Thinking about popping the question? There is so much that goes into planning the perfect proposal, and it usually starts with the engagement ring. Once you have the ring, you can start to make plans for how you’ll ask, where you’ll be, and how you’ll share the news with the world.
For some people, the perfect location might be where they first met. You might pop the question in your own home, at the supermarket, or in your favourite restaurant. But if you want something more extravagant, you might think about choosing one of these popular UK proposal spots.
You could plan a weekend trip under the guise of just “getting away from it all”, but you’ll have something far more memorable up your sleeve. If you’re looking for a romantic spot to pop the question, try these suggestions. We’ve gathered a wide range of choices, from wild and remote spots to popular public spots where you can make a scene.
1. The London Eye
It might sound cheesy, but hear us out. The London Eye is one of the few places you can visit to enjoy uninterrupted views of the London skyline. If London features heavily in your love story, then you can’t beat this spot. You can hire a pod just for you and your other half and hide a bottle of bubbly to crack open when they say “yes”. The difficult part will be waiting until you reach the top to ask the question.
2. Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire
Indulge your mysterious gothic side with this unconventional but nonetheless romantic spot. Whitby Abbey is most famous for its links to Dracula author Bram Stoker, but the quaint fishing town offers plenty of charm in its own way. The winding streets and stunning sea views will mean you’ll be spoiled for choice.
3. The Lake District
If you love to get out in nature, pair your proposal with a long walk and finish at a stunning lake-side restaurant or cosy English pub. The Lake District has no shortage of romantic and rugged spots to pop the question. Set up a hidden camera nearby to capture the moment so you can share it with the world.
4. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
This fairly easy climb offers stunning views across Edinburgh, including views of the beautiful castle and surrounding countryside. Take a picnic to the top and watch the sunset together before popping the question. You’ll then be a stone’s throw from some incredible nightlife where you can celebrate your engagement.
5. Punting on the river, Cambridge
The rich history and culture is just one part of the appeal of Cambridge. The River Cam is a popular spot for hiring a punt (small boat) and enjoying a day of sightseeing. Pass under the Bridge of Sighs together (named after its Venice counterpart) and legend has it your souls will be bound for eternity. This could be just about the most romantic place to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.
6. The Fountain of Love, Berkshire
The name says it all. This is a popular spot for couples to visit thanks to the romantic history. It’s set in the grounds of Cliveden House in Berkshire. This stunning statement home is a fairytale come true. Not only was it the setting for the 2015 film Cinderella, but real-life princess Meghan Markle spent the night there before her wedding to Prince Harry.
7. Portreath, Cornwall
For stunning views and refreshing sea air, you can’t go wrong with Northern Cornwall. Head to the stunning Pepperpot Lighthouse for the best views over the Atlantic. There are also plenty of other spots along the coastline where you can propose in peace and quiet. A hidden cover would make a memorable spot to propose.
8. Prior Park, Bath
Indulge your literary references with a trip to Prior Park, one of the filming locations for Pride and Prejudice. This sprawling garden features one of just three Palladian Bridges in the UK. The beautiful bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding parks, famously designed by Capability Brown. Find a spot on the bridge just before sunset or on a warm summer’s day to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.
9. Cleeve Hill, The Cotswolds
The whole of the Cotswolds is filled with stunning spots to propose, but if you want uninterrupted views of the region you need to climb to the top of Cleeve Hill. The summit is 1083 feet above sea level and you’ll have beautiful views in all directions. Don’t forget to pack the bubbly to open when you reach the top.
10. The Severn Valley Railway, Shropshire
Take a trip back in time with a ride on the Severn Valley Railway. The train takes you from Bridgenorth to Kidderminster and is one of the most scenic journeys in England. Find somewhere quiet and cosy for two before popping the question mid-journey. You’ll never forget such a unique proposal.
11. The North York Moors
This ruggedly beautiful landscape is the perfect backdrop for a romantic walk. Pick somewhere peaceful and unspoilt, such as near Rievaulx Abbey or Sutton Bank, and be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of Yorkshire's wilds. Enjoy some local ales after your walk before hitting up one of the nearby towns for dinner – this could be just what you need to make your proposal extra special.
12. White Cliffs of Dover
Take in some breathtaking views and propose with a backdrop of the sea at White Cliffs of Dover. Whether it’s during sunrise or sunset, this spot is sure to give you some serious couple goals. You can either head down to the cliffs themselves or find a spot further up on South Foreland Lighthouse for an even more spectacular view. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery together before asking the big question.
13. The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
There’s no shortage of stunning places to propose in Scotland, but the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are an incredible beauty spot that would be the perfect memorable place to pop the question. The crystal clear pools and waterfalls offer a beautiful backdrop for your proposal.
14. Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
If you want to feel like you’ve taken a trip overseas, you need to head to Anglesey. This small stretch of land almost entirely detached from the Welsh mainland is a stunning area with no shortage of romantic places to propose. You’ll enjoy views of the North Sea and Snowdonia everywhere you look. Head to the ruins of St Dwynwen's Church for a beautiful coastal spot that will make the perfect backdrop.
15. Brecon Beacons National Park
Thinking about a night time proposal? Choose a spot like Brecon Beacons and you’ll enjoy guaranteed views of the night sky – weather permitting. The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the few places in the UK to enjoy Dark Skies Reserve status, which means you can enjoy incredible views of the stars. You could plan a star gazing night and then pop the question before you pop the champagne.
Things to consider before popping the question
If you’re planning the perfect proposal idea, you'll want to keep it secret right up until the last minute. With this in mind, there are a few things you’ll need to think about.
- Make sure you have permission from the landowner to be there. If you aren’t sure if you can be there, check in advance. You don’t want your proposal to be interrupted by the police showing up or an irate landowner asking you to move on.
- If you’re proposing in a public place, pick your timing wisely. And make sure this is something that your partner would be comfortable with.
- Set up a hidden camera or hire someone to capture the moment. If you’re going on a long hike and want to be alone, you might be better off setting up a camera. A hidden camera can be set to record the moment so you have video, and then you can take the best stills from the video. If you’re proposing in a more public or accessible place, you could pay a friend to capture the moment for you.
- Have a contingency plan. If you arrive and there are building works at your chosen spot, or someone else is already using it to pop the question, have a back up plan so you don’t have to abandon it entirely.
- Keep the ring somewhere safe. This is particularly true if you’re heading out into nature for a long walk before you find the perfect spot to pop the question. You don’t want to be retracing your steps looking for the little box you dropped and ruining your proposal at the same time.
- Have a follow-up plan. Once you’ve popped the question, make sure you’ve planned something romantic for the rest of the day. This could include a surprise hotel for the night, a romantic dinner or an evening of entertainment. Don’t assume the fun ends once the ring is on their finger; this should just be the start of the festivities.
