Royal Wedding: Prince William to Marry His Princess
VisitBritain celebrates Royal Engagement with their picks on the most romantic spots in Britain
NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- It's official: Prince William and his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton, are getting married and according to official royal sources, the wedding is expected to take place in spring or summer 2011.
Traditionally royal engagements are quite short, so it won't be long before Kate Middleton will be an official part of the Royal Family with all of the responsibility that entails. To help Britain's future King and Queen make the most of this short but sweet moment in time, VisitBritain, the national tourism board for England, Scotland and Wales, has pulled together this list of the most romantic spots for them (and you) to enjoy in the UK.
Scotland
Scotland will always be near and dear to the happy couple's hearts, as Prince William and Kate Middleton went from students to soul-mates while studying at St. Andrew's University in Fife.
Known as the top 'match-making university' in the UK, graduates from St. Andrews have a one in ten chance of meeting their perfect partner and getting wed, says London's Daily Mirror. One theory is that the small size of the town forces students closer together in a more intimate environment but we're guessing the romantic cobblestone streets, ivy clad walls, gorgeous beaches and cozy pubs, like Ma Bells Bar, don't hurt either.
Live out your own royal dreams by staying in one of the UK's exquisite castle hotels. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain), Inverlochy Castle has impressive royal roots. In September 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week painting and sketching here and wrote in her diary, 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.' A private residence until 1969, Inverlochy Castle is now one of Scotland's finest hotels, with 17 intimate guest rooms in total.
Nothing gets the heart beating faster than bundling up in your warm winter woolies and heading out on a winter walk. Known as 'Big Tree Country,' Perthshire is the perfect spot for a stroll with your sweetheart. Experience the tumbling white waterfalls of Bruar and use the 250 miles of sign-posted paths to journey through ancient woodland that sparkles with winter frost.
Wales
Following their royal wedding, the prince and princess will continue to live in Anglesey, North Wales, where he is a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force. In the meantime, you may just catch a glimpse of them at one of these romantic love shacks in mid and north Wales.
Located in North Wales, with breathtaking views over the Snowdonia Mountain range, Bodysgallen Hall & Spa has to be one of the most romantic places in Wales – if not the whole UK! Situated in 200 acres of parkland, the 17th century hotel looks down on the medieval castle at Conwy and features divine cuisine, an indulgent spa and for an extra romantic experience, a handful of private cottages scattered around the grounds.
Built in 1890, the view from this Victorian Country House Hotel and Spa is dominated by the magnificent Victorian reservoir and its 'fairy tale tower.' There are great walking trails and spectacular vistas from almost every room.
England
Since Prince William and Kate Middleton both share a love for horses (she loves to ride and he's an avid polo player), this new country house hotel is a perfect choice for a quick weekend break. Located about an hour outside of London, in the quaint town of Ascot, Cowarth Park is the only hotel in Britain to have its own polo field and equestrian centre! It's also very close to Windsor Castle, the Queen's weekend retreat.
Relax as the Romans once did in a rooftop spa with perfect views over the Georgian City. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a number of award winning restaurants, luxurious hotels, romantic B&Bs and of course the Thermae Bath Spa, which uses the same mineral-rich waters the Celts and Romans used 2000 years ago. Bliss.
To really get away from it all, you can't beat Burgh Island Hotel. Linked to South Devon by a tidal causeway, this romantic Art Deco hotel is a unique example of 1930's glamour with 21st century amenities. Burgh Island has been frequented by bright young things since it opened as a hotel in 1928. Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and Lord Mountbatten all stayed here.
London
Visitors to London are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic experiences. Our top tips? Take a champagne flight on the London Eye (a great spot for popping the question – especially if you rent a private capsule!) or pack a picnic and head to Hyde Park for a walk along Lover's Lane, a beautiful tree-lined pathway that stretches south from Marble Arch and Speaker's Corner.
How to get around
What's more romantic than traveling by rail? Until February 28th, US travelers can enjoy 20% off select BritRail Passes, if purchased through VisitBritain's Online Shop.
For more press information about travel to Britain:www.visitbritain.com/mediaroom
For access to VisitBritain's free photo library for media:www.visitbritainimages.com
SOURCE VisitBritain
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