Voted one of the world’s most romantic cities, second only to Paris, London is an ideal proposal location. Whether living in the city or just in town for the day, London offers up countless unique places as a perfect proposal backdrop. From panoramic views to historic landmarks, London has something special to offer every couple. So, discover our top 10 romantic London proposal spots below.
The Shard
A relatively recent addition to London’s skyline, The Shard is a romantic haven. Offering stunning views across the city, The View From The Shard will not fail to impress. Ascend the lofty heights of western Europe's tallest building and enjoy exclusive hire of the attraction for 30 minutes while you pop the question in front of incredible views of London. Aqua Shard, situated on the 31st floor, is also the perfect restaurant for a romantic post-proposal celebration. Or, the Shard has the Shangri-La, an incredible 5 * hotel, within. Proposing in any of their suites or restaurants would be perfect with panoramic views of London in nearly every room.
Sky Garden
At the top of London’s walkie talkie building, the Sky Garden is at the very top. It is quite literally the highest garden in Europe. This new building is a great place to propose in London with its picturesque views of the city from an enlarged glass dome and secluded areas nestled into the rainforest. As for some perfect places to propose at Sky Garden? There are plenty of options at your disposal! The light-filled Sky Garden rooftop offers up observation decks, beautifully landscaped gardens, an open-air terrace, unique bars, and Fenchurch Restaurant, all of which offer extraordinary experiences for a London proposal.
Tower Bridge
Considered by many people to be London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge is a romantic and iconic hotspot. One of the most incredible features is the glass floor walkway where you can experience a birds-eye view of true London life — 42 meters above the River Thames.Did you know that you can privately hire the walkway at the top of the bridge exclusively for your London proposal? The Tower Bridge events team is on hand to design the perfect moment with bespoke decor. Surrounded by an array of restaurants and hotels, there is plenty of choice for the “post-proposal” celebration. So, Tower Bridge offers a fairytale location for your proposal.
London Eye
One of the most iconic attractions in London, the London Eye offers 360-degree views over this incredible city. Whilst many people have experienced a journey on the Eye, how many have experienced their very own private capsule? You can hire a private capsule for £520. Or, for those just wanting a champagne ticket for the special occasion, then £30 makes it an affordable option. You can propose in front of other riders as well as the panoramic view of the incredible London skyline — from the Palace of Westminster to the Waterloo railway station.
The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Bringing Japan to England, the garden oozes tranquillity, colour and peace. Kyoto Garden offers lovers a perfect backdrop featuring a tiered waterfall with a peaceful pond filled with koi. This space is also decorated with stone lanterns that are surrounded by Japanese maple trees. A quiet West London location to propose, Kyoto Garden is also home to stunning peacocks to make the day even more picture perfect. This pretty hidden gem is especially good for a spring proposal, with lots of pretty pink blossoms. Taking on the aesthetics of a Japanese-style landscape, Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a perfect location for a peaceful and intimate proposal.
The Serpentine in Hyde Park
For something more low key, a park is a perfect place for an intimate proposal. The largest Royal Park in London, Hyde Park offers a rich history that dates back centuries. For those who wish to take in London culture through mother nature, Hyde Park is well-suited for your proposal. Push the boat out in a very literal sense by proposing while rowing or on a pedalo on the Serpentine. The latter option is admittedly riskier – hold on tight to the ring. Plan a picnic in Hyde Park when you’re back on dry land to toast your newly engaged status.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s no shortage of plant-based proposal ideas at Kew Gardens. If you like it hot, go for the indoor rainforest at the Palm House, get some fresh air and weave your way among the branches on a walkway high in the trees, or keep it trad in the rose garden. You’ve got 37 acres of woodland to play with too if you’re feeling more spontaneous. Enjoy a stroll along the Great Broad Walk Borders, home to more than 60,000 plants, and step into history at Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. The perfect place for architecture lovers, St. Pauls magical ambiance makes for the perfect proposal. Visitors brave enough to climb this historic structure will find a vertiginous view of the cathedral floor, offering a unique proposal location. The key feature of this circular walkaway is the curving walls that allow visitors within the Dome to hear any spoken words that are as soft as a whisper. If you're fit enough to get to the very top there is a hidden spire outside with the perfect backdrop to your proposal, which overlooks the whole of London.
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich
This UNESCO World Heritage site makes for a starry proposal. Do you want to propose under the starry London night sky? The Planetarium in Greenwich offers private marriage proposals with your names personalised in stars and that ultimate question in the sky. Or, you could get down on one knee in the planetarium, on the Meridian Line that divides the east and west hemispheres, on the Cutty Sark or simply in the historic grounds of the National Maritime Museum. If all goes to plan you could even book your wedding there afterwards – the Queen’s House is home to world-famous artworks, a painted gold leaf ceiling and a tulip staircase that’s crying out to be featured in wedding shots.
The O2 Rooftop Climb
Who knew exercise could be romantic? Love is a great adventure, reflect that with an epic proposal. Clamber to the peak of one of London’s famous landmarks and feel on top of the world as you get engaged at Up at The O2. Climb over the O2, stopping at the viewing platform in the middle. Climbs are usually done in groups, but private groups are available at an additional cost with a discreet guide. Perfect for an outdoorsy couple, this adventurous proposal location offers breathtaking views.