Exeter ranked one of the UK’s most romantic cities ahead of Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, Exeter has emerged as one of the UK’s top cities for romance, according to a new nationwide study.

The study, conducted by Tarotoo, assessed 49 major UK cities using metrics including romantic restaurants, hotels, proposal and wedding photographers, florists, Valentine’s card searches, Instagram hashtags, wedding venues, and romantic events. 

Exeter scored 38.62 overall, placing fourth in the UK.

The city ranked first for proposal and wedding photographers, highlighting its popularity for capturing life’s most intimate moments. 

It also scored second for romantic hotels, making it a popular destination for couples seeking weekend escapes.

Despite lower scores for romance-related Google searches and Valentine’s card buying, the report suggests Exeter offers a more understated, personal approach to romance. 

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With its riverside walks, cathedral views, and proximity to the Devon countryside, the city encourages quieter, meaningful experiences rather than flashy public displays.

“Exeter’s charm lies in its slower, more personal kind of romance,” the study noted. 

“Couples here seem to focus on shared experiences and quality time, rather than performative gestures.”

Across the UK, Bath topped the list, driven by high scores in romantic restaurants, hotels, and events. 

Durham came second, led by strong Valentine’s card activity and Instagram engagement, while Newcastle upon Tyne was third, boosted by its dining scene and search interest. 

York, Edinburgh, and Hereford round out the top seven.

Tarotoo’s analysis is based on nine weighted metrics: romantic Google searches and restaurants carried the most weight, followed by romantic hotels, proposal and wedding photographers, romantic events, wedding venues, florists, Valentine’s card signals, and Instagram hashtags. 

All figures were normalised per 100,000 residents to account for city size differences.

For couples in Exeter, the findings reinforce the city’s reputation as a romantic destination, ideal for both intimate nights out and special celebrations. 

Whether enjoying a quiet dinner by the River Exe, a weekend away in a boutique hotel, or a memorable proposal captured by local photographers, Exeter offers a unique and authentic backdrop for love.