Winter is the perfect time to book some time away – after all, what better way to beat the January blues than by jetting off for a romantic break with a loved one? According to Skyscanner, January is also the best time, budget-wise, to book flights and hotels, as fares are much cheaper than later in the year.
So if you’d rather not wait until the summer months to take a break, why not whisk your other half off to Europe for a long weekend of love, romance and passion? Together with Angelic Diamonds, retailers of bespoke wedding rings, here’s some inspiration; our 5 IDEAL destinations in Europe for a romantic winter getaway.
THE LAKE DISTRICT, UK
Yep, we know that ‘European getaway’ suggests that you’ll at the very least be crossing the Channel, but sometimes the most inspiring breaks are found closer to home. And there’s nowhere more stunning on these shores than The Lake District. With an array of scenic walks, the chance to go for gondola rides on the lakes and great literary connections, this popular destination is sure to inspire your romantic side and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a moderately easy hike, Cat Bells mountain near Keswick offers breath-taking views over Derwentwater. With the recent surge in popularity of scenic country house weddings, you might be planning a return trip one day – The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations to get married in the UK.
THE DOME, VICTORIA SQUARE, BELFAST
Okay, good news; we’re going to need to cross some water for this one. Take a trip to the northern coast of Ireland where you can cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge with your loved one or retrace the steps of a giant at the causeway. You can visit The Dark Hedges nearby too — a romantic passageway of intertwined trees that were planted in the 18th century and featured on popular TV show Game of Thrones. Make sure to wrap up though as it’s likely to be chilly here in the winter months.
If city breaks are more your thing, then Belfast is a city decreed by experts as a must visit in 2019; trendy, hip and very much on the rise. First on the itinerary for couples should be a trip to the top of Victoria Square, where you’ll find the Dome, with 360-degree views of Belfast as a backdrop, featuring the Prince Albert Clock and Scrabo Tower; the perfect backdrop for that first kiss.
GROTTA LIGHTHOUSE, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Reykjavik is quickly becoming one of the most popular locations for a cold weather getaway, and it’s easy to see why; this city is practically the definition of Winter wonder. It’s an ideal place to visit with your other half as the city offers the perfect balance between beautiful, off-the-beaten-path landscapes and city livin’, with plenty of quirky bars and restaurants. And that’s what it’s all about, right?
For a truly unforgettable experience, you can’t go wrong with a trip to see the Northern Lights. The best time to see the lights is from October to March when the sky is clearer; a splendid way to say hello to the New Year, we think. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to book an excursion to see the lights; you might be lucky enough to catch them from the glorious vantage point of Grotta lighthouse, situated not far outside downtown Reykjavik where light pollution is low. You can walk here but if you have hired a car, due to the cold temperatures, it could be best to drive to the spot.
MONT CHERY, VAL D’LSERE, FRANCE
Perhaps the most traditional choice of winter holiday is, of course, skiing, and Val D’Isère is fortunate enough to have a ski season which stretches from November to May.
This destination is extremely popular with skiing enthusiasts from the UK. Part of its popularity lies in their differing slopes — there are pistes for all abilities and if your other half discovers that skiing is not for them, then they won’t be bored waiting for you at La Folie Douce (the famous après-ski bar).
If you have a certain big question on your mind, you might want to head somewhere warmer where you can enjoy meal and drinks with your other half, and a celebratory toast should things go smoothly. Top of the mountain, metaphorically speaking, is Atelier d’Edmond, a fine dining restaurant with hospitality and exquisite taste at its core.
LOS BUNKERS DEL CARMEL
Los Bunkers del Carmel is one of the hidden treasures of Barcelona, far less crowded than many of the city’s other great attractions, and with a fascinating history to boot. It’s primarily treated as a viewing platform now, but it was once part of the anti-aircraft battery that was used during the Spanish Civil War. You won’t be able to take transport to the top here, however. Instead, you can get the metro to Alfons X and walk 30 minutes or alternatively take the bus from the city centre and get within a ten-minute walk of the top.
The outstanding view of the city is best at sunrise, but if you and your partner can’t face getting up that early you can head there for sunset picnic instead. With a panoramic view of the city behind you and beautiful views on all sides, this trip is bound to inspire your romantic side.