The UK’s most romantic destinations revealed: Windermere is No1 followed by Loch Lomond and St Ives 

The UK’s 40 most romantic destinations have been named – and it’s Windermere in the Lake District that’s No1.

The ranking came from a poll of 2,000 Britons who were asked to name the country’s most idyllic spots for couples in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

In second place is Scotland’s Loch Lomond, while the Cornish beach town of St Ives is third.

Windermere in the Lake District, pictured, which has been named as the most romantic destination in the UK 

Taking fourth place is the Peak District National Park followed by the village of Grasmere, also in the Lake District, in fifth.

The picturesque Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water is sixth and Durdle Door in Dorset is seventh.

The rest of the top 10 is made up of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh (eighth), The New Forest in Hampshire (ninth) and Royal Crescent in Bath (10th).

Coastal destinations in the top 40 include Tenby in Wales, Langamull on the Isle of Mull and Liverpool’s Crosby Beach.

Popular green spaces making the list are the New Forest, Richmond Park and Windsor Park.

And although the research found that 64 per cent would opt for the countryside when thinking of romantic places, London sights including St Paul’s Cathedral, Little Venice and Greenwich Park are in the top 40.

According to research, the second most romantic place in the UK is Loch Lomond, pictured, in the Scottish highlands

According to research, the second most romantic place in the UK is Loch Lomond, pictured, in the Scottish highlands 

The research, commissioned by Premier Inn, also revealed that the ideal romantic place has a viewpoint to watch the sunset (61 per cent), a quiet and secluded area (58 per cent) and greenery (44 per cent).

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 had 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 research also revealed that the average couple goes on two sentimental weekends away together each year, costing around £187 each trip.

The Cornish beach town of St Ives, pictured, is named as the third most romantic spot in the UK

The Cornish beach town of St Ives, pictured, is named as the third most romantic spot in the UK

And while 63 per cent said they 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 said they choose to visit destinations they’ve seen on TV or in films, and a quarter revealed they want to show their other half places they visited as a child.

A third said wanting to cover off areas of the UK they’ve never seen makes them decide where to travel to with a partner.

Meanwhile, half of those polled said they believe UK romantic spots are underrated compared to those abroad.

Taking fourth place on the list of the most romantic spots in the UK is the Peak District National Park, pictured

Taking fourth place on the list of the most romantic spots in the UK is the Peak District National Park, pictured 

An aerial view of fifth-place Grasmere from the slopes of Silver How fell

An aerial view of fifth-place Grasmere from the slopes of Silver How fell

Bourton-on-the-Water, pictured, has come fifth in the ranking

Bourton-on-the-Water, pictured, has come fifth in the ranking

Simon Ewins, managing director for Premier Inn UK, 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 every day 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 40 MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS IN THE UK

1. Windermere, Lake District

2. Loch Lomond

3. St Ives, Cornwall

4. Peak District National Park

5. Grasmere, Lake District

6. Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

7. Durdle Door, Dorset

8. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

9. The New Forest, Hampshire

10. Royal Crescent, Bath

11. York

12. Brighton Pier

13. London Eye

14. Stratford-upon-Avon

15. St Paul’s Cathedral

16. English Riviera, Torbay

17. Giant’s Causeway, Belfast

18. Kynance Cove, Cornwall

19. Little Venice, London

20. Stow on the Wold, Cotswolds

21. Hyde Park, London

22. Greenwich Park, London

23. Windsor Park

24. Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull

25. Richmond Park, London

26. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

27. Sandbanks Beach, Poole

28. Llanddwyn Island, Wales

29. Tenby, Pembrokeshire

30. Cambridge Quayside

31. Southbank, London

32. Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea

33. Bournemouth Beach

34. Suspension Bridge, Bristol

35. Crosby Beach, Liverpool

36. Cardiff Bay

37. The Quayside, Newcastle

38. Alderley Edge, Cheshire

39. Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

40. Clevedon Pier, Clevedon

Source: Premier Inn

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk