The Ten Best Honeymoon Hotels in Britain

by Liz Coggins (April 2012)

Your honeymoon is something you will remember for the rest of your life. The beginning of your future life together, it’s a time to chill and relax and enjoy romantic and intimate moments together in an idyllic setting. So the place you choose to spend this precious time in is decidedly important. From the sunny climes of Jersey to the majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands Britain is blessed with some of the best honeymoon hotels in the world. Start your married life sleeping like a princess in a castle, being pampered in the lap of luxury, dining in glorious grandeur whilst at the same time enjoying the privacy and romantic seclusion that honeymoons are all about.

1. Longueville Manor

Longueville Road, St Saviour, Jersey

This 14th century manor is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, luxurious style and five star service. Slip between Egyptian cotton sheets, recline on a chaise longue, sip champagne on your private patio or swim in the heated pool – there’s hardly need to leave the hotel. Lunch at the poolside, take a picnic hamper to a secluded bay or experience a romantic candlelit dinner – Longueville is the ultimate honeymoon hotel.

2. Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford

Set in quintessentially English gardens it’s individually designed rooms and suites range from contemporary to classical. Some have their own private terrace gardens and there’s even a suite that features a stunning bathroom with a Botticelli mural and twin bathtubs for decadent bathing. Candlelit dining in the intimate setting of the award winning restaurant is a romantic experience to savour.

3. Coombe Abbey Hotel

Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry

Nestling in 500 acres of parkland this converted Cistercian abbey oozes opulence, glitz and grandeur. The grand bedchambers have four poster beds and Victorian baths with views across the park but for ultimate indulgence the Lady Craven suite has to be seen to be believed. Whether dining in the lavishly furnished restaurant or enjoying an afternoon tea on the terrace, food at the abbey is a veritable feast.

4. Cliveden House

Taplow

Spending your honeymoon in a grand stately home is a dream come true. Over the last 300 years royalty, the rich and famous have all been entertained at Cliveden. Works of art and antiques embellish its luxurious rooms all with magnificent views... If you really want to push the boat out The Lady Astor Suite is stunning with its own private terrace or the secluded Spring Cottage by the river comes with its own butler.

5. Culloden House

Inverness

Steeped in highland history Culloden House was once occupied by the romantic hero Bonnie Prince Charlie. The perfect highland hideaway, its grounds are perfect for spending precious “u” time in. Their bedrooms have stunning views and you can enjoy an in room massage service. There’s sumptuous award winning dining with locally produced products and the whole place is enveloped in a romantic highland ambience.

6. Glenapp Castle

Ballantrae

Hidden away in 36 acres of countryside and overlooking the Irish Sea this is a fairytale castle in every sense of the word. Sleep like a King and a Queen in a four poster, or a canopied bed in the castle’s individually decorated and lovingly furnished rooms. In the evening stroll in the moonlight around the private grounds before enjoying the award winning cuisine of the castle.

7. Llangoed Hall

Llyswen, Brecon

Acres of gardens, blazing log fires, a cosy ambiance and an eclectic mix of fine art and décor make this a unique honeymoon hotel. There is a light and airy feel to the individually decorated bedrooms and a clever blend of old and new with cast iron baths, 17th century antique mirrors and Roberts radios. This light and elegance extends to the excellent fine dining area giving it an intimate, romantic and relaxing feeling.

8. Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

Christchurch Road, New Milton

On the edge of the New Forest and minutes from the sea this is the place where honeymooners can combine the experience of a five star hotel with the facilities of a world class health spa. The hotels suites ooze relaxation and luxury with beds that are just too comfortable for words! Enjoy cocktails or afternoon tea on the terrace or just wander around the spacious grounds this hotel is an amazing honeymoon chill out zone.

9. Linthwaite House Hotel

Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere

Overlooking the lake described by Wordsworth as “sublime and beautiful” this hideaway sits in 14 acres of gardens and woods. The luxurious loft suite takes romance to another level literally bringing the starlit sky into your bed. With wonderful views of the lakes the restaurant serves some of the best food in the area with a terrace for alfresco dining or sunset cocktails.

10. Burgh Island

Bigbury-on-Sea

This art deco island hotel off the South Devon coast is pure escapism for honeymooners. Since the 20s everyone who is anybody has stayed there with suites and rooms named after the most famous guests. The ultimate honeymoon haven is the Garden Suite accessed by a private corridor. French windows lead onto a private terrace; it has a huge 1930’s marble bathroom and the biggest double bed in Devon.