With its breath-taking mountainscapes, lush greenery and tranquil hideaways, the Lake District is the ultimate destination for a proposal, or a romantic getaway.
But if you have never been before, you might not know where to go for a picture-perfect proposal that you and your partner cannot wait to ‘gram.
Here, luxury Lake District hotel and spa Armathwaite Hall explores the best Cumbria locations for you to ask your special one the big question.
Table of Contents
- 1. Aira Force
- 2. Under the stars at Lake Bassenthwaite
- 3. St Bees Coast
- 4. Scafell Pike
- 5. Castlerigg Stone Circle
- 6. Blea Tarn
- 7. Lake Windermere
- 8. Darling Fell
- 9. By Ashness Bridge, overlooking the Borrowdale Valley
1. Aira Force
A spectacular feat of nature, Aira Force is the Lake District’s most famed and fantastic waterfall. At 70 feet tall, the waterfall is topped with a rustic Victorian bridge that caps off its beauty perfectly. While you can gaze in awe at the water crashing below you when standing on the waterfall’s bridge, we recommend a picturesque proposal at the base of the waterfall for an unforgettable (and safe!) memory.
With over 29.5k posts on the #AiraForce hashtag and 41k posts geotagged to the location, it’s easy to see why the waterfall is one of the most scenic spots in a naturally beautiful region. You can find Aira Force adjacent to Ullswater (the second-biggest lake in the area), just six miles away from Pooley Bridge and 12 miles from popular Penrith.
2. Under the stars at Lake Bassenthwaite
Cumbria is one of the best experiences for stargazers, so why not incorporate this romantic sky backdrop into your proposal? With an open view of the starry night framed by the subtle peaks of Mount Skiddaw, it is truly a fairytale proposal scenario. No wonder the location has racked up 24.8k tags on Instagram!
This is a great proposal location for adventurers too – fire up the adrenaline with some wild swimming in Lake Bassenthwaite before drying off and snuggling up under the stars. Or, you could hit Mount Skiddaw and propose at the top of the mountain against an endless starry backdrop. Located near another tourist-favourite town, Keswick, and home to the Armathwaite Hall estate, there is no excuse to not visit this luscious lake.
For an intimate proposal, there is no better location – Bassenthwaite was recently named the most tranquil staycation destination!
3. St Bees Coast
All the beauty of Whitehaven and more, but with less hustle and bustle. For a seasider’s dream proposal, choose St Bees Coast.
The magnificent beach stretches out for over a mile and offers stunning views, whether you are sinking your feet into the sand or gazing out from the clifftops. Follow the four-mile long cliff walk and you will arrive at St Bees Lighthouse, another must-visit.
This destination could certainly be considered a hidden gem in the Lake District, with a modest 1,000 Instagram tags. The hashtag, however, is a little busier at 23.4k posts, so we recommend you high-tail it down to the Cumbrian coast before everyone catches onto this wonderful little hideaway. You will find it nestled between the famed Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk and the Cumbria Coastal Way.
4. Scafell Pike
For the hikers amongst us, Scafell Pike is the perfect peak to conquer before getting down on one knee. The ebb and flow of the summits, crags and fells will captivate attention and provide a beautiful backdrop to your engagement photo.
This isn’t a proposal spot for the faint-hearted – the trail up Scafell Pike takes on average 6–8 hours, so you and your beau will need a good level of fitness. But if hiking and bird’s-eye views of some of the most beautiful natural scenery you will ever come across are your thing, it will be so worth it. And while some locations lose their spark on misty days, it just adds a layer of mystery and otherworldly goodness to Scafell Pike.
The location is proving especially Instagrammable; 103k posts use the #ScafellPike hashtag and a further 88.5k have been tagged at the location. Start your journey at Seathwaite near Borrowdale and trek your way to the highest mountain in England; once at the summit, get down on one knee for the most epic proposal you could imagine.
5. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle, located near Keswick in the Lake District, is an ancient monument that offers a truly unique and romantic setting for a proposal.
Surrounded by stunning views of the Lakeland fells, the stone circle is one of the oldest and most visually impressive in Britain, and is thought to date back over 5000 years.
Imagine taking a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand through the circle, soaking up the tranquility of the area and admiring the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. As the sun sets, the stones take on a warm golden hue, making for a truly romantic and unforgettable experience.
With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance, Castlerigg Stone Circle is a must-visit for couples in search of a romantic and unforgettable proposal spot.
6. Blea Tarn
Blea Tarn in Little Langdale is a serene and picturesque tarn (mountain lake) in the heart of the Lake District that offers the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.
Located in the stunning Little Langdale valley, Blea Tarn is surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery, making it one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Lake District.
Take a stroll along the tranquil shores of the tarn, admiring the reflections of the surrounding landscape in its still waters. As the sun sets, the colors of the sky and the landscape around the tarn come to life, creating a breathtaking and romantic atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to relax and take in the serene beauty of the tarn or go for a more adventurous hike in the surrounding hills, Blea Tarn is the perfect place for romance.
7. Lake Windermere
Claife Viewing Station on Lake Windermere is a picturesque and romantic spot to pop the question.
With its elevated position above the lake, the viewing station offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it an unforgettable setting for a special moment.
As you stand together, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lake District, the still waters of Lake Windermere stretch out before you, providing a peaceful and serene backdrop for your proposal.
Whether you opt for a quiet and intimate moment or a more elaborate proposal, Claife Viewing Station is sure to be a romantic and memorable place to start your journey as a couple.
8. Darling Fell
Darling Fell in the Lake District is a romantic and serene spot for couples looking to celebrate their love with a beautiful backdrop – even the name itself, darling fell, is romantic.
Located in the Western Fells of the Lake District, Darling Fell offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the distant peaks of the Lakeland fells.
Take a leisurely walk together along the trails that lead to the summit of Darling Fell, hand in hand, admiring the lush greenery and the rolling hills that surround you.
From the top of Darling Fell, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Lake District, including the beautiful Ullswater and Haweswater valleys.
As you take in the stunning scenery, the peaceful ambiance of the fell will provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate moment with your loved one.
9. By Ashness Bridge, overlooking the Borrowdale Valley
Ashness Bridge overlooking the Borrowdale Valley in the Lake District is a romantic and picturesque spot for a Valentine’s Day proposal. The bridge, which spans a narrow stretch of the River Derwent, offers breathtaking views of Derwentwater, the surrounding valley and the towering peaks of the Lakeland fells.
As you stand together on the bridge, surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District, the tranquil waters of the river below and the stunning landscape provide the perfect backdrop for a special moment.
So, what are you waiting for? As Taylor Swift said…
Take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die
– Taylor Swift Folklore
I don’t belong, and my beloved, neither do you
Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry
I’m setting off, but not without my muse
The Lake District is full of picturesque and romantic places to propose or to enjoy or romantic trip together. Wherever you choose to visit, each of these locations offers a unique and unforgettable setting for a romance.
So why not plan a special trip to the Lake District this Valentine’s Day and create memories that will last a lifetime?