Places to propose in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of the most romantic destinations in Britain so what better place to pop the question? Here are some wonderful proposal stories which inspired us to come up with a list of the best places to propose in the Cotswolds!

Penguin themed proposal at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

A penguin proposal

We love this romantic proposal story from Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Andrew’s girlfriend Kate adored penguins so he contacted Cotswold Wildlife Park and with their help arranged a Penguin Encounter and the perfect setting for the proposal. He even dressed up as a penguin! Of course Kate said yes, and a crowd who had gathered for the penguin feeding applauded their big moment. Thanks Andrew and Kate for sharing your wonderful story! 

Let the experts help plan your perfect proposal

Michael was looking for the perfect place to propose to Sophie, his girlfriend of 6 years and chose the Cotswolds, home of romance!  He contacted CJP Cotswold Tours for some help and they came up with a fantastic itinerary for a truly romantic one day tour. Hidcote Manor Garden was the location for the proposal and as an extra touch CJP Cotswold Tours even had a bottle of fizz and glasses ready for the happy couple when they returned.


Best places to propose in the Cotswolds

Romantic Japanese cherry blossom trees at Batsford Arboretum

Get lost amongst the trees of Batsford Aboretum, admire the stunning views and enjoy a romantic moment on the Japanese Bridge. There are lots of special spots here for the perfect proposal. It is particularly romantic in Springtime when the Japanese cherry blossom is in full bloom, or during autumn, with the backdrop of the vivid reds, oranges and yellow as the leaves turn.


With views across 16 counties and the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, we can’t think of anywhere more romantic to pop the question than the top of Broadway Tower. Celebrate with a slice of homemade cake or delicious lunch (with a glass of chilled wine!) in the Morris & Brown café at the base of the tower.


With its romantic gardens, fairytale castle and dramatic backdrops of Cotswold hills, Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe is a wonderfully elegant place to propose. Pick a quiet spot from the ten different gardens, like The Secret Garden, created by Rosemary Verey to celebrate the marriage of Lord and Lady Ashcombe, or the romantic Knot Garden with its intricate geometric design and mosaic fountain. Charming Winchcombe is a great starting point for romantic walks, or simply stroll hand-in-hand through the town, browsing the independent shops and enjoying a cosy meal in one of the cafés or restaurants.


Temple of Diana at Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed

Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his wife Clementine at Blenheim Palace. He had intended to propose in the Rose Garden, which was created by his grandfather the 7th Duke of Marlborough, but rain diverted them to the Temple of Diana. There are lots of wonderful places to propose in the 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and the stunning formal gardens, or even in the Palace itself.


At 330 metres above sea level, Cleeve Hill is the highest point in the Cotswolds. Countless footpaths crisscross its 1,000 acres, with breath-taking views extending to the Malvern Hills and, on a clear day, to the Black Mountains of Wales. Bring a picnic and pop the question!


Home of Britain’s most romantic street, the village of Lower Slaughter offers a delightful backdrop for a proposal. Stroll along the pretty River Eye, lined with gorgeous Cotswold stone cottages and the backdrop of the ancient mill, and perhaps pause on a bridge to pop the question!


Pittville Pump Rooms and Park make a romantic place to propose

The jewel of Cheltenham’s Regency architecture, Pittville Pump Room is the grandest of the town’s many spa buildings. Overlooking the sweeping lawns and ornamental lakes of Pittville Park it is the perfect place for a special moment.


Situated at the end of a quiet country lane that peters out at the River Thames, the tiny Cotswolds village of Kelmscott feels a million miles away and is blissfully romantic. Stroll along the tranquil banks of the River Thames, meander through the charming village, enjoy a meal at the excellent local pub, The Plough and visit Kelmscott Manor, the summer home of founder of the Arts & Crafts Movement, William Morris. You can see why he loved to spend time here and how it inspired some of his greatest works. A wonderful place to propose!


If you're planning a romantic proposal break in the Cotswolds, how about a stay in the beautiful village of Painswick? Stroll arm in arm through the churchyard (famed for its 99 yew trees), enjoy a picnic at the top of Painswick Beacon with outstanding panoramic views or immerse yourself amongst the carpets of snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden. Treat yourself to a stay at The Painswick, featured in The Sunday Times Travel’s most romantic hotels.


Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)