If you love the idea of whisking yourselves away straight after your wedding day but, due to finances, the time of year, or work commitments, you can’t take a two week holiday following your big day, a minimoon is the perfect option. A minimoon is essentially a “micro honeymoon”, and is usually a rural retreat or city break within the UK.
If a cosy cottage or a hidden cabin is your dream (I’m picturing Kate Winslet’s house in The Holiday), I rounded up a few of the best self catering spots in the UK that make for the perfect place to just unwind and enjoy the company of your new hubby or wifey for a few days. Think romance, champagne, a roaring fire and maybe even a hot tub. Whatever your idea is of heaven, these cottages are perfect for a bit of post wedding alone time!
1. Over Lea Barn, The Peak District
Hot tub heaven in a perfectly designed cottage, this romantic retreat is perfect for a couple seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time amidst the rolling countryside setting of Derbyshire.
Romantic walks, a log fire, and a dip in the hot tub. This idyllic barn conversation sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park. At the end of a country lane with a small number of other barn conversations, this property boasts captivating views across the Peak District National Park reaching towards Kinder Scout. The village of Hayfield is a 1.5 mile walk or a short drive, and is a quintessential Derbyshire village with a babbling brook, picturesque cricket pitch, pubs and restaurants all serving the finest quality local ales and produce. The village is also the starting point for numerous spectacular walks.
What we love.
– The elegant style and open plan living area.
– The king-size bed and ensuite bathroom with roll top bath.
– Smart TV, Sonos sound system, Tablet and WiFi for cosy nights dancing and watching movies.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Lovers of the countryside and local walks.
– Couples looking to explore the Peak District, as Chapel-en-le-Frith (4 miles), Glossop (5 miles) and Buxton (8 miles) are all within easy reach.
– Cyclists and mountain bikers who will be enticed by the dramatic rolling scenery.
Over Lea Barn can be booked through Sykes Cottages (ref: 976025)
2. Mountain Escape, Bethesda, North Wales
This beautiful period cottage with quirky outdoor bath in the courtyard, a summer house in the secret garden, and distant sea views, is the perfect base for a quiet few days away. And it’s dog friendly if you simply can’t be without your pooch.
This cottage is the perfect location to just relax or, for the more adventurous, go exploring, zip lining, or take a boat trip. Bethesda itself boasts a local pub and shop. Pop to the nearby towns of Llanberis, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Bangor, Caernarfon and Anglesey with their attractions, harbours, shops, galleries, eateries, activities, and events. Stroll through nature reserves such as Cwm Idwal, join the footpaths across Snowdonia National Park and Wales Coastal Path, climb to Snowdon’s peak or wander along the beaches. Whatever your interest, you’ll find it here in the stunning Welsh countryside.
What we love.
– Decadent velvet sofas and the feature fireplace with a roaring wood burner.
– The super-king-size bed and cosy window seat.
– The outside bath, with hot and cold running water.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Couples looking for lazy days reading, relaxing and taking in the views.
– Those wanting to bring bikes, paddleboards or canoes, as there is ample storage in the garden store.
– Outdoor enthusiasts wanting to explore the stunning coastline in Snowdonia National Park and North Wales.
Mountain Escape can be booked through Holiday Cottages (ref: 82577)
3. The Wink, St Just, Cornwall
Tucked away in a serene location on the outskirts of St Just is this superbly appointed bungalow. Finished to an exceptional standard, this quirky retreat offers a first-class base for couples seeking a break along the Cornish coast.
The open-plan living area is complete with underfloor heating and contemporary features throughout, including a unique wood burner, original artwork and a leather reclining sofa. The sumptuous bedroom offers a king-size bed with bespoke furnishings, along with an immaculate en-suite bathroom, boasting a quirky bath and walk-in shower cubicle with two shower heads. A short walk away from Cornwall’s coastal path, passing the famous Crowns mines (where the recent Poldark series was filmed), this area has been awarded World Heritage status. Guests are also welcome to explore the farm’s wild flower meadows when they are in season, or take a visit with the farmer to see their award winning animals.
What we love.
– The enclosed paved and cobbled garden with wood fired Hot tub.
– You can bring up to two well behaved dogs.
– Great location for exploring gorgeous Cornwall.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Newly weds wanting a bit of luxury.
– Fans of the Cornish coastline.
– Couples who want to explore local pubs, cafés, and art galleries.
The Wink can be booked through Sykes Cottages (ref: 1040624)
4. Knoydart Hide, Scotland
We’ve really found the ultimate luxurious get away in this gorgeously grown up, award-winning hideaway for two with hot tub, sauna & wood burning stove – totally private, blissfully secluded with breakfast in bed views to die for and a Lochside setting.
For couples seeking to spoil each other, switch off and re-connect for a very special and unadulterated romantic getaway in five star luxury surroundings, your special escape here. This multi award-winning hideaway features as one of C4’s Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig and on various Travel programmes. You might need to be quick as it books up quite a bit ahead! Overlooking Loch Nevis, set in under half an acre of ancient secluded woodland your dream getaway awaits you, with beech trees, Scots Pine and a carpet of beautifully scented and wildly romantic wildflowers framing a majestic mountain landscape that soothes the soul right by the coast and beaches on Knoydart.
What we love.
– The private hot tub and infra-red sauna.
– The complimentary Scottish organic body lotions, shampoos, conditioner and hand soaps.
– The option of in-house catering or an in-house masseuse.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Those with the budget to pay for the ultimate luxury break.
– Couples wanting to experience wildlife watching on dolphin/whale tours.
– Dark skies enthusiasts and star gazers.
Knoydart Hide can be booked through Best Scottish Cottages.
5. Woodland View, Richmond
Ok, so this one isn’t technically a country cottage, but sitting on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Richmond rests this contemporary-styled apartment. The accommodation is all on the first floor, giving the best views of the surrounding countryside, and this property is perfect for a pair looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park and beyond.
Stroll hand in hand into the town centre, where you’ll be met by a good choice of eateries for an afternoon snack, in the form of pubs, cafés and restaurants, or head to one of the shops and pack up a picnic to be enjoyed beside the River Swale. End your day relaxing on the plush sofa in front of the television, or head outside to soak in your beautiful surroundings from your very own private hot tub and a sauna, for the perfect end to a romantic day. There’s plenty to explore within the town including The Green Howards Museum, the impressive Richmond Castle and The Richmondshire Museum, just to name a few. Keen walkers will delight at the close proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you can attempt to tackle the famed Three Peaks, follow Tour De France climbs, explore show caves, or simply stroll amongst lush scenery.
What we love.
– The comfortable super king size bedroom.
– The private garden with lawn and patio with furniture, a hot tub and a sauna.
– The huge choice of things to do in the local area.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Couples who don’t want to be totally secluded and want things to do close by.
– Those wanting to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
– Those looking for compact but comfortable surroundings and great views.
Woodland View can be booked through Sykes Cottages (ref: 1070889)
6. Figgy Court, West Sussex
A 700-year old grain barn which has been transformed into the most incredible accommodation – this charming self-catering couples’ retreat affords a slice of country living on modern terms. Figgy Court sits on the River Arun near Billingshurst and boats honey-hued oak beams and hand-crafted furnishings, with little luxuries like the mezzanine bed dressed in goose down bedding, and riverside hot tub adding lashings of rural romance.
Approached via a winding path, this old grain store once served the mill next door, but has undergone a sensitive restoration to offer a luxury self-catering escape for two. Rustic and warm by nature, Figgy Court has character bursting right through its double-height ceilings. The barn is located in Billingshurst, which is brimming with history. Flint tools found in the area are believed to date back to Saxon times and the village comes with an intriguing list of traditions. Today though, this charming West Sussex settlement enjoys a more tranquil scene. Original oak beams, a twisting hand-built staircase, a king-size bed dressed in 600-thread count linen and a luxury walk-in shower are just some of the features you can expect from this stunning property.
What we love.
– The beautiful gardens and kingfishers whistle from the river.
– The absolutely beautiful accommodation and sumptuous bed.
– The rural location with limited mobile signal, perfect for quiet time together without distractions.
Who is this place perfect for?
– Couples wanting to unplug from the world and spend time together.
– Those who want to enjoy drawn out games of Scrabble on the riverbed, legs dangling in the water and fizz chilling in the ice bucket beside.
– People wanting to live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your stay.
Figgy Court can be booked through Unique Home Stays.
No Comments