Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon
North coast wonders
North Devon is a dream destination for a honeymoon-our edit
From the rugged cliffs and sprawling sands to the wild moors and leafy valleys, North Devon is a dream destination for a honeymoon.
Here’s our edit of some starry-eyed spots to spend those just-married days
BEST FOR…
SWOON-WORTHY SEASCAPES AND A STUNNING SPA
SAUNTON SANDS HOTEL
Like a sprawling ocean liner perched on the edge of the Atlantic, all clean lines and neat balconies, the iconic Saunton Sands Hotel is a sight to behold. Dotted with deckchairs and sun loungers hugging a heated outdoor pool, its manicured grounds slip down to three miles of golden sands, with far-reaching views across Braunton Burrows and the coastline beyond.
Inside, the hotel blends its art deco heritage – think golden accents, geometric patterns and glinting chandeliers – with vast, light spaces and windows filled with sea and sand.
As well as welcome touches such as a Bose sound system, complimentary mini bar and Nespresso machine, the Sea-Facing Deluxe rooms come with a snug king-size bed, comfy sofa and mesmerising views. A door opens onto a private balcony – a heavenly spot to relax with a cuppa or glass of wine while gazing at the breaking waves.
Source Spa and Wellness takes the Saunton Sands experience to an even more blissful level. Views across endless sand and sea fill the floor-to-ceiling windows of the marine-inspired Thermal Suite where you can take a thermal journey, bathing in the mineral-rich saltwater of the vitality pool, inhaling the salt particles in the steam room, heating up in the Finnish aroma sauna and cooling down at the ice fountain.
The spa treatments also draw on the breathtaking natural environment to soothe, invigorate and nourish, harnessing nature’s energy to take you to a heavenly space (I can highly recommend the heavenly Head in the Clouds full body massage). Reclining on the rooftop sun deck to the murmur of the ocean is the perfect endnote to a heavenly experience. There’s also an indoor pool and gym.
When it comes to dinner, the choice of dining offers something for everyone, whether you fancy fresh-off-the-grill steaks, hearty burgers or classic fish and chips at the relaxed Beachside Grill or British classics crafted from the finest local produce served alongside sparkling Atlantic views amidst the art deco glamour of the two-AA Rosette Dining Room.
There’s so much to explore along this dramatic stretch of North Devon’s coastline: take the coastal path to Woolacombe and Croyde, walk the sprawling sands of Saunton, take a surf lesson just below the hotel or even have a go at kite surfing or paragliding. Or you might simply sink into a deckchair with a good book and glass of something chilled to the soothing sound of the ocean lapping the shoreline below.
sauntonsands.co.uk
BEST FOR…
COUNTRY CHARM AND LUXE TOUCHES
ROSE COTTAGE
Blending 18th century charm with contemporary luxuries, Rose Cottage offers a heady blend of romance and relaxation to while away those blissful just-married days. What’s more, its location in the village of High Bickington offers a convenient base for exploring both Exmoor and Dartmoor as well as the North Devon coastline, all within the tranquil setting of a pretty English village.
The thatched cottage is full of character and cosy features, from the historic wooden beams and log wood burner to the snug sofa and super-king French bed. Take a dip in the William Holland copper bath – big enough for two – and enjoy the designer kitchen and gadgets including a 43-inch TV (complete with Netflix and DisneyPlus for fireside snuggles) and Sonos surround system. In the Mediterranean style garden, there’s a luxury hot tub under a gazebo and a large seating area for al fresco dining under the stars.
Located less than a mile down the valley, guests are invited to enjoy fishing and walks at the idyllic Millbrook Estate; you might even arrange private dining in The Summer House or a treatment in The Pamper Room. Back at your cottage bolthole, book the Romantic Package for champagne and chocolates on arrival and, for lazy mornings, enjoy breakfast hampers delivered to your door.
BEST FOR…
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND BRIDGERTON VIBES
MORETON HOUSE
A grade-II listed Georgian country house flanked by picture-perfect gardens, Moreton House is a dream mini-moon destination for anyone with a penchant for Bridgerton-esque romance, while its location on the edge of Bideford, just over a mile from the coast, makes it a perfect spot for exploring one of the most scenic stretches of North Devon.
The four stylish apartments offer high ceilings and period charm alongside comfortable beds and modern facilities. In the cosy Bakehouse Suite, for example, you’ll find a glossy modern kitchen with the original bread oven at its heart, as well as an en suite wet room and private deck with a barbecue and firepit – a perfect spot for a sundowner. Then there’s the light and airy climes of The Buck Suite, with its elegant, Edwardian-inspired furnishings, roll-top bath and views across to the clifftops of Westward Ho!
With the A39 close by and bikes and boards provided, the whole of North Devon and Cornwall is easily accessible for adventures on the land and sea. Head out on the coast path, catch some waves at Croyde or take the ferry to Lundy Island and look out for the resident puffins. Or simply enjoy relaxing, picnicking and barbecuing in the gardens of your country house bolthole – and maybe even treat yourselves to a romantic private dining experience in the comfort of your apartment.
BEST FOR…
COASTAL ESCAPISM AND SCANDI STYLE
THE OLD APPLE STORE
As far as locations go, The Old Apple Store takes some beating. Nestled in the scenic village of Lee near Woolacombe, this hideaway is set amidst rolling countryside within walking distance to the sea, and a gentle stroll to the village pub.
Perfect for unwinding, the modern-rustic retreat is decked out in contemporary neutrals and a soothing Scandi style, with beamed ceilings, a sink-into-me bathtub and a wood burning stove. The beautifully decked courtyard comes with a cedar hot tub where you can gaze out across the surrounding patchwork of meadows as you sink into its bubbling waters followed by an al fresco dinner beneath starlit skies.
Lose yourself in a good book and whip up some hearty feasts in its cosy surrounds or venture out to explore the coastal and country walks on your doorstep for a magical and deeply relaxing mini-moon.
[Photography Matthew Heritage]
BEST FOR…
RURAL TRANQUILLITY AND DREAMY VIEWS
CORNCOTT
Nestled at the heart of the 32-acre Millbrook Estate, an idyllic sweep of lush pasture and wildflower meadows dotted with lakes and resident chickens, ducks and alpaca, Corncott is a dream spot to switch off from the clamour of modern life and savour some slow together-time.
A heady blend of original features, modern furnishings and luxe facilities, there’s a king-sized bed topped with Egyptian cotton linen, a free-standing bath and underfloor heating in the bedroom, together with gorgeous views across the lake and grazing alpacas. There’s also a beautifully equipped kitchen and mod-cons ranging from a 55-inch LCD TV with Netflix to Amazon Show with Amazon Music for chilled out days watching films and listening to music.
As well as North Devon’s scenic walks and adventure playground on the doorstep, you’ll be able to while away those precious days exploring the tranquil climes of the private estate. We love the idea of following the path lit into the woods, lit with fairy lights, and sinking into the warm waters of the hot tub before a feast in the BBQ House or private dining in The Summer House.
www.millbrookcottages.co.uk/corncott.php
FOR THE LOVERS
From epic landscapes to charm-filled villages, make loved-up memories in these stunning North Devon spots
Croyde
Nestled amidst an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Croyde offers surf, sand, scenery and charm-filled pubs to relax after an exhilarating day in the great outdoors. Whether you don a wetsuit and head into the surf, take a walk to Baggy Point to take in the breathtaking views across the coast or hunker down in one of the historic inns for dinner washed down with local ales, you’re bound to make starry-eyed memories in this beautiful spot.
iStock/ianwool
The Valley of Rocks
The Valley of Rocks is one of North Devon’s most spectacular spots: its awe-inspiring rock formations slipping into a lush valley with the sweep of Atlantic beyond making for the most mesmerising scenery for a romantic picnic or sunset stroll. Look out for the resident wild goats and maybe stop for a cream tea at the tearoom. Head to nearby Lynton and Lynmouth for a meander around the winding streets and a ride on the Victoria cliff railway.
iStock/tatyana_tomsickova
Clovelly
Stroll hand in hand through the steep cobbled streets of Clovelly and enjoy the romance of this charming little village, from the huddle of whitewashed cottages bedecked with flowers to the quaint harbourside and serenity of the Clovelly Court Gardens. Take a boat trip to explore the coastline from the ocean and enjoy a dinner of freshly caught fish, crab or lobster before mesmerising views across the quay.
iStock/RolfSt
words Rebecca Matthews
