Whether it is time to pop the question or simply pledge one’s innermost feelings, Cornwall has plenty of perfect places for proposing or pledging your love
Forget the snow and ice of winter and warm your heart with something more penetrating than a cup of hot chocolate or a decent brandy. Love is the answer to the gloom of winter and there is nowhere better than Cornwall to express it, writes Bernard Bale as he goes in search of the perfect spots to propose
1. River Fowey in Lanhydrock
Perhaps a riverside stroll will set the scene for your big moment. If that's the case why not take a walk, hand-in-hand alongside the picturesque River Fowey in Lanhydrock. There are not the words to describe this beauty spot near Bodmin and where better than within sight of the medieval Respryn Bridge to pledge your eternal love?
2. St Michael's Mount
If you are passionate about water as well as someone else, then perhaps St Michael's Mount is the place for you. It certainly has its own air of romance as it is cut off except for low tide when a walkway reveals itself to and from Marazion. It is nothing if not peaceful and even though there are signs of habitation dating back 6,000 years you are sure to find the serenity to make your pledge.
3. Lanyon Quoit
Standing next to a tomb might not sound very romantic but if that tomb is Lanyon Quoit near Penzance and if daylight has gone and moonlight has replaced it then you have an incomparable atmosphere. Lanyon Quoit is megalithic and not quite as it was first made but it is strangely atmospheric and possibly the perfect place for an unforgettable romantic moment that could change your life forever.
4. Greenaway Beach
Maybe you prefer to feel the sand and sea between your toes for that carefree special moment. Well not far from Padstow you will find Greenaway Beach which is one of the most beautiful in the county yet rarely crowded. With the sun kissing the sand and the breeze caressing your back you will be fully relaxed to speak or hear the words of love which you will never ever forget.
5. Bedruthan
The Bedruthan coastline offers several amazing bays but the most popular and probably the most romantic is Bedruthan beach itself. It is exquisite, has the legend of the Giant Bedruthan and many tales of smugglers stashing goods in the caves and ships that have fallen foul of the famous granite rocks. A narrow set of steps is cut into the cliff and lead down to the golden sand and surely one of the most romantic settings on the planet.
6. Padstow Ferry
How would you like to get really adventurous and be married at sea? Well perhaps the first step would be to get engaged or at least pledge your love while at sea. Ocean-going liners or even tall ships might be in short supply but the Padstow Ferry will at least get you onto the ocean, sort of. The Padstow Rock ferry also known as 'Black Tor', operates between Padstow and Rock, operating continuously throughout each day. You don't think that is romantic? You will years from now when your friends ask how the question was popped. The Padstow ferry is a lot more romantic than sharing a bag from chips from Charlie's Chippie.
7. Polzeath
Time for some action and in Cornwall that can mostly mean rugby, wrestling or surfing. St Valentine's Day could be the perfect time to get out there on the foam and pop the question while clinging onto a surfboard. If that takes your fancy then head for Polzeath, one of the most popular surfing beaches in the world. Polzeath is really a little seaside resort, a small village situated on the North coast of Cornwall, home to a magnificent stretch of golden sand between Pentire Head to the north and Highcliff to the west. It was a particular favourite haunt of Sir John Betjeman, and is celebrated in some of his poetry. Try reciting some while you are surfing, that should make an impression.
8. Minack Theatre
Still want somewhere especially different? The Minack Theatre could hold the answer. If you have never been or even heard of it the Minack is simply superb, an outdoor theatre carved from the granite cliff and set in beautiful gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.
From above it looks as though the Greeks created it a couple of thousand years ago but in fact it was created in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, who famously moved to Cornwall after the First World War, built a house for herself and her mother on land at Minack Point for £100 and also created the theatre.. The summer theatre season runs from May to September presenting drama, musicals and opera but even in February it can provide a settng like no other for popping the question. After all, if music be the food of love, play on...
9. Trelissick Garden
There are few more tranquil spots than Trelissick Garden with Cornwall's Area of Outstanding Beauty. Trelissick Garden is a National Trust property at Feock near Truro and is renowned for its beautiful parkland, woodland walks, views of Falmouth and of the estuary of the River Fal. It is also famed for its fantastic flowers and incredible shrub collection. In other words it is a breath-takingly wonderful spot for inspiration and romance at any time of the year.
10. Huer's Hut
If Pilchard spotting could be your idea of a romantic outing then head for the famed Huer's Hut overlooking Newquay bay on Towan Head. Dating back to the 14th century it was originally a look-out spot for shoals of pilchards. The huer would keep a sharp eye on the sea and as soon as a shoal was spotted he would shout to the fisherman and the boats were launched to take advantage of the sea harvest. It might not sound the sort of thing for St Valentine's Day but it is an amazing location for looking out to sea in search of your destiny.
11. Mousehole Harbour
Cornwall has a coastline that has inspired the most romantic of poets and painters and throughout the county there are the most beautiful settings for proposals and pledges. Perhaps Mousehole Harbour offers just about everything. It looks as if it should be a jigsaw puzzle, a scene on a chocolate box or a tin of tasty biscuits. Mousehole is of course a very small fishing village just three miles west of Penzance. As well as the picturesque harbour Mousehole has the most marvellous narrow streets and yellow lichened houses, which combine to create what can only be described as a fantastic location.
The village drips with history but the boats in the harbour enthusiastically bob and wait to be unleashed to follow their spirit of adventure out into the big wide ocean, just like a couple about to start out on their adventure of a lifetime.
