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Looking for a romantic place to stay this Valentine’s?

24th January 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Well, look no further!

Devon is one of the most romantic places in the country, with its dramatic countryside, beautiful coastline, quaint villages and connections to some of the world’s favourite literary figures it really is a fantastic place to whisk yourself and your loved one for a romantic break. We know the year has only just begun, but Valentine’s is just around the corner, so if you’re someone who likes to be prepared, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most romantic places to stay in Devon.

For those of you who want a cosy, countryside retreat there are loads of options for you. From cottages to country hotels, the list is endless! With the surrounding scenery you can enjoy a romantic walk, go for horse ride or if it’s warm, head out with a picnic.

One option is Glazebrook House Hotel, set on the outskirts of the Dartmoor National Park this is a hotel that prides itself on luxury. Not only do you have the enchanting landscape of the moor but the décor is inspired by Alice in Wonderland providing you with a truly memorable stay. Dartmoor is one of the most romantic places in the region with its dramatic landscape, wild ponies and of course, the tales and folklore of the area and no romantic trip would be complete without spending a few hours exploring this beautiful part of Devon.

Image: Food at Gidleigh Park.

Also on the edge of Dartmoor is Gidleigh Park, which is famed for its culinary credentials and its Tudor style exterior. The house sits in 107 acres of garden on the northern bank of the North Teign River and has everything from croquet lawns, putting greens and tennis courts all on site. Plus, you won’t have too far to go for an award-winning meal!

For something truly rural, Lee Byre is an award winning bed and breakfast that is found on the side of a hill halfway along a bumpy track surrounded by woodland, river and farmland – it is truly a peaceful and tranquil spot ideal for romantic country get aways. The accommodation itself is just as rustic as its location, but combined with modern features, think exposed beams and stonework with plenty of windows so you can take in the view.

If you want seclusion during your stay, make sure to take a look at the variety of cottages that are available to hire. You can find a whole load of them all over the county here. One company that offers incredible short breaks is Boutique Retreats who have everything from cottages to manor houses to whole islands you can call your own. The team also offer a range of special extras including private dining experiences and other exciting activities that you can include in your stay to make it a truly romantic and unique holiday.

Image: Boutique Retreats

For a memorable, romantic break, why not ignore the more traditional accommodation options and go for something a little more unusual? There are plenty of glamping sites and accommodation offering alternative properties, for example what could be more romantic than staying in a castle? Tiverton Castle offers a range of accommodation options all of which are accessed via a turret door and a magnificent 17^th century staircase! If you choose to stay at the castle as part of your romantic break, you’ll also get to enjoy free tours of the castle grounds and free seasonal fruit and veg from the kitchen gardens so you can really immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place.

Another castle offering luxury accommodation is Pentillie Castle near Plymouth. Offering bed and breakfast accommodation, the castle has a relaxed atmosphere beautiful grounds and of course, is home to a number of your favourite filming locations with everything from Poldark to Doc Martin having been filmed in the area. The views around the site are some of the best in the south west with lush rolling hills and the River Tamar surrounding it which also gives you the chance to explore your more adventurous side – take on paddle boarding, canoeing or head out onto one of the many cycle or walking trails.

Image: Tiverton Castle.

If you like the sound of something a little more outside the box, make sure to look at the range of glamping properties in the region. Glamping, or glamourous camping has all the things we love about traditional camping holidays with added luxury and often, incredible properties to stay in. In North Devon, not far from the romantic village of Clovelly (why not head there for a day and experience the cobbled streets and thatched cottages of yesteryear?) you’ll find Wolf Wood Treehouses. These luxury tree houses are located in the heart of a secluded 13 acre woodland in a hidden valley and each one has their own spot high in the tree canopy with their own private deck bath! The treehouses even have their own fully equipped kitchens and comfortable furnishing – you won’t even need to leave your comfy king size bed to enjoy the sunrise every morning!

Image: Wolf Wood Treehouses.

In Mid Devon, the Orchard Retreat has both cottages and glamping options available to you with beautifully renovated holiday cottages and locally handcrafted yurts to choose from. Both options are tastefully decorated and are set within a four acre apple orchard in a wonderful countryside location. The grounds include an idyllic meadow, ideal for picnics or just enjoying each other’s company or if you’re more into staying in, there is complimentary WiFi so you could just catch up on all the latest box sets together.

While Devon’s countryside does help stir those feelings of romance and drama, it isn’t for everyone so if you’re more of a coastal couple, why not check out some of the below for inspiration?

In Salcombe you’ll find Gara Rock, famous for its incredible dining experiences, there are also hotel rooms, apartments and cottages ideal for a romantic trip for two. The site also boasts a spa and a cinema room and has easy access to the beach for those that want a stroll across the sand to start or end their day.
While we’re talking about Salcombe, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa is well known for its stunning location and regularly tops charts as one of the best seaside hotels in the UK. The hotel is a premium wedding location and the romance of the place is evident, from the gardens to the seafront, this is a great option for couples, whatever their taste. Spend your time in the spa, in the private onsite cinema or enjoy the beach – whatever best suits you and your partner is available to you here.

Image: Cary Arms

Spa hotels are another excellent choice for a romantic break, particularly those where you can indulge in treatments together. One option right on the coast is the Cary Arms Hotel and Spa – this relaxed and modern property has all the luxury of a traditional hotel with the atmosphere of a boutique. The miles of seascape along the coast make it ideal for those that love being near the water and you have some incredible views of the Jurassic Coast from the spa.

Has this list given you some ideas of how to spend your Valentine’s Day? Do you have any other suggestions for a romantic trip to Devon? You can join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.