ALDERLEY Edge has been revealed as one of the most romantic destinations in the UK.

A study of the most idyllic locations saw the village feature in the top 40 list of most romantic spots in the country in the run up to Valentine's Day, with Windermere in the Lake District taking the number one slot.

The spot in the Cumbrian national park was followed by Loch Lomond and St Ives, with the popular Cotswolds villages of Bourton-on-the-water and Stratford-upon-Avon also featured high up the list, as did Dorset's Durdle Door.

Alderley Edge was listed in 38th place.

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."

Research into 2,000 Brits 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).

The average couple goes on two sentimental 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 go to areas of the UK they've never seen makes them decide where to travel with a partner.

Top 40 Most Romantic Spots in the UK:

1. Windermere, Lake District

2. Loch Lomond, Scotland

3. St Ives, Cornwall

4. Peak District National Park, Peak District

5. Grasemere, 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, Northeast England

12. Brighton Pier, Brighton

13. London Eye, London

14. Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds

15. St Paul's Cathedral, London

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, Windsor

24. Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull

25. Richmond Park, London

26. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

27. Sandbanks Beach, Poole

28. Llanddwyn Island, Northwest Wales

29. Tenby, Pembrokeshire

30. Cambridge Quayside, Cambridge

31. Southbank, London

32. Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea

33. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth

34. Suspension Bridge, Bristol

35. Crosby Beach, Liverpool

36. Cardiff Bay, Cardiff

37. The Quayside, Newcastle

38. Alderley Edge, Cheshire

39. Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

40. Clevedon Pier, Clevedon ENDS