It’s not long to Valentine’s Day, so why not surprise your partner with a romantic getaway in the country? HEATHER BARRON winkles out some of the more quirky destinations for a relaxing and loving break.
Originally a 3rd-Class GNR Carriage operated locally around the turn of the 20th Century, this luxurious carriage has ended up in the back garden of Richard and Louise Craig, in the Yorkshire market town of Helmsley. Built in 1887, it was lovingly refurbished in 2014 by the couple to use as a 5* B&B, or self-catering getaway. The interior boasts a lounge, small kitchen, a pop-up tv, a wet room and a ‘hide-away’ memory-foam double bed. If you prefer a lazy start in the morning, the owner will be delighted to provide you with a slap-up breakfast, served to you in the comfort of your carriage. Then step outside the carriage and enjoy long, romantic walks through the Yorkshire Moors, or visit one of the beautiful historic houses or country estates nearby.
Situated right on the water’s edge in Winster, a stone’s throw from Windemere, this bijou and quirky accommodation gives you an uninterrupted view over the dappled waters of Lake Windermere. Boasting a sun terrace perched on the boathouse below, it’s the perfect place to sit with a glass of bubbly after a day in the lakes, watching the sun go down. Or sit at the end of your personal jetty and feed the ducks while watching the lake steamers gliding past on the way to Bowness. With one double room and all mod cons, what else do you need?
South Stainley, North Yorkshire is the destination to enjoy the rural life in shepherd’s hut, surrounded by wildlife. With its very own rustic charm, the hut is insulated with sheep's wool and has double glazing so can be used all year round. A wood-burning stove provides heat and somewhere to boil a kettle or be cooked upon. The double bed has a proper fully sprung mattress topped with an alpaca duvet (the fleece provided by the owner’s alpacas). You have to leave the hut to use the nearby loo and basin, and experience the wonderful freedom of an outdoor shower. A perfect, rustic, romantic retreat, enhanced by a soak in the outdoor wood-burning hot tub!
A unique glamping experience in an original 1966 Airstream, set up on a quiet campsite, only a thirty-minute drive away from York. Although the Airstream itself is an original from the 1960s, it has all modern facilities, full cooking equipment including a gas oven, radio, fridge, heating and a wood burning stove, a bbq on the campsite which can be used, and, of course, a washroom with toilet, sink and shower. Situated near the renowned spa town Harrogate, at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the location is perfectly placed to explore Yorkshire. Enjoy the wild beauty of the North York Moors, or take a romantic stroll down the Yorkshire coast. The pretty market towns of Knaresborough and Ripon, with their small shops and cafes, are even close by and well worth a visit.
Relax and unwind in this romantic cabin for two in the trees, with a separate bedroom and comfy double bed, a proper shower, a private toilet downstairs, and quirky outdoor kitchen with a fridge, barbecue and chimenea. Enjoy a romantic meal on the dining deck, or stay warm and cosy inside the fully insulated, double glazed treehouse with a log burning stove. Then watch the sun rise with a breakfast picnic on the balcony while listening to the woodpeckers. With the Yorkshire Wolds, North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Coastline on its doorstep, and ancient York less than an hour away, you might be tempted to descend from the trees to enjoy the pleasures of the area.
If you just want luxury and comfort all the way, then look no further than this boutique hotel near Alnwick, offering gorgeous boutique bedrooms, seriously sophisticated suites, charming retreats and cosy cottages. All rooms are individually designed to put the luxe into luxury, with irresistible charms like four-poster beds, free-standing baths, private roof terraces, and lots of room for love. Newton Hall is blessed with Italian style, retro cool, Oriental mystery, colonial splendour, loft-style living, French chic and more, to ensure a marvellously, wonderfully and beautifully relaxing break for two. And just an hour north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and 90 minutes south of Edinburgh, this quirky, rambling 18th century Northumberland hotel is at the heart of what many consider to be England's greatest stretch of natural coastline.
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