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Romantic city breaks
Getaways that make you say those three little words.
Date & time
Passengers
Straight to the heart of the city
Wow your loved one with a buzzing city break away. From the Big Smoke to the Scottish Highlands, arrive in the heart of some of the most thrilling cosmopolitan hotspots the east coast mainline has to offer when you book with LNER.
Most loved up destinations
Love is everywhere in the UK, with many cities offering a romantic charm that draws in people seeking connection.
Using search data for love-related terms—everything from ‘dreamy date ideas’ to ‘wedding plans and proposals’—we’ve uncovered the top most “loved up” destinations on or near our route.
Let’s delve into what makes these destinations stand out in the quest for love — from historic locations to picturesque proposals, to destinations perfect for a romantic getaway.
Here’s our guide to the UK’s most loved up destinations, based on what you are searching for and where love is just a train ride away.
Darlington
Darlington is famous for its rich railway heritage as the home of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, celebrating 200 years of rail in 2025. It also has a romantic charm, ranking among the UK's most loved-up destinations based on UK search results.
Enjoy a scenic stroll through South Park or a candlelit dinner at one of its intimate restaurants. The town embraces love and Valentine’s Day.Trains to Darlington
London
London, a top romantic destination, is perfect for proposals, with countless searches for 'proposal spots' and 'engagement rings.'
Why not enjoy a sunset ride on the London Eye, a stroll through Hyde Park, or a date at a rooftop bar or world-class restaurant. For grand proposals, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral offer timeless charm, making London a city of endless romantic possibilities.Trains to London
Leeds
Leeds is a top choice for couples seeking romantic escapes, ranking high in searches for 'date ideas' and 'romantic walks.'
The Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Roundhay Park offer scenic strolls, while Kirkstall Abbey’s ruins provide a historic setting for special moments. As night falls, Leeds’ vibrant nightlife and cosy wine bars set the stage for a perfect romantic evening.Trains to Leeds
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s timeless architecture and charm make it a top Scottish destination for romance, with high searches for ‘engagement’ ideas.
Couples can hike Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views or wander the Royal Mile’s cobbled streets. Its blend of history and beauty makes it perfect year-round.Trains to Edinburgh
Darlington
Darlington is famous for its rich railway heritage as the home of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, celebrating 200 years of rail in 2025. It also has a romantic charm, ranking among the UK's most loved-up destinations based on UK search results.
Enjoy a scenic stroll through South Park or a candlelit dinner at one of its intimate restaurants. The town embraces love and Valentine’s Day.Trains to DarlingtonLondon
London, a top romantic destination, is perfect for proposals, with countless searches for 'proposal spots' and 'engagement rings.'
Why not enjoy a sunset ride on the London Eye, a stroll through Hyde Park, or a date at a rooftop bar or world-class restaurant. For grand proposals, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral offer timeless charm, making London a city of endless romantic possibilities.Trains to LondonLeeds
Leeds is a top choice for couples seeking romantic escapes, ranking high in searches for 'date ideas' and 'romantic walks.'
The Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Roundhay Park offer scenic strolls, while Kirkstall Abbey’s ruins provide a historic setting for special moments. As night falls, Leeds’ vibrant nightlife and cosy wine bars set the stage for a perfect romantic evening.Trains to LeedsEdinburgh
Edinburgh’s timeless architecture and charm make it a top Scottish destination for romance, with high searches for ‘engagement’ ideas.
Couples can hike Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views or wander the Royal Mile’s cobbled streets. Its blend of history and beauty makes it perfect year-round.Trains to Edinburgh
London
Visit the English captial for a romantic trip away.
Escape the hustle and bustle with a walk around the scenic green spaces or indulge in an incredible foodie subculture that is sure to delight your senses. London is the ideal spot for a loved-up getaway for two.
Hotel: Point A Hotel Shoreditch
Dinner: Head over to Bancone to enjoy a Michelin dish of pasta at a reasonable rate
Drinks: Cheese & wine? Say no more – Gordon’s Wine Bar
Sweet smells or smells sweet
Take a stroll through the Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park.
Luxurious Chocolate Making Workshop for 2.
Take a stroll through the Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park.
Luxurious Chocolate Making Workshop for 2.
Leeds
Have a whimsical weekend away in Leeds.
Take in the serenity of your surroundings with a long winding canal walk or go crazy for each other with a few fun and games over drinks. Leeds will leave you smiling from Edinburgh to London.
Hotel: Park Plaza Leeds
Dinner: Cosy up at the OX Club with meals that are prepared over some serious flame
Drinks: Try an after-dinner cocktail at one of the best cocktail bars in the country, Jake’s Bar & Still Room
Above par walks or below par scores
Explore some of the most beautiful canal walks the north of England has to offer.
Tee off together at Junk Yard crazy golf.
Explore some of the most beautiful canal walks the north of England has to offer.
Tee off together at Junk Yard crazy golf.
York
Experience the heart of Yorkshire – and the heart of the north.
Take in the sights with a quiet walk around the city (literally) or give in to your fancy side – as much tea and as many sandwiches as you can eat! Here, you’re sure to fall in love with the city and each other.
Hotel: The Grand York
Dinner: Fancy eating in a beautifully restored Grade-II-listed building? Rattle owl is for you
Drinks: Enjoy a drink with stunning river views at Dyls
High walls or high tea
Take in the stunning views while walking hand in hand along the city walls
Afternoon tea (or Prosecco) at Betty’s Tea Room
Take in the stunning views while walking hand in hand along the city walls
Afternoon tea (or Prosecco) at Betty’s Tea Room
Edinburgh
Visit the Scottish capital for a trip together you’ll never forget.
You can walk the hills, take in the sights, and experience the heritage of the old town, or get ready to play with some of the city’s best experiences. No matter what you do, you’ll feel the love in Edinburgh.
Hotel: InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Dinner: Cocktails, goyza and bao buns. What more do you need? Get cosy at Lucky Yu
Drinks: Stop by The Devil’s Advocate tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town
Won't leave or can't leave
Nice day? Have a picnic and take a walk around the grounds of Edinburgh Castle
Put your relationship to the test with Escape Hunt, epic escape room adventures.
Nice day? Have a picnic and take a walk around the grounds of Edinburgh Castle
Put your relationship to the test with Escape Hunt, epic escape room adventures.
Lincoln
Make memories in the medieval cathedral city of Lincoln.
Wander through the city and experience taking in the culture, or don’t do anything… let someone else do it all for you while you lie back and relax. Visit Lincoln for a couples retreat like no other.
Hotel: The Double Tree
Dinner: Have a little taster night of quality cuisine at the The Bronze Pig
Drinks: Snuggle up with a cocktail at The Cosy Club
Soak up culture or a long, hot soak
Visit Lincoln’s Cultural Quarter – with the Temple Gardens, galleries and theatres
Relax and unwind with a twilight session at the Le Sanctuaire Clarins Spa Retreat.
Visit Lincoln’s Cultural Quarter – with the Temple Gardens, galleries and theatres
Relax and unwind with a twilight session at the Le Sanctuaire Clarins Spa Retreat.
Newcastle
Think romance. Think Newcastle. Think LNER.
Whether you want a cultural weekend away or an experience that’s a little more out there – Newcastle has everything you need to make your time there together memorable.
Hotel: Malmaison Newcastle
Dinner: Head over to 21, a quayside bistro that’s perfect for a relaxed but classy date
Drinks: Drop by Colonel Porter’s – an eclectic bar that’ll keep the chat flowing
Art galleries or views from the galleries
Visit The Biscuit Factory, a contemporary gallery with a fancy brunch menu.
See a quirky performance at The Boulevard, home to some of the UK’s best entertainers.
Visit The Biscuit Factory, a contemporary gallery with a fancy brunch menu.
See a quirky performance at The Boulevard, home to some of the UK’s best entertainers.
Travel Inspiration
We want to help you make the most of every trip with LNER. That's why we provide the guides, inspiration and tools you need when travelling to an LNER destination. Here are a few related articles that may help.
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