Exeter crowned best place in the UK for a Valentine’s Day proposal

Exeter has been named the best location in the UK for a Valentine’s Day marriage proposal, according to a new national study.

Research by relationship advice platform Trusted Psychics analysed 49 towns and cities across the country to determine which areas offer the ideal mix of romance, scenery and practical support for couples planning to pop the question on 14 February.

Exeter came out on top with an overall score of 58.85, beating traditionally romantic destinations including Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh.

The study assessed six key factors considered important for a successful proposal: how often major attractions are described as “proposal spots” in online reviews, the number of scenic viewpoints, typical Valentine’s Day weather, and the availability of proposal photographers, florists and jewellers.

Data was gathered from sources including TripAdvisor, Google Maps and AccuWeather before being combined into a single weighted score for each location.

Exeter performed particularly strongly for practical support services. It recorded the highest number of proposal photographers per 10,000 people of any area in the UK, ranking first in that category.

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The city also achieved the best predicted Valentine’s Day weather score nationwide, helping to reduce the chances of rain disrupting a carefully planned moment.

While Exeter ranked 16th for the number of online reviews describing attractions as proposal locations, it still scored highly in other areas. It came ninth for scenic viewpoints, with its mix of riverside walks, historic streets and cathedral backdrops highlighted as ideal romantic settings.

The availability of jewellers also placed Exeter ninth in the country, although it ranked lower for florist density at 39th.

Researchers said this overall balance of reliable weather, accessible services and attractive locations helped Exeter edge ahead of more famous “romantic” cities.

Bath took second place with a score of 52.74, praised for its historic charm and visual appeal, while Durham ranked third thanks to its high number of scenic viewpoints.

Cambridge and Oxford completed the top five, followed by Perth, Hereford and York. Manchester and Edinburgh rounded out the top ten.

At the opposite end of the table, Bradford was ranked the least favourable place in the UK for a Valentine’s proposal, followed by Stoke-on-Trent and Wakefield.

Joanne Jones, spokesperson for Trusted Psychics, said Valentine’s Day remains one of the most popular dates for proposals because of its built-in sense of romance.

“Valentine’s Day has always carried a special emotional weight,” she said. “For many couples, it feels like the most natural moment to propose because love is already the focus of the day.”

She added that location can have a significant impact on how a proposal feels.

“A place can completely shape how a proposal feels. When couples are surrounded by beautiful views, historic streets, or somewhere that feels calm and meaningful, it helps them stay present in the moment.”

Joanne also stressed the importance of practical considerations.

“What often gets overlooked is how practical details affect romance. Access to florists, photographers or even just a quiet scenic spot can turn a good idea into a truly memorable moment.”

The findings suggest Exeter offers exactly that combination, with its blend of historic character, attractive scenery and strong local services making it, at least statistically, the UK’s most proposal-friendly city this Valentine’s Day.