The best honeymoon hotels in the UK for 2022 and beyond

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. 

• The best five-star honeymoon hotel in the UK – The Newt, Somerset
• The best honeymoon suite in the UK – The Pavillion, Lime Wood, New Forest
• The best honeymoon hotel with an outdoor pool in the UK – Chewton Glen, Hampshire
• The best honeymoon spa hotel in the UK – ESPA Life at The Corinthia, London

A couple of hours’ drive west of London, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds have long been a mini-moon magnet thanks to a scattering of honey-hued villages, hip boutique hotels, unstuffy manor house retreats with top end spas and fine dining destinations – this part of the world has more than its fair share of good looking gastro pubs (head to the new The Double Red Duke in Clanfield). Enjoy days spent hand-in-hand walking through ancient woodlands, browsing antiques, visiting palaces and castles and perhaps even spotting a celeb – they tend to orbit around Burford, Broadway and Kingham.

• The most romantic hotels in the Cotswolds

One of the most beautiful pockets of the UK, the Lake District draws in couples looking for a destination that’s genuine and timeless. The fact it has some of the country’s most unpredictable weather just makes a mini-moon more exciting, right? When the sun shines head outside to enjoy lakeside walks, watersports and wildlife, if there’s rain what could be more romantic than tucking into a Michelin-starred meal at L’Enclume or Forest Side, or being holed up in one of the many smart spa hotels with roaring fires, free-standing tubs for two and heavenly treatments on tap? 

• The most romantic hotels in the Lake District

• The best hotels with spas in the Lake District

Some of the UK’s top spa hotels lie in this idyllic region, so look no further for a post-wedding place to really switch off and reset. When you’re not being pampered, fill your days exploring the jumble of footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways winding through the forest, where wild ponies roam, drive to the coast to the Blue Flag beaches of Hayling Island or soak up culture and city vibes in Winchester. Choose your favourite vintage car in the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, feast on foraged food or wild boar in one of the area’s fine restaurants or sip some Dancing Cows New Forest gin. The New Forest is also an easy hop from London or the home counties so doesn’t require miles of driving if you’re travelling from these areas. 

• The best hotels in the New Forest

Glorious, often uncrowded beaches, towering sand dunes, brooding moors and seaside villages encompassed in great swathes of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – little wonder many couples think Devon is best for a mini-moon. Closer than Cornwall, with trains from London taking just two hours, it’s a quicker, easier and cheaper bet and it’s quieter too, with plenty of secret corners for whispering sweet nothings, even in the height of summer.  Some of Devon’s most romantic hotels tend to be a combination of traditional charm mixed with modern touches, like a nautical pub with a fancy spa or a country house hotel with wellies by the door and Michelin-starred food. 

• The most romantic hotels in Devon

Cornwall is perennially cool for couples. Firstly there’s the incredible seafood scene think Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth – then there’s the white sand beaches, snaking rivers, hidden harbours and plentiful stylish hotels, from modern spa escapes to Georgian boltholes. England’s southernmost county is also a hot spot for honeymoons because who needs a far-flung adventure when hiking rugged coastlines, surfing in sparkling water, browsing art galleries like the Tate Modern in St Ives and enjoying long, lazy sunshine-soaked lunches at exceptional restaurants is on your doorstep? 

• 30 dreamy honeymoon ideas and best destinations to get you planning ahead

The ultimate romantic city break, Bath is brimming with culture, smart hotels, fine dining and, of course, spa’ing – this is the self-proclaimed ‘original wellbeing destination’ thanks to its iconic Roman Baths. When you’re not floating around in therapeutic thermal spring water together, there’s Bridgerton-esque Georgian townhouses to admire, the National Trust’s Skyline walk, boat trips along the River Avon and glasses of Champagne at rooftop bars to enjoy. 

• The best hotels with spas in and around Bath

Somerset’s rural charms are many, with its quintessential English countryside, pretty villages and mystical landmarks (such as Glastonbury) to explore. Discover world-class art galleries, swish landmark country house hotels and cosy pubs with rooms around Frome and Bruton, while elegant Bath and atmospheric Wells provide a sprinkling of urban glamour and boutique townhouse hotels. Head south west to Exmoor and things become a little wilder, with castles, caves, secret beaches and wild ponies on your doorstep. Low light pollution means Exmoor National Park is one of the best places in the UK for star-gazing.

• The best hotels in Somerset

It’s possible to immerse yourselves in coast and countryside on a romantic retreat in peaceful Dorset, where beautiful beaches, woodland walks and luxe hotels are in abundance. There’s a wealth of ways to fill a mini-moon: stroll along wind-whipped cliffs at Golden Cap, follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning fossil hunting at Lyme Regis, watch movies beneath the stars at Lulworth Castle, take a boat trip to Brownsea Island, sample wine in some the county’s excellent vineyards or indulge in a relaxing couples’ spa day. 

• The best places and cities to visit in England

Whether splashing around on the beautiful broads, picnicking in sand dunes or scrunching along shingle beaches, Norfolk’s waterways and surrounding countryside are a romantic destination year-round (and, shhh, a little less touristy than Cornwall and Devon). Paddleboarding together along Hickling, the largest of the manmade broads, seafood suppers and sunset strolls along Holkham Beach are perfect in summer, while in winter seal pup-spotting in Horsey or Blakeney Point and muddy stomps through Thetford Forest, followed by celebratory drinks by a roaring fire in a cosy pub or hotel with a homely atmosphere, hit the honeymoon spot. 

• The best hotels in Norfolk

From Southwold’s picket-fence and retro pier perfection to Aldeburgh’s pastel houses and pebble beach charm, Suffolk’s stretch of coastline is high dose of low-key loveliness. Enjoy fresh oysters at Walberswick, lounging on the shingle at Dunwich and exploring the hauntingly isloated, windswept hamlet of Shingle Street. Inland there are vineyards, castles and Constable country to discover. Hotels range from award-winning gastro pubs with rooms to Elizabethan stately homes with four-poster beds and grand gardens. 

• The best spa hotels in Suffolk

Picturesque cobbled streets, a Gothic cathedral and riverside setting are just a few of the attractions of this impressive city, which is a short drive from the scenic North York Moors. Easily navigated on foot, honeymoon must-dos include dining at some of the city’s award-wining restaurants such as Skosh, a cruise along the River Ouse, and visiting York Minster – rumour has it that couples who kiss under its Heart of Yorkshire window will stay together forever. Make your base one of the city’s grand spa hotels, or perhaps a cosy boutique bolthole.

• The best luxury hotels in York

Futuristic art galleries filled with rarely seen work by Barbara Hepworth, wide, windswept beaches and a milky way of Michelin-stars – Yorkshire’s got it going on when it comes to mini-moon motivation. Full of natural beauty, the Yorkshire Dale’s deep valleys, meadows and caves are captivating, but equally as irresistible are the bright lights and sexy city hotels and restaurants of Leeds and York. Either way, don’t miss afternoon tea for two at legendary Betty’s tea rooms in Harrogate or supper at two Michelin-starred eaterie Star Inn at Harome.

• The best hotels in Yorkshire

A short hop on the train from London and bursting with character, Brighton is one of Britain’s best-loved seaside cities and full of kitsch romance. Lose yourselves shopping, scoffing and quaffing in The Lanes, go for a dip in the sea, hang out in the flower-filled Royal Pavilion Gardens and take a Champagne-fuelled ride on the British Airways i360 wheel for panoramic views all the way to the South Downs. And whether you’re holed up in a dreamy Regency townhouse escape or a suite in a grand seafront hotel, be sure to extract yourselves for at least one night to sample the city’s brilliant nightlife. 

• The most romantic hotels in Brighton

Home of the South Downs, which boasts some of the most romantic walks in the UK along ridges overlooking rolling, chalky hills and heathlands. West Sussex is where the Bloomsbury set hung out in the 20th century, but today it could rival Champagne with its venerable vineyards, Norman castles and stylish hotels. Drop into Glyndebourne for some summer opera and supper at its fine dining restaurant Middle & Over Wallop, where the Galvin brothers are currently overseeing the menu, browse antique bookshops in Arundel or perhaps enjoy a spot of racing at Glorious Goodwood.

• The best spa hotels in the south of England

Post-pandemic, London’s shiny, glamorous hotels suddenly seem more enticing. From new kid on the block townhouses to reassuringly robust grande dames of the hotel scene, the cosseting and spoiling you’ll receive at these star-studded getaways is perfect for a mini-moon to remember. Not only does the capital have iconic hotels, but it also captures the heart with its myriad of couple-friendly things to do. Picnics in parks, strolls beside the Thames at sunset, top notch meals in rooftop restaurants and late night drinks in candle-lit cocktail bars are all incentives to spend the first holiday of your married life in the capital.

• The most romantic hotels in London

Honeymoon heaven, largely thanks to its dazzling section of coastline. Spot seals and dolphins on boat trips to remote island wildlife reserves, tuck into the freshest seafood at harbourside restaurants and take your pick of stunning beaches – Pembrokeshire has more than its fair share of golden sand, craggy cliffs and hidden coves. It’s also home to Britain’s smallest city, St David’s on the western most peninsular, home of a towering cathedral and the Gothic ruins of The Bishop’s Palace

• The best hotels in Pembrokeshire

Snowdonia National Park contains so much natural beauty – mountains, waterfalls, forests and gorges – it’s impossible not to fall in love with the setting. Its under-the-radar 200-mile coastline is a Special Area of Conservation, resulting in unspoilt coves reached via rugged footpaths. In stark contrast, Portmeirion, an Italianate village overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, is a paradise fantasy of pavilions, colonnades and piazzas with a certain je ne sais quoi that’s ideal for a quirky mini-moon escapade.

• The best hotels for London weddings

Scotland’s capital city makes a dramatic backdrop for romance, with its famous Royal Mile, 12th-century hilltop castle and glorious Gothic buildings at every turn. Aside from lounging around in a suite at one of the city’s big-hitter hotels, coupley things to do in Edinburgh include dining in smart restaurants and browsing galleries and indie bookstores combined with blustery hikes up Arthur’s Seat, watching sunset from Calton Hill, eating seafood by the shore in Leith and wandering around the Royal Botanic Garden.

• The most romantic hotels in Edinburgh

A landscape flecked with greens and browns, vast stretches of tranquil water and some stand out places to stay, make this island off the west coast of Scotland irresistible. It’s also a little magical, with fairy pools, curious rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr and the chance to see breathtaking wildlife like eagles and otters as you sea kayak to secret bays. Dining in Skye is a highlight too, with local produce like just-caught scallops or venison served at some of Scotland’s top eateries (The Three Chimneys restaurant is superb) followed by a wine or whisky wrapped up beneath a star-studded sky. For maximum impact travel on the West Highland Line, taking the ferry over the sea to Skye.

• The best Scotland hotels for loch-side living

Northwest Scotland is wildly beautiful, sparsely populated and whether you’re cruising down Loch Ness, exploring an ancient castle, whisky tasting or cuddling together by a roaring fire, the allure of the Highlands is strong. This vast wilderness also manages to offer first-class digs along with all the natural wonders (and great food), from bucket-list hotels owned by international art dealers to restaurants with rooms rivalling some of the best in Scotland.

The UK is a fantastic place for a honeymoon, offering up plenty of choices for both destinations and accommodation. Many hotels cater to honeymooners often offering specific packages for your first night as a married couple or the chance to book a stay in a special suite – traditionally known as a ‘honeymoon suite’. 

It absolutely depends on the type of ‘romance’ you are after. If it’s a five-star experience in lavish or opulent surroundings with excellent service then a London grande dame hotel would be ideal, or perhaps your version of romance is to hole-up in a remote lodge in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. Whatever honeymoon style you’re looking for, you will find great options in this article.

In recent years, the UK has been treated as more of a ‘mini-moon’ destination, so a quick two or three night break immediately after the wedding to unwind (and then a long-haul honeymoon is often planned at a later date lasting between one to two weeks). However, it’s entirely up to you (and your budget) how long you stay for in the UK, if it’s your main honeymoon, you might want to stay for up to a week or plan a longer road trip for example.  

Contributions by Suzy Bennett, Sophie Butler, Jade Conroy, Tracey Davies, Cal Flyn, Linda Macdonald, Fred Mawer, Natalie Millar-Partridge, Harriet O’Brien, Ben Parker, Helen Pickles, Sarah Stirling, Kerry Walker, Tina Walsh and Antonia Windsor