Leonardo Hotels Guide to…Romantic Getaways

Planning to book a romantic weekend during Valentine’s Day?

Read Leonardo Hotel’s Guide to Romantic Getaways now and make the most of this city break.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a beautiful city and the perfect location for a romantic getaway for Valentines Day. Aside from the charming rustic feel of Nottingham city centre with heritage oozing from its stunning architecture, there are a few activities as well as a plethora of restaurants to enjoy during your whirlwind weekend away.

Nottingham Castle: The castle is a big attraction throughout the year and well worth a visit during your romantic getaway. Whether you explore the museum and grounds or discover Mortimer’s hole (caves), Nottingham castle is not to be missed.

Attenborough Nature Reserve: If you are a couple who enjoy the great outdoors, the Attenborough Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a romantic leisurely stroll with your partner as you enjoy beautiful views and natural wildlife. The reserve is little outside of Nottingham but easily accessible via car or public transport, and entry is free.

Restaurants:

Enjoy a delicious, intimate and atmospheric Valentine’s Day meal at one of our handpicked top romantic Nottingham restaurants:

Le Mistral: A cosy and charming little French bistro with a fantastic atmosphere making it the perfect place for a rustic and romantic meal.

Fothergills: Offering seasonal, locally sourced food, Fothergills offers an exceptionally delicious menu and a fantastic mix of modern décor with wooden timbers and warmth. Enjoy the taste of Nottingham cuisine as you cosy up for a romantic meal for two.

Petit Paris: Acutely quirky in décor and bursting with French charm, Petit Paris offers a unique dining experience and mouth-watering ‘authentic French cuisine’.

Aurora Restaurant: Beautifully exposed brick and tile stone flooring compliments this modern and yet warming British restaurant. Elegant touches to the décor and friendly atmosphere ensures a very intimate and enjoyable meal with a range of delectable British dishes to choose from.

Newcastle

A stunning blend of traditional and modern, Newcastle is a fantastic city to spend a romantic weekend getaway. As with many bustling city centres there are plenty of attractions but we’ve collected together a couple of activities perfectly suited for a romantic weekend.

River Escapes Cruise: Enjoy the famous and beautiful sites of Newcastle from a river cruise. Learn about landmarks and the ‘thriving maritime history’ as you cruise along snuggled up with your partner. Alternatively, for those wanting a more active day out, a walk along the quayside is equally as charming and romantic!

Tyneside Cinema: The Tyneside Cinema is a fantastic old newsreel cinema dating back to 1937 and is the perfect spot to curl up with your significant other for a movie (new or old) in their unique theatre room ‘The Classic’. There are also free guided tours to learn about the history of the theatre including a viewing of an original newsreel and a sneak peek behind the scenes!

Restaurants:

Pitcher and Piano: With stunning views of the quayside, The Pitcher and Piano offers the perfect venue for a romantic evening meal overlooking the beautifully lit riverside. The interior décor is quirky and intimate making the atmosphere all the more perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner for two.

Blackfriars Restaurant: Housed in a beautifully old building dating back to 1239, Blackfriars has a long and unique history, and with the exposed brick work and wooden décor, this restaurant a real gem of Newcastle! The atmosphere is warm and cosy and offers a feeling of having travelled back in time with a medieval and rustic theme. The menu is sourced from local farms and offers a menu crafted of traditional British food.

Prague

This beautiful and utterly romantic city is too good to miss if you are thinking about a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. Often underestimated, Prague offers a breathtakingly beautiful city that is primed for couples in love to discover! Below are a few romantic attractions and restaurants to enjoy in a whirlwind weekend getaway that will not be forgotten.

Prague Boat Trips: What better way to see the city and enjoy a romantic hour or two than on a Prague city cruise? There are various options available, from the bigger cruises of one and two hour trips, some with dining options, to enjoying an intimate ride on an Italian Gondola- either way you will ooze romance as you discover this stunning city. There are various locations across Prague where you can embark on the river cruises.

Kampa Island: This is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the city and as such has been nicknamed the ‘Venice of Prague’. This island, just off of the Charles Bridge (which itself has stunning views of Prague), offers a calm oasis from the bustling city centre as well as fantastic views and beautifully picturesque surroundings of ‘charming houses’ and ‘romantic lanes’, making a stroll around Kampa Island the perfect romantic activity. You can also embark on the river cruises from Kampa Island.

Restaurants:

Piano Nobile: This stunning restaurant offers fantastic views of Prague and is located close to Prague castle in the ‘neoclassical’ Villa Richter. With cuisine influences of Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and more, diners are in for a delightful treat. The atmosphere offers a chic yet intimate feel for the ultimate romantic meal.

Svatá Klára: Close to the Troja Chateau, Svatá Klára offers a truly unique and utterly incredible dining experience. Originally a wine cellar of one of the Prague vineyards, this restaurant is housed in a beautiful natural cave beneath ground! The décor offers a startling contrast between the rugged cave and the antique furniture, Baroque statues and Persian rugs; however, the combination creates an intimate and elegant dining experience, perfect for couples.

U Malířů: Established in 1543, this restaurant oozes history and provide the perfect setting for an intimate meal on Valentine’s Day. The décor consists of stunning murals on the curved ceilings and archways offering a very grand and historical atmosphere. The menu consists of traditional dishes making it the perfect venue for those wanting a real taste of Prague.

Galway

Disappear into the stunning landscapes of Ireland with romantic city getaway in Galway. Enjoy the comforts of the city while exploring all the beauty that Ireland has to offer. Disappear for a truly romantic weekend of snuggly pubs, cosy restaurants, and breath-taking walks along the coastline.

Brigits Garden: Enter into the ‘heart of Celtic Heritage and Mythology’ with these beautiful and ‘magical’ gardens and wildflower meadows. Brigits Garden also includes an ancient ring fort, thatched roundhouse and crannog, and a calendar sundial for you to discover! A cosy café and gift shop are available for you to enjoy, topping off a fantastic romantic day out for two.

Seapoint Promenade: Enjoy the wild winds of the Irish coast as you take a beautiful walk up Seapoint Promenade. This is a simple but incredibly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with your partner, working up an appetite to cosy up in a warm and charming restaurant or café.

Restaurant:

Kai Café and Restaurant: Enjoy a cosy romantic meal at this quirky café and restaurant surrounded by exposed stone walls and wooden beams, and presented with a mouth-watering menu. The menu changes on a daily basis according to what is fresh and in stock, so any visit to Kai is a unique experience especially when combined with the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you are looking for a romantic location to stay in Newcastle, our Leonardo Hotel Newcastle and Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside are the best options. Both of our hotels will provide you with everything you need to ensure you and your partner have an unforgettable stay.