EspressoDrinker

I'm planning on giving my girlfriend a surprise trip to England as a graduation gift. It was one of the things she said she always wanted to do when we first met. When we're there on our trip I'd like to propose to her on our anniversary (Dec 2) at/in front of a castle. What are a few of the best choices of castles for doing something like this?Any help would be much appreciated greatly.

nytraveler

Are you sure that she wants to be proposed to in such a public place? Any major castle is likely to be full to the brim with tourists during the day - and at night they're usually not open.

One choice is to stay for one night or more at a castle hotel (but will be big $) but at least that way you would be able to be alone together in the grounds.

We've stayed at chateaux/manor house in other parts of europe and those places would have been wonderful - and provided a champagne toast for afterward. I don't personally know places in the UK but I'm sure you could google or UK locals can make recos. (I've heard Warwick Castle has increased to a fair number of rooms so that might be an option.)

EspressoDrinker

Thanks for the reply. I planned on staying at one of them for the night and arranging it so that we could be secluded. I've looked up a few prices for one night and it's acceptable for this type of thing. I don't know much about castles at all and have only begun researching, so the thought process of being full to the brim with tourists is a detractor unless I am able to make it more private. Once again thanks for the information.

janisj

Great date (that's my birthday )

But I have caution you. I would very VERY seriously consider proposing at home and then surprise her w/ an 'engagement trip' instead.

As for castles there are hundreds -- fancy stately home castles (Highclere, Castle Howard, etc.) fancy Castle hotels, and beautiful castle ruins.

janisj

oops -- . . . so it partly depends on WHER you will be in the UK.

Finecheapboxofwine

That sounds like a romantic gesture! You mentioned December. I wonder if there is some castle open around that time that will also be decorated in Christmas finery? Just a little extra to add to the atmosphere, I think.

PatrickLondon

Bear in mind the associations some of them have with not so successful marriages and engagements (Hever, Hampton Court, Kenilworth......)!

Tulips

Leeds Castle, in Kent? You can stay in the Maiden's Tower, which sounds perfect for a proposal.

Sharp16

Wow that is so awesome of you! You could alwayd contact the castle you choose and ask them if they can suggest the perfect spot or time. Good luck!

ElNombre

Although excellent for historic interest, I'd bypass early Motte and Bailey Castles and 'shell keeps,' and look for stone castles, or anything from the mid to late Norman period onward, simply because they're more aesthetically pleasing (all subjective, of course).

You may want to look for castles near other sights/towns/cities of touristic interest.

Near London:
Leeds Castle (https://www.leeds-castle.com/Visit)
Windsor Castle (https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle)
Herstmonceux Castle - only if you're renting a car though, it's not easy to reach by public transport.
http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/

Near York (yay, 'oop north'):
Castle Howard (http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/)
Skipton Castle, my personal favourite, the Courtyard would make a nice place to propose (http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/)

Warwick:
Warwick Castle (https://www.warwick-castle.com/)

Just a few examples. You may also want to scour English Heritage for ideas. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Wherever you plan to propose, I wish you and your potential fiancé the best of luck.

nytraveler

I would not attempt at castles like Windsor -which are open to tourists only for limited hours during the day - and are likely to be mobbed then.

Trophywife007

You might check out Oakley Court Hotel. It's not a castle but it is an "eccentric" country home. We've stayed there a couple of times over the years and thought it was lovely -- very British. It's fairly close to Windsor which would be a lovely day trip. The hotel is set along side the river and has beautiful grounds which would be a nice setting if the weather cooperates.

https://www.oakleycourt.co.uk/

As JanisJ says, there are hundreds of possible places in which you can spend the night and take advantage of the atmosphere.

I wish you all the best!

Underhill

You might consider Great Fosters, once a Tudor hunting lodge. It's in Egham, near Windsor, and is, I think, quite romantic. Stay in the largest guestroom, which goes from the front of the building to the back, with an enormous, beautiful bathroom. The Queen Anne bedroom is also lovely, as are the grounds. Good restaurant, too.

http://www.greatfosters.co.uk/

Underhill

The room we stayed in on our first visit was the huge Tapestry Room.

Morgana

Castle Howard was mentioned above - please note that despite the name this is NOT a castle. It is a very impressive (and busy) stately home. You can't stay in it.
You will also need to check opening times for anywhere you like the look of. Some places will be closed for the winter season, or just have very limited opening (weekends usually).
If you are 'oop north' then you can stay at Lumley Castle which looks especially romantic lit up at night.
http://www.lumleycastle.com/
Another suggestion, this time in North Yorkshire, is Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water gardens (obviously not a castle!). Stays opens all year except for Fridays off season. Around the water gardens there are little temples and follies - perfect for a proposal. You'd need a fine day though.
http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/st...ountains_abbey
On a week day in December at Fountains it will be very easy to find somewhere quiet and secluded.

MissPrism

Another one oop North.
This is a nineteenth century copy of a medieval castle but you can stay there. It has been used as a film location
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peckforton_Castle

ElNombre

Aye, Castle Howard is a stately home, there are a few estates in the Baroque style which call themselves castles (similar too a few 'Schlosses' in Germany too). Anyhow, still thought I'd mention it as it may have been of touristic interest.

If you intend to rent a car and don't mind staying in a nineteenth century 'castle,' I've heard from a friend that Augill Castle is great: http://stayinacastle.com/ You can easily access the Lake District too.

Lumley Castle is a good suggestion too, it has age (built in 1400s, with some Georgian tweaking), and won't leave you destitute.

Finecheapboxofwine

Poster? Where did you go? I hope you didn't get cold feet!