Hampstead provides that much longed for escape from the London bustle, after the usual rounds of museums and eateries. Quiet, village-like with miles and miles of lush greenery, it is a therapeutic way to rediscover romance in your life. There is much to do with your time in Hampstead. The untamed wilderness of Hampstead High awaits your rendezvous with nature. Hampstead Heath has hidden treasures in its ponds. Swimming, boating, fishing, and sailing model boats are possible in the numerous ponds spread among the heath.
Highgate cemetery holds the tombstones of many a famous person, the most famous being Karl Marx.
Don’t miss the barrow, Hampstead’s claim to the Bronze Age, now held in seclusion, in defence of its status as a scheduled ancient monument.
Kenwood and Lauderdale, two of the most beautiful country houses in Britain, are in Hampstead. Centuries of history and romance invite you to share your precious moments in their company.
In autumn, Hampstead is a riot of color, with orange beds of leaves lining the paths. Even the most unromantic hearts have a flutter at this beautiful phase of nature. Share your passion for nature and each other in Hampstead this autumn.
Some fifty miles from the center of London, and synonymous with excellence in academics, the cosmopolitan city of Oxford is also a romantic little town with centuries-old glorious buildings dotting its lanes. The honey-colored buildings and quadrangles, covered with ivy, are samples of the finest architecture in England. Take a stroll through the inner courtyards of the colleges and breathe in the bouquet of inexplicable romance that seems to prevail in the air.
Take a turn around the streets and you will find several activities to share. One such is the Radcliff Camera, a round building housing the library. It is now a reading room; not open to the public, but the external view is so charming!
The Bridge of Sighs, is familiar to many through picture post cards. It links two buildings in Hertford College and is much photographed, in spite of being on a hidden lane.
There are many museums in Oxford that may interest you.
The antique shops lining the streets are also worth a visit. Browsing through treasures may turn up a bargain for either of you.
Just twenty-one miles from London and very suitable for a day out, Windsor is definitely romance material of the highest order. It is the official residence of the queen even now, and is spread over thirteen acres. The castle holds itself high with the infinite grace of an English lady and belies her age of more than eight centuries in her ethereal beauty. Medieval history spills over in the surroundings of the castle. The only inhabited castle in the world, its architecture never ceases to excite. The state apartments are grandeur itself. The reception hall is something that makes the common visitor exclaim over. The famed Eton School is just across the river and a guided tour of the school reveals the living style of the rich.
About two miles away, is Legoland Windsor, which though primarily meant to excite a child’s imagination, will bring out the child in you.
A journey to the Leeds Castle is forty miles from the city center in Kent County. Leeds has the distinction of being called the most romantic castle in Britain. The tranquility that surrounds the castle is almost idyllic. With around five hundred acres of landscaped parklands surrounding it, the castle itself stands on two beautiful islands in a lake. True to legend, there is a moat around the castle which adds to the romantic image.
Over one hundred endangered species are protected in the aviary of the castle. The bird lover is guaranteed a fascinating and informative time at the aviary. About 2,400 yew trees adorn the maze, another popular attraction of the castle. This is the geometrical style of planting followed since historical times. "Lose yourselves in the labyrinth of time," as the castle ads say. There is also a museum that displays exhibits of a different kind: dog collars of the 16th century.
With Oxford on one side, and Shakespearean land on the other, Cotswold is beautiful, historic, and of course romantic. There are manor houses and thatched roof cottages dotting the roadway and accommodations are available if you wish to spend the night. The English countryside is at its romantic best in Cotswold. The picture post card perfection of the scenery is unmatched. Take out that camera and click away. Coach tours are available, but if you can rent a car and stop "to smell the roses" on the way, it gives you more time for private moments together.
Take in a little ancient history on the way, with Cirencester, a Roman ruins site. Stanton has a local pub, which strategically perches on top of a hill, overlooking the village. The Upper and Lower Slaughters are especially picturesque.
Brighton is mentioned in many English novels as a seaside town with a reputation to reckon. The Prince Regent, in 1770, began his “dirty weekend’” trend with several of his mistresses and that made the stamp of approval official. Brighton is considered a fun place of bohemian character even now. The sea and the bathing are its attractions, so get out that sun-tan lotion and be prepared with a helping hand. The vitality of Brighton is unmistakable, and the Georgian charm of the locality finds some takers.
The Royal Pavilion is one of Britain’s most exotic buildings and one of Europe’s premium palaces. The Indian influence on the architecture is evident in its minarets.
Walk along the Brighton Marina, and you will see several yachts of the super rich docked there.
The Lanes, a maze of narrow, winding streets is a great place to browse the shops. Brighton is just an hour’s time from London.
The blue skies beckon, the waves beg for a paddle and the countryside patiently waits for your notice; Suffolk is just about two hours journey from London and is ideal for a weekend getaway. The coastline extends forty miles. The countryside is the most unexploited so far, and the hamlets and heritage towns offer ample recreation in walking, cycling, or just quiet relaxation in the best of company. Suffolk has the best of country food; farm fresh and healthy. There are also the usual sight-seeing options available.
Romance is certainly lurking around the corner in Suffolk. For a romantic rendezvous, rent one of the country homes or cottages and then ride bikes in unison around the perfect countryside. "
