Places to Propose in Herefordshire
Perfect spots to pop the question!
Planning to pop the question? From treehouses and woodland yurts to majestic hilltops and gothic ruins, Herefordshire provides an unforgettable backdrop to take the next step with your partner. Whether you're looking to get away for a long weekend, or simply want to find the perfect spot to get down on one knee, we've rounded up some of the county's most enchanting proposal locations.
Couples’ Yoga and Treetop Bubble Baths
Sometimes, it’s the simple moments in life that can feel the most tender. If you’re keeping your proposal low-key, there are loads of beautiful getaways across the county where you can pop the question without even needing to leave your holiday digs.
Ritty Retreats, in the gorgeous Golden Valley, has 25 acres of private woodland and meadows to explore. The pretty brook running through the site invites dreamy swims or just messing about in a boat. Book a yoga lesson and couples’ massage in the woodland yurt, before relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub with panoramic views. If you’re planning to stay in for the whole trip, get luxury breakfast hampers and home-cooked suppers delivered to your cabin. If you can bear to leave, take a quick wander down to the charming local pub, The Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley, or a 15-minute drive to a Michelin guide pub, The Bulls Head at Craswall.
Or inject a dash of whimsy into your proposal plans with a treehouse holiday, where you can get down on one knee whilst up in the canopy. One Acre Wood’s cabins sit just above Frome Valley Vineyard, so you’ll be perfectly poised to sample a spot of local wine during your stay, perhaps from the comfort of the deliciously decadent outdoor copper bath. If a hot tub is a must, check out Rookery Woods, where you can watch a movie as you bubble away, before checking in to your private infra-red sauna or seeing if your stars align via the fab telescope. Over at The Fold, it's hard to pick a favourite but we're rather partial to the Scandi Cabin with its wood-fired hot tub and private sauna.
Wild Swimming and Stirring Walks
If you’re one half of an active couple, book one of Dragon’s Gate’s picture-perfect cabins, where you’ll wake up with views across the Monnow Valley and the chance to take a dip in their spring-fed swimming lake, followed by a sauna. Cynefin Retreats’ stylish pods sit on the edge of a certified dark skies reserve, so cuddle up and stargaze. You’re right by Offa’s Dyke and the Wye Valley Walk here, too, so pack your boots and explore the area on foot together.
For adventurous souls, the Cat’s Back Ridge in the Black Mountains is a simply breathtaking spot which, on a quiet morning, can make you and your loved one feel like the only people in the world. After a clamber to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with endless views of the Golden Valley. In a county which transforms with each season, the Cat’s Back is always a scene from a fairytale. A misty winter morning or a golden autumn afternoon would both make a magical backdrop for a proposal.
Hidden in a meander of the River Wye, Symonds Yat Rock boasts unique natural splendour with steep wooded valleys, alongside an atmosphere heavy with myth and history. A choice of walking trails wind amongst the trees or down along the riverbank, leading you to secluded spots under leafy canopies. Peregrine falcons are known to glide overhead in this special place. Choose a sunrise or sunset to make your proposal as dreamy as can be. There’s even a charming riverside pub to be found on both banks of the river, ready for you to refresh yourselves after your amble and toast to your future.
A Gorgeous Church & Love Among the Ruins
Few can resist the charms of Shobdon Church, known locally as ‘The Wedding Cake Church’ thanks to its gorgeous, pastel-hued 18th century interior. Renowned as a rare example of Strawberry Hill Gothic architecture, this serene church is a true hidden gem, sure to set wedding bells ringing in anyone’s head. And if you thought this setting couldn’t get any more atmospheric, just a few minutes’ walk away lie Shobdon Arches. A remarkable example of Romanesque craftsmanship, the intricately carved Arches stand alone at the end of a tree-lined avenue, behind which you’ll be met with views of rolling fields and woodland. You’d be excused for mistaking the Arches for a gateway into another world.
A spot befitting Arthurian legend, Longtown Castle in the Olchon Valley is a commanding presence in the Herefordshire landscape. Partially in ruins, the crumbled tower and medieval walls convey a sense of a long and storied history. Though you don’t need to be a history lover to be awestruck by Longtown Castle, it makes an especially fitting location for a couple who share a passion for bygone eras. Soft light bathes the castle and surrounding valley in the late afternoon, adding magical charm to this already incredibly atmospheric place. The Black Mountains rear up to the west, casting long shadows and infusing the scene with drama.
Serene Bridges & Riverboat Romance
Wander to Sellack Suspension Bridge, a peaceful setting full of simple charm reminiscent of Little Women or Anne of Green Gables. The Victorian bridge sits over a quiet stretch of the River Wye, bordered on both banks with trees and greenery trailing down into the water. Just moments away, following the bend of the river, is a secluded pebble beach – just the place to throw down your blanket and declare you love as you quietly picnic. Choose a sunny day and catch glimpses of dragonflies flitting amongst the foliage.
For an old-world, distinctively Herefordshire feel, the medieval village of Pembridge makes a great choice. Its black-and-white timber-framed houses are exquisite all year round, but there’s a particular loveliness to them in the colder months with frost sparkling on the rooftops and in the hedgerows. Wander out of the heart of the village and down to the ancient stone bridge over the River Arrow for a tranquil, timeless backdrop, or cross over the river and enjoy the dappled sunshine and the gentle lapping of the water on the quiet riverside paths. Back in the village, a couple of superb pubs are just the place to cosy up and celebrate over lunch or dinner.
Or take a hint from the movies and set off on a canoe trip along the River Wye for a uniquely different proposal. An adventure down river by boat provides complete solitude surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The Wye brims with wildlife best seen from the water itself – otters play and kingfishers dart across the surface, and there’s new scenery to discover round every corner. Hidden beaches accessible only by boat are dotted along the banks, ready for picnics or cloud gazing. Whether you drop oars mid-stream or get down on one knee on your very own beach, you’re certain to find serenity and more than a little classic romance.
