There’s no shortage of romance in Lancashire – our county symbol is the Red Rose, after all – and there’s no finer place to celebrate St Valentine’s Day. If you plan to propose, we have chosen some of the best spots to do it.
Much like the perfect engagement ring, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution when it comes to planning the perfect proposal. It’s entirely personal to you.
Think what your partner values and enjoys, what interests you share, and how you think they’d feel at that moment.
If your other half is a shy and retiring introvert, chances are they won’t appreciate you getting down on one knee in a crowded restaurant. Equally, don’t plan an adventurous hike if your partner is someone who considers a glass of wine on the patio to be ‘outdoorsy’.
Mr and Mrs Lancashire, whose wedding featured in our September issue got engaged and married on family farmland which held a special place in the bride’s heart. Hannah said: ‘I always knew my wedding reception would be in the highest meadow on the farm, it’s been my favourite place since I was a little girl. I couldn’t imagine our wedding being anywhere else. Joe proposed while we were out walking our sheepdogs, and it was perfect.’
LANCASHIRE’S OWN TAJ MAHAL
Ashton Memorial is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building that sits proudly on the Lancaster skyline in the heart of Williamson Park. It symbolises love and romance in many ways as it was commissioned by Lancaster industrialist Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife Jessy. This stunning folly offers views across Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
You might choose to pop the question outside while taking in the view, or in the nearby tropical butterfly house – but for extra ‘wow factor’ you could hire the memorial itself and coordinate with the team to decorate the interior and have your choice of music playing.
Email williamsonpark@lancaster.gov.uk
THE FOOD OF LOVE
Katie from Bowland and Bay has some romantic suggestions if your future fiancé is a foodie:
February is the start of the Wild Garlic season – why not enjoy an afternoon foraging and then cook up a delicious meal together? Known as the ‘valley of wild garlic’, Ramsbottom is a great place to find ramsons.
For all the amazing produce and phenomenal restaurants we have in Lancashire, I’m still partial to a chippy tea. Time it well and you could head to Great Eccleston Fish Bar and then go on to the North Shore pier to watch the starling murmurations before sunset.
For an especially romantic night out with a fireside, a view, fine food and lux rooms, these are my top three:
1. The Cartford Inn – choose a snug table for two and pre-book the Grands Fruit de Mer. Book one of the cabins for a stunning river and Bowland view.
2. The Freemasons at Wiswell - book Mr Fox or Mr Hare and indulge in a sumptuous dinner and delicious breakfast.
3. Henrock at Linthwaite House Hotel - for spectacular cocktails (to slip a Boodles diamond ring into!) and magical gardens above the Lakeland fells.
Katie can even create a bespoke Bowland Foodie tour or getaway designed around you and your proposal.
Bowlandandbay.co.uk
REACH OUT
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ideas; people are more romantically-minded than you think! If your partner is a film buff or drama lover, speak to the team at your local cinema or theatre to see what they suggest. There might be a way to get your message on screen, on stage or in the programme.
Involving others in the planning can take the pressure of you and create a uniquely immersive moment for you both to enjoy.
MAKE MEMORIES
Enjoy an afternoon making something together, which can then become a special memento of a life-changing day.
It might be a willow sculpture at Cockerham’s Rewilding, your own signature gin at Wild Fox Distillery, or perhaps a ring at North West Jewellery School...
WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Is there anything more magical than gazing up at the Milky Way or Northern Lights with your best friend at your side?
The night skies over the Forest of Bowland have been recognized as some of the darkest in England and five spots in this AONB (or National Landscape as they’re now called) have been granted official status as Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
Beacon Fell Country Park, Gisburn Forest Hub, Slaidburn Village Car Park, Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site, and Clerk Laithe Lodge in Newton.
Several local accommodation providers have also become ‘Dark Sky Friendly’ meaning they are passionate about star gazing and can provide helpful information to their visitors.
You might want to check out Hartley’s Huts if you’re looking for a romantic Bowland hideaway with big skies, outdoor hot tubs and plenty of space to pop the question in peace.
forestofbowland.com/star-gazing
HIGH AS A KITE
If there’s one thing Lancashire has in abundance – it’s hills.
And the higher the hill, the better the view.
Get your walking boots on, or take a scenic drive and choose a viewpoint to remember.
Think Pendle Hill, Darwen Tower, Burnley’s Singing Ringing Tree, Longridge Fell, Rivington Pike, Mellor Knoll or Hall Hill overlooking the Hodder Valley so you can celebrate with a drink at The Inn at Whitewell afterwards.
And if that’s not high enough for you, why not consider a hot air balloon experience or a sightseeing tour from Blackpool Airport, so you can profess your love with all of Lancashire laid out below?
You’ll feel on top of the world in every way.
PICTURE PERFECT
It’s a fun idea to take a selfie together right before you pop the question. It would be a memorable moment to look back on in years to come, knowing the surprise you were about to unveil.
You may even want to go a step further and arrange a photographer to capture the moment itself.
Mark Battista was hired to take some discreet photos when Bundeet proposed to girlfriend Priya at Gilpin Hotel’s Lake House.
Mark says: ‘Capturing the perfect marriage proposal involves meticulous planning and a keen eye for emotional nuances. It's about immortalising not just the moment of the ‘yes’ but the genuine emotions, shared glances, and the unique atmosphere that makes each proposal a beautifully distinct and timeless story in its own right.’
markbattistaphotography.co.uk
UP IN LIGHTS
Whether you waltz your beloved around the iconic ballroom or take in the view from the top, Blackpool tower is a great place to pop the question.
For £500 you can apply to light up the tower and even put your proposal message through the heart.
25,000 eco friendly LED lights should certainly get your message across.
Theblackpooltower.com
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Remember, the perfect proposal doesn’t have to be extravagant. Pack a picnic in your rucksack and head out on a favourite walk or bike ride together. You could even sneak in a celebratory bottle of fizz and glasses if you wrap them in something soft to muffle the tell-tale clinking. We love the varied circular route that takes in Silverdale, Leighton Moss Nature Reserve and Jenny Brown’s point.
FULL STEAM AHEAD
Carnforth Station is a great place for a cup of tea and piece of cake in the nostalgic refreshment room that mirrors the one featured in A Brief Encounter, filmed here in 1945.
You can even watch Brief Encounter (voted ‘most-romantic film ever made’ by Time Out London) in the heritage centre’s mini cinema.
While Laura and Alec didn’t get their happily ever after together, you could secure yours with a proposal under the iconic station clock.
carnforthstation.co.uk
RETURN TO A SPECIAL SPOT
Lancashire wedding photographer Mark Tattersall has worked with many couples who chose to propose somewhere local and special to them both, and then come back on their wedding day and other occasions – creating a tradition that grows ever more treasured through the years: ‘I have one lovely couple who got engaged in a bluebell wood. We had their pre-wedding shoot in the same spot, and then returned in all their finery on their wedding day. I’ve since taken their family portraits in the same beautiful wood every year for the last nine years. You can see how special it’s become to them.’
mark-tattersall.co.uk
