Lake District named most romantic destination in UK
More than half of people think they can tell romantic potential of a place from photographs
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Your support makes all the difference.The Lake District has been named as the most romantic destination in the UK in a nationwide poll.
A study of 2,000 British adults discovered the most idyllic spots in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, including St Ives and Loch Lomond.
The popular Cotswolds villages of Bourton-on-the-water and Stratford-upon-Avon also featured, as did Dorset’s Durdle Door.
Windermere in the Lake District took the top spot and Scottish sites made up two of the top 10 places, with Arthur’s Seat joining Loch Lomond.
Although 64 per cent would opt for the countryside when thinking of romantic places, urban sights including the London locations of St Paul’s Cathedral, Little Venice and Greenwich Park made the top 40.
Simon Ewins, managing director for Premier Inn UK, which commissioned the research said: “In the lead up to Valentine’s Day it’s great to celebrate what we have on our doorstep.
“The UK clearly has lots of romantic destinations for days out or weekends away to escape the busy everyday and enjoy quality time away.
“Whether you opt for a city skyline or secluded green space, there are plenty of idyllic spots to enjoy.
“It’s important not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the year to experience new destinations with a partner and enjoy what the UK really has to offer.”
The research also found half the nation believes UK romantic spots are underrated compared to those abroad.
Coastal destinations in the top 40 list include Tenby in Wales, Langamull on the Isle of Mull and Liverpool’s Crosby Beach.
The ideal recipe for a romantic place was found to include a viewpoint to watch the sunset (61 per cent), a quiet and secluded area (58 per cent) and greenery (44 per cent).
Popular green spaces in the list include The New Forest, Richmond Park and Windsor Park.
The favourite places of people in Britain for marriage proposals include Arthur’s Seat, Durdle Door and Brighton Pier.
More than half of those polled said it’s important to visit romantic destinations with a partner to keep the relationship strong, and 47 per cent have revisited a favourite spot.
A fifth even admitted to visiting the same scenic place with a previous partner.
And an eighth of those polled via OnePoll went to a romantic destination on a first date.
The average couple goes on two weekends away together each year, costing around £187 each trip.
While 63 per cent think of places as romantic if they have memories of visiting there with a partner, more than half said even if they haven’t been somewhere they can tell its romantic potential based on photos.
A fifth chooses to visit destinations they’ve seen on TV or in films, and a quarter want to show their other half places they visited as a child.
And a third said wanting to cover areas of the UK they’ve never seen makes them decide where to travel with a partner.
SWNS
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