Ahh, love is in the air, and what better way to spend it than by swapping the cold, grey city streets for the freezing, muddy countryside! But wait, there are upsides – romantic strolls along deserted beaches, breathtaking romps over frosty hills, and views that actually make the numb fingers worth it. And then the cosy bit: you survived the elements, now it’s time to settle down for a hearty meal in front of a roaring log fire in a friendly country pub, or in a faraway cabin. And then? Who knows…
Valentine’s Day escapes are lovely… until you’re standing on a windy platform waiting for your delayed train.
If you’re dreaming of cosy cabins, dark skies and pub fires you might prefer to get there by car – and you don’t even have to own one! Borrowing a friend or family member’s car, and insuring it with temporary car insurance can be a really simple way to escape somewhere special for a few days.
Below are five romantic UK spots where public transport is patchy, and having your own wheels turns your romantic getaway into an easy, relaxed adventure.
Why borrow a car for your Valentine’s adventure?
Some call it ‘temp cover,’ or ‘day insurance’ but it all amounts to the same thing: temporary car insurance that can be taken out on either your own vehicle or someone else’s.
Before we dive into the destinations, a quick run-through of why this type of short term car insurance can be a great shout:
- You can go off-grid. The most romantic places are often at the end of tiny lanes, not next to a railway station. With temporary car insurance, you can borrow a car and actually reach them.
- You only pay for what you need. A couple of days away? Get temp cover just for that trip, rather than a whole year. Zixty offers cover from 1 hour to 28 days.
- Everyone’s properly insured. With the right insurance policy, the car owner’s no-claims bonus is protected if something goes wrong, and you’re correctly covered to drive.
Now, where to go…
1. Stargazing at Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
Dark skies, quiet roads and a cabin in the woods – Kielder has it all.
Why you need a car: Like the other locations in this article, Kielder sits deep in rural Northumberland. There’s no nearby train station and public transport is limited, so it’s the sort of place that’s realistically a car or nothing. With temporary car insurance, you can borrow a car for a couple of days and reach for the stars!
What to do together:
- Book a cottage or cabin near the forest or lakeshore.
- Wrap up warm and visit the observatory or simply lie back and spot constellations from your hot tub!
- Spend your days around the reservoir, or take a stroll along the nearby Hadrian’s wall.
Valentine’s vibe: Think twinkling stars instead of city lights, and that lovely feeling of being miles away from everyone else.
2. A cabin and hot tub in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
North Wales is made for dramatic, us against the world scenery – mountains, lakes, waterfalls and forests. Some of the loveliest cabins and lodges are tucked away in places you won’t reach easily without a car.
What to do together:
- Base yourselves near Beddgelert or another pretty village and explore mountain passes, lakes and forests.
- Pack a flask, find a viewpoint and watch the sunset over the peaks (remember your torch!).
Valentine’s vibe: Rugged landscapes outside, soft lighting and fluffy towels back at the ranch.
3. A foodie escape in the Yorkshire Dales
Picturesque villages, stone built cottages, riverside walks and country-pub dinners – the Dales are made for romantic weekends.
What to do together:
- Check into a small inn with log fires and a good wine list.
- Spend your days pottering between waterfalls, viewpoints and tea rooms.
- Drive up onto the moors for a windswept walk, then head back for dinner and an even longer lie-in.
Valentine’s vibe: Long walks, friendly locals and quiet roads made for sharing playlists and pondering your next meal.
4. Hidden coves on the Llŷn Peninsula, North-West Wales
If you like the idea of wild beaches without the crowds, the Llŷn is a gem. It sticks out into the Irish Sea like a little finger of land lined with coves, cliffs and tiny villages.
What to do together:
- Find a cottage or shepherd’s hut with sea views.
- Spend your days beach-hopping, maybe trying a coastal path walk if the weather behaves.
- Stop in at village pubs for seafood and a drink before heading home.
Valentine’s vibe: Windswept walks, shared blankets, and the sound of the sea outside your window at night.
5. Wild walks and cosy pubs in Dartmoor National Park
Granite tors, open moorland and ponies wandering across the road – Dartmoor feels like a proper adventure, but it’s surprisingly accessible by car from much of the south of England.
What to do together:
- Park up near a tor, hike to the top and take in the huge views.
- Explore pretty villages on the moor, or head down to the nearby south coast of Devon.
- End the day in a tucked-away in your romantic bolt-hole.
Valentine’s vibe: A little bit wild, a lot bit cosy, and very easy to tailor to however energetic (or lazy) you’re feeling.
Making it happen with Zixty
If you’ve now mentally planned at least three of these trips (I know I am I have?), here’s a simple way to turn “we should go there” into actually going:
- Pick your spot and dates. Think 2–4 days to make the most of your drive without needing a week off work.
- Decide whose car you’ll use. Partner? Parent? Friend? Make sure they’re happy for you to drive it and that the car’s taxed, MOT’d and roadworthy.
- Sort the temp cover. With Zixty you can arrange temporary car insurance – flexible short term car insurance from 1 hour to 28 days – just for the time you’re away, so everyone’s properly covered and the owner’s main policy stays protected.
- Plan the fun bits. A couple of walks, one special meal, maybe an activity (stargazing, hot tub, boat hire, whatever suits you), and leave space for lazy lie-ins.
- Hit the road. Snacks, playlists, a decent map app and you’re good to go.
Valentine’s doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – sometimes it’s just about borrowing a car, grabbing a few days of temporary car insurance, and heading somewhere beautiful where the buses don’t reach and the stars actually show up.
Comparing Day Insurance providers
Search the internet or AI for “Temporary car insurance” and you’ll find plenty of providers, each with different prices, durations, age limits, and features.
To make choosing easier, we’ve put together a comparison of the Best UK temporary car insurance providers.
It breaks down:
- Who each provider suits (including provisional licence holders and van drivers)
- Typical cover lengths
- Key features and differences
A handy next step if you want to compare the main players before buying.
