20 Of The Most Romantic Places To Propose In The UK
Author: Lucy Dodsworth
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It’s probably the most important question in your life, so it’s no surprise that finding the prefect location is a big part of planning a proposal. If you’re looking for the ideal place to pop the question, here are 20 of the most unique and romantic places to propose in the UK that are just irresistible.
1. The London Eye
For a view of London from up high – without having to share it with anyone else – why not hire a private capsule on the London Eye. The panoramic views of the city from 135 metres up will take your breath away, and you can get down on one knee in privacy before cracking open a bottle of Champagne to toast your engagement.
2. Punting on the River Cam, Cambridge
Cambridge’s history and beautiful college buildings make it a perfect place to propose, but for an extra dose of romance, hire a punt and paddle out along the River Cam. Sail past college gardens and beneath the Bridge of Sighs – named after its counterpart in Venice – and stop for a picnic in the tranquil meadows where you can surprise your partner with proposal.
3. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Described as one of England’s most romantic country gardens, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens are divided up into ‘rooms’, each planted in a different style. It’s a magical place at any time of year but if you visit in May you can propose along a carpet of bluebells – a symbol of constancy said to be the origin of the traditional ‘something blue’ worn by brides at their weddings.
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4. The Fountain of Love, Berkshire
The aptly named Fountain of Love is set in the gardens of Cliveden House in Berkshire – a luxurious five-star hotel and spa that makes the perfect spot for a romantic proposal. And you’ll be following in the footsteps of real and fictional princesses as the fountain was not only featured in the 2015 film Cinderella but Meghan Markle spent the night before her wedding to Prince Harry at Cliveden House.
5. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
For a real fairy tale proposal, head to 14th-century Bodiam Castle – one of the most picturesque and romantic British castles. Cross the bridge over the castle moat and walk through the grounds in the footsteps of medieval knights and their ladies before heading to the top of the castle tower to propose. And if that’s not romantic enough, you can also arrive at the castle by steam train.
6. Hot air ballooning, Cotswolds
Take flight above the picturesque rolling hills and honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds on a hot air balloon flight for a unique romantic proposal. What could be more perfect than watching the sun rise as you drift high above the English countryside, before marking your engagement with a glass of bubbly on top of the world?
7. Prior Park, Bath
Literature lovers can live out their Pride and Prejudice fantasies with a proposal at Prior Park close to Bath. It’s one of just three places in the UK where you’ll find a Palladian Bridge – the home of 18th-century romantic trysts now make ideal places to propose. The ornate bridge lies across a lake surrounded by gardens designed by Capability Brown.
8. Sharpham Vineyard, Devon
If you’re looking for unique places to propose, what could be better than a boat trip, countryside walk and wine tasting all in one? Sharpham Vineyard in Devon is perched above the River Dart, and you can reach it by boat before exploring its vine-covered slopes to find the ideal proposal spot, before celebrating with a bottle of their award-winning wine.
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9. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
The castle-topped island of St Michael’s Mount lies off the coast of Cornwall, surrounded by clear blue waters and connected to the mainland by a causeway that’s only accessible at low tide. Maroon yourself on this picturesque island and propose next to the castle where you’ll find the best views out across the Cornish coast.
10. Sark, Channel Islands
Head back in time on the peaceful, charming island of Sark in the Channel Islands. With cars swapped for horse-drawn carriages, this tiny island is one of the most romantic places to propose in the UK. Hire a traditional wedding carriage to take you and your beloved for a moonlit ride and you can get down on one knee on the water’s edge beneath the stars.
11. Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon
Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Love by proposing at the pretty thatched cottage where his wife Anne Hathaway was born – the couple were happily married for 34 years. The gardens surrounding the cottage are filled with flowers and tucked-away benches where you can have a moment to yourselves.
Wedding Date in Mind? We offer you the chance to check the availability of your preferred wedding dates with venues in each county.
12. Llanddwyn Island, Wales
What could be more perfect than proposing in a place named after Wales’ patron saint of lovers? Llanddwyn Island takes its name from 4th-century Welsh princess St Dwynwen and is one of the country’s most romantic places to propose with its ruined chapel, magical springs and scenic views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia.
13. Derwentwater, Lake District
Its unspoilt scenery of lakes, mountains and forest make the Lake District one of the most beautiful places to propose in the UK. For the ultimate in romance, head to the quiet shores of Derwentwater where you can picnic on the banks of the lake or hire a boat and row out into the lake to pop the question in total privacy.
14. Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire
One for the Gothic-style romantics, ruined Whitby Abbey on the Yorkshire coast helped inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s set on a headland overlooking the town and the coast beyond, and has been named the most romantic ruin in the UK. Climb up to the top just before sunset for a beautifully atmospheric proposal spot.
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15. Northumberland Dark Sky Park
Cozy up together beneath the stars in Northumberland, home to some of the clearest night skies in the UK. Its low levels of light pollution have made it a Dark Sky Park. Get away from it all in one of the county’s remote romantic places to stay and get down on one knee beneath a shooting star to ask that all-important question.
16. Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Climb up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for the best view across the city of Edinburgh – with plenty of space to find a spot to yourself to ask your partner to marry you. The setting on top of an extinct volcano gives a panoramic view over Edinburgh’s rooftops and for miles around, and the city is full of great bars and restaurants to celebrate in.
17. The Jacobite, Scotland
Add a touch of extra magic to your proposal as you pop the question on board the Jacobite steam train, better known by Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express. The elegant vintage train travels from Fort William to Mallaig through wild Scottish scenery and across the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films.
18. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan’s island location has made it one of Scotland’s most famous castles, with a romantic setting that’s ideal for a proposal. Set on a tiny island surrounded by three lochs and close to the Isle of Skye, the castle is a popular place for visitors. But arrive at sunrise or sunset and you can have this fairy tale location all to yourself.
19. Northern Lights, Scotland
The colours of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis swirling through the night sky make an unforgettable backdrop for a proposal – and their unpredictability makes it even more magical if they do appear. Head to the far north of Scotland and the islands of Shetland, Orkney or the Outer Hebrides in autumn and winter for the best chance of seeing them.
20. Somewhere personal
The UK is full of fantastic places to propose, but the most perfect place for you and your love might well be somewhere with personal meaning for you – whether that’s where you met, where you had your first date, your first holiday or your first kiss – to make it extra special.
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