Milestone birthday celebrations are equal parts fun and pressure. It’s a privilege to start a shiny new decade, but how do you mark the moment in style while avoiding gaudy decorations and tepid wine in paper cups? If an intimate celebration appeals more than a big party, our romantic places provide breathtaking backdrops for a romantic 30th or 40th birthday celebration. Serious brownie points await if you’re the one surprising them with a glamping break. Escaping to an idyllic, rural hideaway gives you the chance to take stock, unwind and focus on each other on the big day. Crack open the good fizz, rustle up a feast fit for a birthday king or queen and toast this momentous occasion. Here are our most romantic places to celebrate a milestone.
Willow Igluhut is a dreamy retreat offering complete peace and privacy. Wake up to birdsongs, sip coffee in bed, and breathe in the crisp countryside air. Start the special day by wandering to the honesty shop for a homemade breakfast treat, then spend the afternoon paddleboarding on the River Alde, exploring the wild Suffolk coast, or simply cuddled up together in your cosy cabin.
As the sun sets, light the firebowl, pour a glass of champagne and toast to a year of new adventures. If you feel like dining out, a short stroll leads to The Royal Oak’s charming beer garden or the King’s Head’s intimate tap room, where you can enjoy delicious food and a few celebratory toasts. At the end of the night, retreat to the warmth of your cabin, listen to the owls calling in the trees and savour the magic of this milestone moment together.
If you’re looking for a milestone birthday that’s equal parts romance and indulgence, The Damselfly Treehouse is the spot. This luxury hideaway sits directly above a working vineyard. A complimentary bottle of award-winning Black Chalk fizz, made from the vines beneath you is chilling in the fridge on arrival, so you can pop the cork and get the celebrations started right away.
Start the day with an outdoor shower under a towering sycamore or sink into the giant copper bath on the deck, glass in hand, taking in the rows of vines below. Book the wood-fired sauna or winery tasting tour, explore the breathtaking Test Valley, or join a seasonal truffle hunt for a truly unique experience. Once you’re suitably wined, dined and pampered, light the wood burner, get cosy and toast to the start of another great decade.
If you want serious wow-factor for a birthday escape, Chui Treehouse delivers big-time romance. Sumptuously decorated in rich golds, teals and natural wood inside, it feels fit for any special celebration, but the true magic is its connection to nature. Set in the canopy of an ancient oak wood, this lavish treetop retreat wraps you in nature’s embrace while spoiling you with luxurious details. A skylight above the bed lets you drift off under a blanket of stars, while huge windows flood the space with golden light and sweeping views of rolling hills.
The hot tub, tucked into its own private orchard, is the perfect spot to toast your milestone moment. For a zen start to a new decade, unwind together with an on-site couples' massage, reflexology, or yoga session. Once you’re ready to explore, you’ve got the best of Cornwall on your doorstep with St Ives, The Eden Project and National Trust beaches close by.
A big birthday requires memorable moments and Vilberie in Somerset, delivers. This spectacular roundhouse retreat makes sure every moment is magical, whether you're soaking in the massive stone tub built for two under a skylight or watching your favourite film from the comfort of a bubble-filled bath. The main living pod is fairy lit and homely with a wood burner and a romantic king-sized bed in a cosy nook, accessed up a little ladder that makes every night feel special.
The owners have really thought of everything and a celebration package full of local treats is on hand to make the special occasion one to remember. For a milestone meal, cook on the Weber BBQ on the deck with views of the Somerset levels, or head to one of Somerset’s idyllic country pubs. For a grand birthday outing, the gorgeous cathedral city of Wells is just a short drive away.
You know a party’s going well when it involves stargazing from a blissfully toasty hot tub, surrounded by rolling Herefordshire countryside. There’s no need for a taxi home at the end of the night, just a couple of strides into your very own wonderfully quirky retreat. With its blend of Nordic and Scottish style, cavernous Stargazer’s Wagon blends perfectly into its natural surroundings and is fittingly off-grid, using solar power for the lights. The comfy interior has a leather sofa, cosy wood burner and a well-stocked kitchen, although delicious hampers and home-cooked meals can be ordered if you’d rather have a break.
The deck at the front is perfect for enjoying the spectacular panoramic views at sunrise, sunset and any time in between. There are numerous ways to enjoy the gorgeous surrounding countryside including cycling, horse riding and kayaking in the Wye, or you can explore the many old forts, ruins and quiet village pubs nearby.
The name says it all – Quiet of Stars in East Cornwall is the perfect choice for a secluded, romantic celebration, away from the distractions of home. This is tree-framed wilderness but without any compromise on luxury. You’ll find a king-sized bed, a stunning window seat, Neff oven and an abundance of sheepskin blankets, rugs and cushions to encourage deep relaxation.
The deck, hot tub and hammock outside have incredible views across the hills that should be drunk in – along with some celebratory fizz – as you marvel at the endless clear skies, completely free of light pollution. When stomachs start rumbling, we have it on good authority that owner Emma’s complimentary brownies are legendary. There’s lots to explore nearby, walk the South West Coast Path, hit the lively streets of Fowey or swim at Lansallos Cove, Palace Cove or Lantic Bay.
This cosy shepherd’s hut on edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park is made for starry nights and some serious snuggling. Light the candles, slip into the outside bath and soak beneath the night sky in the glow of lantern light, and the softest couples' robes to wrap up in afterwards.
For a unique birthday adventure, Alpaca My Boots offers scenic walks with fluffy, nose-nuzzling companions nearby. Or take a Dragonfly Cruise along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, drifting along a historical waterway and past some of Wales’ most breathtaking scenery. And because no milestone birthday is complete without a toast, head to Hop In Beer & Gin, a tiny but mighty local gem with an epic tapas menu and an even better drinks selection. At the end of the day, curl up in bed, draw the curtains and let the crackling fire lull you to sleep.