LOVE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW
If England has one thing in its repertoire, it’s certainly a touch of romance! With lush, green countryside, panoramic views and picture-perfect villages; all designed to win over hearts, there’s nowhere quite like the land of hope and glory for loved up couples to pucker up and fall into each other’s arms.
When you think of romantic English films, do you think of Hugh Grant? Well I do. And fortunately, the London born actor has performed in some incredible settings. The market streets of 90’s favourite Notting Hill, that infamous blue door and that cheesy-ish Ronan Keating soundtrack spring to mind. Away from the charm and character of Portobello Road however, the South East has some other spectacular sights which attract couples a plenty. Fans of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Hugh’s other romantic box office smash, will be delighted to see some of the locations used in the film in neighbouring counties such as Surrey, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, which is where Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell’s characters first started falling in love. Judge for yourself whether it was the rolling countryside or each other’s eyes which first attracted them, as you get settled in for the evening in your nearby country cottage. PJ’s on and the electric heater turned to just how you like it as you cuddle up together to a romantic film in the cosy living room. Mickey Blue Eyes anyone?
If heartfelt poems and plays are more your forte, then Stratford Upon Avon’s son William Shakespeare can be your romantic inspiration. Follow in the footsteps of the Romeo and Juliet writer and visit the house where he was born, lived in with his mum, dad and seven brothers and sisters and then later his pregnant wife Anne Hathaway. Now part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, visitors can see how the Tudor playwright lived and where he gained inspiration for his most famous works such as Macbeth, The Tempest and Othello. Been drawn in from the romantic lines spoken by the Bard of Avon? You can discover his honey coloured thatched roof birthplace on Henley Street alongside other romantic Stratford Upon Avon landmarks like 12th century house Charlecote Park and the Church of the Trinity when you book a holiday cottage in the area. Will it be a lovey dovey read in the private garden over a glass of wine you decide to pursue or a passionate meal made with culinary expertise in the self-catered kitchen and eaten while holding hands at the large oak dining table? Whatever you do, just avoid cooking Shylock’s pound of flesh as gruesomely told in Shakespeare’s 16th century play, The Merchant of Venice!
As you make your way up the country, there’s plenty of places that can peak romantic interest and live like there’s no tomorrow. The Peak District in Derbyshire is just one of those spectacular rural retreats. With over 550 square miles of open English countryside to explore, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what to do first. Link arms and step into the hearty hinterland and pages of Charlotte Bronte’s 19th century novel Jane Eyre or alternatively recreate that famous Mr Darcy scene in Pride and Prejudice. Yes, you know the one… when Colin Firth emerges dripping wet out of the lake at the sensationally scenic Lyme Park. Remember now? Why not recreate it for your lover as you come out of the modern style en suite shower deep in the northern countryside and re-emerge in your well-lit master bedroom? Views a plenty and that’s even before the towel is removed!
ROMANTIC COTTAGE PROMISES
A holiday cottage full of anticipation
As you can see, England is a country that has huge experience of being romantic and with so many breath-taking locations eagerly anticipating that long, passionate kiss, it’s time to start looking out for country cottages in the area and enjoy performing those famous romcom scenes of yesteryear.
