20 Of The Most Romantic Mini Moon Cottage Stays In The UK
Author: Hollie Bond
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If you’re looking to spend a few days relaxing after your wedding but don’t want to travel far, why not escape to the coast or the countryside on a UK mini moon? Post-wedding staycations are a really popular option for couples who want something to look forward to after the big day, but don’t have the annual leave/ energy/ budget to head off on an overseas honeymoon yet.
Our 20 specially selected UK mini moon cottages stays feature a selection of charming properties perfect for romantic getaways, from historic thatched cottages and coastal retreats to magical treehouses and fairytale towers. So you’re sure to find your perfect romantic bolthole, where you can unwind in tranquil surroundings, spoil yourselves and spend time together as a newly married couple.
1. The Water Tower, Cornwall
Channel your inner Rapunzel with a mini moon stay at a castle-like tower in Cornwall.
Originally built as a Victorian water tower, it’s been converted into a romantic bolthole, with rooms spread over four storeys connected by a spiral staircase.
Its Gothic windows and circular rooms give it plenty of character. And it’s part of the National Trust’s Trelissick Estate so you have acres of woodland, gardens and the Fal River Estuary on your doorstep.
2. Ukiyo, Cornwall
With wide-reaching sea views across Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, Ukiyo is a Grand Designs-worthy self-catering hideaway with stunning contemporary interiors that take inspiration from both Japan and Scandinavia.
The name of this eco-friendly beauty, Ukiyo, means ‘the floating world’ in Japanese and you’ll certainly feel like you’re floating on cloud 9 as you take in those Cornish vistas on your first holiday together since you said “I do”!
Perched high above Coverack Cove, this modern masterpiece is a place to escape together and truly unwind. Once you’re cosied up inside next to the log burner, watching the waves break below, you’ll never want to leave.
3. Asphodel Cottage, Cotswolds
Cuddle up together on a countryside break at the picture-perfect thatched Asphodel Cottage in the Cotswolds.
Set in the peaceful village of Tarlton, the cottage dates back to 1600s and has been beautifully restored, with original beamed ceilings, an inglenook fireplace and freestanding bath looking out over the gardens.
It’s dog-friendly too so you can bring your pooch along for country walks to the local pub, just over a mile away.
4. The Chapel, Shropshire
You might think a chapel’s more for a wedding than a honeymoon, but this historic building on the Walcot Hall Estate in Shopshire has been converted into a romantic retreat.
The antique-filled self-catering property has kept the original stained-glass windows and organ, and added an open-plan living room, decadently deep Turkish bath and a kitchen with an Aga to keep you warm and toasty before you climb the spiral staircase to one of two bedrooms connected by an suspended bridge.
5. Old Mill Cottage, Herefordshire
Tucked away in the idyllic Herefordshire countryside, the National Trust’s Old Mill Cottage makes for a romantic rural mini moon.
This chocolate-box 15th-century property is set among woodland on the Brockhampton Estate, and is so secluded it’s only accessible by crossing a wooden footbridge over a stream.
It’s packed with character, from the red front door draped with roses to the interiors with their rustic beamed ceilings, wood-burning stove, antique furniture and cosy bedrooms.
6. The Secret Mill, Carmarthenshire
The charming Secret Mill cottage is the perfect place for a relaxing UK mini moon, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of Wales’ Brecon Beacons.
This 18th-century former wool mill has been beautifully restored, with rustic whitewashed interiors that have bags of romantic charm.
The cottage is pet friendly and surrounded by gardens, with your own wood-fired hot tub in the grounds where you can soak away under the stars while you listen to the River Gwenlais bubbling past.
7. Tiger Lodge, Kent
If you’re looking for a unique mini moon break, Tiger Lodge at Port Lympne wildlife park in Kent ticks all the boxes – as long as you don’t mind sharing your honeymoon with some big cats.
The two luxurious cottages have high-end creature comforts inside, including a log burner, Nespresso machine and 4K TV.
They also have giant panoramic windows looking out over the tiger enclosure, so you can get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, as well as getting exclusive access to the reserve outside normal opening hours.
8. The Link, Norfolk
You can’t get much closer to the water than staying in a lighthouse, and The Link is a quirky property near Cromer on the North Norfolk coast which makes an ideal romantic break by the sea.
The octagonal bedroom and en-suite bathroom sit in the base of the lighthouse, with a lounge and kitchen-diner upstairs.
Outside you have a private terrace overlooking the sea, perfect for morning coffee or nights under the stars, and golf-lovers can test their handicap at the neighbouring 18-hole golf course.
9. The Cow Shed, Yorkshire
The bijou Cow Shed is a couples’ love nest on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, surrounded by tranquil countryside with a babbling stream running past.
The interiors have been stylishly renovated, with an open-plan living room and kitchen, a luxurious en-suite bedroom which includes a blissful four-poster bed, and folding doors opening out onto the terrace where you can sink into the hot tub and enjoy the views with a glass of wine.
10. Bramblewick, Lake District
Set in three acres of landscaped gardens near Lake Windermere, Bramblewick is a contemporary cottage in a romantic secluded location.
The light and spacious open-plan lounge/kitchen has a woodburner and picture windows to make the most of those Lake District views, and a sumptuous bedroom.
The property comes with indulgent touches to make your holiday extra special, with couples’ spa treatments and a private chef available for hire and a pool and sauna on site.
11. The Blackhouse Cottage, Isle of Skye
Get away from everything with a romantic UK mini moon on the ruggedly beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland.
The Blackhouse is a traditional Hebridean crofters’ cottage overlooking Loch Snizort. Inside it’s been restored and renovated to create a luxury modern interior with hand-crafted kitchens and designer bathrooms.
Metre-thick stone walls and a roaring fire will keep you warm whatever the weather and the remote location offers the perfect one-to-one escape from the world.
12. Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris
Enjoy a decadent holiday in the Outer Hebrides with a stay at one of the Blue Reef Cottages.
These eco-friendly self-catering cottages are designed to blend unobtrusively into the landscape with their traditional grass roofs. Cook a candlelit meal in the fully equipped kitchen, snuggle up next to the peat stove, soak in the jacuzzi bath or enjoy your own private sauna.
Giant windows bring the scenery of the Outer Hebrides to you – and if you’re lucky you might even see the Northern Lights.
13. The Farmstead, Easton, Suffolk
Brand new, eco-friendly and achingly cool, The Farmstead is a collection of 8 chic lodges in one of the prettiest parts of Suffolk, surrounded by wildflower meadows and the River Deben.
Romantic touches inside include an open-plan lounge with wood burner and cosy velvet sofa, copper baths in the bedrooms, and huge sumptuous beds. There are also fabulous well-kitted-out kitchens for any budding chefs, although don’t worry if cooking is the last thing on your agenda after your wedding day – you can easily take the wildflower walk to the gorgeous village pub. Plus, the lodges are pet friendly, so if you can’t bear to leave man’s best friend at home, they can muscle in on your romantic escape.
It’s the outside veranda that really says honeymoon haven to us though. All the lodges have large verandas with gorgeous countryside views, complete with an al fresco copper bath made to be enjoyed a deux.
14. Happenoak Treehouse, Cambridgeshire
There’s something rather romantic about staying up high in a treehouse, just the two of you, with no one but the birds for company. Treehouses don’t get much more stylish or charming than Happenoak in the woods of South Cambridgeshire.
A winding path through the trees leads to the entrance of this octagonal beauty, which is flooded with light during the day thanks to the huge windows, which look out across the glorious countryside.
You don’t have to take in the views through the windows though – our favourite feature is the outdoor bath on the deck that was made for soaking under the stars with a glass of bubbly.
15. The Roe in the Vale, Lake District
Small, but perfectly formed is how we’d describe this stunning bespoke cabin on a working farm near Keswick in the Lake District area of outstanding natural beauty.
As well as being the perfect location for water sports lovers (it’s where two rivers meet and is ideal for wild swimming, paddle boarding and canoeing), it also has it’s very own hot tub, where you can toast to married life with a glass of bubbly.
16. Castle View Cottage, Northumberland
Looking for wow-factor views on your staycation? UK mini moon cottage stays don’t get much more picturesque than the charming Castle View Cottage in Northumberland that has heavenly country, sea and (as the name suggests) castle views out of nearly every window.
You’re just a few miles from breathtaking Bamburgh here, with its huge wide beach (recently voted best beach in the UK) and incredible castle and there are miles of gorgeous walks to enjoy. Back at the cottage you can cosy up by the Aga, or enjoy a home-made pizza from the outdoor wood-fired oven and take in more of those incredible vistas from the private garden.
17. Cedar Cottage, Brecon Beacons, Wales
This luxury love nest in the Brecon Hills is the stuff of mini moon dreams. There are original features for days at this hideaway tucked behind a 14th Century castle wall with plenty of exposed beams and flagstone floors that work perfectly with all the elegant modern additions.
As well as country views and a tranquil bucolic setting, this cottage has miles of walking trails straight from the front door, so it’s perfect for anyone seeking solitude and lots of fresh air. The private and enclosed garden is dog friendly too, so you can bring your furry friend on honeymoon with you.
18. The Hideaway Treehouse at Pickwell Manor
UK mini moon destinations don’t get much more romantic than this – a futuristic wooden treehouse in the forest with its own hot tub with tranquil views over the fields and sea to Hartland Point.
It might be cosy and intimate inside the larch built treehouse, but there’s plenty of room and luxury touches to make it honeymoon worthy. There’s a large and sumptuous bed with a view, a full size wardrobe, a lovely lounge with a log burner and a generous private terrace. Nature lovers will be in heaven waking up to the sound of birds tweeting, plus you’re surrounded by wildlife-filled countryside to explore, as well as being just a stone’s throw from Putsborough Beach.
19. Little Easton, Bigbury
Looking for romantic retreats with a swimming pool? Yes, it’s possible to have your very own private cottage for a short honeymoon that comes complete with a swimming pool to keep you entertained. The one bedroom Little Easton in Bigbury in South Devon is part of a collection of cute cottages that have access to a stunning shared indoor swimming pool complex with gym and stunning barbecue terrace.
This pretty cottage is located close to the South Devon Coastal path, so when you’re not swimming or eating outside you can explore this idyllic part of England, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Slightly further away but easily accessible from the cottage is the wonderful Dartmoor National Park, a truly remote and rustic place to enjoy a country mini moon.
20. The Cottage, Clipston, Leicestershire
If you love a bit of luxury then this cute cottage is for you. The Victorian cottage has been renovated to an extremely high standard full of mod cons and pretty interiors. There’s a games room to keep you busy if you have a rainy day, although you’ll want it to be sunny so you can enjoy the many attractions and beauty of the surrounding East Midlands countryside.
This countryside retreat is the perfect place to get away from it all after the wonderful, yet tiring time you’ve spent planning and partying at your wedding. There are no neighbours, just miles of fields and pretty country views with a private garden where you can soak up the silence.