If you are planning on popping the big question in Bath, take a look at our suggestions below for the perfect place to propose to your loved one.
Bath is also a great destination for your big day. View our weddings page to find out more.
Up, Up and Away!
Hot air balloons take off throughout the summer months and glide gracefully over the honey coloured stone buildings of Georgian Bath. Companies like Bailey Balloons launch from Royal Victoria Park and fly over the rooftops of the Royal Crescent and the Circus before drifting out to the surrounding countryside. With a bottle of champagne on board to toast your future together, what could be more romantic?
On the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park
Created by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen to complement his magnificent mansion on the Bath skyline, the Eighteenth century landscaped gardens at Prior Park are set in a sweeping valley with panoramic views across the city. Laid out by Capability Brown the gardens include a Palladian bridge and a series of lakes. Prior Park is a National Trust property and has links to the ‘Bath Skyline’ walk. The ‘Bath Skyline’ is a six mile circular walk around Bath and includes meadows and ancient woodlands, an Iron Age Hill Fort and Roman settlements, as well as magnificent panoramas of the Georgian city of Bath.
Thermae Bath Spa
Thermae Bath Spa is one of the most romantic settings in Bath. Open until 10pm, you can enjoy a moonlit dip in the open-air rooftop pool overlooking the beautiful city. For total intimacy the stand-alone Cross Bath, fed by its own natural hot spring, can be hired for exclusive use.
The Peto Gardens at Iford Manor
Iford Manor which dates from medieval times sits in an idyllic spot in the steep sided valley of the River Frome. The gardens are famous for their tranquil beauty set into the hillside with romantic views of the nearby countryside. In 1899 Harold Peto, architect and landscape gardener, discovered this magical place and set about transforming the gardens. They made the perfect showcase for the Italian, French and Spanish artefacts he had collected on his travels around Europe. His skill was in combining architecture and planting with a passion for Italian garden design. Today the gardens are open to visitors in the summer months (but check first for opening times) and the Iford Festival brings opera to this romantic setting. The Peto Garden at Iford won the Historic Houses Association/Christie's Garden of the Year Award.
Aboard the Lady Sophina
The Royal Crescent Hotel operates a magnificent river launch, the "Lady Sophina", on the Kennet and Avon canal. The canal winds through the Limpley Stoke Valley, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. Throughout the summer months the launch is available for private charter. The 1923 mahogany river launch is immaculately presented with its original brass fittings in tact. What could be more romantic than a champagne cruise as dusk falls on this tranquil backwater? A two-hour champagne cruise costs £45 per person and the launch can also be chartered for a leisurely cream tea. Cruises on the Lady Sophina can be booked through the Concierge at the Royal Crescent Hotel.
At the top of the Bath Abbey Tower
Bath Abbey is the last of the medieval churches of England and is situated in the heart of the city centre next to the Roman Baths. Climb over 200 steps to the top of the Abbey tower and be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bath. Why not plan a private tour and organise for a bottle of Champagne to be waiting for you at the top of the tower? To book a private tour contact towertours@bathabbey.org.
Tea in The Pump Room
If music be the food of love.......Afternoon tea in the Pump Room transports visitors back to an era of elegance and social intrigue. Even today it is a genteel meeting place where visitors can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by the Pump Room trio. The Pump Room played a pivotal part in Georgian Bath. Mentioned on several occasions in Jane Austen's novels, this was the place to see and be seen. People gathered here to take the waters and to register as new visitors, to converse and socialise and to parade their fashionable clothes. Today the "pumper" is still on hand to dispense the Bath spa water which contains 43 minerals and has its own distinctive flavour. One glass is sufficient for most people today but in the Eighteenth century, when the waters became famous for their therapeutic properties, two litres or more was recommended for daily consumption.
