Unforgettable spots to propose in the Lake District
Whispering the famous four words ‘Will you marry me?’ might be nerve-wracking, but thinking about the perfect location doesn’t have to be.
When it comes to choosing the perfect place to propose to the love of your life, nothing beats the picturesque landscape of the Lake District. With its rolling hills, glittering lakes and charming towns and villages, it's a romantic setting for an unforgettable proposal.
Mother Nature has taken care of the backdrop so there’s no need to faff, and without much planning, props or preparation, you can pop the question and wait for that much-anticipated answer.
On a boat
No visit to the Lakes is complete without taking to the water to see the sights and there are plenty of options if you want to pop the question on a boat cruise.
Hop onboard one of Windermere’s Lake Cruises, hire a traditional rowing boat or charter on a private yacht with champagne and strawberries to make the proposal extra special - there’s something to suit every budget.
By a lake at sunset
Combine a beautiful romantic spot with a picture perfect backdrop by getting down on one knee as the sun sets over Derwentwater.
To enjoy the finest, fiery red sunsets plan your proposal sometime between April and September and step out onto the wooden jetty for your big moment.
Ashness Jetty is a favourite spot for tourists and photographers in the Lake District, with good reason, so don’t be surprised if you have a small audience and well-wishers for your big moment.
Ashness Jetty is close to Keswick and a short walk from the car park at CA12 5UR.
In a castle
Get down on one knee and make your prince or princess’s fairy-tale come true with a castle proposal! You can ask the question that will change your life forever in one of Cumbria’s many castles. There are plenty to chose from, with some of our favourites being the atmospheric Lowther Castle ruins in Penrith and Wray Castle with its turrets next to Lake Windermere.
In a bay by Lake Windermere
Rayrigg Bay, on the East side of Windermere, is another great spot for an iconic, Lakeside proposal. Quieter than busy Bowness bay or the more famous Ashness Jetty, the boat landing and Rayrigg Meadow jetty make a charming spot for your proposal.
Its also a popular spot for wild swimming if you’re looking for an excuse to get your soon-to-be-betrothed to join you on a walk.
Rayrigg Bay is close to Windermere and a short walk from the car park at LA23 1BP.
Under the stars
Grizedale Forest is a fantastic spot for star-gazing. Get the weather right, and a night when the moon is dark, and you’ll get spectacular dark skies that city-dwelllers can only imagine.
A dreamy starlit proposal could be a unique and charming choice and Grizedale has been classed as a ‘Go Stargazing Site’, meaning it’s a good location for stargazing, distance to nearby towns and has a safe place to park. There are also regular stargazing events at the site.
So wrap up warm, tuck the ring in a safe pocket, and look to the stars!
In your hotel room
A proposal is a special moment between you and your partner, and some people prefer a quiet, personal moment to celebrate.
Hotel teams love to help make moments special, so get in touch before your stay to discuss your plans and see what they can do to add some special touches to your guestroom - rose petals or champagne could make that instant impact as the love of your life enters the room for example.
Wherever the right moment hits
You don’t need to have a specific location or time in mind when planning your proposal.
Just imagine enjoying a drink on the terrace at Windermere Manor as the sun sets over Lake Windermere, or your savouring a warming scotch in the Chapel Room after a long and exhilarating hike, when you just know in your heart that the moment is now!
Spontaneity can be a wonderful thing and after all, the main thing is to share a special moment with the love of your life, whenever the moment strikes.
