Heading over to the UK for the first time and I'm going to propose to my girlfriend while we're there. I'm hoping to find the perfect romantic setting for this special moment. I would like to hear about some places either in England or Ireland where the beauty will be second only to hers.

Hi and Congratulations! If you're headed to the west coast of Ireland, you may want to consider a trip to the Aran Islands. One of my fondest memories of Ireland is riding out to the beautiful cliffs (I forget the name). We rented bikes to get out there and brought a picnic. It's not exactly a luxurious place; however, I felt that the beauty was amazing. And the primitiveness of the town (and the people who still speak Irish as their language and pretty much fish for a living) was definitely a different scene. You can check out this website for some pix: http://www.sitesatlas.com/Europe/Ire...ranIslands.htm

Ireland: Cliffs of Mohrer at sunset? <BR> <BR>Also, I've read several stories about a recently refurbished country hotel near Oxford that looks magnificent: LeManoir aux Quat' Saisons. If price is no object, this entire place looks to die for (Arch Digest feature), and the grounds are splendid as well, with a large glassed in gazebo or greenhouse. If it were me, it's where I'd want to say "yes." There's an 800 access # for the hotel 800/845-4274.

P.S. Dave --whatever you do, be sure to bookmark a copy of this post so she can see it after the question...That last line is something you guys will smile over on your 20th anniversary!

I second the West Coast of Ireland at sunset suggestion assuming that you are not going at this time of year (you may both be blown off a cliff). Pretty torns in England include the Cotswolds. Le Manoir au Quatre Saisons is stunning. Appropriate Castle properties in Ireland / Scotland (in bad weather) include Dromoland (not far from Shannon Airport in Ireland) or Skibo Castle (where Madonna got married in Scotland). Good luck!

Hi Dave: <BR>How Romantic! How about Ladies View on the Lakes of Killarney...one of the prettiest places I have ever seen...

Lake District - always the knee-jerk reaction to "Beauty" and "England". And on mature consideration ? .... Still the Lake District ! <BR> <BR>If you have lots of money (ie Quat Saisons level) the equivalent place in the Lakes is the Sharrow Bay Hotel, on Ullswater. <BR> <BR>Chris