Brighton was ranked as the second most romantic city in the UK, followed by Newcastle in third place. Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester also made the top ten, ranking fourth, fifth and six places respectively.
After enduring the UK’s third lockdown, many couples across the UK will be yearning for a break away together, escaping and experiencing post-lockdown life with the ones they love or reuniting with someone they have been apart from. After months of date nights at home, now is the time to discover the abundance of local restaurants, bars, galleries and spas across the UK’s cities.
To help Brits choose the most romantic post-lockdown destination, Mercure analysed data from the biggest cities in the UK (by population), to see which is the most romantic for couples, gathering the number of restaurants classified as 'Romantic', the number of museums, art galleries and spas per 100,000 people to create a Romance Index.
The study also incorporated the average cost of a two-course meal for two and the number of cinemas and public gardens in each city. Newcastle was revealed as the best city for nature lovers, and Edinburgh taking top spots once again for the best city for foodies and the best city for culture seekers.
1. Edinburgh
Couples who want lots of things to see and do should pack a bag and head up north to the historic Scottish capital. With 58 romantic restaurants, 42 public parks, 11 art galleries, 21 museums, and 19 spas, the enchanting city of Edinburgh has the most to offer, with a score of 77.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Edinburgh with views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, and just a short walk award from the fantastic shops and restaurants of Princes Street, The Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel is a great base from which to explore the romantic city. Prices start from £100 per room, based on two people sharing. www.all.accor.com
2. Brighton
The seaside town of Brighton came in second place with a score of 73, home to seven cinemas, 14 museums, 49 romantic restaurants and of course, what loved up pair could resist a stroll on the famous pier.
Where to stay: Situated just a short walk away from Brighton's iconic landmarks, Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel is the perfect place to reside for a romantic seaside break. Prices at Mercure Brighton Seafront start from £79 per room, for a sea view based on two people sharing. www.all.accor.com
3. Newcastle
Newcastle is next on the list, with a score of 58. Whilst it has just 17 romantic restaurants, if you want to whisk your lover off for some alfresco dining, you’re in luck, as there are a staggering 126 parks and gardens to choose from.
Where to stay: The Mercure Newcastle George Washington Hotel Golf & Spa is set in the tranquil grounds of Washington, just 15 minutes from Newcastle Upon Tyne. A relaxing hotel for couples wanting to unwind, the hotel has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa and indoor pool. Prices start from £66 per room, based on two people sharing. www.all.accor.com
The top 10 cities for a romantic break in the UK were ranked as follows:
- Edinburgh
- Brighton
- Newcastle
- Belfast
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Cardiff
- Liverpool
- Southampton
- Bristol
NOTES TO EDITORS
Methodology: Mercure compared the 25 biggest cities in the UK (by population), to see which is the most romantic for couples. We gathered the number of restaurants classified as 'Romantic', the number of museums, art galleries and spas from Trip advisor. We gathered the number of public gardens or parks from ONS, and the average cost of a two-course meal for 2 at a restaurant from Numbeo. We have the full list of all museums, art galleries and spas from trip advisor, the top 30 romantic restaurants from trip advisor, and all nature & parks on trip advisor. We have all listed cinemas from google maps.
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