Scenic drives: top romantic routes in the UK

This Valentine’s Day, pack your sat nav, (and perhaps an overnight bag) and head out on the open road. The UK has many stunning drives for you to enjoy. Here are our favourite romantic routes.

Scarborough to Guisborough, North Yorkshire (39.6 miles)

If you journey to the North of England, make sure you take a drive along the ancient Whitby coastline and into the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. This route has it all... wild moorlands, meandering streams and far-reaching views of the ocean. Your final stop on this stretch will bring you to Guisborough, a charming old town with a ruined priory. If you plan to pop the question this Valentine's Day we suggest taking an excursion to Newton-Under-Roseberry. Here you'll find the summit of Roseberry Topping, which has been named one of the world's most romantic places to propose.

Kendal to Keswick, Lake District (29.8 miles)

The Lake District is perhaps the UK's most loved National Park, and has welcomed many visitors, ever since the Romantic poets arrived in the 19th century. With dramatic fells and glittering lakes, the route from Kendal to Keswick offers outstanding views of the Park. You'll have the chance to stop off at the both Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere, as well as the village of Grasmere, where poet William Wordsworth once lived.

Alnwick to Lindisfarne, Northumberland (24.6 miles)

What makes this route special is that it starts and finishes at two historic castles: Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne Castle. But this route isn't just for the history buffs. If you're an avid bird watcher, visit Lindisfarne Nature Reserve. Otherwise take a romantic stroll on sandy beaches and through picturesque market towns. The route ends at Holy Island. Once home to St. Oswal, this tidal island has many treasures of the Lindisfarne Priory waiting for you to discover.

Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds (31.2 miles)

English poet, William Shakespeare, was considered a true romantic, often writing about love and affairs of the heart. If you're a hopeless romantic too, why not take a journey to the playwright's birthplace? Starting at Cheltenham, drive along the B4632 and enjoy a peaceful ride through the rolling fields and forests of the Cotswolds. There are many historic villages for you to visit on the way, too. Once you arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, try to catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall (76.2 miles)

The most southern route on our list takes you along the Atlantic Highway along the north Cornwall coast. The Atlantic Highway offers a stunning stretch of coastal landscapes and gives you access to some of the country's most pleasant fishing villages, perfect for a pit stop. Sights you'll see on the way include Constantine Bay and the Bedruthan Steps. If you're looking to go off-piste, you can visit a stunning clifftop castle at Tintagel.