Romantic getaways in Devon don’t have to mean crowded restaurants, fixed menus, or roses wrapped in plastic. At Fingals, romance looks a little different. It’s quieter, slower, and infinitely more memorable. Here, love is found in early morning mist drifting through the valley, in the crackle of logs on the fire, and in long walks where the only soundtrack is birdsong and the distant rush of the River Dart.
Here, love is found in early morning mist drifting through the valley, in the crackle of logs on the fire, and in long walks where the only soundtrack is birdsong and the distant rush of the River Dart. Whether you’re celebrating years together or stealing away for a last-minute escape, Valentine’s Day in Devon offers something rare: space to reconnect.
Why Devon Is Perfect for Romantic Getaways
There’s something about Devon in February that invites closeness. The landscape softens, the lanes empty, and the coastline takes on a wild, dramatic beauty. Winter light glows low and golden, perfect for slow afternoons and cosy evenings.
South Devon in particular is wonderfully romantic at this time of year. The crowds have gone, the pace has eased, and places like Dartmouth, Totnes, and the Dart Valley feel as though they’re waiting just for you. It’s a season that encourages you to linger — over lunch, over conversation, over a shared bottle of wine.
And at Fingals, romance isn’t curated or choreographed. It unfolds naturally. It’s easy to see why romantic getaways in Devon are so often about slowing down, reconnecting, and letting the landscape do the talking.
Where to Stay for a Valentine’s Escape
Every corner of Fingals lends itself to romance, but some spaces feel especially made for couples.
Barberry Brook: A Secluded Romantic Getaway in Devon
Barberry Brook is a favourite for good reason. Tucked beside the stream, this eco-friendly retreat is a world away from everyday life. Wake to the sound of water slipping over stones, linger over coffee on the balcony, and spend afternoons wrapped in blankets with a book you’ve been meaning to read for years.
The open-plan bath with stream views is perfect for long soaks after winter walks, and evenings are best spent cooking something simple, opening a bottle of wine, and letting the outside world fade away entirely.
For couples seeking romantic getaways in Devon that feel truly private, Barberry Brook offers seclusion, comfort, and a deep sense of calm.
The Folly: Idiosyncratic, Romantic, and Utterly Unique
Designed by artist Andras Kaldor, The Folly has a kind of romance that can’t be replicated. Vaulted ceilings, playful details, and that famous riverboat cuddle chair create a space that feels both intimate and joyful.
Light the fire, open the balcony doors if the weather allows, and listen to the brook babble below. From the back of The Folly, you overlook a miniature wilderness where kingfishers dart and, if you’re lucky, an otter might make an appearance. This is romance with a sense of humour — and a great deal of soul.
Romantic Things to Do on Valentine’s Day in Devon
1. Take a Winter Walk Along the Coast
Few things bring people together like a good walk, especially when it ends somewhere warm. February is a wonderful time to explore the South West Coast Path. The air is crisp, the views dramatic, and the beaches blissfully quiet.
Try a stretch near Start Point or Slapton Sands, where the sea crashes and the light dances across the water. Wrap up well, take your time, and return rosy-cheeked and ready for a hot drink by the fire.
2. Wander Hand in Hand Through the Dart Valley
For something gentler, the Dart Valley offers woodland walks that feel almost enchanted in winter. Moss-covered trees, twisting paths, and glimpses of the river below create a sense of intimacy and calm.
Greenway and the lanes around Dittisham are especially lovely, even outside the main season. Bring a flask, stop often, and let the world slow down around you.
3. Enjoy a Fireside Lunch or Supper
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need candlelit formality. Some of the most romantic meals are the simplest ones, especially when shared by a fire.
There are plenty of welcoming pubs nearby where you can settle in for lunch after a walk, or you might choose to gather ingredients locally and cook together back at Fingals. Cooking side by side, music playing softly, something delicious bubbling on the stove — it’s romance without performance.
4. Explore Dartmouth or Totnes at a Quieter Pace
Winter is the perfect time to explore nearby towns without the bustle. Dartmouth feels almost cinematic in February, with boats bobbing gently on the Dart and narrow streets inviting slow wandering.
Totnes offers independent shops, galleries, and cafés that are ideal for an unhurried afternoon. Share a piece of cake, browse without purpose, and enjoy the pleasure of having nowhere in particular to be.
5. Stargaze from the Garden or Terrace
On clear nights, the skies above Fingals are wonderfully dark. Step outside, wrap up warmly, and look up. Stargazing together is one of those quietly magical experiences that doesn’t need words.
It’s the kind of moment that lingers long after Valentine’s Day has passed.
Creating Your Own Valentine’s Rituals at Fingals
One of the joys of staying somewhere like Fingals is the freedom to create your own traditions.
You might start the day with a swim in the indoor pool, followed by coffee and pastries back in your cottage. Spend the afternoon exploring, or don’t leave at all. Read, nap, talk, and cook together. Play board games, listen to records, or sit quietly watching the light change across the valley.
Romance isn’t always about doing more. Often, it’s about doing less — together.
Valentine’s Day with Dogs? Absolutely.
For many couples, romance includes a four-legged friend. Fingals is proudly dog-friendly, and February is a brilliant time for canine adventures. Quiet beaches, muddy lanes, and long woodland walks make for happy dogs and even happier owners.
There’s something especially lovely about returning from a winter walk, dogs tired and content, and settling in for the evening with everyone together.
Why Valentine’s Day at Fingals Feels Different
Fingals isn’t about spectacle. It’s about atmosphere. It’s about the feel of thick socks on old floors, the glow of lamplight in the evening, and the sense that time has loosened its grip.
Whether you visit for Valentine’s Day or simply because winter feels like the right time to escape, romantic getaways in Devon are at their best when they’re unhurried, understated, and quietly beautiful.
And perhaps that’s the most romantic thing of all.