Romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the South of Scotland offers a wealth of romantic getaways to suit those wanting to escape from it all. Whether you are embarking on a new romance, ready to make life lasting commitments or celebrating many happy years together, these accommodations all offer wonderfully romantic places to curl up with your favourite person and just be. There are wood fires for snuggling, hot tubs for star gazing, relaxing woodland and coastal walks for holding hands, and plenty of comfortable sofas and beds for ensuring you leave refreshed.

Alpnhaus, Singdean

Where: Castleton

Who wouldn’t fall in love during their stay at Alpnhaus, Singdean – even if it’s only with the place itself.  This gorgeous larch cottage offers the ultimate retreat from the rat race with a woodfired hot tub to enjoy in the evenings. In the morning you wake up to an alpine breakfast left at your door. The cottage is self-catering and boasts a fully functioning kitchen. Or you could venture out to Jedburgh or Hawick for an evening meal or daytime lunch. Lovely touches include natural organic Viennese toiletries for the bath and wonderful walk in shower and Belgian linen on the bed. This is a superb romantic getaway at ANY time of year. And your four-legged friend is welcome too.

Barns Tower

Where: near Peebles

If you are looking to impress, why not book yourself into Barns Tower, a mini-castle just for two? This fairy-tale dusty pink tower dates back to the 15^th century, nestled in the landscape near the River Tweed. There is plenty to do nearby with Dawyck Botanical Gardens, historic Traquair House and the Border towns of Melrose, Hawick and St. Boswells within easy reach.

Or if you wish to stay in you can steep yourself in the legend and storytelling that surrounds the area. Did you know Merlin the Wizard supposedly once visited the nearby Stobo Kirk? The local author John Buchan set his novel John Burnet of Barns in this very place. Settle in front of the blazing wood fire after a walk in the surrounding countryside, or soak in the roll top bath before being enticed into the large sleigh bed.

Perfect for romantic getaways, special occasions or just celebrating being together.

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Holiday Cottages

Where: Drummore

For a romantic break this February with a difference opt for a two-day break at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Holiday Cottages. On offer is a private tour of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Tower and the exhibition depicting its history. There is a charming literary link as it was built by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson of Treasure Island fame. Following your tour you can relax with ‘His and Hers’ massages provided at the cottage by a therapist. And to top it off celebrate with a bottle of Champagne, provided with glasses for your stay! Dogs are also welcome but their pampering is down to you!

Gretna Hall Hotel  

Where: Gretna Green

Who could resist a romantic stay at Gretna Hall Hotel, virtually the home of romance in Scotland, standing as it does in the heart of the world famous Gretna Green. The hotel was originally built in 1710 as a private manor house and hosted a series of high profile aristocratic marriages in the 1800s, making it ideal as a romantic getaway.

If you haven’t tied the knot yet, this could provide an ideal setting for a proposal with plenty of romantic locations around the 10-acre property – the Kissing Gate or the ornamental water feature perhaps? Not yet sure? Ask about the traditional Scottish handfasting ceremony, an ideal way to start you off on the road to marital bliss. Or perhaps a stay will inspire you to plan your big day here. The hotel offers three historic venues for wedding ceremonies.

Inside the hotel design offers a modern interpretation of a Scottish manor house. Plaids and plains, contrasting textures and colours that reflect the Scottish countryside, the 97 rooms are comfortable and luxurious.

The Old Mill, Dod Mill

Where: near Lauder

The second you step foot into the grounds of this former grain mill, you will never want to leave. The Old Mill, a converted 1700s water mill, is a bijoux escape that is sure to win your heart. Many original features and quirky nods to the buildings’ industrial heritage have been retained – including the water wheel of the Old Mill – to add to the homely atmosphere. A mezzanine bedroom with deep bath sits above an open plan double height living area. The kitchen has all the modern comforts and there is underfloor heating and a wood stove to keep you cosy and warm.

If you can tear yourself away from the cosy interiors, meander along the Boondreigh Water to the old millpond. Or head in to explore the Royal Burgh of Lauder or wander the grounds of the fairytale Thirlestane Castle – perhaps the ideal backdrop for a proposal?

Nisbet’s Tower

Where: Eyemouth

For a romantic stay with a twist and a view over the coastal harbour town of Eyemouth try Nisbet’s Tower, a renovated 18th-century doo’cot, which is now a cosy holiday cottage.

Enjoy exploring the Berwickshire Coastal Path and then feast on fish and chips and delicious ice cream at Giacopazzi’s. Wander down to the harbour and spot the seals and sea otters that come to watch the sight-seers watching them and occasionally get fed too! And there is the excellent Smuggler’s Trail that leads you through the town and explains how this town was once a key stop on a well-known tea smugglers route.

After all that activity, spend the evening enjoying the twinkling lights of the town and habour from the first floor open-plan living and kitchen space and then fall into the king-size bed for a well-deserved slumber.

Wheatsheaf Hotel

Where: Swinton

If you prefer cosy pubs to swanky hotels, whisk your significant other away to the Wheatsheaf in the Berwickshire village of Swinton for the perfect romantic getaway. You can stay in comfort in their light, airy modern en-suite rooms and enjoy cosy bar meals by the roaring fire.

And the food here has already caught the attention of the famed critics from Michelin who noted the Wheatsheaf’s ‘classic, unfussy dishes with a modern twist” in their guide, Eating Out in Pubs. The Wheatsheaf’s chefs specialise in using locally sourced ingredients and the menus reflect the best of seasonally available local produce. In the winter months expect rich casseroles and tempting game.

Butler’s Gait

Where: Dunragit, Stranraer

Sometimes a Sleeps Two means sacrificing space, but this could not be further from the truth at Butler’s Gait. This grand airy apartment for two is part of a larger, former Manor House. There’s a log burner to warm you through after a walk at the nearby Glenwhan Gardens. And you have all the mod cons from hair dryer and coffee maker to high speed WIFI and Smart TV if you want to catch up on your favourite Netflix series! A luxurious king-sized bed with linens will enable you to get a good night’s sleep. If you are a two plus furry friend, your dog is also welcome. Walks nearby abound from the Galloway Forest Park to the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point.

Braeview Glamping

Where: Coldingham

Adult-only and pet-free, Braeview Glamping offers a romantic getaway glamping option near the Berwickshire Coastal Path. The pods are heated with under floor heating and two of the four pods have hot tubs to ease aching muscles after a day’s walking. The hot tubs are also the perfect place to stargaze through the winter. There is minimal lighting around the site, giving guests incredible views of the night skies.

Home comforts aren’t far and you can expect beautiful en suite shower rooms, small kitchen area with a fridge, hob and breakfast bar as well as a comfy sofa and Smart TV. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, Braeview also provides super fast wi-fi free of charge for streaming all your favourite box sets if you choose to have a duvet day!

Fernhill Hotel

Where: Port Patrick

If you and your loved one are keen golfers, look no further than Fernhill Hotel in Port Patrick. Not only is this an idyllic setting with stunning views but Dunskey Golf Course is a mere 200 yards from the hotel. There are frequent golfing packages on offer throughout the year.  The Portpatrick Golf Club has not one but two courses that are playable all year round; the 9-hole Dinvin and the 18-hole Dunskey. The courses sit in a mixture of rolling moorland and seaside heath around 150 feet above sea level. On a clear day you may well be distracted by spectacular views of the Isle of Man, Mourne Mountains and the Mull of Kintyre.

Back at the hotel there is a cosy fire in the bar and good Scottish produce in the restaurant. Be sure to ask for a room with a view and enjoy drinks overlooking Port Patrick Harbour.