re thinking. “Romantic break in Britain? But what about the weather? And Italy exists!” Fair points, all. We’re not going to pretend British weather is Mediterranean or that our beaches rival the Caribbean. We’re not delusional. But here’s the thing: the UK is actually spectacularly good for romantic breaks. Not in spite of being Britain, but because of it. Let us explain why you should seriously consider staying put.

This cosy cabin for two is hidden off the beaten track, beside one of Cornwall’s most romantic bays. The Lobster Pot is tucked by the tiny coastal village of Porthcothan and offers guests a true retreat, and an ideal location for exploring the many hidden coves and sandy stretches of the southern shoreline.

Hot tub heaven! Located on its own private island and surrounded by 35 acres of lakes, gardens and woodland, Kingfishers is a lodge unlike any other. Accessible across a private footbridge and complete with your own jetty, rowing boat and large hot tub, 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.

Tucked away in it’s own hidden valley this romantic getaway is a stunning blend of both contemporary and rustic features including a hand made oak “tree bed”, cosy wood burner and indulgently sized wet room. With a mountain stream running past the front door and a Jacuzzi bubbling away in the private garden behind, this lovingly renovated stable is a slice of heaven in the heart of Mid Wales.

We love The Old Roller Shed! With its clean, contemporary lines and quirky features this boutique retreat is perfect for a romantic break in The Lake District, especially if you’re a foodie. Located in the upmarket village of Cartmel, you can stroll to some fabulous pubs, cafes
and restaurants, including l’Enclume - the only three Michelin starred restaurant north of the home counties.

Settle down in the beautiful Sussex countryside at this sophisticated woodland cabin. Cosy up by the outdoor fire-pit, soak up the suds in your own hot outdoor bath surrounded by twinkly lights, and step out to your gorgeous 33-acre home-from home, full of meadows and farm land.

Relax up above the forest floor at this treetop retreat. Tinkers Treehouse is a romantic getaway spot where you can sleep in among the leaves, sip your wine on your own balcony, and enjoy the comfort of luxury in the Sussex countryside. We think it’s a brilliant mix for couples who want a slice of nature served with comfort.

Take some time out to relax by water and woodland, at this luxury retreat. We love its toasty wood-burning stove, its show-stopping gilded super king size bed, and its outdoor hot tub, just for starters. With easy train links from London to nearby Doncaster station, this is a great city escape destination – and it’s equally only around an hour from Leeds, Hull and Sheffield.

If you’re looking to cosy up in a romantic Scottish hideaway then these luxury lodges are a great choice. Tucked into beautiful woodland in the stunning surroundings of Glencoe, the RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges squeeze a lot of sophistication into a pint-sized home for two, including your own eco hot tub. Pet friendly.

Some of the most romantic countryside in the world can surely be found in the picturesque Cotswolds – and this beautiful thatched cottage puts you in a great place to explore all the area has to offer. Bells Cottage is a historic pet friendly hideaway – perfect for couples with their pooch – with enough charm to knock you over. It’s full of modern comfort, with a huge four-poster bed and swish kitchen perfect for time away, all twinned with 500 years of character and a gorgeous English garden.

The Couple’s Getaway by Rewilded Retreats is an exciting new concept in mindful breaks for couples. Not only will you be staying in the Studio Barn, a restful and creative space, but your getaway also includes some very special experiences, from a guided foraging walk and relaxation therapy to delicious meals created just for you.

Hotel or self-catering? If you want the best of both worlds then stay in The Hideaway at Headlam Hall. This boutique hot tub retreat offers the space and privacy you get with a self-catering break, but still offers all the luxuries you would expect from a leading hotel. So enjoy your own space when you feel like it, and then wander over to the hotel for some award winning food or a relaxing treatment at the fabulous spa. It’s even pet friendly so you can bring your four-legged friend with you.

Wake up in a cottage in the meadows at this beautiful romantic retreat – complete with bubbling outdoor hot tub and toasty indoor fireside. Meadow View Cottage offers guests the chance of a romantic break in Suffolk, close to some of England’s relaxing coastline and a short hop from bustling historic cities Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds.

Forge Cottage is the perfect combination of a historic character property and all the modern comforts you could think of. Set on Broadgate Farm Cottages with its pretty brick buildings under clay tile roofs and surrounded by acres of glorious farmland, this really is a perfect escape from your busy everyday lives. This part of Yorkshire is a hidden gem with the gorgeous market town of Beverley on your doorstep. Perfect for pooches too with a safely enclosed large garden and lots of walks from your doorstep.

The beautiful Suffolk English countryside is an ideal place to wind down, with thatched cottages and rose gardens all around. This gorgeous pet friendly cottage is beautifully restored with lots or original features and on top of that it also boasts its own large hot tub.

Tucked by trees and a little pond, Gipping Barn is an oasis with a luxurious Hot Tub, just for couples, in sunny Suffolk. This romantic retreat is beautifully designed with huge oak beams, antique mixed with modern furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere. The barn is named after the river Gipping, which winds its way through the nearby countryside. From the outside, the traditional English barn has a country feel, with weatherboarding and massive oak trusses, beams and flooring on the inside.

Need a last-minute romantic escape? Sometimes the best breaks are the spontaneous ones – the “let’s just go this weekend” decisions that turn into the trips you remember for years. And the good news is that last-minute doesn’t mean settling for whatever’s left. Far from it…

Beautifully designed with vaulted ceilings, massive oak beams and flooring, an eclectic mix of antique and modern furnishing and a mezzanine style bedroom, Orwell Woodfarm Barn offers a romantic break for two in a very relaxed setting down a pretty country lane just outside the little Suffolk village of Stonham Aspal. Oh, and did we mention it’s got a luxurious extra large private hot tub to boot?