As the mornings are getting darker and the nights are drawing in, the temptation to hole up inside with a large box of Quality Street and a Mad Men box set until summer comes around again is great. Although many people find the cold and wet days of winter – when thermals may be required and tans are in short supply – some of the most unromantic of the year, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
If you need to reignite your love for the colder months, whilst at the same time treating a loved one to a special getaway then you might be interested in romantic weekend break ideas for winter.
Paris
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in which to spend a winter break. When the Christmas lights go one here at the end of November, the whole city takes on a magical air with strands of twinkling lights decorating the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower glittering in the cold night air and the windows of the incredible churches like the Sacre Coeur aglow with light.
Book a snug hotel in the trendy Marais district and spend your days drinking chocolat chaud in the warm pavement cafes and shopping for Christmas trinkets in the winding streets of Montmartre, before taking in a performance at the breathtaking Opera Garnier.
The Cotswolds
Ok so it’s not that far afield but you don’t have to travel abroad to get a weekend of winter romance. The quiet and still of the Cotswolds countryside are a great backdrop for a romantic weekend of country walks and roaring fires.
There are a number of fabulous hotels that have modern interiors and cater for couples taking a break from the city, with mouthwatering food and pampering spa treatments.
Spend a day hiking, warm up by the fire with a cream tea and then sit and gaze at the stars together over a bottle of fine wine.
Vienna
As romantic cities go, Vienna scores pretty highly, especially if you are looking for a festive dimension to your mini break. There are some very reasonably priced hotels available very close to the centre (particularly near the Opera House) and pretty much everything in the city is within walking distance.
Start the day with coffee and strudel in one of the many coffee shops, browse the Christmas markets hand in hand, warm up on some gluhwein and then head to a concert or ballet in the evening for some old school European romance.
Berlin
Berlin may not be an obvious choice for romance, but it’s the clear winner for anyone who prefers romance that’s a little less mainstream.
You can share a passion for history here with tours of the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust memorial then take a wander in the Tiergarten and walk hand in hand by the lakes and lawns.
In the evenings, there are some excellent choices for eating out – from traditional to modern gourmet – and you can dance the night away together in one of the city’ many excellent clubs.
John is a guest blogger from Deal Zippy who have a great choice of travel deals in the UK and worldwide to help you get romantic for less!