20 Best Romantic Places in Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, meaning that whether you’re single or in a relationship, now is the ideal time to get in touch with your tender side. Fortunately, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are blessed with a multitude of fairytale locations, with these constituting the perfect spots to explore with a loved one (or simply experience the romantic vibes). We hope you’ll fall head over heels for our picks…

Best Things to Do in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire for Couples

CLIVEDEN HOUSE

Cliveden House, the majestic 17th-century stately home, is surrounded by 376 acres of breathtaking gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames. This National Trust property exudes timeless elegance and offers couples a serene escape. Its story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour and makes for the perfect romantic setting, for those couples looking for a retreat.

Things to do for couples

• Stroll through the gardens: Hand in hand, explore the formal parterre, water garden, and the charming rose garden, which blooms vibrantly in summer. The Sounding Chamber and the Long Garden provide particularly photogenic spots.
• Rowing on the Thames: Rent a boat and glide along the river while soaking in the tranquil surroundings. It’s an intimate and memorable experience.
• Luxury afternoon tea: Treat yourselves to a quintessentially British afternoon tea on the terrace of Cliveden House. Enjoy delicious pastries and finger sandwiches while taking in sweeping views of the estate.

WADDESDON MANOR

Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 19th-century, Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style château surrounded by landscaped gardens and ornate fountains. The Manor is surrounded by the privately-owned estate, purchased in 1874. Successive generations of the Rothschild family have made their mark on the landscape, from Baron Ferdinand and Miss Alice’s extensive planting and landscaping, to James de Rothschild’s golf course and Stud, which still thrives today. More recently, Jacob, 4th Lord Rothschild, and his daughter Beth have recreated major features, such as the Millennium Avenue of trees linking the Manor with Upper Winchendon. The manor is a fairytale destination for couples.

Perfect for couples

• Explore the Manor and Grounds: Wander through the grand rooms of the manor, filled with art and antiques, then take a romantic walk through the Aviary Garden or along the woodland trails.
• Wine Tasting: The Rothschilds’ wine cellars at Waddesdon offer the opportunity to sample some of their finest vintages. Sharing a glass of wine with your partner is the perfect way to unwind.
• Valentine’s Stargazing Dinner: Join them on 14th February for an enchanting evening that combines an indulgent four-course culinary experience with a magical celestial adventure.

CHILTERN HILLS

The Chiltern Hills offer a stunning backdrop for couples who love the outdoors. Rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and charming villages make this area a haven for romantic adventures.

Perfect for couples

• Walking or cycling trails: Discover scenic routes such as the Ridgeway National Trail or paths through Coombe Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.
• Hot air balloon rides: Elevate your romance with a hot air balloon ride over the Chilterns. The sweeping views of green valleys and quaint villages are simply unforgettable.
• Pub lunch in a village: After a morning of exploration, settle down in a traditional village pub like The Bell at Aston Clinton for a cosy lunch by the fire.

STOWE GARDENS

Stowe Gardens, managed by the National Trust, is a masterpiece of landscape design. This 18th-century garden is filled with lakes, temples, and hidden corners that invite romance at every turn. There are 250 acres open for exploration. Whether you come for walking, socialising, creative pursuits, quality time, well-being, dog walking, having a picnic, or running wild, Stowe Gardens is what you make it.

Perfect for couples

• Romantic walks: Meander along pathways that lead to classical temples, grottoes, and the Palladian Bridge. Each feature tells a story, adding a sense of mystery and charm.
• Photography together: Capture your love in one of the garden’s picturesque spots, such as the Temple of Venus or the Gothic Temple.
• Pack a romantic picnic: Find a secluded spot by the lake or under a centuries-old tree to enjoy a meal surrounded by natural beauty.

BLETCHLEY PARK

For history-loving couples, Bletchley Park offers a unique blend of intrigue and romance. This historic site was the top-secret home of the World War II codebreakers. Immersive films, interactive displays, museum collections and faithfully recreated WWII rooms will guide you on a journey to discover the past at Bletchley Park. Exhibitions, set within beautifully restored historic buildings, tell the story of this once top-secret operation. Find out more about the brilliant minds and complex machines that made this vital work possible, and discover the global impact Bletchley Park had on the outcome of WWII.

Perfect for couples

• Tour the grounds: Walk hand in hand through the historic huts and the beautiful mansion, learning about the fascinating history of the codebreakers.
• Interactive exhibits: Engage with exhibits showcasing the brilliant minds and innovative technology that helped shape modern computing.
• Lake walks: The tranquil lake and surrounding gardens provide a peaceful setting for reflective strolls together.

WINDSOR GREAT PARK

Nestled near Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park is a sprawling expanse of natural beauty that offers endless opportunities for romance. The park’s tranquil landscapes, dotted with ancient oaks, glistening lakes, and vibrant gardens, set the stage for intimate moments.

Perfect for couples

• Take a romantic stroll: Hand in hand, explore the Long Walk, a straight tree-lined avenue leading to Windsor Castle. The views are especially stunning at sunset, casting a golden glow over the park.
• Visit the Savill Garden: A secluded haven within the park, the Savill Garden boasts meticulously maintained flower beds, peaceful woodland paths, and quiet corners ideal for a private picnic.
• Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride: Nothing says romance like a leisurely carriage ride through the park’s most scenic routes.

BASILDON PARK

Basildon Park, a glorious Georgian mansion surrounded by lush parkland, provides a perfect blend of history and romance. Managed by the National Trust, this elegant estate has been a filming location for period dramas, making it a cinematic spot for couples. Its 400-acre park features four waymarked walks, World War Two Nissen Hut remains, historic trees and views of the house.

Perfect for couples

• Explore the mansion’s interiors: Step back in time as you admire the ornate architecture and opulent décor of the stately rooms.
• Wander through the gardens: The formal gardens and rolling meadows offer plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the scenery.
• Have afternoon tea: Treat yourselves to a delightful afternoon tea in the tea room, housed in the former kitchen of the mansion.

THE THAMES PATH

Following the course of the River Thames, the Thames Path is a romantic trail for couples who love being close to water. Berkshire’s stretch of the path meanders through charming towns, quiet villages, and scenic riversides.

Perfect for couples

• Go for a leisurely walk or cycle: Whether you’re in the mood for a short amble or a more ambitious bike ride, the path offers plenty of picturesque routes.
• Stop for a riverside meal: Quaint pubs and eateries along the path provide romantic spots for a meal or drink with river views.
• Take a boat trip: Rent a boat or join a guided river cruise to experience the Thames from a different perspective, sharing quiet moments on the water.

HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a majestic landmark surrounded by breathtaking gardens and parklands. Highclere Castle has been transformed from its roots in Anglo Saxon Times to a medieval palace, a Tudor place house, a Georgian house and today this iconic Victorian Castle. It sits within a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th-century. Today you are welcome to explore the original Monks’ Garden, the Secret Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow and, nearer the Castle, the Healing Herb garden. Its grandeur and elegance make it an unforgettable romantic destination.

Perfect for couples

• Tour the castle: Explore the lavishly decorated rooms, from the grand staircase to the library, imagining yourselves in a bygone era of sophistication.
• Stroll through the gardens: The castle grounds include a wildflower meadow, a formal Monks’ Garden, and a serene Secret Garden, perfect for romantic photos.
• Toast your love: End your visit with a glass of champagne or a special afternoon tea at one of the estate’s dining spots.

DONNINGTON CASTLE

For couples who appreciate history and dramatic landscapes, Donnington Castle near Newbury is a captivating choice. Although only the gatehouse of this medieval fortress remains, the site’s hilltop location provides sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Perfect for couples

• Watch the sunset: The elevated vantage point makes Donnington Castle one of the best spots in Berkshire to witness a romantic sunset.
• Enjoy a picnic: Pack a basket and settle on the castle grounds for an intimate al fresco meal.
• Explore the trails: Nearby walking paths lead through woodlands and open fields, offering tranquil moments to connect with nature and each other.

CHALFONT ST GILES

Located on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and part of the group of villages known as The Chalfonts, Chalfont St Giles is a picture-postcard Buckinghamshire village complete with shops and a duck pond, as well as a village green and a church. It is situated just 20 miles from Charing Cross and was a haven from the capital for the 17th-century poet John Milton, who came to Chalfont St Giles with his third wife in 1665 to escape the plague in the city. The writer completed his epic poem Paradise Lost at his cottage on Deanway, with this property now one of the oldest writer’s house museums globally.

BRAY

The village of Bray in Berkshire (occasionally Bray on Thames) has previously been selected as one of England’s most beautiful villages. Described as “a pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames”, the Maidenhead suburb is undoubtedly a charming location, with plenty of chocolate-box buildings to admire. The village also has the enviable status of being home to two of Great Britain and Ireland’s eight three Michelin-starred restaurants – Alain Roux’s The Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. Another of the latter’s eateries, The Hind’s Head, is also located in Bray and has one Michelin star.

WADDESDON

This showstopping French Renaissance-style château, situated near Buckinghamshire’s county town of Aylesbury, was constructed by Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to house his fine art collection and to entertain the fashionable world. The Rothschild Foundation manages it on behalf of the National Trust, and it has also been used as a filming location in a number of productions, including the 2020 Netflix film Rebecca. Waddesdon is home to an admirable British portrait collection, with paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. There are also Victorian-style gardens with statues, fountains and seasonal bedding, plus a Rococo-style aviary.
waddesdon.org.uk

HUNGERFORD

Hungerford sits alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, with Hungerford Wharf being a fab location to begin exploring the waterway. However, the Berkshire market town is best known for its antiques shops and fairs, though other unique stores and boutiques can be found in the town centre, and a number of pubs, tea shops and restaurants also have the potential to tantalise the tastebuds.

Interestingly, Hungerford is also the only place in the country to have continuously celebrated Hocktide or Tutti Day. Tutti Day, held on the second Tuesday following Easter, is Hocktide’s most well-known day, with “Tutti-men” and “Tutti-women” visiting around 100 homes and businesses with poles decorated with flowers, ribbons and an orange.

MARLOW

The Georgian town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire has been described as “without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames”. A popular tourist destination with Georgian and Victorian architecture, its list of residents over the years includes T. S. Eliot, Mary Shelley and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The Thames plays an important role in Marlow’s identity, with the town’s key landmark being its suspension bridge over the water (which helps link it to Berkshire) and Marlow Town Regatta and Festival featuring rowing on the river. Marlow is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurants The Hand and Flowers and The Coach, which are both part of Tom Kerridge’s restaurant collection.

DONINGTON CASTLE

Overlooking the Lambourn Valley, the 14^th-century Donnington Castle near Newbury in Berkshire has an interesting history behind it, with both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I thought to have stayed here. Built by Richard Abberbury, the Crown later owned it, though it was damaged during the English Civil War, and Parliament voted to demolish it in 1646 – with only the two-storey gatehouse left standing. Ideal for walks, the castle is under the care of English Heritage, which says that the gatehouse “serves as evidence for the luxury and privacy enjoyed by Richard Abberbury, whose private quarters would have been situated within this part of the castle”.
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/donnington-castle

TURVILLE

Situated in the Chiltern Hills close to the Oxfordshire border, Turville is an idyllic Buckinghamshire village used as a filming location in various movies and TV shows. It served as the village of Dibley in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, and it has also appeared in films, including the romantic comedy-drama Bride and Prejudice. Here, you can admire the village’s charming features, including the 16^th-century cottages and the 12^th-century church, and enjoy a drink or something to eat at the pub, The Bull & Butcher. Turville is also overlooked by Cobstone Windmill, which was used in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

LANGLEY PARK

Langley Park, or Langley Park Country Park, has been described as “one of Buckinghamshire’s best-kept secrets”. The 130-acre park – part of the Colne Valley Regional Park – dates back more than eight centuries, and notable people who have been linked with it include King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Parkland trees like Wellingtonia, English oak and cedar of Lebanon, plus the serpentine lake next to the mansion house in the park, reflect the space’s development stages, with influences by the landscape architect Capability Brown. Offering splendour and colour across the year, it also boasts a wide variety of habitats for wildlife.
countryparks.buckinghamshire.gov.uk

WELFORD PARK

Not only is this country house and estate near Newbury in Berkshire the home of The Great British Bake Off, it also has a past linked to royalty. The site of the current house and church once held a monastery in the care of the monks of Abingdon until the dissolution of the monasteries on the order of King Henry VIII, who kept Welford as his deer-hunting lodge before granting it to courtier Thomas Parry. The current house is inhabited by James Puxley and his wife and children, with the family welcoming guests during the year for special events. For decades, Welford Park has hosted thousands of visitors for its snowdrop season, which covers the month of February.
welfordpark.co.uk

SONNING

The village of Sonning near Reading in Berkshire (occasionally called Sonning-on-Thames) was once described by the writer Jerome K. Jerome as “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river”. With its pretty brick arch bridge linking it to the hamlet of Sonning Eye (which is actually located in Oxfordshire), it cannot be denied that there’s something magical about this place. Walk along the towpath at Sonning Lock or admire the scenery surrounding the village. In Sonning Eye, you could also consider a visit to The Mill at Sonning – the only dinner theatre to be found in the UK.