The UK is full of heavenly honeymoon spots that reside within beautiful stretches of postcard-worthy countryside and coast. From moorland hideaways and woodland cottages to city boltholes and clifftop cabins, these romantic retreats promise unforgettable escapes just perfect for two.
So that you can look forward to the most spellbinding moments with your love, we’ve curated a list of the dreamiest honeymoon destinations in the UK.
Lake District National Park
Home to bewitching scenes of ancient woodland and craggy fells, The Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK for honeymoons. Drawn with mountain springs that flow into sea-bound rivers and pooled with glacial lakes fed by waterfalls, it boasts beauty at every turn. In the wilds, undulating paths following rocky mountain spines through screes and trees call to loved-up adventurers seeking romantic escapism. Meanwhile, in its picturesque towns and villages, cosy country pubs beckon with hearty meals and crackling fires for the cosiest moments together. The perfect bases for daytime hikes and candlelit date nights, the peaceful lakeside destinations of Windermere and Coniston are particularly appealing and promise romance and adventure in equal measure. Relish private lake cruises, mountain walks, and evenings of gastropub dining and write the dreamiest pages of your exciting new chapter together.
North Cornwall
The gorgeous landscapes of North Cornwall set an idyllic backdrop for getaways for two with sweeping stretches of golden sand and towering cliffs. Combined with a plethora of natural landmarks and wealth of unique things to do, it offers everything you could desire for a dreamy honeymoon in the UK. A jewel in the North Coast’s crown, Padstow is especially charming for summer and winter breaks, famed for its picturesque harbour and world-class restaurants. For the sweetest sojourn, revel in Padstow’s proximity to gorgeous beaches and rolling coast path for alfresco picnics and carefree moments soundtracked by lapping waves. Spend time perusing its boutiques and bistros, before hopping on the ferry to neighbouring Rock. To fuel your adventures, the Paul Ainsworth at No.6 on the harbour promises Michelin-star cuisine; while Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant offers the freshest tastes of the sea.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland is home to some of the UK’s greatest wilderness. A magical island brimming with myth and legend, its incredible landscapes invite the most enchanting escapes from the everyday. If you can’t wait to make magical memories with your soul partner, embark on a spellbinding honeymoon and embrace the spirit of Skye. For novel-worthy scenes, trips to the Fairy Glen in Uig and the Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle promise to bring fairytales to life. Meanwhile, nothing can beat the island’s beautiful walking routes and jewel-studded beaches for wandering with fingers entwined through breathtaking realms. To refuel and revive over delicious tipples and romantic dinners, the Isle of Skye’s distilleries and restaurants welcome honeymooners throughout the year. And, for the ultimate capture for your honeymoon scrapbook, you can also hike to the Old Man of Storr for reaching views over island and sea.
Dartmoor
One of the beautiful moors of the South West, Dartmoor is a place of endless romance. Sometimes brooding, sometimes wild, and always atmospheric, it boasts an unrivalled natural beauty and appeal. Situated in southern Devon, it is also perfectly placed for honeymoons, offering the chance to enjoy unique experiences and step off the beaten track for a while. Seize the opportunity for a sunshine escape in summer and anticipate undulating walks between tors peppered with granite stacks – volcanic rocks made of molten lava cooled billions of years ago. Wild swim in bracken-fringed pools and dry off in the sun, savouring a picnic on pillowy grass topped with blankets. In winter, follow paths around Dartmoor gems like Fernworthy Reservoir and Buckland Abbey’s woodland estate, before heading to cosy pubs like The Rugglestone Inn for hearty repasts of local produce. No matter how you spend your Dartmoor honeymoon, magic is sure to follow.
Gloucestershire, Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a honey-hued haven famed all over the world for its quintessential charm and photo-worthy aesthetics. Home to the city of Gloucester, the county of Gloucestershire encompasses a large area of the Cotswolds and stars some of the prettiest villages in this breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. One of the best destinations in the UK for honeymoons, it features nostalgically timeless gardens and estates, villages and countryside swathes that all call for dreamy exploration hand-in-hand. Depending on your idea of honeymoon heaven, put time aside to wend your way along scenic walks and uncover the many things to do on foot, or look forward to leisurely drives and cruise past the sights and sites. When you’re ready to reward your efforts, the Cotswolds’ Michelin star restaurants treat loved-up duos to the finest fare sourced from local producers.
Loch Lomond
Set within the Trossachs National Park in southern Scotland near the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, the freshwater Loch Lomond marks the boundary between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. A place of extreme beauty, it is formed of regal mountains, rich forests, and a glacial lake, all creating an awe-inspiring natural tapestry in which to immerse yourself for a while. With lots of things to see and do, Loch Lomond and its surrounds make for an ideal destination for couples with a taste for adventure. Head out from your luxury retreat and share moments wildlife watching, following walking and cycling trails, and picnicking around the lake. For the best views to savour with your beloved, walk to the top of Conic Hill or find a spot overlooking the lake’s famous Lone Tree and relax with a blankety spread and, for extra indulgence, a bottle of something special.
Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site is found in the beautiful county of Dorset and is famed all over the world for its rich heritage – documenting over 185 million years of the earth’s natural history. Traced by 95 miles of coastline decorated with striking formations and etched with fossils, it provides a veritable window to the past and is an exciting place to visit throughout the year. Dubbed the Pearl of Dorset, Lyme Regis is especially winsome for newlyweds. Not far from many Jurassic Coast highlights, such as Golden Cap and West Bay, the town takes pride of place on the coast and beckons for relaxation and exploration alike. Whether you’d like to tread footsteps along the town’s beaches to find fossils on the shore, pick up some of the nearby coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, or discover some of the unique things to do in Dorset, a heavenly honeymoon awaits.
Ceredigion
In the far west of Wales, Ceredigion proposes a coastal honeymoon unlike any other. From the wildlife-watching opportunities at New Quay to the tropical-esque sandy beaches of Cardigan Bay to the multi-coloured cottages of Aberaeron, it has something for everyone. If you are looking for honeymoon inspiration, then the coastal town of Cardigan is somewhere that is sure to pique your interest. Known as the gateway to the Teifi Valley, it is lined with vintage stores, modern boutiques, and dreamy restaurants, and offers an idyllic bubble in which to spend unforgettable honeymoons together. To walk through time together, head to Cardigan Castle to learn all about the history of the town, before heading over to the beautiful Mwnt Beach to tread two pairs of footsteps in the sand. To dine in style, make sure you pop the Michelin Bib Gourmand Yr Hen Printworks in Cardigan on your gourmet list too.
The New Forest
The New Forest National Park is understandably heralded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK for honeymoons. A place where ancient woodland meets open coastline and New Forest ponies graze in meadow glades, it is a truly dreamlike setting for starry-eyed getaways. Sitting pretty between country and coast, the Georgian market town of Lymington perches on the southern edge of the New Forest. Just a short drive from many of the region’s gems, including Brockenhurst and Beaulieu, and brimming with things to see and do, it invites lovers to create lasting memories together. Reserve your New Forest hideaway and look forward to wandering Lymington’s historic streets and exploring nearby to sail on the Solent, cycle through forests and stroll through manicured gardens. By day, the waterside Haven Café invites for coffee and views, while in the evening, the Michelin-recommended Elderflower sets the scene for unforgettable dates.
Yorkshire Dales
One of the dreamiest honeymoon destinations in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales is hard to beat. Offering many of the best things to do in Yorkshire and most beautiful places to visit, it is a true paradise filled with raw, unfiltered beauty. Ready to create tales and anecdotes to be enjoyed for years to come, embrace a honeymoon in the Dales and uncover its highlights and hidden gems. In the day, happiness can be found tracing the footsteps of time in the region’s castles and abbeys, including the nine-hundred-year-old Skipton Castle and Bolton Abbey. Meanwhile by night, the starry skies of Dales’ designated Dark Sky Reserve, the largest in the UK, add an even more magical dimension to escapes. Head out with a blanket and bottle of bubbles, and lie back surrounded by beds of heather as you watch the light of countless stars twinkle in the night sky above.
Feeling inspired? Find your dream honeymoon retreat in the UK.
