Valentine's breaks, UK: Romantic hotels to book now

For trendsetters: Heckfield Place

The grand opening of Heckfield Place was a big deal in 2018. It took six years to convert and revamp the Georgian manor, and now we can't get enough of it. A favourite of celebs – and anyone with an Instagram account – this Hampshire hotspot is made for weekend escapes.

Explore the 400 acres of meadows and woodland or cosy up in the private cinema. Relax in the Little Bothy wellness spa, where you'll find a gym from Bodyism and a treatment room just for couples. Then dine on freshly prepared produce from the estate's gardens at Marle or Hearth where Skye Gyngell (creator of Spring) has curated the menu.

From £350

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 mins

Spotlight feature: Assembly programme of events

For romantic types: The Linen Shed

The shabby chic, vintage rooms of The Linen Shed in Kent look like something out of a rom-com. With a rose garden out front and dressing gowns for all, this is the getaway for a bit of old-school romance.

Antique shops sit side by side with oyster bars in the surrounding area. If you'd rather wander along the beach or watch a sunset, a fifteen minute drive will take you to Whitstable.

Rooms from £85

Distance from London: 1 hour 30 mins

Spotlight feature: claw-foot baths

For relaxation: Thyme

Couples arriving for the Valentine’s weekend at Thyme will be greeted with a bottle of Castle Brook sparkling wine and can dine at the newly-opened Oxbarn restaurant – how does sea bass with fennel and blood orange sound?

Thyme, a self-professed village within a village in Gloucestershire, is home of the Meadow Spa with eight treatment rooms in the old barns. There's also cookery classes from bread making to creating the perfect party dish. If you're thinking of splashing out on self-care for Galentine's, this might be the place for you.

Rooms from £440

Distance from London: 2 hours

Spotlight feature: spring water swimming pool

For a cosy night in: The Hand and Flowers

The Hand and Flowers is the only pub in the country with two Michelin stars. With star chef Tom Kerridge at the helm, you can guarantee a memorable feast. Here’s the good news: cooked breakfast is included in the price of your room.

Guests are hosted in three cottages: Apple House, Duck Terrace and Flower Cottage. For romance we’d particularly recommend Alliers, Duck Terrace: with a hot tub and four-poster bed, this room will have you wishing you could stay forever.

Prices from £195

Distance for London: 1 hour

Spotlight feature: 17th century dining room

For foodies: The Pig

Eco-friendly food is big on the restaurant scene right now and The Pig is on the cutting edge of this trend. The menu, which changes daily, is made up of seasonal foods picked by a forager and kitchen gardener. There’s even a section called 'Literally Picked This Morning'.

Treat yourself to a massage in the converted potting shed, hide away in a forest cabin or take in the local scenery on a bike ride, at no extra cost.

Rooms are always in high demand, but don’t worry – there are several Pigs to choose from (and more on the way for 2019). For an Austenian weekend, check out The Pig near Bath or, for a seaside escape, try The Pig on the beach.

Rooms from £175

Distance from London: 2 hours

Spotlight feature: the garden kitchen

For lovers of luxury: Great Fosters

Great Fosters is a Grade One listed building and the AA’s Hotel of the Year 2018-19. Located near Windsor Castle, this country house certainly has a royal pedigree, and was once the haunt of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

For the adventurous, there’s archery in the surrounding parkland. For relaxation try an in-room spa treatment. As well as a cocktail bar and drawing room, there’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant with a Tudor interior for a candle-lit dinner.

Rooms from £235

Distance from London: 1 hour

Spotlight feature: four-poster beds

For creative types: Artist Residence, Brighton

If a day of culture and a trip to the beach is more your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Artist Residence in Brighton. Rooms are kitted out with vintage furniture and original artworks, which were donated by the very first guests in exchange for board.

If you want to escape both cliché and the bustle of the city, this is the place to go for an alternative weekend break. We’d recommend taking a cocktail masterclass at The Mesmerist in the afternoon then making the five minute walk to Puerezza for vegan pizza. Delicious.

From £180 a night

Distance from London: 2 hours

Spotlight feature: sea view

For serenity: Water Meadow Cottage

Water Meadow is a two-hundred year old stonewall cottage on the grounds of Blenheim Palace. With a minimum stay of two nights, this is not a not a last-minute destination but an opulent treat.

The interior is surprisingly modern, with Zoffany chinoiserie wallpaper, antique pine floorboards and a Royal Doulton mantelpiece. In the surrounding area are rivers and gardens, and Oxford is just a fifteen minute drive away.

Massage therapies can be booked and food ordered to your room. A stroll around the palace grounds will have you feeling like visiting royalty and, for £25, you can even bring your dog along too.

Rooms from £425

Distance from London: 1 hour 45 mins

Spotlight feature: spacious summer room