You may be surprised to learn that you will need planning permission if you want to lay a driveway in an impermeable surface such as tarmac or block paving. http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/pavingfrontgarden/ Your choice will depend on your budget and the materials of the house (which you do not describe). My preference would be brick or concrete block paving. If you make this permeable the build-up can be substantial as there is a thick layer of granular material needed. The alternative is to drain the run-off into a swale (a shallow depression where it can gradually percolate into the soil) or other method of disposing of the water on site. I recommend a neural colour so the driveway fades into the landscape rather than stands out. This manufacturer offers a good range: http://www.marshalls.co.uk/homeowners/driveways

Hi Sharon, why not install an interesting victorian wall panelling? Like the one on the link below and photos attached. You can paint it in any colour and it’s an elegant, contemporary solution for English bathrooms. These mdf panels work really well with the patterned floor tiles and are easy to maintain and install. https://www.designangels.co.uk/product-page/victorian-mdf-wall-panelling

Hi- if you are keen on gravel, it might be worth investigating gravel grids. They can be laid over tarmac and will keep the gravel in place. I used them in my own garden 5 years ago to create a base for loose laid porcelain tiles and they were dead simple to use DIY. Have a look at this website’s FAQs... it is very informative... it even explains how you can deal with elevation changes so you can open your garage door. https://www.nidagraveluk.co.uk/gravel-stabilisation-grid-faqs/.