With St Valentine’s Day just around the corner, here are our suggestions for some of the most romantic things to enjoy with your loved one when you visit the UK…

For a date to remember, you really can’t do much better than Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in London, one of the greatest hotels in the world. You will enjoy impeccable service and sumptuous surroundings as you settle down to one of Britain’s greatest traditions – but make sure you plan your romantic liaison well in advance, as the waiting list is long!

Lyme Park – a magnificent stately home, garden and deer park in Cheshire – is also known as the Pemberley of Pride and Prejudice in a famous TV adaptation and is home to the lake where Mr Darcy emerged fully clothed, shocking Elizabeth Bennet in the process. This scene in itself helped to make Lyme Park one of the UK’s most recognisable locations and, although we wouldn’t suggest a dip in the lake, a trip to one of Britain’s most glorious stately homes is definitely recommended.

Blacksmith's Anvil Gretna Green © VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved

Gretna Green in Scotland is the spiritual home of runaway lovers, who crossed the border from England to tie the knot, as the marriage laws were far less strict there. The first place the couples came to in Gretna Green was the Blacksmith’s Shop, where the so called ‘anvil priests’ would perform the ceremony for a small fee or a wee dram!

In Wales, the patron saint of lovers is St Dwynwen and her day is celebrated on 25th January, but a visit to Llanddwyn Island, which is linked by causeway to Anglesey in North Wales, is well worth it at any time of year. St Dwynwen lived as a hermit on Llanddwyn Island in the 5th Century AD and her holy well became a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, where it was said the faithfulness of a lover could be divined.

For the more literary minded, or lovers of landscapes, why not follow in the footsteps of the Romantic poets in the Lake District? The Lake Poets were a group of British poets who lived in the Lake District at the turn of the 19th Century and included greats such Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey. The wild and rugged landscape which inspired the poets is amongst the finest in the UK - just perfect for a romantic getaway.

Punting in Cambridge © VisitEngland/Iain Lewis

Taking a traditional punt on the River Cam in Cambridge is perhaps one of the most romantic experiences this country has to offer. Akin to a gondola ride in Venice, and perfect on a warm summer’s day, there really isn’t a more relaxing way to see the famous Cambridge University colleges and landmarks such as King's College Chapel, the Wren Library at Trinity College and the Bridge of Sighs. Those trying to impress their loved one – or the foolhardy – might even feel the urge to have a go at doing the punting themselves...

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is without doubt one of the most romantic places in the UK, especially at sunset. Surrounded as it is by myths and legends, not to mention the crashing waves and sea views that are second to none, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is quite simply unforgettable. A visit to the nearby Old Bushmills Whiskey distillery may – or may not – put the finishing touches to your romantic escape.

Last but not least, lovers and history lovers alike may be inspired to trace the route of the Eleanor Crosses from Lincoln to London, which were erected by King Edward I in the 13th Century in memory of his wife Eleanor, in perhaps one of the most romantic gestures in British history. In time, Queen Eleanor became known as England’s most romantic queen and three of the original crosses still remain, although remnants of the lost ones can be seen elsewhere.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: “We have picked out just a handful of suggestions for romantic things to do in the UK, but there are of course many others. While Valentine’s Day may be for lovers, the romantic places we have recommended can equally be enjoyed alone, with family or with friends.”

If you would like us to put together a romantic break for you, or perhaps you or your group would like to take in some of the romantic sights of the UK, then please do contact our friendly team and we will help to organise the perfect tailor made tour for you.