Valentine’s Day 2026: A Romantic Escape to the Cotswolds

Valentine’s Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to slow down, reconnect, and escape somewhere truly timeless. With its honey-stone villages, rolling hills, roaring fires, and candlelit inns, the Cotswolds is one of the most romantic destinations in the UK, ideal for couples seeking charm, tranquillity, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re planning a surprise weekend away or a relaxed countryside retreat, here’s how to make Valentine’s Day in the Cotswolds magical.

Why Choose the Cotswolds for Valentine’s Day?

February in the Cotswolds has a special kind of romance. Crisp mornings, quiet lanes, and cosy evenings by the fire create an intimate atmosphere you simply don’t get during busier seasons.

✨ Fewer crowds
✨ Beautiful winter landscapes
✨ Cosy pubs and boutique hotels
✨ Perfect for slow, meaningful experiences

Romantic Things to Do in the Cotswolds

1. Take a Winter Walk Hand in Hand

Wrap up warm and explore the countryside together. Some of the most romantic walking spots include:

• Bourton-on-the-Water along the River Windrush
  
  
• Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter village walk
  
  
• Broadway Tower for sweeping views across the Cotswolds
  
  

Finish your walk with hot chocolate or mulled wine in a nearby pub.

2. Indulge in a Candlelit Valentine’s Dinner

The Cotswolds is known for its exceptional food scene. Many restaurants and country inns offer special Valentine’s tasting menus featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Look for:

• Intimate country inns with fireplaces
  
  
• Fine-dining restaurants in converted manor houses
  
  
• Farm-to-table experiences with wine pairings
  
  

3. Stay Somewhere Cosy and Romantic

A romantic stay is the heart of any Valentine’s escape. Consider:

• Boutique hotels with four-poster beds
  
  
• Luxury countryside lodges with private hot tubs
  
  
• Traditional cottages with log burners
  
  

Many properties offer Valentine’s packages including champagne, chocolates, spa treatments, or late check-outs.

4. Relax with a Spa Day for Two

What’s more romantic than unwinding together? The Cotswolds is home to several luxury spas offering couples’ treatments, thermal pools, and relaxation rooms — perfect for switching off and reconnecting.

5. Explore Picture-Perfect Villages

Spend the day village-hopping and discovering hidden gems:

• Stow-on-the-Wold – antique shops and cosy cafés
  
  
• Chipping Campden – classic market-town charm
  
  
• Tetbury – elegant streets and arboretum walks
  
  
• Castle Combe – often called England’s prettiest village
  
  

Where to Go for a Truly Romantic Valentine’s Break

Bourton-on-the-Water

Ideal for couples who love postcard scenery and riverside strolls.

Broadway

Perfect if you want dramatic views, boutique shopping, and easy access to scenic walks.

Tetbury

Elegant and refined, great for couples seeking luxury, gardens, and fine dining.

Chipping Campden

Best for adventurous couples who enjoy countryside walks and traditional charm.

Make Valentine’s Day 2026 Unforgettable

Valentine’s Day in the Cotswolds isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about shared moments: quiet walks, long dinners, crackling fires, and time together away from everyday life.

Whether it’s your first Valentine’s together or one of many, the Cotswolds offers the perfect backdrop for romance in 2026.

Valentine’s Day 2026 Dinner Ideas

If you're celebrating in the Cotswolds, many local pubs and inns offer intimate fireside dinners—but here are some at-home ideas too:

Romantic Dinner for Two

• Herb-crusted salmon with champagne butter
  
  
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
  
  
• Chocolate ganache tart
  
  

At-Home Brunch Date

Great if you’re staying in a cosy cottage:

• Strawberry cream waffles
  
  
• Ricotta toast
  
  
• Sparkling rosé mimosas
  
  

Date Ideas for Every Kind of Love

For Couples

• Wander a Cotswolds trail together
  
  
• Relax at a countryside spa
  
  
• Have a digital detox evening in a village cottage
  
  

For Singles

• A scenic solo walk through nature
  
  
• A peaceful afternoon in a cosy café
  
  
• A self-care retreat in the countryside
  
  

For Friends

• Group cottage stay
  
  
• Afternoon tea at a Cotswolds inn
  
  
• Vintage shopping in local markets
  
  

For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.