To honeymoon or not to honeymoon? That is the question!  This blog will introduce you to trends for this year, and where to find that ideal and out of the way place for your romantic honeymoon staycation.

OK, so I know that not everyone is going to want tranquility away from other people. So planning your honeymoon is very much about who you are, what your style is and, to be a bit prosaic, what you can afford. 

Some couples defer their honeymoon for the following year. I’ve always thought this is a bit of a shame.  All the excitement and happiness of the wedding weekend is returned to an utterly mundane and ordinary ‘back to work’ on the Monday.  Your choice, of course, but I trust that I will give you some ideas for a romantic getaway for a few days as your wedding day draws to a close

Right!  Top tip. 

Bookings for late summer in 2021 are surging through into October.  Bear in mind that last year 220 000 couples put off their weddings to this year, and there will be as much pressure next year as newly engaged couples join the happy crowd!  So if you are set to get married this year or next year and are hoping to get away, book now! 

Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, says: “… in a year that has upended so many of our ways of life, travel will for many act as an old friend. What people have realised is that travel for 2021 needs to be familiar, and there is a longing to return to countries they know and love… that sense of familiarity, and conviviality, is comforting.” More than anything, people are longing for space and freedom; an escape into nature, to reset and recharge. Taking more leisurely travels at home, not flying abroad, brings folk closer to nature and give more meaningful breaks.  They are more eco friendly and feel safer post C19. So for those stunning out of the way places ….

Here are a few ideas….

• Herefordshire Gorgeous, gentle countryside and wonderful quirky places to stay. Have a look at Netherwood Estate (on my list of places to visit!)
• Wales Avoid the crowds at Snowdonia and have a look at Berwyn Range’s stunningly beautiful mountains. The Cottage in Wales gives more details
• Aberdeenshire Did you know it has 165 miles of stunning coastline? I didn’t! Plus dinky villages, and romantic castles (love a good castle!)
• Mersea Island This is an ancient and historic island nine miles south of the city of Colchester. It covers seven square miles and is easily reached by road via The Strood causeway.  Watch out for the tides as the road is covered by sea twice a day for one week of every month! Plenty of accommodation in and around Colchester.
• Yorkshire Dales For a gourmet stay, look for The Pipe and Glass, a former coaching inn that now has nine boutique suites and a Michelin-starred restaurant. (I’m going to be busy this summer exploring these wonderful places!)
• Rutland Water A favourite day trip for picnics when my kids were kids!  Stay at the rustic The Kings Arms Inn or for a touch of luxury at Hambleton Hall. I’m a big fan of spas so I would opt for Barnsdale Hotel (in fact , I’ll be booking a couple of indulgent days for later this summer!)
• Northamptonshire Fawsley Hall is a favourite of mine for superb food and indulgent spa. It has a long history (you have to check out the banqueting hall – actual suits of armour line the walls! Love it!) It’s set in rolling countryside and is just perfect to just relax and drink their delicious cocktails.  Plus you can get married there!  So you can combine your big day with your staycation.  Sounds wonderful!  Can I come?

For more inspiration, check out this article I found in The Telegraph from where I’ve drawn some of my ideas.

What will you choose? Pop your ideas and plans in the comments – I’d love to hear from you!

By the way…

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