Having travelled the globe to many far-flung honeymoon hotspots from Bali to St Barts, the Maldives to Miami, I can honestly say there’s no better place than the United Kingdom for a romantic getaway. The beaches of the West Coast of Scotland or the Scilly Isles, for example, are some of the loveliest in the world, whilst the lakes and mountains of the Lake District have been romantic long before the poets told us so.
Britain is brimming with history and culture, from the tiny East Sussex village of Alfriston to ancient stone cottages in the Yorkshire Dales. With incredible natural beauty, constantly improving cuisine and authentic experiences, the UK is on the up.
Of course, there’s one very important caveat to all this - it’s impossible to rely on the British weather. That said, a warm sunny day here can be the most sublime of anywhere on the planet. And if it is inclement, the best thing to do is embrace it - think of a soaked Andy McDowell and Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral (Is it still raining?).
Head to the Lakes
The Lake District has to be one of the UK’s most awe-inspiring landscapes Its sublime peaks and valleys, lakes and villages were lovingly documented by William Wordsworth, who kicked off an entire genre of romantic poetry. Check into the Gilpin Hotel and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. Set across 21 acres, the Gilpin has just 30 rooms, a dreamy spa and Michelin-starred SOURCE restaurant, plus a Champagne bar to toast your nuptials. For an extra special honeymoon stay, book Gilpin Lake House. set in private grounds with its very own lake. I think Wordsworth would have approved.
A cosy stay for two
Go full Jane Austen and book an English country cottage. Rural Retreats have a vast selection of honeymoon cottages for two - many with log fires and hot tubs under the stars. There are hampers waiting for you on arrival and Champagne in the fridge. Some of my favourites include the stone thatched Field Cottage in the Cotswolds and The Link at Cromer Lighthouse in Norfolk.
Stay on a vineyard
Why not celebrate the increasing success of English wines on your honeymoon with a stay at Three Choirs Vineyard in the heart of the Cotswolds. This classy hotel has views over the vineyards from your room and sharing menu boards in the brasserie with an impressive wine list, of course.
Sea ’n surf
Cornwall is one of the most romantic spots in England. I would suggest honeymooning there in the shoulder seasons – just before or after the school summer holidays – in May, June or September when the crowds have gone but the climate is often beautiful. September is ideal if you like sea swimming and surfing as the water has warmed up over the summer, though of course if you’re diehard surfers, the winter months are best.
One of Cornwall’s most awesome surf beaches is Watergate Bay where there just happens to be a wonderful hotel of the same name. Watergate Bay Hotel has made the most of its incredible location with ultra-romantic sea view suites all with a modern designer feel and just a hint of seaside theming. Comfortable luxury is the priority here with lounge areas where you can walk in with sandy feet, hearty seasonal food and an excellent surf school just outside the door.
Find your perfect cottage
If an ultra-private, self-catering hideaway is your idea of a heavenly honeymoon, Classic Cottages features some of the most romantic boltholes for two, many of which are dog-friendly. Whether you want to be right by the sea with an outdoor hot tub and fire pit, or more rural with a thatched cottage, or a combination of both such as Prospect Cottage in Penzance, this is a honeymoon that ups romance but is kind on your honeymoon budget – especially if you come out of season.
Trains and classic cars
McKinlay Kidd has an impressive choice of romantic getaways, from a self-drive honeymoon in an Aston Martin exploring Scotland’s North Coast 500, (the UK’s answer to Route 66) to Ireland by train exploring the spectacular Atlantic coast and Belfast. Tell this innovative tour operator what’s on your dream list - from castle stays to whisky distillery visits - and its team of experts will magic up a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Join an adventure cruise
If you prefer to experience Scotland from the sea, and want a truly intimate and authentic honeymoon voyage, St Hilda Sea Adventures offer small traditional vessels with a maximum of 11 passengers. You can explore the Isle of Skye, the nearby Small Isles (Canna, Rum, Muck and Eigg), the South Hebridean Islands of Islay and Jura and the Outer Hebridean islands of Uist, Harris, Lewis and the remote Shiants where there’s just one bothy and a whole load of puffins! Time it right and you’ll encounter whales, basking sharks, dolphins, seals, otters, sea and golden eagles with opportunities for fishing, sea kayaking, wild swimming and coastal walks. And if you’d like the boat to yourselves, private hires are available.
Pack your pooch
You may have found the man or woman or your dreams, but if you can’t leave your dog(s) behind, Canine Cottages have the answer, with a curated collection of pet-friendly cottages, many with enclosed gardens and some with a swimming pool. From The School House in Gower, South Wales, to The Fisherman’s Hut in Bamburgh, they really are the dogs b*******!
Haven in the hills
If you desire a country house getaway without the bling and bluster of certain high-profile places that cost the earth, then the Pen Y Dyffryn Hotel in Shropshire is one hundred per cent authentic, romantic and affordable. Owned and run by the Hunter family, this place will take your breath away with its beauty and warm welcome. The food is also delicious having held the AA Two Rosette Good Food Award for 25 years. And couples who love walking will be in heaven with the Shropshire Hills on your doorstep.
The beauty of the Dales
Yorkshire has of course always been beautiful, but it’s now having a moment with places like Hebden Bridge rated among the UK’s best places to live. The Yorkshire Dales are ideal for honeymooners, with serene countryside, stunning coastline and quaint villages. Sykes Cottages has a selection of cottages for two, and you can search for ‘cottages with hot tubs’, ‘remote cottages’, ‘log cabins’, or ‘luxury’. I love the little Sun House near Knaresborough.
Jersey wows
Islands are a no-brainer when it comes to romance. There’s something so evocative about being off the mainland in a small community. Jersey is just about as close to France as you can get whilst still being in the British Isles and a great choice for honeymooners looking for stunning beaches, rich heritage and a vibrant restaurant scene. I recommend Pomme d’Or in the centre of St Helier combined with Greenhills Country House Hotel. They are both part of the small local Seymour Hotels group.
If music be the food of love …
Music lovers can book a tailor-made romantic getaway based around the Glyndebourne Festivals which take place every summer and autumn. Rock up in your finest clothes - you could even wear your wedding dress and suit - with a champagne picnic for a romantic celebration of the arts in the rolling East Sussex countryside.
This is one of my favourite spots in the whole of England, with many other cultural highlights nearby including Charleston House, the countryside home of Bloomsbury set, the ancient market town of Lewes, and the quaint but arty village of Alfriston, now home to Ogla and Alex Polizzi’s Star Hotel in a former wayside inn. Just down the road is Rathfinney Wine Estate where you can indulge in a tour and tasting menu with wine pairings. Book with Kirker Holidays.
By Jane Anderson, Editor of 101 Honeymoons.