Edinburgh, Scotland

Few cities feel as cinematic as Edinburgh. The Royal Mile climbs from the Palace of Holyroodhouse up to Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic crag, while the Georgian New Town below offers grand crescents and good restaurants — together the Old and New Towns form a single UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes it special for couples is the mix: you can spend the morning in a whisky bar or a museum and the afternoon climbing Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano rising to about 251m, or ten-minute Calton Hill for a skyline view, all without leaving the city. Hidden corners like Dean Village and the Water of Leith walk feel a world away from the crowds. The trade-off is distance from the south — the train from London runs about four and a half hours — and August, when the Fringe takes over, brings brilliant energy but high prices and packed streets. It lands just behind Bath because that long journey south counts against it, but for couples who rank history and drama over spa relaxation, it's the one to pick; come slightly off-peak and it's superb.