Romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day

Look forward to this Valentine’s Day in the South of Scotland with 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.

If you’d like to know more about the romantic past of the South of Scotland, have a read of our Love Legends in the South blog.

SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel

Where: Heiton by Kelso

Whisk your loved one away for a luxurious spa break with divine food and superb countryside walks in the Scottish Borders. Who could resist the luxury of SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel with its sumptuous rooms and its stunning spa? The spa has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the landscaped gardens, infinity pool and sauna. Relax in the hot tub or the larch wood aroma sauna or invigorate yourself with a dip in the plunge pool before heading off for spa treatments designed for both men and women.
If you can tear yourself away from the confines of the hotel, catch the crisp winter air with a walk to the Waterloo Monument or go into the historic market town of nearby Kelso and look for a horseshoe among the cobblestoned streets – said to have been shed by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s horse. For more info, explore our page about this area known as the Cheviots.

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.

While you are here you can seek adventure on the bike trails of 7Stanes Newcastleton down the road from Alpnhaus. Find something cosy to keep you warm as you explore the incredible textiles heritage in Hawick – check out Famously Hawick for all the detail on this town’s tweed and cashmere – not to mention whisky!

Check out what else there is to explore in the Teviot, Eskdale and Liddesdale area.

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. The hotel itself offers a modern interpretation of a Scottish manor house with colours and textures reflecting the Scottish countryside.

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.

There are plenty of options to keep you busy nearby from the shopping available at Caledonia Park to the historical intrigue of Devil’s Porridge Museum or a whisky tour and lunch at the Annandale Distillery.

Find out all about Annandale and what the area has to offer.

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?

For even more info, check out our page all about the area, Eildon and Leaderdale.

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 in town. 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 harbour from the first floor open-plan living and kitchen space and then fall into the king-size bed for a well-deserved slumber.

Want to know more? Explore the Berwickshire Coast

Gypsy Palace

Where: Kirk Yetholm

This wonderfully quirky one-roomed cottage, Gypsy Palace, has a superb history, being said to belong to Gypsy Queen Esther and her son and heir, King Charles Faa Blythe. It is not known why the Romany gypsies came to the village, but Scottish Romanys first settled in Yetholm in the early 1700s and by the middle of the century it was home of the Faas, hereditary monarchs. It is said that Queen Esther became very popular receiving the gentry from far and wide (including Sir Walter Scott) who visited especially to hear her words of wisdom. Her son King Charles died in 1902 leaving behind a few customs and the odd old Romany word assimilated into the local dialect.

Stay here and snuggle down with your loved one in front of wood stove, fire roaring and imagine the days of the gypsy kings and queens. If you’re swept up in the story, head to the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Galashiels and try and spot the Gypsy Palace, which has been stitched into a small square of the tapestry!

Find out more about the area and explore the Cheviot region from here.

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.

Want to see more? Explore The Rhins of Galloway.

Braeview Glamping

Where: Coldingham

Adult-only and pet-free, Braeview Glamping offers a romantic getaway glamping option near the Berwickshire Coast. 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!

Want to know more? Explore the Berwickshire Coast

Stableyard Studio

Where: Thornhill

Looking for the perfect country retreat for two to explore the beauty of the Galloway Hills but come home to modern comforts? Whether you relax and unwind, or get involved in all there is to see and do, the Stableyard Studio, nestled in the historic Castle Stableyard on the Drumlanrig Castle Estate is the place for two!

There is a large bedroom/living room with king-sized bed, comfortable chairs to curl up in, and super Castle views. Make the most of the dining kitchen with local produce you come across as you explore the area. Venture up into the hills or meander through the towns such as Thornhill, Sanquhar and Dumfries.

Find out more about the Nithdale area.