Whilst many couples dream of an exotic proposal in a far-flung corner of the world, there are endless romantic locations found within the humble shores of the United Kingdom. In fact, research by SpaSeekers revealed London is the second-most popular city for proposals, with only New York seeing more engagements than England’s capital.
However, when it comes to romantic places in the UK, London is just the tip of the iceberg. From the south coast of England to the isles of Scotland, there will surely be a place suitable for every type of couple, fit enough for wedding venues.
Here are three of our favourite picturesque proposal destinations across the UK – where are you going to start your adventure together?
The Lake District
Commonly deemed to be one of the UK’s most popular proposal destinations, the Lake District is synonymous with romance and beauty. Situated in the north west of England, it is the country’s largest national park and contains within it endless natural jewels. From Lake Windermere to Scafell Pike, the Lake District inspired many works by the romantic poets long before diamond engagement rings came into fashion, and has retained its alluring charm to this day.
There are stunning vistas around every corner of the Lake District, and you will never be short of picture-perfect places to pop the question. However, it is worth looking into some of the most popular spots in the region to ensure you don’t miss the location of your dreams.
One of the most renowned spots in the Lake District for proposals can be found on the shores of Ennerdale Water. Many celebrities have proposed or been proposed to in this famous part of the country, from Paul McCartney to Pippa Middleton. However, the most glowing endorsement for the Lake District is former U.S. president Bill Clinton choosing Ennerdale Water as the location for his first proposal to former First Lady Hillary Clinton.
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the famous couple, with Hillary rejecting the proposal! She cited wanting to focus on her career as the reason for saying no, rather than the choice of location, however.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Found on Dorset’s world-famous Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. Set back from the pebble and shingle beach in the shallow English Channel waters, the limestone arch which has formed over millions of years attracts visitors from all over the world.
Whilst you can get up close and personal with the structure on the beach, for the most memorable view, follow the trail from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door. This 2-mile round trip hike will take you to the Durdle Door lookout point, where you can take in the prominent vistas.
From the top of the cliff, there is access to the beach via a set of stairs. So why not have the best of both worlds and get down on one knee overlooking the horizon on the cliff edge, before congregating on the beach for a memorable photoshoot?
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
According to research conducted by famous romance publishers Mills & Boon, the Fairy Pools of Skye have been deemed the most romantic spot in the UK. With crystal clear waters, stunning waterfalls and fascinating rock formations, it is impossible not to fall in love in such beautiful surroundings.
Reaching the main waterfall requires a small walk up the hillside which shouldn’t be too strenuous, even with the diamond in your pocket weighing you down. Most visitors choose to stop on the way up to the final destination, admiring the smaller pools along the way. If you’re feeling brave enough and the weather allows, why not take a celebratory (or despondent) dip in the icy pools?
If you’re heading to the Fairy Pools with a proposal in mind, it will be worth hiring a local photographer or asking someone to photograph the special moment. The awe-inspiring landscapes around the pools will contribute to some truly magical engagement photos to cherish forever.