With international travel still a bit, erm, up in the air, couples are keeping things local with a UK minimoon this summer. Here are some of the best minimoon destinations to visit.
UK minimoons have a number of advantages; they’re less expensive than a full-blown honeymoon, will give you a bit of time out together to de-stress and relax and they’re easier to fit in with a full-on work schedule or if you have children that need looking after. That’s before considering the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has probably put a stop to your plans for a honeymoon abroad.
We’ve found seven of the best budget-friendly, yet super romantic, minimoon options that the UK has to offer.
Barnsely House – Cirencester, The Cotswolds
The epitome of cute and quaint countryside romance, Barnsley House is the perfect little bolthole for loved-up newlyweds. From hideaway rooms and a private cinema to a magical secret garden suite and picturesque gardens, Barnsley House is a gorgeous setting to create your first memories together as a married couple.
But, if you’re yet to tie the knot and are considering a Cotswolds wedding, Barnsley House is also a stunning and luxurious wedding venue.
Rooms from £314 per night. Visit barnsleyhouse.com for more information and to book your stay.
Cadogan Hotel – Knightsbridge, London
Stay at the prestigious Cadogan Hotel in the heart of chic Knightsbridge and you may spot an A-list celebrity as this hotel is a favourite with the stars. The Cadogan was originally owned by Lillie Langtry and became a hotel after she sold it when a frequent guest was Oscar Wilde.
To this day, the hotel has a townhouse atmosphere. After a hard afternoon shopping you can indulge in afternoon tea, then maybe a quick snooze, before dinner in the romantic restaurant, Great Taste.
Re-opening in August 2020, rooms start at £553 per night. Visit cadogan.com to book your stay.
The Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge – Faringdon, Oxfordshire
If its a cosy country retreat you can’t go far wrong with a stay at The Trout Inn, nestled in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. While you’re there, indulge in their traditional Sunday Roast with choices such us succulent Cotswolds’ topside of beef, roasted pork loin and plaice on the bone. Each are served with traditional trimmings and we recommend a pint of local ale or a fabulous glass of wine to wash it down.
Rooms start at £140 per night. Visit trout-inn.co.uk for more information and to book your stay.
Lords of the Manor Hotel – Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire
If you’re both ‘foodies’ then you can treat yourself to dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Lords of the Manor Hotel in the pretty surroundings of the Cotswolds. The restaurant has previously featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Food List so make sure you’re hungry when you get there.
You’re also a stone’s throw from tourist favourite Blenheim Palace or the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Build up your appetite with a bit of sight-seeing and enjoy a traditional cream tea in town, then finish the day off with a delicious dinner in the restaurant and a full Cotswold breakfast the following morning.
The Relax and Dine Retreat starts at £270 per night. Visit lordsofthemanor.com to book.
K West Hotel and Spa – Richmond, London
How about a UK minimoon spa break for the two? The K West Hotel and Spa is another London hotel favoured by celebs in search of a bit of R&R in the city. We recommended booking the ‘Date Night’, specially created for a romantic break for two. The package includes accommodation in one of the Executive rooms, a relaxing 50-minute spa treatment for two and cooked breakfast delivered to your room the following morning. You’ll aslo be treated to Chocolate covered strawberries, Champagne and rose petals and a special balloon on your arrival.
Date Night was specially created for when you feel like celebrating and spending an amazing and romantic time with your loved one!
Prices start at £399 per couple. Visit k-west.co.uk for more information and to book.
The Witchery by the Castle – Edinburgh, Scotland
Fancy a bit of Gothic glamour? Then you absolutely have to investigate The Witchery by the Castle, and The Vestry Suite in particular. A lavishly draped bed has a hidden TV and the bathroom has a huge roll-top bath draped in red. This is not chintzy and countryside at all. It’s drama with a capital D. You’ll have a view of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from your window, a separate dressing room and WC, a hidden private kitchen.
The hotel is set to reopen on 15th July and if you book online now you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival.
Visit thewitchery.com for more information and to book your stay.
Peterstone Court – Powys, Wales
If you enjoy walking, then you’ll enjoy the walking paradise that is the Brecon Beacons if you stay at the elegant Peterstone Court. You can also cycle or ride horses and you’ll feel fantastic after a day in the fresh air. Just the thing to blow away those planning stresses. There’s also a spa with a Jacuzzi, heated indoor pool, steam room and a variety of treatments for you both to enjoy.
Rooms start at £140 per night. Visit peterstone-court.com for more information and to book.