Perfect Places to Propose in the UK
We shortlist some of the most romantic spots to pop the question in England and Wales.
It might be Valentine’s Day, your partner’s birthday or just a special weekend; whatever time of year you decide to get down on one knee, the location is critical. Romantic, but not clichéd; private, but not too remote; memorable, but for the right reasons – there’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the ideal place: after all, you’re going to remember this moment for the rest of your lives (no pressure, then). Maybe you’re the one asking the million dollar question, or perhaps you want to create an unforgettable scenario to encourage someone else to! Whichever it may be, you need to look at our list for a little inspiration to help you on your way . .
The Kentish Vineyard – Hush Heath Estate
The only English vineyard dedicated to the creation of rosé sparkling wine (and you can’t get much more romantic than that), Hush Heath is a glorious estate in Kent that combines acres of vines with apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands which are carpeted with bluebells in late spring. If you’re in need of some Dutch courage you can sample some award-winning wines before finding any number of leafy glades for that private moment. You could even choose your wedding fizz while you’re there, and better still, make a night of it at one of the Estate’s two country inns, both of which boast lovely boutique bedrooms and delicious menus.
The Welsh Castle – Hen Wrych Hall Tower
Hen Wrych Hall Tower is best described as a romantic fortress for two, situated on the captivating north Wales coast and set into the original walls that encircle the Grade 1 Listed Gwrych Castle. This wonderfully secluded retreat is just five minutes from a quiet beach for that perfect sunset walk (cue small jewellery box) and there are endless opportunities to channel your inner Rapunzel from the bedroom (reached via a winding wooden staircase, of course) which has a huge, carved four poster bed, deep free standing slipper bath and open fireplace for another fabulous engagement option.
The London Restaurant – Clos Maggiore
If the metropolis is more your thing, may we suggest a table à deux at the dreamy Clos Maggiore, in London’s Covent Garden, where French Provençal style meets exquisite London taste, all wrapped up in a heavenly cherry blossom and fairy light festooned courtyard. The retractable glass roof means you can either propose on a steamy hot summer’s night, or in the winter when the flickering candles and roaring fire mean romance is pretty much compulsory. Even the menu favours couples, with a decadent lamb main dish to share and the Valrhona Chocolate Sensation for Two. The impeccable service should make any advance arrangements (you know, ring in the dessert kind of thing) a cinch to pull off.
The Country Estate – Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire
It may be home to the Duke of Marlborough, but there’s no reason why a mere civilian can’t make Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire the setting for posing life’s most important question. This magnificent national treasure is not only an extraordinary stately home, it also sits in over 2000 acres of parkland and formal gardens designed by the legendary ‘Capability’ Brown. Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge which spans the Great Lake would be a first class choice of proposal location as would the Grand Cascade at the west end of the lake which is one of England’s most picturesque waterfalls. Arrive early or late to ensure a moment of solitude before you take the plunge (and we don’t mean a dip in the water.) Assuming you have something to celebrate, head off to the neighbouring picture perfect village of Woodstock and stay at The Feathers to soak up some champagne and Cotswold charm, or the heavenly 17th century Lords of the Manor hotel, a building once owned by Henry VIII (who did a fair bit of proposing in his time).
The Beauty Spot – Callow Hall | Dovedale, Derbyshire
This beautiful limestone dale is one of the most breathtaking natural features in the Peak District National Park and is famous for its stepping stones. Visit on a quiet day and the beauty of the place is ravishing, with a ravine that runs for three miles from Milldale in the north to Thorpe Cloud in the south and provides the ultimate backdrop for an idyllic waterside wander, hand in hand. Poet William Wordsworth described the place as having a ‘streamy glittering splendour’ and it’s no surprise that it’s been a film location more than once. Celebrate a positive answer at the supremely elegant Callow Hall just up the road, a beautiful Victorian country house on the edge of the Dove valley. Sumptuous bedrooms with opulent textiles, antique furniture and award-winning food make this an enticing prospect, and you could even revisit the place of engagement by taking over the entire hotel for your wedding . . .
The Northumbrian Beach –
The coastline of Budle Bay and around Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland is among the most unspoilt in the whole of England. With miles of sandy beaches (often empty, if you choose autumn or winter to get engaged) and the intriguing island of Lindisfarne not far away – you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to potential proposal locations here. A little further inland lies the quirky William De Percy Inn, a wonderfully flamboyant gastropub in which a surprisingly seductive interior hides behind the former coach house façade. Think deep, jewel-coloured hues, dark walls, rich velvets and roll top baths, this is more Parisian boudoir than country house chic. The sultry lighting might be just the thing to catch the glitter on that ring and make it sparkle, so if it’s too rainy for the beach, just head for here instead.
Abigail Stubbs
Features Editor
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