As everyone knows, the wedding is about the guests; the honeymoon is about the newlyweds. A romantic retreat sets the tone for a life of love and adventure, and Britain's bucolic landscape and beautiful coastline offers a cornucopia of unique locations for the perfect honeymoon. From castles to cottages to lighthouses, romance and intimacy take many forms. The seclusion and historic beauty of these destinations is nothing short of magical.
1. Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, Pitlochry, Scotland
There's no shortage of castles to choose from in Scotland, but for a room with a view, look no further than Fonab Castle, a five-star baronial home with views of Ben Vrackie and Loch Faskally. A tranquil oasis, perfect for newlyweds, make time for the spa which comes with a heated pool and an aroma relax room. Rooms are spacious and come replete with Thierry Mugler toiletries, but it's worth paying extra for a loch view. Nearby Pitlochry is a well-heeled Victorian town with an acclaimed theater.
2. The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham, England
"I have rarely seen a place that so attracted my fancy," wrote Charles Dickens of Cheltenham, one of Britain's finest Regency towns, and the heart of the magnificent Cotswolds. Just outside is the Greenway Hotel & Spa, a classic country house hotel occupying an ivy-covered Elizabethan manor, and surrounded by beautifully-landscaped gardens and croquet lawn. Enjoy hydrotherapy in the Elan Spa and contemporary British cuisine (think brown sugar cured tuna with green peach dressing) by chef Marcus McGuinness in the award-winning restaurant.
3. Highclere Castle, Highclere, England
If you're going to honeymoon in a castle, why not honeymoon in the castle--or on the grounds at any rate. The bedrooms at Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey, are strictly for family--namely Lord and Lady Carnarvon--but there are several unique cottages that you can rent. With 5,000 acres to explore, as well as the lavish 15th-century castle itself, there's no shortage of opportunities for newlyweds to act out their deepest, darkest Lady Mary Crawley fantasies.
4. Llangoed Hall, Llyswen, Brecon, Wales
A sprawling Edwardian manor, Llangoed Hall is straight out of the board game Clue, though instead of finding Miss Peacock with a candlestick in the billiard room, you'll discover feather-stuffed couches, and dripping chandeliers over the pool table. Head outside to take in the immaculately manicured 17 acres, which house a chicken farm (pick out your egg for breakfast!) and organic gardens with just about every green you can imagine--obscure edible flowers alongside traditional herbs like sage and mint. Don't miss the maze--impossible to decipher after a few cocktail-hour whiskeys.
5. St. Bride's Hotel, Saundersfoot, Wales
Perched above Saundersfoot, a local vacationers' village, St. Brides Hotel warmly welcomes its guests with sweet staff and simple marine-themed decor. The rooms on the second floor have beautiful views of the harbor below, but the piece de resistance is the on-site spa's outdoor infinity pool. Let the spout of pressurized warm water crash down on your shoulders as you stare out at the string of bobbing boats.
6. Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, Scotland
If opulence is what you seek, nothing will serve you better in Edinburgh than this lushly decorated, enveloping estate that, roughly 50 years ago, was transformed from the Lord Provost's home (erected in 1687) into a no-expense-spared inn. Located just outside the city center, Prestonfield House is awash in crushed red velvet and gilded detail. In one wing of the in-house restaurant (the lavish breakfast spread will make you feel as pampered as past guests Grace of Monaco and Elton John), there's a framed portrait of Charles II. Though portraits abound, his is the only painting in that space, as Charles wanted a room to himself. Who can blame him?
7. Knell Dower Studio B&B, Sussex, England
This secluded bed and breakfast sits on the grounds of a 15th-century timber-framed Tudor building. The five-star accommodations are a short distance to Great Dixter Gardens, as well as the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of Rye. Or enjoy a stroll along the beaches of Camber and Winchelsea, where the dunes and cliff offer perfect views of the sunset.
8. Galatea at the Whitby Lighthouse, Yorkshire, England
Enjoy a romantic getaway above the crashing waves of this Yorkshire cliff. Just outside Whitby and close to the North Yorkshire Moors is the Whitby Lighthouse. One of two cottages, the Galatea offers an enclosed garden with a raised deck. Take a stroll through the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey or enjoy a stunning sunset from atop the coastal cliffs while on this unique retreat.
9. The Black Swan at Oldstead, York, England
Staying at the Black Swan, you're not just guests of the house but of the Banks family. This beautiful property on the edge of the Yorkshire moors boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant with the culinary stylings of the owner's son, Tommy Banks. Each room in the Black Swan comes with a terrace, overlooking the kitchen garden--two acres of seasonal crops.
10. The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland
Located on the southside of Glasgow, this four-star baronial hotel overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens. The restaurant sources the highest quality local produce for the perfect contemporary dining experience. This majestic castle provides a beautiful venue for weddings and the most luxurious suites for a romantic honeymoon.
11. The Stalls at Durdle Door, Dorset, England
Just steps away from the beautiful Dorset coast, famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, these converted farm buildings retain their original character with beautiful renovations. It's a short stroll to the neighboring villages to enjoy the bistros, pubs, and shops. Make sure you find time to walk the cliffs to Lulworth Cove and famous rock arch of Durdle Door itself.
12. Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorset, England
While Dorset, in southwest England on the English Channel coast, is beautiful in and of itself, this lovely country house is simply stunning. Set on four acres of pristine gardens, the award-winning Summer Lodge Country House Hotel offers something for the literary buff as it's nestled in the heart of Thomas Hardy's Dorset, the setting for Far From the Madding Crowd and the British crime drama Broadchurch. When you're not strolling the gardens or exploring the quaint seaside town of Dorset, be sure to experience the Summer Lodge's extensive wine cellar curated by a top sommelier.
13. Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Located on the Highland Boundary Fault that separates Scotland's central lowlands from the highlands, the area is renowned for its pristine waterways and fantastic fairways at the famed Carrick golf course. Once you're finished on the links, explore Loch Lomond by water or air on Cameron House's luxury motor cruiser the Celtic Warrior or on the resort's very own seaplane. You're sure to be hungry after all of that outdoor activity so be sure to stop by one of the resort's six restaurants or bars. There's even afternoon tea in the Drawing room or at The Great Scots Bar.
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We've teamed up with VisitBritain to give away a six-night trip for two to Great Britain, and the winner could be you. The grand prize includes a three-night stay at The Rosebery in London, a three-night stay at Midland Hotel in Manchester, plus roundtrip airfare from the U.S. All you have to do to enter? Submit your information via this form, and let us know why someone you LOVE is GREAT.
