Romance is a relative term. Some couples may consider an overnight stay in a luxury hotel complete with a spa treatment and a slap-up fancy meal as the ultimate romantic experience.

Others might be happy with just a takeaway in front of the TV and a cuddle. But if you were looking to do something a little bit special to celebrate Valentine's Day 2023 then Lancashire is perfect for a loved-up retreat.

With this in mind, we've put together a list of locations to stay across the county which should suit a range of budgets and tastes. We've focused on settings that provide tranquillity and privacy, those that are dog-friendly (in case you just can't face leaving your four-legged pooch behind) and quirkier alternatives for those looking to share a different adventure together.

READ MORE: Cheap Valentine's Day date ideas in Lancashire that your bank account will thank you for

Using a combination of top customer rated hotels and accommodation and our own expertise, take a look for some inspiration for a last-minute Valentine's escape in our Red Rose county, with availability this February and March.

Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston

Inside a room at the Cartford Inn
Inside a room at the Cartford Inn

If an amazing meal and night's snooze in a cute village is what constitutes a dream date night, then you have found it in the Cartford Inn. Recently named one of The Times' top 100 places in the country you should stay in, the classic and charming 17th century coaching inn has former Claridge’s chef Chris Bury in the kitchen.

It prides itself on serving locally-sourced, seasonal dishes and the rooms are extravagant with two penthouse suites, a cosy river-view room, a four-poster bed in another and others featuring open brickwork and thick, wooden beams. Book a night at the Cartford Inn, with doubles in February and March including breakfast from £170.

Accessible rooms are also available. Find out more information here

The Midland, Morecambe

The Inn Collection Group has acquired The Midland Hotel
The Inn Collection Group has acquired The Midland Hotel

This stunning seafront art deco hotel overlooks Morecambe Bay and is worth considering if quirky and accommodation with character is what you prefer. The striking hotel was built in 1933 by the London Midland & Scottish Railway and designed by renowned architect Oliver Hill.

It specifically compliments the curve of the Morecambe Bay promenade and sea-facing rooms feature spectacular, sprawling views.

The Everything Retreat, Mellor

The Hutte alpine lodge at Everything Retreat in the Ribble Valley
The Hutte alpine lodge at Everything Retreat in the Ribble Valley

We can't get enough of the Ribble Valley, especially Mellor and the surrounding cluster of villages, including the ancient and beautiful Ribchester. We stayed at the Everything Retreat and it was just like being in an alpine lodge in a five-star ski resort.

Each wood cabin boasts its own hot tub, wood burner, kitchenette and has its own theme from one of the two collections - The Signature and The Unique. They are fitted out with the finest quality furniture, upholstery and fixtures and you'll be impressed by the finishing touches.

Sip a fizz in the hot tub as the sun sets over the hills in the horizon, wrap up in the cloud-soft blankets on the stylish sofa and then sink into the gloriously comfortable king-size bed.

You can book a stay at Everything Retreat, here.

Coach and Horses, Ribble Valley

Everything about this place is exquisite From the stylish rooms to the high standard of food, cooked with the best, locally-sourced ingredients.

The traditional coaching inn in Bolton-by-Bowland is award-winning and its location is unrivalled, in the heart of Ribble Valley and on the cusp of the Forest of Bowland. Boasting seven luxurious bedrooms, each with a bespoke design, guests can also relax in the intimate bar or brave the beer garden and sit under the stars or crisp early spring sun, if the weather gods co-operate.

The Coach and Horses won the Perfect Stay Award in the 2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards. They are running a special Valentine's package to stay in their suites, from £250 which includes bed and breakfast for two, your Valentine's meal and a bottle of Prosecco in your room.

Dogs welcome. Check availability here

Craven Heifer Inn, Kelbrook

A room at Craven Heifer Inn
A room at Craven Heifer Inn

Lancashire is lucky to have a number of gorgeous gastropubs with rooms to choose from, but this one in Pendle is our pick. It is regularly rated highly by guests for an ideal place to stay if you are travelling as a couple.

Rooms are no-fuss, light and airy and this is a great option if you are on a tighter budget but also keen to be in a location close to gorgeous landscapes and walks. The venue sits between Colne in Lancashire and historic Skipton in North Yorkshire and close to the Boundary Mill shopping outlet.

There's free parking and reatusrant serving fresh, wholesome meals. You can book a classic room in February and March from £85 and £105 for Valentine's night (February 14), including breakfast.

Have you got a favourite place to stay in Lancashire for a romantic retreat besides the ones mentioned here? Let us know in the comments

Stanley House Hotel and Spa, Mellor

Stanley House Hotel & Spa - Mellor near Blackburn

If you're looking to go the full hog this Valentine's, this countryside retreat is 'the one'. The beautiful period house is set in its own 54-acre land in the Ribble Valley, near Blackburn.

It feels genuinely exclusive, with luxury and grandeur at the forefront of everything, from the spa facilities, plush bedding and bold décor in the rooms to the intricate design of the gardens and floor to ceiling windows in the pool, offering panoramic views of the rolling hills beyond.

There's 30 bedrooms, a cool and contemporary restaurant and popular bar area. Availability is limited, but rooms start at £179 per night, with the option to book a spa and dinner package.

The spa and restaurant can also be booked for non-guests.

The Lawrence, Padiham

The Lawrence boutique hotel in Padiham, near Burnley
The Lawrence boutique hotel in Padiham, near Burnley

This beautiful converted townhouse is also award-winning. There's five rooms types and each one has its own individual touches. From roll-top baths, open wood beams, vintage furniture and king size beds.

Expect a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day and and a well-thought out menu packed with seasonal and local dishes for an intimate dinner in this small but perfectly-formed hotel, which also has its own speakeasy-style lounge and cosy bar.

This Grade II-listed boutique hotel is also in a prime location, a short drive from CLitheroe, close to Pendle Hill and the centre of Burnley. If a big corporate hotel isn't your thing, then The Lawrence could be right up your proverbial street. Oh, and dogs are treated as well as the humans, with owner Michael often bringing his pooch Hetty to visit.

Prices start at £69 for a midweek stay in a snug room, while the top end duplex Aya Suite starts as little as £189, including breakfast. Booking direct through the hotel is recommended.

Freemasons at Wiswell, Forest of Bowland

Inside the Mr Fox room at Freemaons at Wiswell
Inside the Mr Fox room at Freemaons at Wiswell

This is one of the best gastropubs in the country, and was named the third-best in the recent 'pub Oscars'. Known for its blend of experimental and traditional menu created by head chef Steve Smith, this venue is a foodie's dream.

And as for the rooms, well, they're stunning. There's four with wildlife-inspired names to choose from - Mr Fox, Mr Hare, Partridge and Grouse. This countryside inn is nestled in a beautiful area of the county, six-miles from Clitheroe and has been given a contemporary twist.

The inn is currently running 'escape winter blues' packages (to March 31), from £240, which includes a night's stay in a luxury room, a seven-course tasting menu and full English breakfast.

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