Pop the question: 6 of the most romantic places to propose in the UK
8 May 2024
Seeking the sweetest places to propose in the UK?
If you’ve found the love of your life and are excited about planning your happily ever after, thinking about where and how you propose marriage to your beloved can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional wedding with all the frills, or a thoroughly modern way to say ‘I do’, the manner of the proposal matters. The story of how you popped the question will be retold at your engagement party and anniversary celebrations down the decades because it’s the story everyone, your family, friends —and perhaps your future children—will want to know.
To help reduce your jitters and dial up the romance, we’ve selected six of the most magical places to propose in the UK.
Top of The Shard
Searching for the best places to propose in London? How about getting down on one knee at the top of London’s tallest building? The Shard is a modern architectural gem that also offers a heady spot for those in search of a jaw-dropping stage for the most romantic performance of their life. It takes just 60 seconds to whizz up on the high-speed lift to The View from The Shard, an observation deck located between the 68th and 72nd floors of this iconic building. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. You can either pop the question on the triple level indoor gallery on the 69th floor, or on the partially open air sky deck on the 72nd floor and celebrate with a glass or two of champagne. Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Where to stay: Choose from three of the very best luxury hotels in London — The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Hari, the chic modern townhouse hotel in Belgravia, or Art Deco haven, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair. From £400 per night.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Fans of the recent Netflix series, One Day, based on the novel by David Nicholls, might already have this Scottish landmark in their sights for declarations of everlasting love. Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano formed some 350 million years ago and one of four historic hill forts situated within the stunning Holyrood Park. If you follow the main path to Arthur's Seat, it takes at least 30 minutes to get to the top, and standing at 251m above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with superb views of the city. It’s one of the most romantic places to propose in the UK and the park is also home to Salisbury Crags – a series of 150 foot cliff faces dominating Edinburgh’s skyline.
Where to stay: If you’re floating with joy, feast your eyes on Fingal, Edinburgh’s fabulous hotel on a moored boat (from £300 per night), or if you’re in the mood for some heavy Baroque style vibes, check into the beautifully opulent Prestonfield House (from £375 per night).
York Minster, York
How about a bit of Gothic drama? The mighty York Minster is not only one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world but it also offers an experience to make your heart beat faster and some very heavenly vistas. The highest point in York, York Minster’s Central Tower is open to the public and offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city — if you’re prepared to (and fit enough) to climb the steep 275 steps to the top. En route, you can marvel at the medieval stonework and gothic grotesques but make sure you don’t get too out of breath for the grand finale.
Where to stay: Set in gorgeous gardens, the stunning 17th-century Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is one of the most romantic hotels in York. Star attractions include its elegant spa and delicious fine dining experiences. From £267 per night.
Darling Fell, The Lake District
If you’re planning to propose in the Lake District, you’re on safe ground: this area of outstanding natural beauty is widely considered the most romantic national park in the UK. Here, you’ll be spoiled for suitably lush backdrops but there’s something undeniably cute about climbing a hill named ‘Darling’ and pulling a sparkling ring from your rucksack. This low level fell sits above Loweswater and you can reach it via a short, steep walk from the lake side. From the top, you can soak in delightful panoramic views across Crummock Water, Buttermere, Grasmoor, and the Cumbrian coastal plain. It’s also a perfect spot for watching the sunset, so why not pack a gourmet picnic and bottle of fizz?
Where to stay: A heart-melting modern hotel in the glorious Lake District, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House offers luxurious bedrooms and a mouth watering Michelin-starred restaurant, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel. From £235 per night.
Summit of Mt Snowdon, Wales
The top of Mt Snowdon is one of the most spectacular places to propose in the UK. If you’re a pair of avid and suitably fit hikers, you can ascend Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the tallest peak in Wales, on foot. There’s a choice of six paths for different levels of experience to conquer this 1,085 metre (3,560 feet) giant, or you can take the softer option by simply jumping aboard The Snowdon Mountain Railway. This charming little steam train will transport you all the way from Llanberis Station to the summit. En route, you’ll see viaducts, waterfalls and gorges and the views from the top (where you’ll arrive at Hafod Eryri visitor centre and cafe) are simply sublime.
Where to stay: Few luxury hotels in Wales will set your heart a-flutter quite like the five-star Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, an historic hotel with views of the Snowdonia mountains that dates back to the 13th century. From £262 per night.
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach, an 18-mile long shingle beach that stretches from West Bay to Portland, is another romantic location with literary connections. Author, John Fowles famously described it as “an elemental place, made of sea, shingle and sky, its dominant sound always that of waves on moving stone: from the great surf and pounding … of sou’westers, to the delicate laps and back-gurgling of the rare dead calm….” And according to Country Life Magazine, the view of Chesil Beach from the coast road above Abbotsbury is Britain’s third best view. It’s one of the most charming places to propose in the UK, so prepare to pop the big question —and a cork— while on a stroll by the rolling surf.
Where to stay: Dating to the 7th century, The Priory Hotel is a prestigious Grade 11 listed retreat set on the banks of the River Frome in Wareham. It exudes romance with a quirky, quintessentially English style vibe. From £230 per night.
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