UK honeymoon ideas

[Soboredofcorona]

So I’m getting married in July. Regardless of how many guests, etc, it’s going to happen!

I’ve accepted we won’t be able to honeymoon abroad, so I’m looking for suggestions for a romantic UK based break. 10-14 days.
Happy to split the break over a few different locations for variety.

We like walking, being outdoors, secluded beaches, wild swimming, steam trains, hot tubs and good food.
Not really interested in night life, shopping or loads of booze.

We drive and budget would probably be about £2,000 - 3,000.

Northumberland is lovely. Gorgeous beaches, lots of castles, roman remains, good walking. Otherwise Scotland but it depends how strict Nicola is being at the border.

Scotland! The weather may be a bit unpredictable (although to be fair wherever you go in the UK that will be true). You could have a few nights somewhere gorgeous in Edinburgh (have a look at The Witchery, it's absolutely dreamy). Then you could venture off into the Highlands and the Islands if you feel adventurous. Lots of secluded beaches and opportunities for walking. The scenery is breathtaking, particularly around the western isles.

Congratulations by the way!

Lake District? The Samling and Another Place are both lovely special hotels. There’ll be loads of great cottages too. Sally’s is a good booking agent for self catering up there.

The Witchery

Def Scotland. .,ticks all your boxes

Depending on where you are, you could even get the Caledonian Sleeper train to get to Scotland, so romantic!

Another vote for Scotland.

Isle of Man

Steam train - yes
Beautiful countryside - yes
Being outdoors - yes
Beaches - yes

Definitely worth considering

Pembroke in Wales is beautiful x

Moray coast Scotland 100%! I recommend East of Inverness from about Forres onwards in an Easterly direction along the coast for everything that you are after.

You have secluded sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Endless coastal walking and cycling paths. in-built public BBQ’s in the pine forests, whiskey tours, steam railway in Aviemore, cosy pubs and restaurants and beautiful little coastal towns like Findhorn and Burghead. You can see seals regularly at Findhorn and dolphins at Spey Bay. Such a stunning part of the UK.

The hideaway experience in Dundee is incredible.

www.thehideawayexperience.co.uk

And Isle of man is (currently) oi put of lockdown!

I was you last year - determined that it’d be July, after our May wedding was cancelled! It was August in the end but I’m so glad we did it. All the best for your upcoming wedding!

Everyone has recommended Scotland to us, too.

We love the Lake District and also the east coast of Scotland. We also have visited Banff area a few times and it has some amazing scenery and walks.

Portmeirion in North Wales, though you won't be able to afford 14 days there on your budget. Ffestiniog Railway nearby, beaches, and plenty of walking opportunities. Or stay somewhere nearby.

How about Skye? Would tick all the boxes except the steam trains, although you could go via Mallaig to get there and detour on the West Highland railway over Glenfinnan viaduct which features in Harry Potter

Scotland- west coast for the most incredible beaches. If you was a special hotel, then Torridon, if you’re happy to drive about do the North Coast 500. We mixed sightseeing castles with strolls on beaches and “proper” hiking.

Also, the Cairngorms 😍.

Scilly Isles

Sleeper to Scotland then stay at The Torridon.

With that money and length of time I'd head up to Scotland, and tour the Highlands and Islands. No tips as never done it! Maybe when kids are older.

Bluestone resort in Wales is lovely but might be a bit too family oriented for a honeymoon. The surrounding area (Pembrokeshire) is incredible.

Have you looked at forest holidays, look at the golden oak cabins, all come with hot tub and I think they do a honeymoon one too. Cropton or Keldy in North Yorkshire are right next door to Pickering which you can get the steam train from to Whitby. Lovely walks and deep in the woods.

The Cotswolds!

I think all these people are being pretty rash recommending Scotland to be honest, when the travel restrictions have a fair chance of still being in place (unless you live there already).

Same for Wales, even though it would be my top shout otherwise; why put another layer of stress on yourself worrying about whether it will happen? I have close family there who I haven't been able to see for months as the travel restrictions between Wales and England just haven't lined up.

The Isle of Man is out - they have strict quarantine requirements.

If I had that money to spend, I'd be looking at the Isles of Scilly - no steam trains but you could take the sleeper train down to Penzance before flying over to the beautiful, subtropical archipelago; your budget might not quite be enough though, if it's to include spending money as well; flights across are pretty expensive (the boat is cheaper but famous for being a chunder-enducer). The cost of the travel and the limited amount of accommodation on the islands buys you almost guaranteed secluded beaches where you can swim in crystal blue (cold) water, the views from everywhere are to die for and there are bikes to hire (no cars) and some lovely informal restaurants and cafes serving island grown produce.

In your position, I would book a couple of nights in a posh hotel somewhere, if that's your thing, then splash out on a really lovely and secluded cottage where you could relax, not see anyone, and pretend Covid had gone away. I'd be looking at National Trust or Landmark Trust properties (though I doubt they have hot tubs) but would probably avoid Cornwall and other west country hotspots because I think it's going to be absolutely crazy busy this summer. Yorkshire coast is nice - Robin Hood's Bay etc.

We have stayed in this B&B in Kirkby Stephen: redmaynehouse.co.uk/ by far the best B&B we have ever stayed in. More like a 5-star hotel with personalised service.

Lots of walks nearby and the hosts spoil you rotten.

I think there are steamtrains nearby too