Love has no limits, and the stunning London backdrop, offers countless romantic spots that are perfect for creating everlasting memories. With the leap year in motion (29th February 2024), it's not just an extra day that appears, but a special chance for you to turn tradition on its head. This year, it's a woman's turn to pop the question – an age-old leap year tradition that’s now become celebration of love and empowerment. To every romantic soul ready to take the plunge, here's your guide to orchestrating the most memorable proposal in London.
Check out our virtual offices in LondonBefore you step into the spotlight, let’s have a look at a tradition as fascinating as it is empowering. Leap Year Proposals go way back to 5th-century Ireland, where St. Brigid of Kildare, a revered nun, pointed out to St. Patrick a distressing observation: women, held captive by societal norms, had to wait indefinitely for suitors. The compassionate saint, in response, dedicated February 29th as a day when the fairer gender had the chance to turn the tables.
As you rise above the London skyline, the magical Sky Garden beckons you with its lush greenery. Skyscrapers surround the Thames, creating a breathtaking view. Here, amongst tropical vibes, you can get on one knee and in a beautiful location and inspire that all-important “yes”. Time seems to pause in the Sky Garden and as the sun sets, the city lights illuminate, providing a romantic backdrop for your proposal.
Where: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
VHQ top tip: Our London City virtual offices aren’t far from Sky Garden, so why not take advantage of one of our prestigious meeting rooms?
Take your partner on a journey to the Far East in the heart of Holland Park. The Kyoto Gardens, a stunning Japanese garden, offers a serene and peaceful place to propose with its calm waters, vibrant flowers, and real-life herons! Take a walk over the beautiful bridge or even pop the question in the delightful tea house. This proposal is a really special one and provides you and your partner a sense of calm in an otherwise heart-racing situation.
Where: 1 Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
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Imagine this Leap Year as the perfect opportunity to make your romantic gesture truly unforgettable on the London Eye! It’s not just any old Ferris wheel, it’s an iconic part of the city, taking you above London’s skyline. Proposing on the London Eye is like shouting your love from the rooftops – only, it’s far more magical because you’re literally floating above one of the world’s most enchanting cities. And let’s not forget, a Leap Year proposal adds that extra bit of novelty and tradition, making your engagement story one for the books. Plus, privacy is guaranteed!
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Nestled in the heart of London, Little Venice, with its serene canals and picturesque backdrop, is becoming the spot for those romantic souls looking to propose this year! Imagine the scene: you and your beloved, sitting by the water’s edge on a beautiful sunny February afternoon. To make it extra special, why not pack an Italian-style picnic? Line your basket with red-and-white checkered fabric, fill it with sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a bottle of bubbly Prosecco! And just as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the canal, you pop the question in the charm of London’s own slice of Italy.
Propose in Little Venice!
Why not pop the question in Kyoto Gardens?
Say yes to forever on the London Eye.
Imagine popping the question with the breathtaking London skyline stretching out before you! The Shard, iconic and shimmering, provides the perfect backdrop for a grand leap-year proposal. It’s not just about height; it’s the excitement, the twinkling city lights, and the feeling of being on top of the world – quite literally! Plus, there’s that little spark of magic in the air, up amongst the clouds, that makes every moment feel like a scene from a romantic movie. So, go on, take that leap (figuratively, of course), and make this leap year one for the memory books at The Shard!
Where: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
If you’re looking for a proposal that’s as vibrant as art itself, then the Van Gogh Immersive Experience is a must! This experience is a sensory dream, where you quite literally step into the mind of Van Gogh. You walk through a world where colours dance and his most famous paintings come alive. You can let the dancing sunflowers and starry night sky become the backdrop for your proposal. Imagine proposing amongst the moving art, with Van Gogh’s brushstrokes in the background. This is no ordinary proposal, it’s different, artistic, and representative of modern-day love. So, why wait? Let the magic of Van Gogh’s art be the backdrop to your extraordinary love story.
Where: 106 Commercial St, London E1 6LZ
As we wrap up this journey through the best places to propose in London, remember that a proposal is more than just a question. It’s a promise and a commitment. Embrace the tradition of the leap year, as it represents modern love – equality, courage, and shared decisions. Wherever you choose to propose in the city, remember in this leap year, it’s not just an extra day, but an extra opportunity to celebrate the magic of engagements. So go ahead, London’s most romantic spots are waiting to be a part of your amazing love story.
