When it comes to romantic getaways, Herefordshire is a winner on every front, a dream destination. Developing a reputation for unique places to stay, picturesque market towns to mooch around, award-winning dining, history to explore, all set in some of the most beautiful countryside Britain has to offer, if you’ve already visited, you’ll need no persuading, but if you haven’t discovered Herefordshire yet, what are you waiting for?
Take your pick from our selection of seven of the most perfect places for a mini-moon just for two.
Barton Court Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a truly gorgeous romantic little bolt hole, perfect for some time away together with its very own wood fired hot tub. Once the head gardener’s cottage, this bijou little house has been carefully restored to make it as comfortable as it is charming.
Romance Factor
Everything in the Clock Tower feels like it’s miniature, though it of course isn’t, but this cuteness makes it unique. It has everything a couple and their dog could need; a cosy sitting room with a log burner, a comfortable bedroom with lovely views, a well equipped kitchen and a good shower room. There is even a second loo, an enclosed dog run and a little patio area.
The pretty little enclosed garden in two sections, has its own hot tub where you can relax under the stars while you enjoy the views of the Malvern Hills.
Your easy access to nearby historic Ledbury, enables you to head straight to Choccotastic, the brilliant artisan chocolatier with a sense of humour and delectable choccie treats for all occasions, plus inhouse café. Then long-established café/restaurant The Malthouse is a must for lunch of Mediterranean and world influenced dishes, packed with flavour and the freshest ingredients.
The story of Barton Court is itself a romantic one. It changed hands in 2014 for the first time in 130 years: “It was like a house that was lost,” says owner Linda Camp. “People didn’t know there was a house behind the wall … it is said to have inspired both Jane Austen and Thackeray with its parade of spendthrifts and cads.”
In fact the house dates back to medieval times and, with outbuildings dating from the 11th and 13th centuries and stables that are Georgian and Edwardian, “it’s a trip through ten centuries – a tiny social guide.”
Barton Court is a great base from which to explore the Malvern Hills, Malvern town’s indie shops, the charms of Ledbury and the grandeur of Eastnor Castle, surely one of the most romantic castles in the country.
Also see Barton Court, Barton Court Wedding Venue and Barton Court Corporate Venue
The Riverside Inn at Aymestrey
Book a room at the award-winning Riverside Inn, set, as the name suggests, waterside on the banks of the River Lugg and you may very well not want to stray too far.
Romance Factor
For a properly romantic break, you can’t do better than choose one of the three Garden Rooms; stylishly designed private lodges reached via a number of external steps through the terraced garden. Secluded and quirky, these rooms are warm and cosy in the winter months, and perfect relaxing retreats in the summer.
All with bespoke touches, king-size beds, underfloor heating and homemade treats all guarantee a real sense of luxury and romance. Two of the Garden Rooms also have decked patio areas, perfect for a sundowner before you head to the award-winning restaurant (Herefordshire’s Best Restaurant 2021 and UK Slow Food winners) for an intimate dinner à deux.
In addition to the Garden Rooms, there are three private ‘nests’ with spacious sleeping and seating areas – the Hayloft, Stables and Croft Suites – as well as two king-sized rooms in the main property. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
A Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package at The Riverside at Aymestrey includes an allowance of £25 per head towards dinner from the a la carte menu and can only be booked via the website.
Dogs are welcome in selected rooms.
The village of Aymestrey lies in the heart of Mortimer country, an area steeped in history … and blood! The 15C Battle of Mortimers Cross, a major battle in the Wars of the Roses, was fought here, though the exact location remains unknown. The Riverside, itself a historic black and white building, also provides a great starting point for a tour of Herefordshire’s picturesque black-and-white villages, download the trail guide here.
Find out more at The Riverside Inn
The Hayloft Studio at Wall End Farm
This former Hayloft, in a quiet spot on a working farm near Leominster, has been created for two people with comfort in mind, space to enjoy peace and privacy in stylishly surroundings, decorated with beautiful Edward Bulmer natural paints.
Romance Factor
On arrival you will see a courtyard, with steps leading up to this completely private, self contained, characterful apartment. Beside the steps is a dedicated terrace with chairs and table and mood lighting to bring the romantic vibe to your evening drinks or supper.
The fabulous L-shaped kitchen space (with everything you need to whip up an intimate dinner) leads into the sitting area with WiFi and Smart TV.
Sumptuous colours and fabrics, like the deep fuchsia pink handmade headboard, pop from the bedroom from where you’ll enjoy garden views every morning, and the super-king bed is made up with gorgeous white linen. The ensuite bathroom with large walk-in shower is supplied with soft fluffy towels.
The property is ideally located for walkers and cyclists and there is an array of country pubs and restaurants close by. For convenience there are several supermarkets and local amenities within two miles. Explore the antique shops of nearby Leominster or slightly further afield is the historic town of Ludlow, famed for its food festivals and fantastic cuisine.
Another short drive from The Hayloft Studio will take you to the National Trust’s Croft Castle and Croft Ambrey Iron Age fort.
Your idea of a romantic getaway may start with a dream of doing very little, but Herefordshire’s irresistible charms are sure to seduce you into doing much more!
The Hayloft Studio at Wall End Farm
Orles Barn
A perfect getaway for the grown-ups, just on the very edge of the picture postcard market town of Ross-on-Wye.
Romance Factor
This excellent restaurant with rooms offers a wonderfully comfortable welcome, beautifully decorated rooms – Laura Ashley combined with luscious Little Greene colours – fine dining, including a special Valentine’s Day menu that kicks off with a classic champagne cocktail, not to mention access to some of Britain’s most spectacular countryside.
For those attracted to the county by its long association with apples, the four rooms at Orles Barn are named after apples grown locally – Mollie Delicious, Pixie Apple, Orange Pippin and Annie Elizabeth, names full of history, romance and taste!
The Town is close enough to stroll to over the picturesque river bridge, with waterside path and greens, before you ascend to the town centre and some lovely viewpoints. Charming to mooch around, Ross-on-Wye has some excellent specialist shops like Field Fayre for delicious organic staples and treats catering for all dietary challenges. Have some real retail therapy at Labels shopping outlet and perhaps book a tour of famous sculptor Walenty Pytel’s home-based studio (spot his distinctive metalwork installations around the town).
The Courtyard Rooms at Pensons
If there was anywhere made for a romantic break with a gourmet element, the newly developed courtyard rooms at Penson’s restaurant are it.
Romance factor
Located in dreamily named Stoke Bliss village and designed to maximise your Michelin Star dining experience, the exclusivity of having just two incredibly cosy, comfortable bedrooms available in the courtyard garden of the restaurant, makes this super-special. These are available to book on an inclusive dinner, bed and breakfast basis only for Wednesday-Saturday nights.
Both rooms feature a super king size bed and luxury ensuite shower room, with a view across the courtyard to the restaurant. The perfect way to relax and make your evening truly special.
An overnight stay for two includes the five course tasting menu for two and breakfast, with a 20% discount on any remaining availability for February bedrooms on the 2nd, 8th and 16th February 2023.
Tudor Farmhouse in the Wye Valley
If there’s a single phrase guaranteed to inspire the idea of a romantic getaway it must be ‘boutique hotel’. The words instantly conjure up images of indulgence, luxury and comfort.
Romance Factor
Nestled in the medieval hamlet of Clearwell (even that sounds romantic doesn’t it) in the Wye Valley, the hotel and restaurant, a former working farm, has been lovingly converted to create 20 luxuriously chic bedrooms, each with their own unique character, exposed stonework and ancient beams, not to mention roll top baths and monsoon showers. With their blend of laid-back luxury and homespun charm, you may feel so utterly at home that “you’ll want to stay forever”.
There could certainly be no nicer treat for that special someone in your life than a two-night Valentine’s break here, where the hotel’s Shepherd’s Hut also offers the perfect location to recharge or relax with a massage.
Join star storyteller Jim Bell for a unique stargazing safari experience. From the hilltop vantage point in the grounds of Tudor Farmhouse, you’ll observe stars, constellations and planets, and discover the fascinating science and stories behind them. Romancometer ding ding ding.
This is without question a destination hotel, one that Tatler magazine has described as a ‘culinary oasis’, with a head chef committed to quality and locally sourced ingredients – most come from producers within 20 miles of the hotel.
Two Night Valentines Experience includes dinner, bed and breakfast with our special 5 Course Tasting Menu on one night, a box of local handmade chocolates, a bottle of champagne & one dozen red roses in the room on arrival, and a one hour massage during your stay.
Read more about the Tudor Farmhouse here
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny
Located very conveniently in the heart of Abergavenny town, the Angel is a 4-Silver Star hotel, named ‘Welsh Hotel of The Year 2020’ by The Good Hotel Guide
Surrounded by seven hills, the Skirrid is perhaps the best known, on the Welsh/English border, Abergavenny is known as ‘The Gateway to Wales’ and home to the renowned Abergavenny Food Festival in the autumn.
Romance Factor
The hotel, a former coaching inn with an imposing Georgian façade, has 31 beautifully stylish rooms, classified as Executive, Superior, or Deluxe, most within the hotel, and The Mews, a former stables, adjacent to the building.
The Deluxe Suite, the hotel’s largest room, features sleek and contemporary design, a super comfortable bed and sofa, and a beautiful bay window offering a bird’s eye view of Abergavenny. To ensure a truly special break, the hotel offers guests booking the Deluxe Suite a complimentary taxi to their sister property, the Michelin starred Walnut Tree Inn.
Though with the hotel’s own Foxhunter bar and The Oak Room Restaurant you will be charmed with simple, great quality food made using the freshest and finest ingredients to create inspired dishes.
Month of Love offer – For the month of February The Angel is offering a special package break for couples and a wonderful Valentines menu on 14th February, which is available to non-residents too.
The Angel group also includes The Walnut Tree, The Art Shop & Chapel, The Abergavenny Hotel and The Angel Bakery, who supply all properties with the most delicious breads and pastries.
Also see The Oak Room Restaurant.
Find more great places to stay in Herefordshire here.