Where to Propose in London
To some people London may not seem the obvious place for a romantic proposal. The weather is unpredictable, and the hustle and bustle of the capital city can be overwhelming. However most people who have visited London will tell you there is a buzz and an energy to it that makes it truly unique, and in a city so full of history, fashion, art, and culture there are bound to be plenty of exceptional places to ask that all important question.
Iconic places to propose in London
There are plenty of monuments and iconic locations in London that are associated with love and romance, so having some idea where these are can help you to plan your proposal. The statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus might be a busy spot but thousands of couples have got engaged beneath it. The tradition states that if you propose under the statue on the stroke of midnight you will have good fortune in your marriage, assuming she says yes of course!
Another well known monument is the clock at Waterloo station, and lovers have been meeting under it for years. Ideally you’d arrange to meet your girlfriend there and propose immediately, but that might be a little tricky if you’re travelling to London together.
The River Thames plays a huge role in the geography of London, and proposing with a view of the river is sure to add a touch of romance. Tower Bridge is the best known location along the river and it is spectacularly lit up at night. You can walk across it and propose in the middle or take a boat trip and propose as you sail up to it.
The London Eye is often described as the best place to propose in London, and it certainly gives you a spectacular view over the city. However, unless you want to pay around £300 for a private capsule you will be enclosed with a number of other people which can reduce the romance factor a little. There are other places where you can enjoy great views, such as the top of The Monument, erected to commemorate the great fire of London, which usually has fewer tourists although, or the many bars and restaurants in Tower 42.
Places to Propose in London in the Winter
London has a special atmosphere in the winter and many people flock there for Christmas shopping, which can be a great cover story for a proposal vacation. On a sunny frosty day there are plenty of places to propose such as the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, where an ice rink surrounds a Victorian bandstand and you can enjoy the Christmas markets.
If you do decide to propose in London in the winter, you might want to plan an indoor alternative in case of bad weather, and a great choice is afternoon tea at the Ritz with champagne. Make sure you book in advance as this is a very popular experience.
Garden Locations for a London Proposal
If you’d like somewhere a little quieter to propose, and perhaps you’d like to combine your proposal with a scenic walk and a picnic, London has a surprising number of parks and green areas. One of the most popular is Primrose Hill, north of The Regent’s Park, which is the highest point in London and has open spaces and beautiful views. If it looks somehow familiar, that’s probably because it has been used as a location in a number of movies.
Parliament Hill, the gateway to Hampstead Heath, is another great spot for a picnic proposal with a view over the city, or if you want to stay closer to the centre of London you could take a stroll in Hyde Park and hire a rowing boat on the Serpentine. Nature lovers could consider Kew Gardens, London’s botanical gardens, which houses a huge variety of proposal locations alongside its exotic plants.