Gorgeous UK village offers Northern Lights views for perfect romantic break
A picturesque village in the north of Scotland is one of the best spots in the country to see the Northern Lights.
If you are looking for a romantic spot this Valentine's Day or beyond, then heading to John o' Groats may be wise. The village is a small one - home as it is to just 300 people - but its reputation as the most northerly spot on the UK mainland is outsized.
The population is regularly swelled by the large numbers of visitors who head there having made the trip all the way up from Lands End in Cornwall, whether by train, foot, bike or car, the Daily Record reported.
Its unique location offers stunning views over the harbour to the Orkney islands - a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. Given how northerly John o'Groats is and how few large towns there are in the nearby area to pollute the sky with light, it is an amazing place to gaze at the stars or see the aurora borealis if you're lucky.
The village is home to just 300 people (Getty Images)The quaint working harbour at John o' Groats is mostly used by local fishermen catching crabs and lobsters. It's worth taking a stroll down to the pier to breathe in the fresh sea air and to watch the trawlers come in for the day with their catches.
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John o'Groats by Together Travel is the heart of the village, offering a variety of accommodation options in vibrant buildings that beautifully contrast with the rugged landscape. From glass-fronted lodges to luxury penthouses, it's one of the best places in the village for a romantic getaway.
On Tripadvisor, the accommodation firm has an average rating of 4.5 out of five from 782 reviews. One recent visitor described it as "comfortable and cosy with great views", while another said it was "absolutely amazing".
As you'd expect, John o' Groats is full of beautiful secluded spots to sit and enjoy the views. One such place is the peaceful Bay of Sannick, which is usually quiet - perfect for enjoying some alone time with your loved one.
The Bay of Sannick is usually so peaceful that you'll likely only share it with the local wildlife. It is not rare to spot seals splashing around in the water or a seabird fluttering overhead. When in the area, it is almost required that you visit the famous John o'Groats signpost. It is probably one of the most photographed signs in the UK and is handily located right next to the old John o’ Groats hotel.
It was installed in 1964 to mark ‘Journey’s End’; the very top tip of mainland UK. Originally the signpost operated as a visitor attraction, with the landowner at the time charging a fee for visitors to take photos of it. Today however, you can take as many photos as you like, free of charge.
If you are a geographical completist then you may want to head over to the Duncansby Head - the real north-eastern tip of the Scottish mainland which exceeds John o'Groat's distance from Lands End by a good mile or two.
While John o'Groats is a commercial tourist attraction, Duncansby Head reveals nature at its most striking. You and your loved one are likely to be alone on this rocky outcrop, with nothing to distract you from the beautiful view beyond and the moment.
As you might expect when it comes to somewhere which is mostly famous for being far away, getting to John o'Groats is not easy. From Glasgow it is a five hour drive or a train journey which gets you most - but not quite all - of the way that takes seven hours.
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