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Everyone loves a romantic proposal, and we're no different. With so many beautiful spots on our network, these are the 11 best places to pop the question in the South West, which are easily reached by train.
1. Tylney Hall Hotel
Our nearest station: Hook
Getting there: Tylney Hall is a 35-minute walk or just 10 minutes by taxi
Sixty-six acres of gardens surround the incredible Tylney Hall, a former stately home turned charming upmarket country hotel. Tastefully in tune with the Grade II-listed building it occupies, it's an ideal spot for a romantic getaway and a surprise proposal.
Best spot to propose: The sweeping walnut-walled staircase - down on one knee, of course. If the weather holds, consider the gardenflanked by redwood trees, leading to Hampshire’s longest uninterrupted view.
Where to end the day: The stunning hotel restaurant for a romantic meal, followed by a glass of champagne in your luxurious room.
2. Wherwell
Our nearest station: Andover
Getting there: 15 minutes by taxi, available from Andover station
Home to a medieval priory (and the legendary beast the Cockatrice), this tiny, picturesque village on the River Test provides quaint Hampshire charm and plenty of private spots to pop the question.
Best spot to propose: Head down Mill Lane and walk along the riverbank for a stunning country backdrop to your proposal.
Where to end the day: The White Lion Inn is a classic country pub with a refined menu and traditionally appointed rooms.
3. Barton-on-Sea
Our nearest station: New Milton
Getting there: It’s a 30-minute walk through Old Milton or 10 minutes by taxi
Barton-on-Sea is tucked away at the edge of the New Forest, with sweeping coastal scenery and pretty water meadows. This is the perfect spot for outdoor explorers hoping to make a memorable day.
Best spot to propose: Sunset on the clifftops, with gorgeous views across the sea.
Where to end the day: Head to Chewton Glen if you're really pushing the boat out. Cost-conscious couples may prefer the The Cliff House - a four-star traditional hotel with cosy rooms and sea views.
4. Durdle Door
Our nearest station: Wool or Weymouth
Getting there: By taxi it's just 15 minutes from Wool station, or the X54 bus takes 30 minutes from Weymouth station
Located on the south’s famous Jurrassic Coast, Durdle Door is probably one of the most recognised landmarks on our network, but that doesn't detract from just how beautiful it is. The blue waters of the bay and yellow sands make this the perfect picnic spot on a sunny day.
Best spot to propose: A mid-afternoon picnic in the shadow of the door itself, with the ring hidden in a glass of champagne for a truly classic proposal.
Where to end the day: Lulworth Lodge is a couple of miles away in West Lulworth, set in an old watermill. The bright, airy rooms overlook a pond and are just a short walk to Lulworth Cove for your morning stroll.
5. The London Eye
Our nearest station: London Waterloo
Getting there: It's just a five-minute walk to the London Eye from London Waterloo station
With some of the best views of London it's hard to imagine a better opportunity to propose. If you're splashing out, you can pre-order champagne or hire your own cabin and steward for a more private experience.
Best spot to propose: At the very top of the curve.
Where to end the day: The Royal Horseguards is a modern 5* affair located in a former Victorian Secret Service headquarters, with period features and impeccable service. For something more affordable, the Park Plaza offers 4* comforts at a reasonable price.
6. The River Thames near Windsor
Our nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside
Getting there: There are several boat operators just a short walk from the station.
When the days are sunnier, there's nothing quite like a gentle sightseeing tour of Windsor from the river. The beautiful buildings of Eton College and the magnificent walls of Windsor Castle make the perfect backdrop to get down on one knee.
Best spot to propose: We recommend the stretch of river next to Windsor Castle for a dramatic vista.
Where to end the day: Those looking for a memorable weekend may like the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel or the Waterside Inn in nearby Eton.
7. Richmond Park
Our nearest station: Richmond
Getting there: Richmond Park is around 20 minutes' walk from Richmond station or just 10 minutes from Norbiton.
Richmond Park s one of the most well-known Royal Parks. Measuring around three miles in length, it’s home to more than 600 resident deer. With so much to explore, you’re sure to find a peaceful spot to propose.
Best spot to propose: Head out to Isabella Plantation - full of hidden knolls when the perfect moment arises.
Where to end the day: The Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa is a charming boutique hotel with its warmly-decorated rooms. Warren House sits on the edge of the parkland in a beautiful Victorian mansion with gardens.
8. The Whispering Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral
Our nearest station: London Waterloo
Getting there: Head downriver towards the Millenium Bridge, then cross for direct access to St Paul’s. It’s around 15 minutes’ walk.
The Whispering Gallery is an unintentional acoustic masterpiece – its broad sweeping curve and thimble shape means you can hear a whisper from the opposite side of the wall, 30 metres away. It also has stunning views of the cathedral.
Best spot to propose: Whisper the question at one side when your beloved is at the other. If they're the only person near the wall, they'll be the only one to hear you.
Where to end the day: Club Quarters hotels offer a modern and tranquil escape from the bustle of the streets below.
9. Pink Bench, Ascot
Our nearest station: Ascot
Getting there: Leave the station and follow the signs - the racecourse is just a short walk away.
Save this one for a race day! No one is quite sure when the tradition began, but proposing at the Pink Bench is now customary every season at Ascot Racecourse. Rumour has it that if it's a yes, the course will spring for a bottle of champagne...
Where to end the day: The Royal Berkshire isn't far from the racecourse, and the historic country mansion setting offers privacy and comfort.
10. The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park
Our nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside
Getting there: The park is a 19-minute taxi ride from Windsor & Eton Riverside, giving you plenty of time to plan your proposal speech! The garden spans around 5.1 miles, so you can complete a leisurely stroll in around one to two hours.
Spanning 35 acres of lush greenery, The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park is beautiful no matter the season. This tranquil haven is home to rare plants from all around the world, which are bound to stand out on your proposal photos.
Best spot to propose:The walkway above the park’s sprawling rose garden is one of the most romantic places to propose.
Where to end the day: If you’re on a tighter budget, the Travelodge Windsor Central has all you need for an enjoyable stay. Those with more to spend can soak up the city’s history in the Castle Hotel Windsor.
11. The Needles, Isle of Wight
Our nearest station: Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington Pier
Getting there: Getting to the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier. Simply travel by train to your nearest station then hop on a ferry. Pay less by combining your ferry and train tickets.
If your ideal proposal involves beautiful views and enough privacy to enjoy the moment without curious glances, then The Needles could be the perfect spot. The natural rock formations in the sea are a sight to behold, particularly during sunset.
Best spot to propose: If you both have a head for heights, invite your fiancé-to-be to ride the Needles Chairlift with you. You’ll have the perfect chance to pop the question as you’re coasting up the clifftop; just make sure you don’t drop the ring!
Where to end the day: Located right on the beach, the seventeenth-century George Hotel provides a magical end to your trip. For a cosier, budget-friendly stay, head to The Union Inn.
Thanks to these fabulous proposal ideas, popping the question doesn't need to be hard work! Your wedding countdown will be on before you know it, so take a look at these stunning wedding mansions in the South West to get inspired.
With our ticket booking platform, it's easier than ever to find the right ticket for you. Explore our flexible ticket types to find cheap train tickets for your chosen activity. And remember - you can save by booking in advance or with a Railcard - including the Two Together Railcard (a perfect proposal gift!)
