It’s easy to see why there has been a growing trend for minimoons over the last few years. Booking and paying for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ honeymoon can feel really overwhelming alongside wedding planning, so we’re seeing a rise in the ‘minimoon’!
Minimoons are a fantastic way to recuperate after the wedding party, giving couples the time to reflect on a job well done as well as spending quality time together away. Here are six of the best places couples can escape to in England for a minimoon that’s close to home.
Hotel Felix, Cambridge
For couples looking for a quintessentially English city break escape, the boutique Hotel Felix in Cambridge combines Victorian architecture with modern flair, and an exclusive location in its own grounds while still within easy reach of the city centre. The hotel offers plenty of ways for couples to unwind, from in-room spa treatments to the nearby golf course, but guests must take advantage of being so close to Cambridge.
For a Theory of Everything-inspired romantic break, go punting down the river Cam, explore the botanical gardens, cycle to Grantchester Meadows, or take part in a tasting masterclass at the Cambridge Wine Merchants.
Forest Holidays cabin in Deerpark, Cornwall
For couples who enjoy England’s wild outdoors, a minimoon in the depths of Cornwall is the perfect way to switch off after the wedding. Stay in a luxury forest cabin in the heart of Deerpark’s woodland, just 15 minutes away from the stunning seaside town of Polperro.
It’s impossible to be bored with such dramatic forest and coastal scenery to explore on foot and bike. The Deerpark cabins are ideal for romantic evenings with private deck hot tubs where you can enjoy a glass of bubbles under the stars, before curling up in front of the log fire.
Holt, Norfolk
Rediscover the quaint English countryside and rural towns of Norfolk with a break to the Georgian town of Holt. This picturesque market town has a jumble of streets and alleys fanning out from the main street, filled with quirky shops, galleries, pubs and cafés to enjoy.
In the summer, explore the country park just South of the town or take a drive to the spectacular saltmarshes and dunes at the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. In the winter, the local shops are decorated with glittering white fairy lights, transforming the town into a true Christmas wonderland.
House by the Tweed, Northumberland
Couples looking for a Downton-inspired escape after the wedding can seek out some much deserved repose in the Victorian grounds of House by the Tweed. This luxurious farmhouse is situated amid 600 acres of grassy farmland right on the border above the River Tweed and commanding a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside and the river.
The house is perfect for couples with children, with lots of family-friendly activities including an outdoor playground, plenty of board games and a full Sky TV package. The property can host two people, but with five bedrooms available it’s a great option if you want to take the family away with you.
The Rookery, London
Hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith describe The Rookery as having “more character in just their bathrooms than some hotels have in their entirety” – and they’re not wrong! Oil paintings and antiques adorn the rooms, and the ornate dark wood furniture is wonderfully offset with luxurious but light soft furnishings.
Modern technology is perfectly balanced into the design, with rooms offering free WiFi, flat screen TVs and even iPod docks. The location of The Rookery is ideal for couples looking to jet set off to their ‘proper’ honeymoon soon after the wedding, with London City Airport just 45 minutes away.
Lakeside Lodge, Lakes of Yoo, Lechlade-on-Thames
Couples looking for complete seclusion after the hectic bustle of the wedding party can flee to the Lakeside Lodge, an exceptionally spacious and contemporary detached eco-property, nestled in the heart of the private Lakes by Yoo development.
Designed by Yoo Group in partnership with Philippe Starck, the house makes the most of its location with full height panoramic windows affording uninterrupted views over the lake and surrounding natural woodland. Couples can entertain themselves with fresh water swimming, a game of tennis on the development’s courts or cycling bike trails around the reserve.
Now we’ve won you over with these gorgeous minimoons, check out our top tips to ditch the stress and pack lightly for your break!
