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9 Heavenly Honeymoon Hotels in the UK

From country houses in the rolling British countryside... to cultured city breaks... to romantic hideaways... You don't always need to look abroad for an unforgettable honeymoon when there's this much to choose from at home. Honeymoon + Staycation = Happy Couple!

The UK has long been a hugely popular destination for international couples and honeymooners. And many UK couples, are choosing to STAYCATION and celebrate their first post-wedding trip on their home turf.

Many of these loved-up newlyweds are also opting for fashionable UK mini-moons. These short trips can last for a few days and are often combined with a longer honeymoon that’s enjoyed somewhere more exotic later in the year.

Whichever length of romantic holiday it is you’re seeking, here are some of our favourite post-nuptial holiday and wedding destinations across the UK.

#1 UK Honeymoons at Summer House Lodge, Dorset


Evershot is a small, historic village on the River Frome that once found itself in the pages of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles. The Summer House Lodge, with its quaint setting, has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic honeymoon. This 5-star country pile comes with a lovely pool and spa. The rolling grounds have rich verdant gardens where lovers can easily get lost and lose all track of time. A little further afield, there’s the stunning Jurassic Coast walk in an area Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a highlight of any romantic excursion to Dorset.

On your return to Evershot, try a traditional English afternoon tea complete with jam, scones and clotted cream in a local café… that’s assuming you’ve any room left after one of your hotel’s famous three hour lunches.

The travel essentials:

Summer House Lodge
9 Fore Street,
Evershot,
DT2 0JR.

It’s a three-hour drive from London to Evershot. Bournemouth Airport is 34 miles away from the village, while it’s just a couple of miles more from Exeter Airport.

#2 UK Honeymoons at Leeming House, Cumbria


Leeming House is a beautiful 4-star country house hotel overlooking the spectacular Ullswater lake, making it the perfect honeymoon destination for both nature and adventure lovers. It has a decidedly boutique-feel and proudly imbues its local heritage. For couples looking to celebrate special romantic moments here its fabulous and award-winning Regency restaurant is the perfect place to dine, with a mouth-watering classic British menu and not to mention the fabulous views of the surrounding lakes and fells. Leeming House is also a magical wedding venue should you wish to exchange vows here before staying on for your honeymoon.

The travel essentials

Macdonald Leeming House,
Watermillock, Ullswater 
Nr. Penrith, Cumbria
CA11 OJJ.

Leeming House is just a short journey from Penrith, Pooley Bridge and Glenridding; all of which are easily accessible by rail or car. For guests wishing to fly, the hotel is 32 miles from Carlisle Airport - shuttle service can be arranged with 48 hours notice. Helicopter pad available at hotel - contact hotel if you would like to arrange. 100 miles from Manchester Airport.

#3 UK Honeymoons at The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey


Guernsey deserves to be spoken about in the same breath as many other islands which seem made for honeymoons across the globe. A spring or summer break by a renowned beach, such as Cobo Bay, with its powdery sand and jagged rock formations, would make for a superb romantic escape. From Cobo it’s just a couple of miles to the beautiful Saint Peter Port.

Guernsey’s capital is home to The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, an upscale hotel with very special suites, some of which include a balcony where you can toast your love while taking in another mercurial Channel Island sunset. Weddings, proposals and anniversaries would all work equally well here, and staff will go the extra mile to tailor your trip to meet any specific needs you have.

The travel essentials:

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Anne's Place,
St Peter Port GG,
GY1 2NU

Guernsey Airport is only three miles away from the hotel. Many visitors arriving from the British mainland opt for the Poole-Guernsey ferry route, which takes about three hours. There’s also a traditional ferry between Guernsey and Portsmouth.

#4 UK Honeymoons at Wivenhoe House, Colchester


It’s a rare treat for a hotel to be blessed with a convenient town centre location and still offer the full country house experience including acres of parkland, but that’s exactly what guests are treated to at Wivenhoe House Hotel. The peaceful garden setting is a stone’s throw from the heart of Colchester and its collection of delightful historic landmarks, including the castle.

In order to set yourself up to explore Britain's oldest recorded town– plus many other charms of this old Roman settlement– you’ll need a full belly and the Wivenhoe won’t let couples go hungry. The food here is delicious, with the brasserie and bar open every day for lunch and dinner, plus an impressive afternoon tea served in the elegant lounges of the main house, where John Constable stayed as he worked on his landscape painting of ‘Wivenhoe Park’. For honeymooners we also highly recommend a private dinner in the gazebo at sunset.

The travel essentials:

Wivenhoe House Hotel
Park Road Wivenhoe
Colchester
CO4 3SQ

It’s an hour’s train ride from London to Colchester. And a 45 minutes drive from Standstead airport.

#5 UK Honeymoons at Strozzi Palace Suites by Manly, Cheltenham


Cheltenham is best known for two things: horse racing and its gorgeous promenade. Even if you’re not into equine pursuits, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this delightful Gloucester town. Features here include the unspoilt, tree-lined high street with fashionable boutique stores, malls, cafes and bars. If you’re booked into Strozzi Palace then you’ll have the renowned Imperial Gardens and Montpellier Gardens right on your doorstep too.

After buying some nice-or-naughty gifts for one another at a local boutique, or a visit to Cheltenham’s Art Gallery, you’ll retreat in less than two minutes to enjoy the splendour of your suite. Built in 1894, the Grade II listed ‘Palazzo’ façade is modelled on the beautiful Palazzo Strozzi – drawing on Renaissance architecture from Florence. Any of these six luxurious suites would make for an unforgettable base for your honeymoon.

The travel essentials

Strozzi Palace Suites by Manly
55 St George's Pl,
Cheltenham,
GL50 3LA

The hotel is located less than 1km from Cheltenham Town Hall. Cheltenham is easily accessible by road and rail, and even has a small airport.

#6 UK Honeymoons at Linthwaite House, Lake District


There can be few more romantic breaks to be had than one where lovers awaken to a view of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. And that’s exactly what awaits guests at Linthwaite House. The 4-star hotel, which is decked out with classy artwork and sculptures, has very welcoming staff who’ll offer forensic attention to any details that’ll make your trip that bit more special. The suites feature a hot tub big enough for two, again, completed by a lake-side views. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the woods, or take a boat ride. Alternatively, you can kick back with a cocktail, a locally distilled spirit or beer while soaking in the views from the terrace and conservatory. Meanwhile if you’d like to venture a little further afield, the nearest landmarks include:

  • The World of Beatrix Potter (0.9 miles)
  • Lake Windermere (1.4 miles)
  • Hill Top (2.3 miles)
  • Tarn Hows (5.9 miles)
  • Bridge House (6.1 miles)

The travel essentials

Linthwaite House
Crook Rd,
Bowness-on-Windermere,
Windermere,
LA23 3JA

The nearest train station is Windermere (2 miles away), which is served by trains from Oxenholme, near Kendal. Leeds Bradford International Airport is 60 miles away and it’s about the same distance to Durham Tees Valley Airport.

#7 UK Honeymoons at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, Forest of Dean


Another gem for lovers of seclusion and romance, the Tudor Farmhouse is one of the best possible ways to combine a feeling of escape with a spot of adventure thanks to its perfect location next door to the Forest of Dean. This converted farmhouse retreat has trendy, modern looking suites and a restaurant boasting fresh and locally grown ingredients. Attentive staff here are fantastic and there’s a cosy pub, the Butchers Arms, a mere stone’s throw away.

The travel essentials

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
High Street, Clearwell,
Royal Forest of Dean,
Gloucestershire,
GL16 8JS

Clearwell sits about 7 miles south-east of Monmouth and 12 miles North of Chepstow. It’s about an hour’s drive to Cardiff.

#8 UK Honeymoons at St Michael's Resort, Cornwall


With spectacular bay views over the Flamouth harbour, St. Michael's Resort is a truly amazing destination for couples looking for a UK honeymoon hotel to facilitate the celebration of their love. Here the beach-inspired rooms make the perfect space for unwinding and relaxing after a day exploring the many romantic and adventurous activities the Cornish coast has to offer. 

Couples may wish to inquire about the Beach House room. Warm and spacious, the suite is the perfect option for guests wanting to feel truly pampered with a king sized bed and luxury bathroom it's epitome of comfort and coastal grandeur.

The travel essentials

St. Michael's Resort
Gyllyngvase Beach,
Falmouth,
Cornwall,
TR11 4NB

Driving to the resort is easy from all parts of the UK with motorway connections to the A30 to Truro, from where you'll be signposted to Falmouth. If travelling by train you should similarly head to Truro, where you can catch a twice hourly rail service to Falmouth.

#9 UK Honeymoons at Cotswold House Hotel and Spa


A wellness trip to the Cotswolds could really fit the bill if you’re hoping to get away for a few days after your wedding. The Cotswold House Hotel Spa is a secluded haven, but one that’s still placed in the heart of the market town of Chipping Norton. Take an easy stroll with your lover through the hotel’s lush and landscaped garden, or go a little further afield for some stunning rural scenery.

Back at the hotel, the spa offers a choice of therapeutic and holistic therapies. One of the great things about the Costwold Hotel is that you can ask for romantic add ons, including a champagne breakfast in bed, personalised picnic hampers and private candlelit dinners. What’s more, the Cotswolds has rightly earned itself a reputation as a foodie destination with an array of fresh local produce to feast on. Read more about the Cotswold House Hotel Spa.

The travel essentials

Cotswold House Hotel and Spa,
Upper High Street The Square,
Chipping Campden,
GL55 6AN

Being situated in the heart of Britain makes Cotswold House easily accessible from all directions. Birmingham Midlands Airport is 35 miles away, while it’s nine miles to Moreton-in-Marsh train station.

Further links

Read some of the most frequently asked question about honeymoons.

Check out our list weekend getaways, or mini-moons, at some of Europe’s most enchanting cities.