February is traditionally the month of romance – although one should hopefully make their loved one feel special all year round – with the 14th being Valentine’s Day. Bath is also considered a city of romance; the beautiful Pulteney Bridge inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy (a nation renowned as romantics), the curves of the Crescents and soft light of the honeyed Georgian stone, along with the cosy corners and comfy spots one can find in restaurants and bars throughout the city, which makes it the perfect setting for amorous intentions.
If 2017 is to be the year that you decide you want to pop the question to your other half, then we can help with some of the prettiest places in Bath where to do so.
- Prior Park Landscape Garden
A sweeping valley, a stunning view, and a Georgian Palladian bridge from which to ask – Prior Park Landscape Garden is near enough THE perfect romantic setting to take your loved one’s breath away and not only with the proposition of marriage. Many a bended knee has touched the stone at this popular setting, and the perfect time to visit is early morning as the sun rises, or as the sun sets on a summer’s evening, unless you’re happy to have an audience of walkers, dogs and tourists to celebrate with you. You can even get married here if you wish to truly cement your Bath romance.
To ensure a private proposal out of regular public hours, then contact the Prior Park Landscape Garden Office directly on 01225 833977 or email: priorpark@nationaltrust.org.uk
Prices – £7.00 per adult, unless a National Trust Member, in which case it is FREE. Out of Hours proposals may cost more and photography must be booked in advance on the above number.
The Bath Skyline Walk continues from Prior Park itself, and is FREE to walk. With more sweeping views over the city, it may be an alternate place to propose if you’re heading up that way.
- The Roman Baths and Pump Room
At the heart of the city lies The Roman Baths, where once our ancestors submerged themselves in the mineral rich waters. Surrounded by such history and within an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is another stunning setting to proclaim your undying love and commitment. Weddings also can be arranged here for sunrise or in the evening by torchlight. If you’re after a spur of the moment proposal then just head in to enjoy the sights, as with all the other visitors, and then when the moment strikes you, perhaps by the magnificent Great Bath, you can offer your hand in marriage.
Normal admission to the Baths is £15.50 (correct as of Jan 2017). To arrange a private proposal or wedding simply call 01225 477786.
The adjoining Pump Room dates from the 18th Century and with its fine chandeliers and talented orchestra, an Afternoon Tea experience could turn into more than just a relaxing delight but the place where you proposed if you fancy slipping that ring into their glass of champagne for example. Reservations are recommended and Private Hire is available.
Afternoon Tea with Champagne at The Pump Room costs from £34.00 per person. To enquire about private hire or to reserve a table, call: 01225 444477 or email: events.bath@searcys.co.uk
- The Royal Crescent
This is one location that is FREE to enjoy in the city, and is perfect on a frosty morning or a sunny afternoon. If you want true privacy then you’d have to get up very early, however your loved one might not appreciate that! Yet, who can resist the lawn gently rolling away from the Crescent, heading towards Royal Victoria Park, with the historic architecture curving majestically behind, as a great place to set up a picnic and proposal – head to local cheesemongers Paxton & Whitfield on John Street for dairy delights, The Thoughtful Bread Company on Barton Street for fresh bread and divine cakes, and pick up a bottle of champagne from Corkage on Walcot Street, or Independent Spirit on Terrace Walk, to celebrate. You could even go the full hog and buy the ring from one of Bath’s many independent jewellers – such as Nicholas Wylde or Mallory & Son; or even go vintage at the Bartlett Street Antique Centre.
Just around the corner from the Crescent is the Circus and with its mound of trees in the middle of the circle, offering some shelter, but still giving a beautiful view of the surrounding architecture, which, although not ideal for a picnic, may be an alternate central spot you may wish to propose marriage.
- Bath Abbey Tower
With over 1000 years of history and worship on this spot alone, Bath Abbey is a stunning sight in the city. Although you won’t be able to propose within the Abbey itself, you can book on a private Tower Tour for two, whereby you ascend the 212 steps to the best vantage point in Bath. Just as a tour it is interesting in itself – you can see the workings of the Abbey clock, and even get a chance to chime the bells – but it’s at the top of the Tower, overlooking the city, that you can truly take your partner’s breath away. Your guide will then re-appear with champagne at the ready to enable you both to celebrate in style.
A Romantic Tower Tour for Two costs £100 (usual hours) or £150 (out of hours) per couple. Includes champagne or non-alcoholic alternative. To book call 01225 422462 or email: towertours@bathabbey.org
What a fantastic way to celebrate your love and a feeling as if you’re at the top of the world (well, Bath certainly!).
- Parade Gardens
Another popular spot for a picnic and a proposal, the Parade Gardens are overlooked by Bath Abbey and are edged on one side by the flowing River Avon with the beautiful Pulteney Bridge overlooking. There are quieter spots that can be found in the Gardens, such as under the Colonnades, if you don’t fancy proposing from a deck chair; and in the summer time there are a series of band concerts so you could arrange your surprise to coincide with a general musical accompaniment. Wait until Spring or Summer to enjoy these gardens since the flower displays are award winning. If you want to have friends and family with you for the big event, plus photographers, then you can arrange beforehand with the Gardens. Otherwise it is a small entrance fee to pop in and enjoy the gardens and view.
Cost: £1.50 per adult (Bath Residents with a Discovery Card are FREE). Pre-Booked Groups of 40 or more: £1.25 per person. Call 01225 395014 to book. Otherwise turn up on the day and pay.
If you’re planning to head to Bath, voted by Visit England, and Visit Bath, as one of the most romantic cities in the U.K., and pop that question, then why not enjoy one of our Superior Rooms or Four Poster Rooms at The Royal Hotel, from as little as £150.00 and £165.00 per room per night respectively. The price includes our delicious English breakfast served in our Brasserie Brunel. You can also arrange, at extra cost, for flowers, chocolates and champagne to be awaiting your arrival, or in your room after the proposal. Upgrades to our Thermae Spa Breaks are also available. Simply call us with your request at time of booking and we can arrange this for you.
Many of our guests have proposed in the city, or at the hotel, and many return year on year to celebrate their engagements, anniversaries, and marriages in this wonderful city. If you wish to arrange a proposal at the hotel, perhaps over dinner, such as our Valentine’s Day Candlelit Dinner, then please do talk to our staff so that we can help you to do so.
We wish those of you intending to propose this year, whether in Bath or elsewhere, our best wishes and many years of happiness to come.
Tel: 01225 463134
Email: info@royalhotelbath.co.uk
(All prices correct as of January 2017. Please check websites for any changes to details/opening times etc…)
[Photographs copyright The Royal Hotel, Visit Bath, The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Martin Tompkins]