Best minimoon destinations in the UK

There are few things more romantic than stargazing and there are few places in Britian better than Northumberland to stargaze from. More than 500 square miles of the county have been awarded Gold Tier status for the quality of their dark skies, so there’s no shortage of places to stop and stare in total peace and quiet.

For a guided gaze why not visit Battlesteads Observatory where professional astronomers are on hand to talk you through comets and constellations. Celebrate with your new spouse by joining the observatory’s talks or use your own knowledge to pick out your favourite stars. There’s a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal before heading outside into the moonlit skies.

If stargazing sounds like the best way to spend your minimoon book a room with us at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Northumberland. Millshield picnic area (10 minute drive) is a fantastic stargazing location near Derwent Reservoir.

Head to Tatton Park for a timeless escape. Wander hand-in-hand through the 100-year-old Japanese gardens before touring the historic glasshouses and all their Victorian splendour.

Take inspiration from the local wildlife and roam a thousand acres of deer park without a care in the world. End the day in the on-site mansion for a glimpse at 18th century life and make sure you visit the ‘behind the scenes’ rooms, for a sneak peek at the parts of stately homes that rarely reach the public eye.

The Park Royal Hotel & Spa, Cheshire (20 minute drive) is the perfect base for your quaint adventure.

If you want something tangible to remember your special day by, why not try your hand at painting together? Pinot and Picasso in Leeds hosts sessions including landscape painting, neon painting and even ‘Paint your Partner’ workshops, perfect for a minimoon!

There's plenty to drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) during the 2 to 3 hour session, and snacks are provided to keep energy levels high too. Spend your minimoon with us at the nearby Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Yorkshire (18 minute drive).

Take your Juliet (or Romeo!) to the birthplace of William Shakespeare and learn all about his early life in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can also tour Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and see the other side of the love story. 

Round off your date day with a trip to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Comedy, tragedy or historical play, what you watch is up to you. But there’s few things better than seeing a Shakespeare play in the place the playwright’s career began. The QHotels Collection includes three hotels in Warwickshire; Doubletree by Hilton Stratford upon Avon (3 minute drive), Stratford Manor Hotel (6 minute drive) and Chesford Grange Hotel (20 minute drive), make sure you explore them all before deciding your favourite.

Dole Wood is one of the best places to spend some quality time together. Nothing beats the otherworldly feeling of the ancient woodland, only helped along by the sweet fragrance of the wildflowers carpeting the forest floor.

Make a game of your nature walk and see who can spot the most wildlife along the way. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, blackcaps and willow warblers, and for a bit of competition why not see who can find the most species? The Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Lincolnshire (45 minute drive) is a short distance away in a picturesque location perfectly suited to a minimoon.

Book a punting tour for just the two of you and explore all that Cambridge has to offer. Hear anecdotes and historical facts about the sights along the way as your guide does all the heavy… punting.

Make your tour extra special by adding a picnic basket, with all the trimmings. Bobble down the River Cam with your choice of an Afternoon Tea, Brunch or Deli Style box, whatever floats your boat. When you hit dry land, check in to the Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa, Cambridgeshire. The city is only 15 minutes away, but you’ve still got all the privacy you could want for a romantic minimoon.

Pay a visit to Blenheim Palace and experience what life would’ve been like for the Bridgertons. Add the magic of the silver screen to your minimoon by following the Tree Trail and check out the filming locations of the hit Netflix show.

Join an exclusive ‘Upstairs’ or ‘Downstairs’ experience to get a glimpse of how both halves of society lived centuries ago. The birthplace of Winston Churchill, the Palace also offers tours of his favourite places on the grounds. The Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa, Oxfordshire is just a 30 minute drive away.

Take sophistication to the next level with a visit to England’s oldest vineyard. Hambledon offers tours through its endless rows of grape trees before a trip through the winery itself. Explore the underground cellars cut into the region’s white chalk foundations before ending the tour with a tasting session of some of the vineyard’s most-loved sparkling wines.

For the ultimate indulgence, book the Sparkling Afternoon Tea. Tuck into hand-made scones and impeccably presented sandwiches with an award-winning rosé to wash it all down. If Hambledon Vineyard catches your interest, join us for a stay at Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House, Hampshire (50 minute drive) or Hampshire Court Hotel & Spa, Hampshire (55 minute drive).