The most romantic back-to-nature holidays in Britain and beyond

There is no better way to get intimate with your other half than by sharing a tent. Some might say too intimate. Having just returned from a hike across Devon, on which the man and I bedded down in a canvas home light enough (i.e. tiny enough) to carry on our backs, I feel I know far more than I want to about his knees, elbows, midnight loo visits and three-day-worn socks. (It was, however, a brilliant trip.)

But – thankfully – squeezing into a tent the size of a kennel together is only one type of camping for couples. More sensible pairs might simply pick a bigger tent, and pitch it somewhere spectacular and adult-only. Somewhere you can fling back the flaps to reveal views of vines or sea, and cuddle under the stars. Then there’s the world of glamping, which is more romance and fairy lights than bashed heads and morning breath. You can find back-to-nature retreats for two with a flavour of camping, enhanced by proper beds and hot tubs.

Whether it's a Valentine's day getaway or a break from the city – whatever level of intimacy you desire, there’s a camp or glamp to suit.

Budget romance

Dorset, England

A stone’s throw inland from the Jurassic Coast, Hobby Farm is for adults (and dogs) only – pitches are for two, with plenty of space between; the local pub is only a five-minute walk away. Couples who like to snuggle up can pitch their tents here year-round; if that sounds a bit brisk, opt for the Otter’s Nest Shepherd’s Hut, complete with wood-burning stove.

Pitches from £16pn; shepherd’s huts from £70pn (westdorsetcamping.co.uk)

Bubble break

Abruzzo, Italy

Italy was a latecomer to the glamping game, but Cerchio Del Desiderio (“Circle of Desire”) is perfect for couples wanting a romantica retreat under canvas. The country’s first geodomes – spacious, offgrid bubbles – are scattered amid the lesser-visited hills and olive groves of Abruzzo. Do yoga together, stare at the Gran Sasso mountains from your private deck and stargaze from your outdoor bath.

From £125pn (hostunusual.co.uk)

Divine dreaming

Kent, England

In Kent, you can “champ” – camp in a church. St Mary the Virgin, in Fordwich, is a good choice for couples celebrating an anniversary: inside are rugs, cushions, twinkling candles and fairy lights, a double box pew and cosy campbeds. The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms is right next door.

From £49pppn (champing.co.uk)

High-class Highlands

Perthshire, Scotland

For all-season camping at its most romantic, hunker down in Bramble or Heather, “tents” that seem more like five-star hotels. These opulent yurts, overlooking the Ochil Hills, have king-size beds, roll-top baths , wood-fired hot tubs and proper flushing loos. There are castles and golf courses nearby plus a gin distillery at the end of the drive, though you might spend your entire time simply soaking up the view.

From £200 for a two-night stay (alexanderhousescotland.com)

Accessible amore

Cumbria, England

Cosy up, with a little more space, style and ease, at the National Trust’s Low Wray Campsite. This serene spot on the edge of Lake Windermere not only has low-cost pitches by the waterfront and cute but basic pods, it also has Lake View Cabin – an accessible bolthole with wheelchair-friendly adaptations, electrically-adjustable beds, a fully-equipped kitchen and a dreamy lookout from the step-free deck.

Lake View Cabin/tent pitches from £372/£54 for three nights (nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays)

Gourmet glamping

Peloponnese, Greece

Book a trip for two to Agrikies Country Retreat, where five comfy safari-style tents sit amid fragrant flowers and olive trees on the shores of the Peloponnese. It’s especially appealing to foodies, with on-site activities including olive oil and food-pairing workshops, wine tastings and traditional cookery classes.

From £204 for two nights (agrikies.gr)

Field for two

Ceredigion, Wales

Hide away in the perfect pod for couples: Tŷ Barcud sits alone in a two-acre meadow, amid apple trees and free-range chickens, far from phone signals and other campers. Cedar-clad and cosy, the pod has a double bed with a duck-down duvet, a kitchenette (with welcome goodies), a bathroom, books and games; outside are a fire pit and a hammock with views of the Ystwyth valley.

From £85pn (booking.com)

Vineyard vacation

Styria, Slovenia

The stylish safari tents at Chateau Ramšak are an intoxicating prospect. Dotted around a wine estate near Maribor, you can chink glasses with your sweetheart in a private hot tub overlooking the vines. Choose between a romantic safari-style tent or dreamy treehouse, for a back-to-nature camping vibe but with heating, warm beds and bathrobes. Tours and tastings are available, too.

From £216pn (chateauramsak.com/glamps)

Craic-ing cabins

Co. Galway, Ireland

The panels cladding Ulchaban and Sionnach – two wooden cabins tucked within the Burren Nature Sanctuary – are the colour of a pint of Guinness. Inside, they feel less Irish and more minimalist-Scandi – all huge windows, warming woodburners and smart, sleek design. Perfect for getting all hygge-y with your other half. There’s plenty of nature to explore on the doorstep. You can book a guided sanctuary tour, or venture further out in search of the craic in Galway’s bars.

From £123pn (canopyandstars.co.uk)

Champers camping

Aube, France

Could there be anything more romantic than holing up in a log cabin, deep in champagne country? The three sweet wooden boltholes of Perron-Beauvineau – set around a lake, flanked by trees and vines – are the work of the Perron family, fifth-generation champagne makers. Stay five nights you get a free bottle; all guests are invited into the fancy family cellar and tasting room to learn about how the fizz is made. Salut!

From £84pn (hipcamp.com)

This article was first published in February 2024, and has been revised and updated.