A romantic getaway is what many people dream of for Valentine’s Day. It’s an opportunity to spend some time with your loved one, and romantic road trips in the UK can be an ideal way to visit lots of unique locations and make special memories. 

If you’re looking for ideas for Valentine’s drive, we’ve come up with a selection of locations that can offer a truly unforgettable experience for just two people. From the northern reaches of the Scottish Highlands to the south coast of England, whether you want to get back to nature or enjoy the finer things in life, there is something for everyone. 

If you want to head out on a road trip that’s not too challenging then the Cotswolds is a fantastic place to start. They’re easily accessible from lots of major cities and have a great combination of offerings. 

If you’re the sort of couple who want to indulge in some luxury then there are plenty of spa hotels or high-end restaurants to choose from. For a really luxurious weekend away try Lucknam Park, which has a choice of two restaurants and an award-winning spa. However, if you want to switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life there are equally quiet spots where you can do that. To keep your creature comfort, why not try a shepherd's hut at the Fish Hotel?

There’s no shortage of romantic villages in the Cotswolds, stretching from the quaint locations of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water or Chipping Norton. Tie these locations with a drive on the B4425 and stop off at Upper and Lower Slaughter villages along the way. 

Alternatively, there’s the Windrush Valley, which runs from Bourton-on-the-Water to Burford and offers stunning scenery as you drive the road that follows the River Windrush. From here you can join the A429, which runs from Stroud to Cirencester and offers breathtaking views of the Cotswold Hills, and stop off at the charming villages of Painswick and Slaughters along the way. 

For those located in the south of England, a romantic getaway to the Highlands might seem like a bit too much of a reach. Although it can be a long drive to get there - or alternatively jump on a train overnight - once you’ve arrived in Scotland it’s easy to see a huge amount in a short space of time. However, sometimes it’s still not enough! 

If a romantic road trip away from it all is what you’re looking for, there’s little else like the Scottish Highlands to get lost in. The vast open spaces are unlike any other rural landscape in Britain. 

The route up the west coast and onto the Isle of Skye called the ‘Road to the Isles’ is something everyone should put on their bucket list. Stop at romantic spots like Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Kyle of Lochalsh, and enjoy the stunning views of the coast and the hills. 

On your way, you’ll likely take the A83 and this is equally stunning. This scenic route takes in the beauty of Argyll and the Trossachs National Park, including the stunning Loch Lomond and the village of Inveraray. You can drive the famous winding road called the Rest and be Thankful, visit Inveraray Castle or the Falls of Dochart. 

The A9 might not sound like the most romantic place to take your partner this Valentine’s Day but this scenic route really takes in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, including the Cairngorms National Park and the city of Inverness. There are breathtaking views if you stop off in Aviemore where you can follow the train line - or even have dinner on board. If you head all the way to the coast there are unmissable views from the beach in Nairn, where you’ll be able to see across the sea and the cliffs of the land beyond on a clear day. 

The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of coastline in the south of England. It’s known for its stunning views, and geological wonders, but its proximity to the sea and extensive history make for some extremely romantic locations. 

In fact, the coastline is bursting with romantic spots to visit, from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove and Studland Beach. Durdle Door’s natural arch is one of the most recognizable features of the Jurassic Coast and a popular spot for picnics and walks - ideal for a romantic stroll along the beach and enjoying the stunning views.

As you continue west, the B317 begins at Weymouth and offers spectacular views out across Chesil Beach as you approach Bridport. From here you can continue following the Jurassic Coast on to Charmouth Beach and Lyme Regis. Charmouth is a long sandy beach, known as a popular spot for fossil hunting.

When it comes to romantic locations in England, not a lot compares to the Lake District. Come rain or shine there is a historic pub to curl up by the fire and enjoy a drink or make your own memories on remote walks. 

If you love history, the Lake District is home to Dove Cottage where poet William Wordsworth used to live. The house, located in Grasmere, is now a museum dedicated to his life. However, if stories are more your thing, the home of Beatrix Potter is also now a museum. You can take a romantic walk through the gardens of the farmhouse where the author used to live. 

As well as history and scenery, the Lake District is also packed with fantastic driving roads. Some of its most famous include Honister Pass, which runs from Keswich to Borrowdale, the challenging Hardknott Pass, from Eskdale to Duddon Valley, and Kirkstone Pass, from Ambleside to Patterdale.

It wouldn’t be a visit to the Lake District without driving to some of the lakes though. The second largest is Ullswater, and you can drive the Ullswater Way that follows the shore of the lake. Buttermere is to the west of Ullswater and is surrounded by rolling hills. Here you can hire a boat and take in some of the views from the water. The largest though is Windermere. This lake is in the heart of the town where you can stop for a romantic meal or take a trip on the water.

Rebecca Chaplin is a motoring journalist and owner of 

. She’s written about cars and the best places to drive them for nearly 10 years.

Top 4 most romantic road trips in the UK 

If your head gasket is blown, or if you think it's about to fail, you’ll face a head gasket repair cost of £550 to £1,700. 

A head gasket seals the engine to keep heat and pressure contained. If it fails, the engine can quickly lose performance or suffer serious damage

Understanding average head gasket replacement costs before requesting a quote helps you budget confidently and avoid overspending. Let’s begin with the UK head gasket repair costs.

How much does a head gasket repair cost? 

Full-head gasket repair in the UK can cost between £550 and £1,700. 

The amount typically depends on the region, type of car, and whether the engine has overheated.

A vehicle with an engine in any kind of ‘V’ arrangement, i.e. a V6 or V8, can cost considerably more, as they have two cylinder heads and two gaskets. 

In many cases, removing the heads is often easier with the engine out. 

Head gasket repair cost for different car brands 

Head gasket repair costs often depend on your car type. 

Here’s what UK drivers can expect to pay for a head gasket replacement for the following car manufacturers: 

As with manufacturer types, head gasket repair costs can vary across the UK, with labour rates and parts availability influencing the final price. 

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs by location:

Gasket repair costs a lot due to the expertise needed to repair it. 

In car repairs, labour time drives up costs more than parts. A head gasket may cost £20, but replacing it requires extensive disassembly of the engine. The complexity of modern cars and their need for specialised tools or procedures make repairs even more expensive.

Gasket repairs can be unpleasant for your finances. But with Bumper, you can use

 to split the costs into interest-free instalments. 

There are different types of head gaskets. But, over time, head gasket designs have become more uniform, with most modern vehicles now using Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gaskets.

Older types, now largely obsolete, include:

MLS gaskets feature up to five layers of steel and elastomer, coated with a specialised rubber finish. This construction allows them to withstand the high heat and pressure inside the engine, making them far more durable and reliable than previous versions.

You shouldn’t try to repair a head gasket yourself. An expert is always needed for this job! 

Here are the main steps mechanics will take when repairing your car. 

Are there any additional head gasket repair costs? 

There may be additional blown head gasket costs if your car has mechanical complications. To get an accurate quote, make sure your mechanic provides a very thorough examination.

The head gasket should last for at least 100,000 miles if the car is maintained well.

Some exceptions exist where manufacturers improperly specify the gasket materials. Still, more often than not, a head gasket will never need to be replaced if the car is maintained and cared for properly. 

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Driving with a blown head gasket can cause serious engine damage, so it’s crucial to recognise the warning signs early.

Milky oil usually indicates that coolant has leaked into the engine oil. This mixture forms a white, frothy substance.

It signals serious engine problems, like a blown head gasket, so you shouldn’t ever ignore it.

Can I drive my car with a blown head gasket? 

A head gasket can break in various ways, so the answer depends on the type of damage you have.

As a rule of thumb, avoid driving more than necessary. Overheating or significant coolant loss can dangerously overheat the engine and lead to other costly repairs. 

How long can you drive with a broken head gasket?

You shouldn’t drive at all, as a broken head gasket can lead to further damage and unsafe driving conditions.

If you must, you might manage short distances at low speed, but continued use will worsen leaks and cause overheating. Complete engine failure is another real risk.

Overall, it’s best to repair the gasket before driving the car further.

Can you fix a blown head gasket without replacing it?

Some temporary gasket sealants claim to fix a blown head gasket without replacement, but these solutions are short-term and unreliable. 

Realistically, they’ll stop minor leaks briefly, but the underlying damage and reason for the blown gasket remain.

For lasting repair and to avoid further engine damage, replacing the head gasket with proper mechanical work is the safest approach.

No. Replacing a head gasket is a complex, labour-intensive task that requires special tools and careful handling of engine components. More importantly, it needs mechanical expertise. 

Any mistakes can cause severe engine damage and more costly repairs. For most car owners, it’s safer and more reliable to have a professional handle the repair.

Head gaskets usually fail due to excess engine heat, often from a lack of coolant or poor engine care. Learn more below.

Without coolant, the engine overheats, warping the block and cylinder head and creating gaps that let high-pressure gases escape past the gasket.

Don’t over-rev a cold engine, as it can cause uneven heating, warping, or cracking. 

Keep RPM below 3,000 until the engine warms, about 1–2 miles for petrol and up to 4 miles for diesel.

Ignition or timing faults, often from a stretched or skipped cambelt, can disrupt the combustion cycle.

Valves may close at the wrong time, causing pre-ignition, excessive pressure, and eventual gasket failure.

Does a blown head gasket mean I need a new engine? 

This ultimately depends on the problem's severity and the cause of the gasket failure. 

If the head gasket failed due to engine overheating, the cylinder head and block should be inspected. Severe overheating often warps the head beyond reuse, and the engine block may also crack or warp, necessitating the replacement of these parts.

Is it worth getting a blown head gasket fixed?

Yes. Fixing a blown head gasket is usually worth it if the engine is in good condition. 

Repairing a head gasket restores performance and prevents further damage. Ideal if you want to keep your car on the road.

However, for older or heavily worn cars, repair costs may exceed the vehicle’s value. Assess your car’s overall condition before deciding on replacement.

If your head gasket blows, you can suffer significant damage and even complete engine failure.

Getting the gasket fixed as soon as possible is critical. Hopefully, this article has pointed you in the right direction and helped you estimate your head gasket repair cost. 

A head gasket repair cost can seriously ruin your week. But it doesn’t have to be catastrophic. 

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

Head Gasket Repair and Replacement Cost Guide

Cambiar la junta de culata

Reparatur- und Ersatzteilkosten einer Zylinderkopfdichtung

We are excited to announce the winner of the Dealership of the Month award for December 2022: John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen. 

The team at Aberdeen have been providing exceptional customer service for the two years they’ve been a part of the Bumper network. 

This commitment to the perfect customer journey is reflected in their Trustpilot reviews, where drivers praise the team’s efficiency and ease of setting Bumper payment plans. One customer remarked, ‘Excellent service, immediate approval, splitting the cost for 6 instalments with no interest!’ Another said, ‘Speedy fast service with no wait time, easy to follow and complete’. 

Business Development Consultant, Ricardo Fishbourne, manages the BMW and MINI team at John Clark Aberdeen. He visited them on site to deliver their award. 

Ricardo said, ‘BMW and MINI Aberdeen are the perfect example of a service team that provides a great customer experience. The whole team strive daily to make sure each and every customer leaves with a smile on their face. 

‘We are proud to recognise John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen for their commitment to customer service and congratulate them on this well-deserved award’. 

Well done to Lisa, Callum, Mark, and the rest of the team on your win. 

Dealership of the Month: John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen 

Bumper has partnered with electric vehicle home charger brand 

 to make the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) movement and transition to zero-emissions more affordable for all.

With the 2030 ban on the production of new diesel and petrol cars looming, the need to accelerate EV adoption is clear. However, a lack of charging points across the UK as the Government falls behind on its installation targets and expensive plug-in costs are currently presenting major hurdles. 

A home charger is highly recommended for all EV drivers, mainly due to cost savings per charge but also, for convenience. Launched in February 2022, VCHRGD offers charging technologies which are both 

 and affordable as well as smart and sustainable.

Jack Allman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bumper commented:

“At Bumper, we’re conscious of leaving a positive mark on the motoring industry. To date, this has taken place by lightening the burden of vehicle repair costs for motorists, but our new partnership with VCHRGD enables us to make an impact in a different light. 

“It’s hard to downplay the importance of climate change. However, motorists are currently discouraged from making the switch to EVs due to a lack of infrastructure. As long as customers are unable to guarantee that they’ll have access to fully operational charging points, home charging presents the best solution to encourage the transition to EV usage.” 

Alex Watson, founder and director at VCHRGD, commented: 

“In under a year, the impact of VCHRGD’s customer-first approach has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to see. Our new partnership with Bumper will only make electric vehicles and home charging more accessible to UK EV drivers. 

“With seven years left until the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars, it’s imperative that we act now, not only to offer great charging solutions but to support and educate drivers on the transition to electric vehicles.”

Bumper partners with electric vehicle home charger brand VCHRGD to supercharge UK’s transition to zero-emission 

 has revealed a unique insight into the most convenient addition to our country’s fast-food joints – the drive-thru. 

So, roll down your window, prepare to shout your order, and feast on this list of the best and worst the UK has to offer. 

The list looks at two key areas a successful drive-thru performs well in. The first is speed. Drivers on long, or short, journeys want burgers, and they want them now. The second, is customer service. We want our food quickly, but a friendly and polite service is a must have. 

Reviews from drive throughs of the most populous UK cities were searched for positive key words such as ‘good service’ and ‘quick’, and negative key words such as ‘long queues’ and ‘slow’ to give us our list. 

With an incredible score of 10 out of 10, drive-thrus in Bristol and Leicester are ranked first. From Costa Coffee to KFC, Bristol and Leicester have you covered with every fast-food option you could need. McDonalds and Burger King are the highest rated in these areas. 

With a disappointing score of 0/10, Edinburgh is the worst place for drive-thrus, with KFC coming bottom of the pile when it comes to speed and service. 

So next time you’re on a junk food jolly around Blighty you’ll know which areas to avoid, and which are a safe bet. If not, you could also park up and head inside – but we'd rather go hungry. 

UK cities with the best and worst drive-thrus

With the cold winter months in full force, the slippery surfaces can be an absolute nightmare for some drivers. There’s no denying that heavy rain can make it much harder to navigate the road, yet some drivers are forced to go out in difficult conditions due to work or other commitments. To make sure that you can stay safe at all times, we’ve outlined our eight most practical tips for driving in heavy rain. 

1. Leave the house as prepared as possible 

If you know you might face more risky conditions on the road, you can do most of your preparation before leaving the house. 

The most important step is to ensure that your windscreen wiper blades, both front and rear, are functioning and operational. 

You should also check how much fuel you have, as driving at a slower speed, as you might do in the rain, increases fuel consumption. 

Lastly, use a 20p coin to check that your tyres are of the legal tyre tread depth, as a lack of grip is the absolute last thing you want while driving in rain. 

2. Fill up with fuel if you’re embarking on a longer journey 

If you’re going on a journey that’s longer than a trip to the shops or work, you should consider filling up with fuel before setting off. Rain is notorious for increasing traffic, and getting stuck in traffic is known to increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption. With your heater, lights and wipers all likely to be in full use for the entire journey, your fuel economy will be reduced much more than usual. 

3. How much slower should you drive in the rain 

As a rule of thumb, aim to leave about twice as much space in the rain – four chevrons apart on the motorway, for instance. 

Everyone knows to reduce your speed and leave more space between yourself and the car in front when it’s raining outside, but driving too slow can also be very dangerous when visibility is limited. 

If you lose control of the car and start to aquaplane, it’s a natural response to immediately brake or overcorrect the steering. However, it might be one of the worst things you can do. 

5. Stay on top of your visibility at all times 

You might want to put on an extra layer or two when getting dressed, as the best way to prevent mist on your windows is to switch on your air conditioning. Additionally, use your headlights when necessary and be aware of any large vehicles such as buses and lorries, as they will create large amounts of spray. 

6. If you break down, keep your bonnet closed 

While you might want to investigate the issue yourself, opening up your engine in torrential rain can cause significant damage to your electrical system. Instead, wait for assistance to arrive and allow them to judge the situation. With any luck, the rain will have calmed down by then. 

7. Use a low gear and high revs to get through any unavoidable puddles 

If faced with a large puddle that you can’t avoid on your drive, the best way to get through it is by keeping your car in lower gear while revving the engine. 

What does that actually look like? Let us explain: 

Exact advice varies by the size of the puddle, but driving in second gear is usually a safe bet. 

By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain the momentum of your vehicle and create a bow wave in the water to avoid getting bogged down. 

Once you’ve cleared the puddle, lightly apply the brakes in order to generate heat in the tyres and evaporate any remaining moisture. 

8. Be considerate to others using the roads 

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to get splashed by a vehicle driving through a large puddle while walking on the pavement, you know exactly how unpleasant it is. As part of staying alert to your surroundings while driving in heavy rain, try to also be considerate to others using the roads. This can include driving slowly through puddles near pedestrian areas, being patient with any cyclists who are also facing the adverse conditions and giving other drivers plenty of space on the road.

How To Drive In Heavy Rain Safely

Typically, a gearbox replacement costs between £500 and £2,800.

The gearbox is one of the most important parts of any vehicle, transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Many cars use a simple 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox, while newer or luxury models often have automatic gearboxes with up to 8 gears. 

But how much does it cost to replace a gearbox, and does the price vary between manual and automatic? Keep reading to find out.

How much does a manual gearbox replacement cost?

Replacement manual gearboxes typically cost between £500 and £2,800, depending on the car.

Family cars, city cars, and hatchbacks with engines up to 2.0L usually cost around £200 to £3,000. Whereas, luxury, sports, and performance cars with larger engines can range from £6,000 to £7,000. 

Because gearboxes need precision and quality materials to efficiently transfer engine power, they can be expensive to produce, repair, and replace. 

 can help you split the costs into interest-free repayments.

Manual gearbox replacement costs by manufacturer

Here’s a breakdown of common brands and their lowest gearbox repair costs, without any labour costs:

Alongside manufacturers, gearbox replacement costs vary depending on the type of vehicle. Small cars and vans have very different parts!

The table below provides estimated price ranges for manual gearboxes, including labour, to give you a clear idea of what to expect.

How much does an automatic gearbox replacement cost?

The average cost to replace an automatic gearbox ranges from £600 to £2,300. 

Traditional 5 or 6-speed automatic replacements cost between £600 and £1,200, while twin clutch or DSG gearboxes range from £1,100 to £2,300. 

Whilst automatic gearboxes often involve fewer components in the car, they can be much more complicated and difficult to work on than their manual counterparts. 

Gearbox labour costs average around £400 to £600.

This is because it would take roughly 8 to 10 hours to remove the damaged gearbox, repair it, and reinstall it. Mechanics' cost, on average, £40-60 per hour in the UK. 

Gearbox replacement cost and parts availability 

Successful gearbox repairs depend on having the right components. You can’t put any old gearbox in your car!

Part availability varies, so vehicles with easily accessible components experience faster, smoother repairs with minimal downtime. In contrast, unique or luxury car gearboxes can take longer to fix, as replacement parts are harder to source.

A gearbox should last the engine’s lifetime, typically over 100,000 miles.

Rare or expensive cars may need more frequent replacements. However, poor use by previous owners is the main cause of gearbox problems, which can reduce the overall life of the car.

Gearbox repairs suit minor problems, but complete replacements are best for major damage.

Gearbox repairs in the UK usually cost between £300 and £1,200 and fix specific issues, offering a cheaper but sometimes temporary solution.

Replacements range from £600 to over £3,000, depending on the vehicle and gearbox type, offering a more reliable and long-term solution.

Because gearboxes are such complicated parts, there are a few different failure modes. Here’s a breakdown of typical gearbox repair costs: 

Popping out of gear repairs usually cost between £350 and £600 and involve removing the gearbox to replace worn parts, often for all gears.

This issue, often caused by a worn synchromesh or a poorly adjusted gear linkage, causes the gears to slip out while driving. Synchromesh helps gears mesh smoothly, but when worn, the gear stick can jump out of gear. 

If you can select a gear but the car doesn’t move, a broken or stripped gear cog inside the gearbox is likely the cause, often accompanied by grinding noises.

Repair costs range from £400 to £700 and require removing the gearbox to replace the damaged gear, often due to defects or harsh use.

When no gears can be selected, the problem is usually with the gear selector linkage, which connects the gear stick to the gearbox. 

Repairs generally cost between £100 and £300 and often involve replacing or repairing accessible parts, such as cables or joints. Sometimes a loose clip or bolt is the simple fix.

Noises can come from worn shaft bearings, gears, or low gearbox oil. 

Repairing these issues typically costs between £100 and £600 and may require reconditioning of the gearbox. Checking and topping up gearbox oil early can prevent costly damage.

Yes, many broken gearboxes can be repaired, but it’s not always straightforward. 

Repairs depend on the specific issue and time available, and most garages won’t fix internal gearbox problems. Specialists can handle these repairs, but it takes time and leaves your car undrivable.

For rare or performance cars, repairing may be more cost-effective than replacing the entire gearbox.

A gearbox converts the engine’s torque to usable power for all speeds, like a bicycle but more complex. 

The selector fork, linked to the gear stick, moves gears to change speed. Power flows from the clutch to the input shaft. When the clutch is pressed, the input shaft stops, allowing gear changes without grinding. 

Releasing the clutch spins the input shaft, transmitting power through the lay shaft to the output shaft and wheels at the chosen gear.

There’s no one easy answer if your gearbox has gone kaput. 

Gearboxes can fail when drivers neglect maintenance, overheat the transmission, fail to change the fluid, or drive aggressively. They can also just ‘go bad’ after years of use. 

If you’re worried about your gearbox’s life span, note that worn bearings and low lubrication can cause the part to fail sooner.

Like most things, automotive parts need servicing, maintenance, and mechanical care. If a gearbox is run without oil, it will wear much faster than if used properly.

Things like towing heavy loads or racing will shorten the lifespan of your gearbox, so be wary of a car with a towbar (unless you need it) and clues of an aggressive owner.

How do I know if my gearbox needs replacing?

If your gearbox makes odd noises or pops out of gear, it may need replacing.

Book a service to diagnose the issue, as only an internal check can confirm this. Vague gear selection might mean a simple linkage fix, but lost drive or bad noises often signal the need for a new gearbox.

Can you repair your gearbox without a mechanic?

Only if you have experience working on vehicles. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave the gearbox DIY to qualified mechanics.

Experienced enough to give gearbox removal a go? Replacing a gearbox demands caution and the right tools. If you want to attempt it yourself, follow these key steps:

Again, it’s critical that you only work on the gearbox if you have proficient mechanical experience. Don’t tamper with your car, as you could cause further damage or injure yourself.

Otherwise, seek out a professional who can handle removal safely and prevent extra damage.

Knowing how to protect your gearbox saves you from problems and big costs.

Follow these tips and you should be able to sleep easily knowing you are caring for your gearbox. 

Keep your gearbox well-maintained by following the manufacturer’s service schedule and using the correct oil.

Even if some gearboxes are labelled “sealed for life,” experts recommend regular oil changes to prevent long-term damage.

Avoid harsh driving habits, such as aggressive gear changes or high-acceleration launches, which can strain the gearbox.

Always use the clutch to change gears to protect internal components.

Never try to force the gearstick into reverse or first gear. 

If it’s stiff, release the clutch fully and shift back to neutral before trying again to help the gears mesh smoothly.

If possible, drive your car to a safe spot and call for recovery. If you have lost just one gear, you might be able to drive a short distance using the other gears.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer