Our most romantic places to celebrate a milestone birthday

“We had an excellent stay at the Stag. The hosts were very welcoming and made the stay even more special with complimentary prosecco, chocolates and they put up birthday balloons for my partner's birthday!” Chloe, Dec-2021

Lakeland luxury makes for a wonderfully relaxing milestone birthday celebration. Cosy bathrobes and logs for the wood burner are waiting when you arrive so you can hop straight into the outdoor tub and take in the spectacular mountain views. While you’re basking in the warm water, the local cows and sheep might pop their heads over the fence and say hello, but in this remote shepherd’s hut, they’re the only gatecrashers you can expect. Spend your days wildlife spotting from the endless hiking trails on the doorstep or, if you’re feeling energetic, climb up Skiddaw or Helvellyn and shout that big number from the summit! For a gentler excursion, stroll down the old railway line into pretty Threlkeld to enjoy a hearty pub meal.

A secluded stay in a rewilded ex-WW2 airfield teeming with wildlife, makes for a 30th or 40th celebration you’ll never forget. The entire 90-acre nature reserve is your playground to explore. Owner Fin’s mum might even take you on a guided walk around the site pointing out different species of plants, fungi, butterflies and birds of prey. Having lived there since 1978, she’s the definitive expert. Two Pines is a spectacular setting for a momentous getaway and looks magical lit up at night among the pine trees. Once you’ve watched darkness fall through the huge glass doors, take a bottle of fizz out on the deck to share in the deep outdoor copper bath and gaze at the blanket of stars overhead. Animal calls and tuneful birdsong will provide the party playlist.

A Cornish getaway with the wow factor, Chui Treehouse has an amazing skylight above the bed for wishing on a star before you drift off. 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, the huge windows connect every part of the cabin to the trees and hills outside. Even the hot tub at the back is in a little orchard of its own. For a memorable birthday experience, the owners offer wellness and holistic treatments on site, so you can unwind together with a couples massage or try Reiki, reflexology, yoga and mindfulness. You’ll be achieving major #birthdaygoals with a zen start to a new decade. Once you’re ready to explore, the best of Cornwall is on your doorstep with St Ives, The Eden Project and beautiful National Trust beaches nearby.

“My husband surprised me to a 2-night stay at Vilberie for my 30th birthday…. from the moment we arrived I was immediately relaxed and felt special. The attention to detail is off the scale.” Ben, June-2022

A big birthday requires memorable moments and Vilberie in Somerset, delivers. Toast your 30th or 40th in a massive stone bathtub for two, inside the spectacular roundhouse bathroom. You can gaze up through the skylight above the bath as you soak, or mark the occasion by watching your favourite movie on the handy screen on the wall. 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. The owners have really thought of everything (think Nespresso machine and induction hob) and even offer a celebration package full of local treats to make a special occasion unforgettable. For a milestone meal, cook on the Weber BBQ on the deck with views of the Somerset levels, or head to one of the many idyllic local pubs or the gorgeous cathedral city of Wells.

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.

“My partner and I stayed here for my 30th birthday. We had the BEST time. The cabin was beautiful and so clean” Olivia, Aug-2022

The name says it all, Quiet of Stars in East Cornwall is the perfect choice for a quiet, secluded 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 clear skies, completely free of light pollution. When stomachs start rumbling, we have it on good authority that owner Emma’s complimentary brownies are scrumptious. There’s lots to explore nearby, walk the South West coastal path, hit the lively streets of Fowey or swim at Lansallos Cove, Palace Cove or Lantic Bay.

Round off a day of 30th or 40th birthday celebrations with a movie in your private cinema shed at Ragnarr. If you’ve got a little one that needs to come along too, there’s a child’s sleigh bed in a small separate room, and they’ll love cuddling up for a VIP screening of an animated classic on a rainy afternoon. This spacious Cornish wagon is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so you’re likely to spot birds, bats and possibly even deer wandering through the secluded gardens of Spring Park. For more active days to earn your hot tub time, Dartmoor and Bodmin are nearby and the 18-mile Camel Trail is a must for exploring the countryside by bike or on foot. Cotele House, The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan all make for a memorable day out.