The 7 Best London Proposal Ideas
Thinking of proposing to your other half? Arguably the biggest question you’ll ask in your life, planning romantic proposal ideas requires a lot of careful consideration – from the setting, to the words you say and, of course, the all important engagement ring. Our jewellery workshop is based in London’s Clerkenwell, so we’ve got more than a few good ideas of romantic proposal ideas in the city. Read on for our guide to the 7 best London proposal ideas.
Kyoto Gardens
A leafy setting in the west of the city, Holland Park should present plenty of romantic London proposal ideas in its 54-acres of greenery. Our favourite? The Kyoto Gardens. A traditional Japanese garden with tranquil tiered waterfalls and a pond full of beautiful koi carp, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in London at all.
Opened in the early 1990s, the garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain, a fitting sentiment to couples looking to cement their future together. Afterwards, the Belvedere restaurant – also situated within the grounds – is just the location for a celebratory drink.
Exmouth Market at Night
Begin your evening at Clerkenwell restaurant The Quality Chop House, with it’s foodie- approved menu and chic bistro interiors (think simple monochrome tiling and vintage pews to sit on). Once you’re full up on the modern British menu, take a walk around the corner onto Exmouth market. The area has been a market place since the 1890s and a number of the street’s buildings date from the 19th century, so it’s a pretty iconic London vignette. It looks most engagement-worthy at night, when the strings of street lights turn on, inviting you up the parade.
Serpentine Boating Lake
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, the Serpentine boating lake will make for a picturesque proposal following a day out in London. Jump in a boat with your loved one, row them out to the middle of the water and pop the question surrounded by swans and scenic views. What better place to pop the question with a shimmering sapphire engagement ring?
If you’d rather a London proposal idea without having to do the rowing yourself, opt for the Solarshuttle, a stylish boat which glides across the lake powered only by the sun. The Solarshuttle carries up to 40 passengers, so whilst it won’t be a private proposal, it will still offer a serene spot with a small audience to congratulate you afterwards. You will have to commit to a proposal between April and October, as boating on the Serpentine is shut in the winter months. Opening times go until sundown, so if you’re looking for an extra romantic touch, choose a clear day and head there close to sunset.
Barbican Conservatory
A brutalist London icon, an Instagram favourite and the second biggest conservatory in London, the Barbican Conservatory makes the perfect setting for modern romance. A short walk from our Clerkenwell studio, we can’t imagine a more verdant setting for plant-loving couples to say yes in.
This takes a little more planning than the others as the conservatory is open only on selected Sundays each month and Bank Holidays, but the fine details are certainly worth it to get engaged in this striking urban oasis. Perhaps this might make the perfect setting for that Art Deco engagement ring you had in mind...
St Dunstan-in-the-East
If you’re looking for a romantic proposal idea that’s a little more private, look no further than the gardens of St Dunstan-in-the-East. The Grade I listed building of the Church of St Dunstan was damaged in the Great Fire of London and again in the Blitz of 1941, but the remains were later turned into a public garden, giving what was left of the church new life, now covered in luscious greenery – making it the perfect location to propose using that emerald engagement ring you had in mind. Pop the question amongst the magical ruins and make this secluded garden a setting you’ll remember forever.
Tate Britain
We can’t imagine a more fitting proposal spot for aesthete couples than the Tate Britain. After exploring London’s most-loved historic British art gallery, home to the annual Turner Prize exhibition, stop at the top of the visually stunning monochrome rotunda staircase and pop the question to your significant other. An ideal location to drop on one knee and unveil that vintage inspired engagement ring your beloved has been dropping hints about.
As the gallery is situated on Millbank, it’s ideally situated for a walk along the River Thames afterwards – head toward Westminster to celebrate, taking in London’s landmarks as you go.
Make it a Perfect Proposal™
This option works in any location you like… from your front room at home, to the location of your first date, and more. If you want to make your proposal extra special by using a bespoke custom made engagement ring and you are curious about how to make a ring but are a little nervous about getting it right, our Perfect Proposal™ box is a unique way to pop the question: you propose with a precious stone packaged beautifully in a small box, along with a handmade book inviting your partner to schedule a design meeting at the Simon Wright workshop. It’s a romantic proposal idea that works particularly well if you’d like to involve your partner in the design process too.
Wherever you choose, if your romantic proposal idea includes you sliding an engagement ring on to the finger of your significant other, we would be delighted to invite you to get in touch with us here at Simon Wright to discuss designing your bespoke engagement ring with you.
Be sure to follow our Instagram page to see some of our latest creations, including sapphire engagement rings, men’s’ wedding rings and bespoke cufflinks.
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