Edinburgh Castle crowned best UK castle for fairytale proposals
A legendary Scottish castle has been ranked as the the most perfect castle across the UK for a dreamy proposal. Edinburgh Castle has been crowned the most picturesque spot to pop the question.
The capital landmark has been dubbed the ultimate castle setting for a fairytale proposal in new research by OBJKTS Jewelry.
Analysing hashtag data from Instagram and TikTok, the study ranked 100 of the UK's most beloved castles by popularity across social media.
Edinburgh Castle claimed the top spot with over 804,000 hashtags, praised for its dramatic skyline views and centuries-old charm. and blowing its rivals out of the water.
Perched on a volcanic plug and dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, the castle has long held a special place in the hearts of visitors.
The historic site features the 12th-century St Margaret's Chapel, the grand Great Hall built by James IV, the imposing Half Moon Battery added in the 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial, built after the First World War.
Today, it houses the Honours of Scotland, the Crown Jewels, as well as the iconic 15th-century Mons Meg cannon - the daily One O'Clock Gun - and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Unsurprisingly, its popularity as a proposal spot continues to soar. Last year, an engagement filmed in front of the castle went viral on social media, drawing thousands of likes and heartfelt congratulations from viewers.
Two more Scottish castles secured places in the top ten. Eilean Donan Castle came seventh, with 118,973 hashtags, while Stirling Castle ranked ninth, gathering 103,246.
Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland, sits on its own tiny island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, with the mountains of Kintail rising around it.
It's a Highland icon, immortalised on calendars and shortbread tins, and remains a firm favourite with visitors.
While marriage proposals on site require prior permission, the castle offers an exclusive package allowing private access to the grounds before public opening hours, giving couples a secluded and magical backdrop to pop the question.
Stirling Castle, meanwhile, is an essential piece of Scotland's royal heritage. Though its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times, the site reached its peak in the 1500s.
Lavishly renovated by James V, the Royal Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots spent her early years, reflects European Renaissance influences that once declared royal power and sophistication.
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Visitors can explore its grand halls and fortified enclosures, steeped in the stories of generations of Scottish monarchs.
Other romantic locations featured in the ranking include Windsor Castle in second place with 516,100 hashtags, praised for its regal elegance, and Cardiff Castle in fifth, which blends medieval walls with lush parkland and racked up 127,875 hashtags.
OBJKTS Jewelry described these top-ranking spots as "the most magical backdrops to pop the question," offering couples timeless and enchanting settings to mark one of life's most memorable moments.
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