The UK's 10 most romantic places to propose

Days out, Romantic breaks

Posted by Kate Williams on 4th February 2022

Laugharne

Looking for the perfect place to propose? Almost as important as choosing the engagement ring or planning what to say, finding a romantic place to pop the question is all part of what makes the day a special and unforgettable one. 

To inspire you, we've compiled a list of a few of the best places to propose around the UK - whether you hope to make your move on Valentine's Day or are putting together a romantic summertime proposal, this list should make your planning easy and fun too. 

Find your perfect setting amongst these wonderfully romantic places to propose or discover more stunning destinations in our collection of retreats for couples. 

Romantic cottages


Pepperpot Lighthouse in Portreath Cornwall

Portreath, Cornwall

For the ultimate outdoor proposal, many visitors to North Cornwall favour this spot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean either at sunrise or sunset. We reckon this is one of the best places to get engaged as the skyline and sunsets are outstanding. 

Climb out to the iconic ‘Pepperpot Lighthouse’ where the views of the Atlantic are undiluted and give you the ultimate backdrop for your next move. This is just one of many great beauty spots along this section of the Heritage Coast which is characterised by the vestiges of old tin mines. Devon and Cornwall are full of enchanting proposal spots to discover. 

Romantic Cornwall cottages


Bath Abbey Tower

Bath Abbey Tower, Somerset

The honey-coloured architecture and cobbled streets of Bath already imbue this city with romance and elegance, but climb the 212 steps up to the top of Bath Abbey Tower for your proposal and you'll be making your grand romantic gesture with the city skyline as your backdrop. It may come as no surprise that beautiful Bath Abbey is already known as one of the best proposal locations in Somerset, and you can even book on to a special private romantic tour of the abbey with your partner. 

Romantic Somerset cottages


Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds

Cleeve Hill, The Cotswolds

Hike a picnic up to the highest peak in The Cotswolds for a proposal if you are holidaying in the Cheltenham area. At 1,083 feet above sea level, the views are unique and stretch across the whole region in every direction. There are endless trails to make a day trip of it and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a proposal on top of the world? Simply amazing.

Romantic Cotswolds cottages


River Thames at Windsor

River Thames in Windsor, South East

Hire a rowing boat or a small motor launch from the promenade and disappear into the winding tributaries of the upper River Thames with overhanging willow trees, boundless fields of green and blue skies. There are many inlets off the river to head for to make your moment complete. An intimate spot for a proposal in one of the most romantic towns in the UK. How many famous people can you name that have been married in Windsor recently?

Berkshire cottages


Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Scotland is full of scenic, romantic proposal spots! It is a kingdom where each bend in the road presents another fine view even better than the last beauty spot. How to narrow it down to a single spot is impossible, but we’ve selected the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye - one of the most magical and unique places to propose! 

They are a collection of serene crystal-clear blue pools along the River Brittle. They are great for wild swimming, for those mad enough to enter the cold water. What a memorable spot for a marriage proposal!

Romantic Scotland cottages


Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Listen to the waves, soak in the views and breathe in the salty sea air on a visit to the beautiful tidal Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey. This remarkable corner of Wales is home to the ruins of St Dwynwen's Church, a gleaming white lighthouse and you can take in views of Snowdonia/Eryri here too. 

Romantic North Wales cottages


Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle, Kent

Ever fancied a fairy-tale prince or princess to whisk you away to their castle? Well, there are few castles in England that fit the remit so comfortably as Bodiam Castle in Kent which is complete with ornate turrets and a moat with lily pads (no crocodiles here). There are many spots within sight of this wonderful edifice where you can mark your special occasion. A marriage proposal at Bodiam Castle is a location for true romantics.

Romantic Kent cottages


Scafell Pike in the Lake District, the highest peak in the UK

Scafell Pike, Lake District

For the truly athletic romantics, if the peak of Scafell Pike in the Lake District is your chosen proposal spot, we’d like to think you’ve both got climbing and hiking in common. A good basis for any relationship is at least one common interest. 

Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and what a unique place to get proposed to. If you are the one doing the proposing, make sure you find a good spot to kneel down. The views here are, as you would expect, unimpeachably the very best in the UK if you pick a clear day!

Romantic Lake District cottages


Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

English literature fans will adore the idea of being whisked off to Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District for a surprise proposal. The setting of many a film and TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth House is an iconic stately home instantly recognisable.

Idyllic and seductive, the landscaped gardens of Chatsworth have many beautiful places to choose from for when you want to pop the question. There are few more fantastic love stories in English Literature than those of Jane Austen, and 'Pride and Prejudice' could well top the list thanks to the screen adaptations that have kept it in the public consciousness.

Romantic Peak District cottages


Laugharne, South Wales

Laugharne, South Wales

The language of love is poetry. One of our greatest scribes was Dylan Thomas and you can still visit one of his homes, The Boathouse, and visit his writing shed in Laugharne in South Wales.

With views across the estuary, this is a classic yet more personal place to get engaged if you love 20th-century history and literature - made all the more wonderful if you find a short Dylan Thomas quote about love to regale your future husband or wife with. If you know the spot by the writing house, you will agree that this place is a true winner and sure to bring a tear to your eye when the magic moment becomes a reality.

Romantic South Wales cottages


Plan your proposal 

Out of our list of magical and romantic places to propose, one is sure to have caught your eye and we have couples' holiday cottages close to all of these spots to make your special day unforgettable! Why not take a look at our top 10 romantic cottages with hot tubs for some more inspiration?

Browse through our collection of romantic retreats perfect for a lovers’ escape to the countryside or the coast to find the perfect base for your getaway. 

Romantic cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.