The Most Affordable Breaks for Couples in the UK

A new study has revealed the best towns and cities in the UK for a romantic getaway this spring, with Eastbourne taking the top spot.

Valentine’s Day may be over, but you shouldn’t need an excuse to celebrate your loved one—and as the weather starts to improve, there’s no better time to book a romantic staycation with your partner.

The team from the financial and benefits checker website Afforda investigated the most affordable towns and cities in the UK for couples to enjoy a spring getaway. The research considered how affordable and romantic each location was according to four factors: the average price of a night’s hotel stay for two people; the number of hotels that were labelled ‘romantic’; the number of attractions tagged as being ‘good for couples’; and the Google search count for terms related to romantic spots in each location. 

Each factor was assigned a score out of 10, with ‘0’ being the worst for affordable romantic getaways and ‘10’ being the best. Then, an overall index score out of 100 was calculated to produce a ranking of the areas. 

The top 10 most affordable towns and cities in the UK for a romantic getaway this spring 

The area that was revealed to offer the best affordable romantic getaway was Eastbourne, with an overall index score of 57.87 out of 100. The average hotel cost for a night’s stay in the seaside resort for two was £88.26, and a huge 30.4% of these hotels were tagged as ‘romantic’ on Tripadvisor—the fourth highest of any town or city—certifying it as a spot that offers both affordability and a romantic sensibility for couples. 

The town’s coastline is its biggest draw, with the iconic chalk cliffs such as Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters providing a breathtaking environment for you to enjoy with your significant other at no expense. 

Following in second place was Telford, with an index score of 56.71 out of 100. The average nightly price for a hotel in the cosy West Midlands town was £86.05, and it had the sixth highest number of romantic hotels with 28.4%.  

Telford has many quaint romantic spots that couples will enjoy, such as The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse that overlooks the River Severn. If you’re happy to venture out of the town, it’s a stone’s throw away from panoramic countryside views, such as the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. 

In third was Brighton, with an index score of 55.46 out of 100. While it may not seem like the most obvious spot for affordability in the UK, the cost of a night in a hotel for two averaged £89.29, 18.8% of which were categorised as ‘romantic.’ Brighton also had 84 attractions that were deemed good for couples. 

The Brighton Pavilion is one of the most striking and romantic landmarks in the UK. If you visit Brighton, it’s a must-see. If you’re seeking activities that are free of charge, the beautiful beaches and pier are a low-cost and equally enchanting alternative. 

Lincoln ranked fourth, generating an index score of 54.32 out of 100. A night’s stay in a hotel for two in the historic city had an average cost of £96.71, and 27.5% of these hotels were classed as ‘romantic’ by Tripadvisor. 

Lincoln Castle is one of the most romantic attractions in the East Midlands, particularly for lovers of history and architecture, whereas Doddington Place Gardens makes a beautiful date setting.  

Rounding out the top five was Bournemouth, with an index score of 53.84 out of 100. The coastal town offered a night’s hotel stay for two at £81.24 on average, 17.5% of which were romantic. 

One of the most romantic spots in the Dorset town is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Particularly ideal for art lovers, the ornate building is surrounded by palm trees and an exquisite view of the sea. Admission costs less than £10. 

Taking the sixth spot was Norwich, with an overall index score of 53.77 out of 100. A night in a hotel for two would cost approximately £94.52, making it one of the more expensive cities in the top ten. However, the ancient city had 69 romantic attractions for couples, such as the Norwich Cathedral, which is free of charge. 

Halifax followed in seventh, with an index score of 53.39 out of 100. Halifax is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway, and its proximity to the Pennines cements it as a romantic hotspot for nature lovers. Hotels averaged around £85.88 a night. 

Ranking eighth was Worcester, with an overall index score of 53.12 out of 100. Close enough to the Cotswolds for a day out, Worcester is steeped in history. A hotel averaged £88.97 per night, 25% of which were regarded as romantic. 

Placing ninth was Poole, with an index score of 52.89 out of 100. The relaxed harbour town is perfect for nature trails, watersports and soaking up blue ocean views. To stay in a hotel for one night, you could expect to spend around £86.47. 

Completing the top 10 was Sheffield, with an index score of 52.68 out of 100. Considered the UK’s greenest city, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to get outdoors, with the Peak District National Park just five miles away. It also offers the cheapest hotel cost of any place in the top 10 at £74.24 a night. 

Commenting on the findings, Mark Fiander, CEO of GAIN Credit LLC trading as Afforda, said, 

“A spring break can be the perfect opportunity to escape the humdrum of every day life, which can feel particularly opressive in the winter, and enjoy new surroundings. Many towns and cities in the UK offer a romantic experience for couples that won’t break the bank. 

“A trip to a seaside resort such as Eastbourne, Brighton, Bournemouth or Poole may be the perfect way to feel refreshed after a long stretch of dark and cold days. If you’re a fan of culture or the arts, a historic city such as Lincoln, Norwich, Halifax or Worcester would make a great pick, whereas Telford and Sheffield provide ample green spaces for nature lovers. 

“If you can’t get away in the next couple of months, you could book a summer staycation in one of these hotspots, as their romantic charm will only be enhanced by long days and a warm weather forecast.  

“Wherever you choose to go, these budget-friendly towns and cities are packed with cosy hotels, beautiful surroundings and access to nearby attractions, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing escapade for you and your loved one.”