Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon
So near, so far
Honeymoon heaven in Cornwall
Spend your cherished first days as newlyweds in Cornwall
Honeymoons are joining the modern wedding movement of ‘anything goes’, with couples enjoying everything from ‘earlymoons’ to ‘minimoons’ and full-blown family holidays. And nowhere is more accommodating for all your pre and post-wed whims than Cornwall.
Beyond beautiful-destinations located both on the coast and in the countryside allow couples to experience the natural landscapes the Duchy has to offer. Stay in a shepherd’s hut on Bodmin Moor, escape to a cliff-edge suite on The Lizard or bed down in a Georgian townhouse a stone’s throw from the sea.
Whether you dream of lingering for a few days in your newly-wed bliss or heading to another part of the county for an adventure with the whole family, there’s a host of unforgettable options to suit.
We’ve picked three impossibly romantic places guaranteed to have you falling in love all over again...
For countryside capers…
The Enchanted Wardrobe
If the place names are anything to go by, then this micro-utopia on the edge of Bodmin Moor certainly lives up to it. For in the diminutive Welltown lies a hidden cluster of shepherd’s huts that promise a back-to-nature escape of the most magical variety. In fact, Welltown can be found in the tiny hamlet of Warleggan, which was previously known as the most remote village in Cornwall and is twinned with none other than Narnia… Which brings us back to The Enchanted Wardrobe.
If it’s a sense of remoteness and a heady dose of magic that you seek, then you’ll discover it here in spades. Conveniently close to Cornwall’s major A30 road but far enough removed to feel fabulously lost amongst the beating heart of the Cornish countryside, The Enchanted Wardrobe is sublimely located. For your own private slice of peace and soul-stirring rural views, nothing spells pure romance quite like it.
We arrived shortly after dark, following the snaking gravel path toward the fairy lights that festoon the exterior before entering the deceptively spacious hut, and instantly felt at home. The kids were soon fast asleep in their bunks and the dog nestled in front of the fire, so we slipped outside and sunk into the hot tub, floating beneath the trees while stargazing into the bejewelled night sky to a soundtrack of complete silence.
A golden sunrise greeted us the next morning as we breakfasted in the bijou dining area at our leisure. The hut is fully equipped with everything you’ll need, from the private parking, garden furniture and firepit to a kitchenette complete with oven with integrated microwave, two-ring hob, full-sized fridge and ceramic butler’s sink. There’s also a snug en suite and wood burner, so you’ll feel warm, comfy and fully taken care of whatever the season of your stay.
The owners kept a respectful distance but were helpfully on hand, even allowing our daughters to meet their newborn lambs. We then ventured to the nearby natural wonders of Colliford Lake, the sprawling moor and Cardinham Woods before a quick stop-off in the old market town of Bodmin. Returning in time for an exquisite sunset over the wooded valley, we snuggled up for story time and slumbered in the most sumptuous king-sized bed as the river quietly babbled beyond.
For child and dog-friendly accommodation amid spectacularly wild surrounds – with an array of luxe extras – The Enchanted Wardrobe is a spellbinding choice.
uniquehideaways.com
For sea-view stays…
The Island Suite at Polurrian on the Lizard
Perched on the cliff-edge presiding over swathes of ocean, Polurrian on the Lizard’s new private bolthole, The Island Suite, was – quite literally – made for honeymoons.
The recently completed addition to the coastal hotel provides a gorgeous retreat filled with amenities, space and those to-die-for sea views. Concealed beneath the main building down a private spiral staircase, the exclusive suite boasts a beautiful master bedroom opening onto to its own sea-view deck, along with an additional two bedrooms (featuring bunk beds and twin beds), bathroom with walk-in rainfall shower, fitted kitchenette and private balcony with a hot tub gazing directly out to sea.
The interiors are understated yet stylish. Wonderfully comfortable, the sink-into-me bed, plush tub chairs and sun loungers located just outside the bedroom mean a stay here promises to be a laid-back, luxe and memorable affair indeed.
An air of vintage glamour permeates Polurrian on the Lizard, which has hosted famous guests including Clark Gable and Guglielmo Marconi and still retains much of its old-world charm alongside modern, relaxed and characterful surrounds. The hotel accommodates all, presenting cosy nooks for sundowners as well as playrooms for the kids. There’s also an outdoor pool, tennis courts and mini play park, along with a Health Club complete with an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, relaxation room and treatment rooms.
The stunning restaurant presents simple yet delectable dishes with a Mediterranean-inspired flavour using locally sourced ingredients and cooked using their wood-fired Gozney oven. We devoured three lip-smacking courses washed down with a smooth bottle of red, sleeping blissfully before waking to the melody of the waves below.
Lush, landscaped gardens with panoramic views descend toward the coast path that will lead you directly onto the sands of Polurrian Cove nestled beneath the hotel. Or if you’d like to venture further afield, we loved hitting the road with the hotel’s fun and brand new ‘No Smoke Moke’, which will take you for electric-fired adventures to the nearby likes of Lizard Point, Poldhu, Mullion and Kennack Sands. In short, whether you wish to loaf or live it up on the Lizard – just the two of you or the entire family (including the dog) – Polurrian is the picturesque place to be.
For a serene sojourn by the sea…
Chapel House, Penzance
Make your way along Chapel Street, a historic and charm-packed stretch of antique shops, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and galleries in the heart of Penzance, and, perched above the ancient harbour, you’ll find Chapel House. A grand red brick building facing out towards the sea, the restored Georgian townhouse blends the style of a chic boutique hotel with a relaxed home from home feel, making it a perfect base for a loved-up few days exploring the beauty of Cornwall’s far western tip.
Bathed with natural light, the elegant Georgian architecture is beautifully balanced with contemporary touches: antique furnishings meet bold, statement pieces and vibrant accents, the milk-white walls dotted with modern Cornish art. Our room was light and spacious, the windows filled with sweeping views across the ancient quayside and blue sweep of Mount’s Bay. There was an unfeasibly snug bed, a luxurious bathroom, log burner and sink-into-me bathtub where you can gaze at the seagulls nesting on the chimney pots and wispy clouds slipping across the sky as you bathe.
Heading outside into the sheltered garden, my husband and I relaxed in the sauna and enjoyed a soak in the hot tub. Sinking into the warm bubbles amidst the call of the seabirds, the fresh, salty air and the glow of the harbour lights in the inky-blue dusk was magical. After dinner at a nearby restaurant, we curled up by the fire in the lounge with a bottle of red wine and, after a wonderfully deep sleep, woke to a delicious breakfast.
For those keen to recharge and rebalance, Chapel House can arrange guided swims in the bay, while the resident holistic therapist, Rachel Lorente, tailors a selection of wellbeing treatments and spa rituals to your needs through aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and bespoke spa rituals.
Brilliantly located to explore the north and south coast of Cornwall’s westerly peninsula, take a walk along the coastal path to discover some of the county’s most staggeringly beautiful vistas (the likes of Mousehole, Marazion, Porthcurno and St Ives are just a short drive) or relax on one of the many sandy coves.
It’s easy to while away a dreamy few days exploring the delights on the doorstep: take a stroll along the promenade, visit the art galleries and local eateries, and enjoy a drink at a historic pub or gin bar. Located a matter of footsteps from Chapel House, you might take a dip in the geothermal waters of Jubilee Pool, the UK’s only seawater lido, before returning to the serene climes of this seaside sanctuary.
words Hannah May & Rebecca Matthews
