BRITS DITCH LAVISH ENGAGEMENTS: LOW KEY COUNTRYSIDE PROPOSALS TOP ROMANCE CHARTS
Brits are turning away from grand gestures in favour of simpler, more intimate moments. According to new data from Chef & Brewer, a countryside walk with a scenic view is now one of the UK’s favorite engagement settings, second only to a holiday abroad.
The survey reveals that 33% of Brits say their dream engagement would take place overseas, making holiday getaways the most popular choice. However, snapping closely at its heels is the quintessential British countryside, with 29% opting for a scenic rural walk as their romantic backdrop.
Countryside proposals are proving even more popular than holiday getaways for some. Couples in Bristol (41%), Newcastle upon Tyne (36%), Norwich (36%) and Southampton (39%) would pick a countryside walk as their top choice for getting engaged.
The Lake District was voted the UK’s most romantic proposal spot, according to half of respondents (51%), and Liverpudlians are The Lakes’ biggest fans, with two-thirds (66%) considering it the ultimate engagement backdrop.
Couples are choosing countryside proposals for the romance and intimacy they offer. According to the survey, 81% of Brits say the natural scenery makes the moment more special, 40% highlight the intimacy of the setting and 33% believe it’s more meaningful and personal.
When asked what makes countryside proposals during the festive season appealing, festive sparkles stand out in Brighton (68%) and Plymouth (60%), with locals citing Christmas lights and decorations as making winter proposals the most magical.
Cosy atmosphere dominates Bristol (61%), Sheffield (60%) and Liverpool (53%), whereas winter scenery is especially popular in Newcastle (62%) and Southampton (56%).
To celebrate the trend, Chef & Brewer has launched a new competition, giving one lucky couple the chance to win a £250 countryside stay, to toast their big moment in a cosy local pub www.chefandbrewer.com/competitions/christmas-proposals
The findings also reveal how couples want to celebrate once the question has been popped. Londoners are the most likely to head straight to the pub after a scenic engagement walk (47%), while Geordies prioritise having a pub nearby, as 45% say it’s an essential part of the perfect engagement.
Mulled drinks and pub fires appeal most in Manchester (42%) and Birmingham (36%), combining romance and festive charm for couples planning to tie the knot.
William Botterill, Head of Integrated Marketing at Chef & Brewer, said: “Set in the heart of the countryside, Chef & Brewer pubs have long been beloved local escapes, and now they’re fast becoming the go-to setting for some of the nation’s most unforgettable moments.
“With more couples embracing stripped-back winter proposals and scenic seasonal adventures, we wanted to help celebrate the magic of these authentic experiences. Our giveaway is a chance for one lucky couple to elevate their engagement story in a now highly sought-after, characterful pub setting – and to shine a spotlight on the charm and excitement found right at the heart of our wintry British landscape.”
The country pub company has created a guide of the UK’s most romantic, wintery engagement spots. Embracing the nation’s newfound love for scenic proposals, the guide points couples to ideal countryside locations, with nearby pubs providing a warm and festive setting to celebrate during the winter months. The full list of pubs per region can be found here: https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs-near-me.
UK’s top countryside proposal locations
1
Lake District
51%
2
Cornwall
30%
3
Cotswolds
26%
4
Yorkshire Dales
23%
5
Peak District
21%
