Loved up locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to down-on-one-knee-worthy proposal spots in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, with the county providing all manner of memorable places to pop the big question!
In this hot list, SoGlos shares the most romantic places in Gloucestershire to propose.
Propose at Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Cheltenham
Who doesn’t want to feel like royalty on their engagement day? At Sudeley Castle and Gardens, couples can walk in the actual footsteps of kings and queens — and even see Queen Katherine Parr’s love letter to Sir Thomas Seymour accepting his marriage proposal!
Explore the Tudor bedrooms, roam some of the 1,200-acre estate or find a quiet spot in one of the award-winning gardens. The Queen’s garden, for example, boasts a stunning display of over 70 varieties of roses in the summer and offers a beautifully romantic setting to pop the question.
Propose at Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean
Whether you’re planning to soak up the changing colours with an autumn engagement, or surprise your loved with a sparkler on a summer’s day out, the calming waters of Cannop Ponds provide an idyllic spot to propose.
Pack a picnic and head to the Forest of Dean attraction to enjoy an alfresco feast before getting down on one knee, with the picturesque setting offering a memorable backdrop for engagement snaps.
Propose at Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury
One of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, Westonbirt Arboretum provides a wonderful nature-filled location to declare your undying love — with 17 miles worth of trails for couples to explore and find the perfect peaceful spot.
The arboretum is beautiful throughout the year but is especially impressive when its autumn colour is in full bloom during October and November. While it’s a busier time of year, there are still plenty of secluded spots to be found if you don’t fancy a public proposal.
Propose at Painswick Rococo Garden
Take a stroll through Painswick Rococo Garden’s peaceful six acres — with a choice of idyllic spaces around the grounds that are sure to prove perfect for the big proposal.
The garden is sprinkled with brightly coloured follies that make secluded spots for getting down on one knee, with the backdrop of the beautiful plants, trees and flowers adding to the romantic experience.
Propose at Cowley Manor in Cheltenham
Luxurious Cotswold country house hotel, Cowley Manor, is a popular couples’ retreat that offers the chance to stroll around peaceful lakes, play lawn games, relax in the spa with treatments for two, or even go head-to-head with a game of pool.
Plan ahead and book a balcony room with views over the 55 acres of picturesque countryside, or opt to take advantage of the hotel’s decadent Champagne picnic package and pop the question over a romantic alfresco lunch for two.
Propose at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester
Cooper’s Hill has seen some excitement over the years as people chase after the famous Double Gloucester during Brockworth’s annual Cheese Rolling event.
The historic hill also provides a dramatic backdrop for the special moment when locals get down on one knee.
Propose at Stanway Fountain
Stanway House is an impressive venue, with the spectacular watergarden and canal boasting the tallest gravity fountain in the world, reaching an impressive 300 feet in the air!
Conjuring up a romantic scene straight from a George Eliot novel, the location alone will have passion and intrigue blooming in no time! Stanway House is usually open in June, July and August, so it’s perfect for those planning summer proposals in the Cotswolds.
Propose at The Dragonfly Maze in Bourton-on-the-Water
Get lost in the maze, as well as in your lover’s eyes at Bourton-on-the-Water’s Dragonfly Maze. Upon entry, guests are given clues to find their way to the centre of the maze to discover the hidden golden dragonfly.
For a magical and unsuspected proposal, why not add a romantic twist and have a sparkling diamond ring waiting at the end as well?
Propose on Cleeve Hill in Cheltenham
For some of the most spectacular views in Gloucestershire — over Cheltenham, the Vale of Evesham, the Malvern Hills and as far as the Black Mountains in Wales — hike up Cleeve Hill.
Catch your breath before you bend down on one knee — and be on the lookout for ‘The Twins’, two windswept trees whose branches reach out and touch each other, for a truly romantic spot.
Propose at Cotswold Lavender in Snowshill
For those planning a summer proposal, Cotswold Lavender in Snowshill not only provides a stunning spot to pop the question, but the endless fields of vibrant flowers are the perfect place to pose for those engagement snaps.
The location, quite literally, fills the senses — you can smell the fragrant floral aroma as your approach the farm, which is open from June to August when the lavender is in bloom. The on-site shop is also a lovely spot to pick up dried lavender for favours or confetti.
Propose at Pittville Park in Cheltenham
Pick a sunny afternoon and hire a rowing boat to take out on the scenic lake at Cheltenham’s Pittville Park. Watch the world go by and wait for the right moment to pop the question. Then get an ice-cream to celebrate afterwards!
Or, get down on one knee in the bandstand, with the iconic Pittville Pump Room providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable occasion. It might even make you decide to host your big day at the magnificent historic venue, which is licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions.
Propose at Broadway Tower
For a proposal from an impressive vantage point, climb up to the highest castle in the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower, to soak up the stunning views from the roof platform before popping the question.
The historic attraction, which was the brainchild of 18th-century landscape designer Capability Brown, houses exhibitions on three floors, while there’s also the opportunity to meet the herd of red deer that roam the grounds.
Propose at Symonds Yat in the Forest of Dean
The far-reaching views from Yat Rock certainly provide a magical backdrop for a memorable Forest of Dean proposal.
And, if you’re an adventure-loving couple then you might want to plan a romantic day out at Symonds Yat and enjoy a canoeing trip along the River Wye, where you can enjoy a secluded proposal away from the crowds.
Propose at Cerney House Gardens near Cirencester
Cerney House Gardens is a truly beautiful visitor attraction that’s nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds near Cirencester. Enjoy a romantic stroll around the gardens, which are open from the end of January to the end of October, before finding a secluded spot to ask the all-important question.
Whether you want to propose in front of a blanket of snowdrops in February or a colourful array of tulips in spring or fragrant roses in high summer, the gardens are stunning, whatever the season.
Propose at Gloucester Cathedral
Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the historic Gloucester Cathedral, explore the famous cloisters and discover the serene courtyard garden, ideal for a quiet and peaceful spot to propose in the heart of the city.
Alternatively, take your love on one of cathedral’s organised tours, exploring hidden parts of the spectacular venue. Descend the steps down to the subterranean crypt, or climb to the top of the cathedral’s 269 steps for a proposal with a fabulous view.
Propose at Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power
If your other half is an animal lover, then you’ll definitely notch up brownie points by planning a proposal at Cotswold Farm Park, which is home to all manner of cute furry friends, including piglets, donkeys, rabbits, goats and more.
Located near Guiting Power, the animal attraction is open from February to December, with spring the best time to see the adorable lambs. Weekends can be busy with families, so plan a cheeky mid-week day off and make a romantic proposal with a difference. Or for an extra special experience, plan an overnight stay at one of the park’s romantic Sunset Lodges complete with a hot tub!
Propose at Woodchester Mansion near Stroud
The spectacular unfinished Woodchester Mansion near Stroud has so many picture-perfect spots to get down on one knee — from the drawing room with its impressive vaulted ceiling to its truly stunning gothic grand staircase.
Open from April each year, the mansion also sits within the beautiful grounds of Woodchester Park, which boasts five lakes, magical woodlands and plenty of secluded spots to pop the question.
Propose in Lower Slaughter
Plan a quintessential Cotswold proposal in the quaint village of Lower Slaughter, which sits in a picturesque spot along the banks of the tiny River Eye. The area is known for being photogenic and makes a charming setting for getting down on one knee.
After popping the question, head to the luxurious The Slaughters Manor House and raise a glass or two of Champagne in the hotel’s bar. Or spoil your loved one with afternoon tea to round off a truly British proposal in style!
Propose at Berkeley Castle
It doesn’t get more romantic than a fairy tale proposal at a castle — with the historic setting of Berkeley Castle providing a dreamy spot to ask those life-changing four words!
Choose to get down on one knee in the magical Butterfly House, while exploring the castle, or in the gardens which specialise in scent and are particularly beautiful in June when the roses are in bloom.
Propose at The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Take a trip to the Forest of Dean and explore the expansive Sculpture Trail, with a ring in your pocket!
With hundreds of secret secluded spots, couples are certain to find the perfect location for a romantic proposal in the heart of the county’s famous forest. Visitors can explore the amazing sculptures for free, or find them all with help from one of the trail maps, available to purchase from the Beechenhurst shop and cafe.
