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
St Michael’s Mount
If you are passionate about water as well as someone else, then St Michael’s Mount is the place for you. It 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.
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.
Hell’s Mouth
Sitting along the heritage road between Hayle and Portreath, there are few things that can beat the dramatic backdrop of Hell’s Mouth. This stunning spot is perfect for a cliff edge romance – but be careful, there is no guard rail or fencing – not for young visitors or dogs.
Bedruthan
The Bedruthan coastline offers several amazing bays but the most popular and probably the most romantic is Bedruthan beach itself. The granite rocks along the beach are – legend has it – stepping stones for the Giant Bedruthan. It’s tricky to get to via narrow steps cut into the cliff face (they are closed during the winter) but once you reach the beach the golden sands offer one of the most romantic settings.
Sennen
This beautiful beach is one of Cornwall’s top surfing spots. Head through the tiny village and the view opens out to the beach – golden sands, tick, blue waters famed for their surf, tick, small harbour dotted with small fishing boats, tick. There’s rocky edges at the southern end of the bay to protect from the westerly Atlantic gales and access to the South West Coast Path – if you prefer height.
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.
Porthcurno
Inarguably one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches – and let’s face it there is some stiff competition, this beach is pretty much perfect. A crescent shaped beach sits snugly beneath craggy rocks where the Atlantic Ocean laps lazily (in the right weather conditions) on the golden sands.
A regular star of BBC1’s Poldark, the beach has become hugely popular with visitors in recent years. Above the beach sits the Minack Theatre – an outdoor theatre carved from the granite cliff and set in beautiful gardens.
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.
Charlestown
Perfect for Poldark fans, this ancient harbour played Truro in the hit BBC TV show and has everything you could need for atmosphere. Add in the Tallships that can often be found there and the background is pretty much perfect.
The 18th Century Georgian harbour is a UNESCO world heritage site and remains a vibrant working port, with classic ships and boats.
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.
This article first appeared in Cornwall Life’s March 2020 issue. Find out about the latest subscription deals here.
