Romantic driving destinations in the UK guide

If you’re thinking of whisking your loved one away for an impromptu trip, you’re in luck!

The United Kingdom has some truly spectacular locations to visit, and the beauty of living on an island is that everything you could possibly want is within easy reach.

Whether you’re looking for a windswept moor, a lovely coastline, a green idyll or an imposing mountain backdrop, there’s a romantic location for you.

Take a look at some of the most romantic driving destinations in the UK

The Cotswolds

Taking the scenic Cotswolds route between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon offers you a host of green rolling hills to choose from for a picnic.

The drive is peaceful and winds through the verdant pastures and woodland of one of the quaintest parts of England.

For a truly romantic trip, why not plan a Valentine’s holiday driving from B&B to B&B and take in some of the wonderful eateries and country pubs along the way?

You can also book a performance of a passionate Shakespeare play in his home town.

The Lake District

For a more rugged trip, drive from Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District.

Take in the gloriously imposing Lakeland fells, with their rocky outcrops and sloping green hills.

For added romance, read your loved one a poem from the works of Wordsworth or Coleridge, who both found the inspiration for their beautiful words from this area of the UK.

This option could be perfect for fans of hill-walking, camping or sailing, particularly around Lake Windermere.

Snowdonia

This striking driving route takes in some of Wales’s best sights.

There are brooding slate outcrops such as the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, thundering waters at Swallow Falls and more to enjoy as you drive across the national park.

The towering Mount Snowdon is the pinnacle of the trip, which can be enjoyed as a hiking challenge for a romantic couple to share.

There are plenty of romantic hotels in the area, so why not book a couple’s spa treatment for your sore hiking feet?

Scottish Highlands

For a picture-perfect trip, the Scottish Highlands are unrivalled.

There’s a route from Glasgow to Fort William that takes in some particularly scenic spots: Loch Lomond, the Black Mountains, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe’s volcanic rocks, the Three Sisters and Loch Linnhe, and of course, Ben Nevis.

You and your loved one can marvel at the scenery before curling up in front of a fireplace in one of the Highlands’ many rustic pubs.

The brave can try haggis together, or you can just stick to the excellent Scotch whisky on offer.

Cornish coast

There’s nothing quite like visiting the beautiful jewel that is the Cornwall coast. Complete with crystal clear waters, excellent seafood and stunning lighthouses, this route is a lovely one for a meandering drive across England.

Why not go to one of the coastline’s many beaches and see if you can spot a native seal?

There are plenty of places to try a new hobby, such as windsurfing or sailing, if you want to do something fun with your partner.

The New Forest

The New Forest is a captivating area of the south west of the UK, and it’s the perfect romantic spot for a drive and a day out in nature.

You can drive from Lymington to Brockenhurst, taking a scenic route on the smaller roads through countryside and villages.

You can see Rhinewood and Bolderwood Aboretum’s beautiful tall trees, pass by deer grazing, see the open heathland and drive past the famed ford at Rockley.

There are plenty of places to stop off and take photos, as well as have a delicious brunch together.

The Northern Irish coast

This idyllic drive across the northern part of the Irish coast takes you through the Coastal Causeway and the great cities of Belfast and Derry, taking in stops such as Ballintoy and Bushmills along the way.

There are plenty of markets and interesting buildings to explore in the cities, and gorgeous views of the 120-mile Causeway coast.

You can visit Carrickfergus Castle on the water, enjoy a spectacular walk along The Gobbins cliff path, and stroll up the extinct volcano of Slemish.

And you can’t miss the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway.

The Yorkshire Dales

The striking Yorkshire Dales, with their rugged beauty and extensive greenery, are ideal for a long weekend away driving through the wilderness.

Why not start at the quaint market town of Hawes in Upper Wensleydale, and drive to the little town of Thwaite?

This route includes all the breath-taking scenery that Yorkshire is renowned for, as well as steep hills, deep valleys and twists and turns to surprise you.

Going via Buttertubs Pass, the road passes imposing cliffs and rolling hills that are lovely to experience together.

So now you know where the most romantic driving destinations in the UK are, it’s time to plan your little road trip. From what to pack to the perfect playlist to get you in the mood, we’ve got you covered with our guide to planning a road trip on a budget.

Why on a budget you ask? Well it means you’ve got more money to splash out once you arrive at your destination.