Top spots in Canterbury for a spring proposal
With spring on the way, Canterbury will soon be bursting beautifully into life. Rain or shine, its rich history, quaint and quirky streets and glorious gardens make it a perfect romantic spot to pop the question!
Here are my five top spots to propose to your beloved this spring…
Westgate Gardens
One of the most picturesque and photographed areas of the city, the Westgate Gardens are full of beautiful proposal spots, especially in springtime! Sit by the river, admire the beautifully manicured flower beds, watch the ducks and take a moment to enjoy the view of the Westgate Tower. Get down on one knee on one of the cute little bridges crossing the Stour, perch on the bench under the 200-year-old ‘Baobab’ plane tree, or find the perfect photo opportunity framed by the Medieval archway on the bank of the river.
Canterbury Cathedral
Surely there’s no better or more romantic place in Canterbury than the Cathedral itself? Take a trip up the Bell Harry tower for the most gorgeous view of the city (check opening times first), sit in the beautifully serene cloisters or even find a quiet corner of the crypt! There are some very pretty spots in the Cathedral precincts and gardens to choose from too. Make it extra special with a stay in the Cathedral Lodge; a hotel with 34 luxurious rooms overlooking the beautiful historic spires of the Cathedral. A stay in this lovely space also gets you access to the Campanile Garden, an elevated outdoor space reserved for guests and special occasions. A truly dreamy spot to declare your intentions!
Westgate Tower
The largest surviving Medieval gateway in England is a spectacular place to get engaged! The Westgate Tower has stood since around 1379, and been used for defence, as a jail, and now a museum, bar and gateway to the city. A spectacular view of the city awaits you at the top of five, very narrow spiral staircases; it’s absolutely worth the effort. The Pound bar at the base of the tower is a fabulous place for a celebratory cocktail or two, with snug nooks inside the former jail cells. (It’s more romantic than it sounds!)
Blean Woods Nature Reserve
This gorgeous woodland is wonderfully romantic! The perfect mix of the area as a nature reserve and public space makes it truly magical, and a lovely place to propose to a nature lover. Parts of the reserve have undergone a significant rewilding programme, and in some areas, you can spot deer, wild pigs and even a bison or two, roaming freely in the 11 square miles of ancient woodland. Five colour marked routes around this beautiful woodland allow you to choose the length of your walk – from a breezy 0.9 mile (1.5 km) to a more challenging 8 miles (13 km). (For the practised hiker, there’s also the Big Blean Walk of 25 miles!) Whilst the area is popular, you’re bound to find the perfect secluded spot to propose.
Dane John Gardens
Closed for the winter of 2025, (opening again in late spring 2026), the gardens have undergone significant improvements that include wild flower banks, new paths and lighting, new planting and replacement trees, plus more seating. The Dane John mound has been in place since the 1st Century, and gives lovely views of the city, with benches encircling the monument. I’m a bit biased, as this is where my husband proposed to me, next to our favourite tree. (Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best!)
Choosing where to propose is about more than just finding a beautiful backdrop - it’s about finding a place that feels right for you. From riverside gardens and ancient woodland, to soaring towers and historic precincts, Canterbury offers a fabulous and unforgettable setting for a springtime proposal. (And if you need dried wedding flowers, you know where to come!)