Pitchup.com, an outdoor accommodation specialist with more than 5,000 campsites, caravan parks and glamping sites in 67 countries across the UK and Europe on their books, is encouraging couples to give the gift of the romance of the great outdoors.
Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, says: “Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day weekend can be a bit overwhelming. There are hearts everywhere, pressure to have a blissful time, and often little availability or cheeky price increases on romantic meals and activities. This year, Pitchup.com is encouraging couples to give the gift of a romantic outdoors minibreak which has been booked for the weeks after February 14th. Increasingly people are looking for something a little alternative and we think time in nature is the perfect way to celebrate romance and unwind.”
Featuring everything from enchanting yurts to spa-style outdoor hot tubs, crackling fire pits and magical stargazing opportunities, Pitchup.com has revealed some of the most romantic sites across the UK – all available in late February or March.
Wuthering Heights Inn, West Yorkshire, England
Literary lovers can follow in the footsteps of Emily Brontë’s famous Gothic drama Wuthering Heights when staying in the atmospheric Yorkshire moors region.
Located just 1.5 miles from Haworth, where the tragic story is believed to have been set, guests can immerse themselves in the remote wilderness – but with easy access to the local pub and Yorkshire market towns like Skipton, Saltaire and Hebden Bridge.
The tiny, peaceful site is completely off grid, which means no electricity, water or sewerage capability on the camping field. It does have a utility room, though, complete with a fridge, washing-up facilities, a radiator with a drying rack, a kettle, and sockets for phone charging and hairdryers.
Situated right by the Pennine and Millennium Ways, nature enthusiasts will love to explore this striking area on a wild hike with a romantic picnic!
Price per night (Shepherd’s hut): From £65 based on two people sharing, 2 night minimum stay.
Book: Pitchup.com
Culdees Castle Estate, Pertshire, Scotland
Couples can live out their Outlander fantasies in the regal grounds of Culdees Castle near Gleneagle, which is home to an impressive glamping site with spacious wooden cabins.
Each boasts its own pathway access and gardens for total privacy, as well as fabulous facilities including outdoor pergola seating, fairy lighting, wood-fired hot tubs, BBQ stations and fire pits for the ultimate romance factor. Wild deer roam the grounds alongside the castle’s own poultry in this idyllic setting straight out of a fable.
The accommodation is smart, modern and tastefully furnished, with facilities including a bright washroom, a well-equipped kitchen area and free WiFi.
Culdees Castle Estate, which was gifted to the Drummond clan as a reward for fighting alongside Robert the Bruce, is located five minutes’ drive from Muthill, an attractive village with a restaurant, pub, ancient church and small golf course. Meanwhile, the world-famous golfing destination of Gleneagles is just a short drive down the A823 away.
Price per night (Drummond Lodge cabin): From £150 per night based on two adults sharing, 2 night minimum stay.
Book: Pitchup.com
Waun Fach Retreat, Powys Wales
At the foot of Waun Fach, the highest mountain in the Black Mountains range, this shepherd’s hut is very peaceful. What distractions might you experience? Very few other than passing wildlife and starry skies, as Waun Fach Retreat is in an International Dark Sky Reserve in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A dip in the wood-fired hot tub might be your second reward upon your return. With complete privacy and a telescope provided for stargazing on clear evenings, retiring to bed might be the last thing on your mind. The only problem is, with Georgian Crickhowell’s Grade I-listed castle and independent high street 20 minutes’ drive away and the Sugar Loaf 35 minutes’ drive away, you might need the precious shut-eye.
Price (Shepherd’s Hut): £79.20104 per night, based on two people, with a two-night minimum stay
Book: Pitchup.com
A Swift Escape, Essex, England
Located in a secluded spot in rural Essex near Beaumont-cum-Moze, the luxury yurt at adults-only site A Swift Escape comes with all the fabulous facilities couples could desire for a romantic getaway.
On the wooden decking, which overlooks the rolling fields of the surrounding area, guests will not only find an outdoor dining area with a sizzling BBQ, but also two roll-top tubs for an atmospheric outdoor bath.
Inside, a comfortable kingsize bed awaits underneath a stargazing window in the roof, with tea and coffee-making facilities, board games and books adding further creature comforts. A variety of different catering packages for those who don’t feel like cooking every day is also available.
Situated a 15-minute drive from Frinton-on-Sea, romantic strolls along the beach are just a stone’s throw away. The bustling city of Colchester can also be easily reached in just 25 minutes.
Price per night (Yurt): From £100 per night based on two people sharing, 2 night minimum stay.
Book: Pitchup.com
Toadlands Shepherd Huts, County Durham, England
Unique, chic and comfortable, couples will love the cosy and luxurious Toadlands Shepherd Huts kitted out with kingsize beds, sumptuous fabrics, tongue-and-groove wood panelling, a fully equipped kitchen, ensuite bathrooms, double-glazed hardwood floors and electric heating.
Decorated in rich jewel tones and eye-catching design details, both of the two huts available feel like a boutique hotel on wheels – and that’s even before you discover the wood-fired hot tub and fire pit outside!
Cook up a feast with local delicatessen at the well-equipped onsite kitchen area known as the Hut or venture out to one of the nearby village pubs, cafes or restaurants. Situated close to the market town and historic ruins of Barnard Castle, as well as the start of the Tees Valley Railway walk, a charming countryside getaway awaits.
Price per night (Shepherd’s hut with hot tub): From £124.80 per night based on two people sharing, 2 night minimum stay. 20% discount available on stays of seven nights or more until 1st January 2024.
Book: Pitchup.com
Archers’ Meadow Glamping, Shropshire
The dog-friendly Shropshire site is well situated for couples that can’t be without their canine chums, as four-legged best friends aren’t just welcome in pods – there are plenty of dog-friendly coffee shops and pubs within easy reach too, and a whole host of lengthy rambles to choose from to earn that pint or cream cake. Prefer to explore without the dog? The site is on the official Land’s End to John O’Groats route, and a local business will deliver rented bikes to the site if needed.
On days when cosiness is key, the pods will do the job nicely: underfloor heating ensures no icy toes, and electricity and wifi keep entertainment on hand. Food is sorted in the pods too – a starter pack of tea, coffee, sugar and milk awaits guests’ arrival for a welcoming cuppa, the kitchenette allows for basic cooking, and a lawned area outside is set aside for barbecues.
Price (Meadow View Camping): £905 per night, based on two people, with a three-night minimum stay
Book: Pitchup.com
Luxury Valentine’s Gifts For Him and For Her