19 best places to propose in London

Sweep your loved one off their feet with these romantic proposal ideas, from picturesque canals to unforgettable helicopter rides.
Visit London Editors
Written by Visit London Editors Edited by Hannah Cornish 28 August 2024
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London is brimming with unique landmarks and hidden gems, making it an ideal backdrop for any proposal.

Get a yes when you pop the question by picking one of the top London proposal spots featured in this guide. Find beautiful restaurants to propose in, London proposal packages and where to buy the all-important engagement ring.

Many luxurious hotels usually have deals around Valentine’s Day, making it an ideal time for getting engaged.

Whether you prefer tranquil gardens or chic rooftop venues, here are some of the best places to propose in London!

Top proposal packages

1. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge illuminated in purple nights at light, with the snow falling and the bridge reflecting in the Thames below.
Tower Bridge in the snow. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Often mistaken for London Bridge, the iconic Tower Bridge offers a fairytale location for your proposal. Add the wow factor and book the walkway overlooking the river for exclusive use.

2. The View from The Shard

The Shard, London's tallest building, rises above the horizon at sunset.
Visit one of the tallest buildings of Europe at View from The Shard and admire London's iconic cityscape. ©VisitLondon/ Jon Reid

Ascend the lofty heights of western Europe's tallest building and try The View from The Shard's tailored marriage proposal service. Enjoy exclusive hire of the attraction for 30 minutes while you pop the question in front of incredible views of London.

Private places to propose in London

3. The London Eye

The London Eye, illuminated in red, at night, with the river Thames in the foreground.
The London Eye at night. Photo by Marco Chilese on Unsplash.

Nothing says love is in the air like a private capsule on the London Eye. Gaze out across the capital's skyline and deliver an unforgettable proposal with a London Eye champagne experience.

4. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Aerial shot of the London Royal Docks taken from the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Explore London from the sky as you board the London IFS Cloud cable car. ©London & Partners/Michael Barrow

Soar above the Thames with an IFS Cloud Cable Car round-trip from Greenwich. Choose to go at sunset for an extra dash of romance.

Romantic proposal ideas

5. The Fitzrovia Chapel

A man in a checked shirt putting a ring on a woman's finger.
A romantic proposal © Gift Habeshaw / Unsplash. Image courtesy of Gift Habeshaw / Unsplash.

The Fitzrovia Chapel is a hidden gem for a private proposal in the centre of London, complete with gorgeous mosaics and a vaulted ceiling with a gold leaf finish. The venue works with proposal companies who can provide musicians, flowers and candles to make the moment extra special.

6. River cruise

London has many river cruises, from sunset sailings to jazz evenings, perfect for a romantic proposal. Glide along the Thames, before finding an opportune moment to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.

Unique marriage proposal ideas

7. Up at The O2

The O2 arena lit up at sunset against purple and pink sky.
The O2 at sunset © I Wei Huang / Shutterstock. Image courtesy of I Wei Huang / Shutterstock.

Love is a great adventure, reflect that with an epic proposal. Clamber to the peak of one of London’s famous landmarks and feel on top of the world as you get engaged at Up at The O2.

8. A London helicopter tour

Take to the sky to propose with a London helicopter tour. The helicopter flight passes over iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey. If you are planning to pop the question, talk to the pilot and the tour company beforehand to ensure that you have enough time to make the proposal extra special.

9. Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College

A highly ornate painted ceiling overhangs a large historic room lit by candles.
Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College. Image courtesy of ORNC /2008 Roger M Stevens.
This spectacular piece of Baroque artwork, in one of Greenwich's most magnificent buildings, makes for a magical location to propose. The Painted Hall, situated in the peaceful riverside Old Royal Naval College, features striking 18th century wall-to-ceiling paintings that are particularly enchanting when lit up by candlelight. 

10. Peter Harrison Planetarium

An audience sits in a dark planetarium looking up at a green display of constellation lights.
Learn about the constellations at the Peter Harrison Planetarium in Greenwich. Image courtesy of Royal Museums Greenwich..

Find your love written in the stars at the Peter Harrison Planetarium in Greenwich. The Planetarium proposal team ensures everything runs smoothly, from providing fake e-tickets to maintain the surprise to giving exclusive access to the venue with an astronomer on hand.

11. Sky Garden

London's Sky Garden complete with trees and glass windows overlooking the City.
Enjoy sweeping views of the capital from London's Sky Garden. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Spend the evening on the 42rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building, enjoying panoramic views of illuminated London at the Sky Garden. Book in at one of the restaurants for a delicious dinner before sipping on bespoke cocktails and dancing the evening away to live jazz music. 

Outdoor London proposal spots

12. Mayfield Lavender Farm

A sunny evening at Mayfield Lavender Farm with rows of purple lavender, green grass and a tree in the distance.
An evening at Mayfield Lavender Farm © Kelvin Trundle / Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Kelvin Trundle / Shutterstock.

Take in the heady fragrance of the flowers at Mayfield Lavender Farm, located just 15 miles from central London. The picture-perfect spot is a great cheap proposal idea, delivering a dreamy setting for a small entry fee.

13. Kyoto Garden

For a secret romantic place to propose, head to the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park and ask the question under the glow of the multi-coloured leaves and shrubs. This pretty hidden gem is especially good for a spring proposal, with lots of pretty pink blossom.

14. Little Venice

Looking down the canal at Little Venice with a bridge going over the canal and a canal boat on the left, on a sunny day.
Little Venice. Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash.

Little Venice makes for a stunning proposal place in all seasons, with fiery leaves reflecting in the canal’s water in the autumn and pretty blooms emerging in spring. The area provides a wow factor without breaking the bank.

15. South Bank

Due to its spectacular views and Thameside location, the South Bank is one of London’s most romantic areas. There are many places along the lengthy promenade that make for a prime proposal spot: stop off at the National Theatre, or head to Festival Pier or Embankment Pier.

London restaurants to propose in

16. Aviary

Looking out from one of the Aviary igloos, with rugs, lanterns and a table with two bottles and glasses of whisky.
Aviary igloo. Image courtesy of Publicasity.

For a rooftop proposal in London, few spots are as elegant as Aviary. Admire stunning views of the London skyline, while eating canapes made with the best British produce. In winter months, book a pretty igloo for an intimate setting for the big question.

17. Lecture Room & Library at Sketch

Put a smile on your loved one’s face by sampling fine cuisine in the three Michelin-starred restaurant at Sketch, a London townhouse with multiple venues. The Lecture Room & Library marries French fare with playfully decadent interiors.

18. Sushisamba

Sushisamba restaurant with orange tables, black and white floor, lights hanging from the ceiling and large windows with views of London.
Enjoy the views of London from Sushisamba © Steven Joyce / Sushisamba. Image courtesy of Steven Joyce / Sushisamba.
Propose in front of panoramic views from one of London's highest dining terraces at Sushisamba, in the City of London. The atmospheric restaurant, complete with a magical tree sculpture, serves a fusion of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisines.

19. Clos Maggiore

Woo your intended beside the roaring fire at Clos Maggiore, one of London’s most romantic restaurants. The stunning decor is as sensational as the menu of fine wines and French cuisine. Be sure to book a table in the conservatory to sit under the canopy of flowers and twinkling lights.

Where to buy an engagement ring in London

A silver diamond ring in top of a blue Tiffany box
Find the perfect ring © drz / Unsplash. Image courtesy of drz / Unsplash.

Pick up the perfect ring at one of London’s many jewellers that offer bespoke wedding ring services.

Hatton Garden is the capital’s jewellery quarter, where you can find multiple jewellers, including Handleys of London, Dynasty Jewels and Regency Jewels

High-end shopping areas Bond StreetCovent Garden, Mayfair and St James's are also home to boutiques for that once-in-a-lifetime gift. Twinkling gems can be found at the likes of Alex Monroe, Chaumet, Stephen WebsterTiffany & Co. and Vashi.

Or browse many specialists among the jewellery departments at top department stores such as Selfridges, Dover Street MarketHarrods and John Lewis.

If you're looking for even more romantic things to do in London, woo that special person with our top date ideas, indulge at romantic restaurants and find Valentine's Day inspiration.