In an age of awkward Tinder dates and unsolicited images from randomers online, it would be easy to declare that romance is dead in 2023. But there’s no need for any of that! Travel experts over at Rough Guides have named the UK's most romantic destination, saying that a cute little hamlet nestled deep in the Gloucestershire countryside is the nation's most ideal couples' getaway.
The village in question is Bourton-on-the-Water, which is in the heart of the Cotswolds. As the name suggests, a river runs through its centre and is considered to be its ‘most prized feature’. With around 4000 residents, the village is tiny but still a busy tourist spot. On warm days the waterside is bustling with visitors, the shallowest points of the river being ideal for paddling in to cool down. A short walk is like stepping into a picture book, full of gorgeous architecture and plenty of greenery.
Summer may have passed, but Bourton’s still well worth a visit in other seasons. In autumn the village is cloaked in vibrant oranges and reds as the leaves turn, while local spooky stories of hauntings and witchcraft make it an ideal October destination. In winter when the fairy lights go up, Bourton makes for a fine place to enjoy hot chocolates by a log fire.
And that doesn’t even touch on Bourton’s attractions. From an accurate scale model of the town to the exotic birds of the Birdland Park & Gardens, the town certainly features attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
So next time you’ve got a weekend off, escape to the country and head to Bourton-on-the-Water with your beau! Brush up on the Cotswolds with our official Time Out guide here.
Did you see that these tiny, gorgeous British islands have been named the best to visit in the world?
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