Windswept walks make for romantic breaks

Windswept walks in the rugged English countryside are the perfect setting for a romantic break, one expert said this week.

According to the national tourism agency VisitBritain, the north of England is the ideal place for lovebirds to spend some time together and is also an inexpensive option.

Elliott Frisby, a spokesperson for VisitBritain, said: "The windswept north of England has always been a hot romantic getaway.

"Cosy up with a loved one for a break on the Yorkshire moors as immortalised by Bronte's Wuthering Heights, or in Whitby in the north east with its gothic associations, cliff and beachside walks."

He added that other parts of Britain are also brilliant for a romantic long weekend and noted that England, in particular, has a "rich variety" of appeals.

The English coastline is perfect for walking, riding or building sandcastles, while history buffs may want to take their kids fossil hunting, the expert noted.

"Seaside resorts are regaining their popularity, while our countryside is another appeal: from rolling hills and chocolate-box villages to unique natural environments and wildlife havens," Mr Frisby added.

England's history and heritage attractions were also cited as another reason to holiday on home soil, while unique cultural events and quirky traditions are also a pull for some travellers.

The country's capital, which is due to host the Olympic Games in 2012, was also cited as a top place for holidaymakers to visit.

VisitLondon reports that around 25.45 million visitors came to the city in 2007, with overseas tourists making up the largest proportion of visitors.

Those who did venture to London from overseas spent a grand total of £8 billion during last year, with the average visitor spending between £377 per trip, which typically lasted 6.2 days.

Furthermore, overnight leisure visitor spending during 2007 came to £4.4 billion, while those paying a trip to London on business spent £3.3 billion.

Meanwhile, it seems that 2008 is also set to be a busy year for England with tourists.

According to the United Kingdom Travel Survey, were 32.9 million overnight trips were made in the UK by Brits between January and April 2008.

The first three months saw an increase in domestic overnight trip volumes, with a three per cent increase in January, an eight per cent rise in February and a two per cent hike in March.

Mr Frisby concluded: "Our cities are benefiting from regeneration programmes, contemporary attractions, new hotels and architecture.

"We benefit from centuries of history and heritage attractions as well as a unique culture with events, ceremonies and more quirky traditions, rooted in music, film and literature."