The world is supposedly returning to normal as we learn to live with Covid.  But travel companies are struggling to cope with resurgent demand.  The news as we approach the Easter holiday is full of stories about cancelled flights and ferry problems due to staffing issues.  Then there’s the risk that new restrictions may be introduced without warning.  And if you catch the virus before or during your break that will really disrupt your plans!  A staycation honeymoon is much the safer bet and we’ve picked a pair of very different destinations close to home that you are sure to love.  Both are hidden gems – closely guarded secrets that regular visitors are reluctant to publicise too widely!

Cornwall is calling

Nothing is more romantic than a cosy cottage at the seaside – and Cornwall is hard to beat for gorgeous beaches, dramatic cliff-top walks and inviting places to stay.  Mousehole, just a handful of miles from Land’s End, ticks all the right boxes.  Described as the loveliest fishing village in England by Dylan Thomas, it’s little more than a jumble of tightly packed cottages and a maze of narrow cobbled streets pressed close to a pint-sized harbour.   Strolling along the sea wall, or ascending the steep hill that rises behind the houses, gives you sweeping views across a wide bay to picturesque St Michael’s Mount.

Good times guaranteed

There’s an ancient pub right on the quayside, aptly name the Ship Inn, and right next door a superb bistro-style seafood restaurant, No.2 Fore Street.  Newlyn, home to most of Britain’s much reduced fishing fleet, is only about two miles away, so the fare here is predominantly fishy and could not be fresher.  Joe, the chef is classically trained under Raymond Blanc, so the quality is exceptional.  The staff could not be more accommodating, cheerful and unpretentious (not something that’s always the case in Cornwall, it must be said), the atmosphere is happy and relaxed, the prices surprisingly modest.  So, make sure you book – this place is popular, and for all the right reasons!

The perfect “coast” vibe

The same people who own the restaurant also run the little deli just around that, plus a couple of holiday cottages.  No.9 Chapel Street, a croissant’s throw from the deli, is a converted net loft, and the most perfect honeymoon hideaway. The upper floor, accessed from the street, provides an ample kitchen/dining/sitting room.  Downstairs there’s a wonderfully cosy bathroom (with underfloor heating!) and delightful bedroom to snuggle up in.  The styling is immaculate – quintessential coastal-chic with reclaimed floorboards, exposed beams, wood burner and appropriate nautical decorative touches. If you do like to be beside the seaside then it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic escape for your first few days and nights as Mr and Mrs.

Wedded bliss in Wessex

 Thomas Hardy’s much loved romantic novels are set in the fictional county of Wessex (named after the Anglo-Saxon kingdom) but it’s plain to see that the settings are closely based on Dorset, the county in which he lived most of his life.  The world has changed much since his era but the landscape he celebrated is still much the same – very rural, quiet and unspoilt, with no major city to speak of and no motorway running through it. 

In many ways it’s a land that time forgot, dotted with ancient hillforts, home to the Jurassic coast and giant dinosaurs, criss-crossed by winding lanes better suited to the horse and cart than cars and lorries, a sleepy backwater notable for quaint villages with names that recall the Roman occupation or early medieval period – Fontmell Magna, Blandford Forum, Toller Porcorum, Ryme Intrinseca, Piddletrenthide, Haselbury Plucknett. 

For all these reasons Dorset offers the perfect honeymoon escape – the slower pace of life, the wealth of history and heritage, the unspoilt environment and the associations with Hardy’s novels make it a dream destination for a few days of post-wedding rest, relaxation and romance. 

History and award-winning hospitality

Deep in the heart of the county nestles the tiny village of Evershot (or Evershed, as Hardy would have it in his writings).  It’s home to what is almost certainly the finest hotel in the locality, and its most inviting pub.  The hotel is Summer Lodge, built in 1788 as the dower house for the adjacent Ilchester Estate.  In 1893 the 2nd Earl of Ilchester asked a local architect and struggling poet to help him extend the house – the drawing room and Master Suite were designed by a young Thomas Hardy. 

Today, set in four acres of lush gardens, with a spa and indoor swimming pool, it has been transformed into the quintessential country house hotel.  The team running it is extremely well established – once people start working here they lose the urge to work anywhere else!   This includes Executive Head Chef Steve Titman, who delights in making superb use of the freshest, sustainable, locally-sourced produce (Dorset Vinny Blue Cheese, Dorset Beef, Dorset truffles, fish straight from nearby Lyme Bay) as well as incredible ingredients from the kitchen gardens.  The cellar is recognised as one of the very best in the world by the Wine Spectator Magazine and presided over by Eric Zwiebel, named Best Sommelier in the UK.  Small wonder that every year this establishment collects a host of top industry awards – most recently voted No.5 in The Best 30 Hotels in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2021. 

A legendary local

Evershot’s pub, The Acorn Inn, is sister to the hotel - both are part of the exclusive Red Carnation Collection.  A charming 16th-century coaching inn that features as the   'The Sow & Acorn' in Hardy’s 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' it still retains its historical charm with oak panelled walls, roaring open fires, ancient wooden beams, worn flagstones and four poster beds.  It’s a “proper pub” serving the best local real ales, with a hearty traditional bar, yet the cuisine is anything but ordinary.  It recently picked up the 'Best Country Dining Pub' award at The Good Pub Guide Awards 2021 and Robert Ndungu, was awarded Chef of the Year at the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink & Farming Awards.  Guests have access to the spa at Summer Lodge and dining in the hotel restaurant for a lunch or dinner is an option if you’d like to enjoy both dining experiences.

We hope you have a heavenly honeymoon

The wedding experience at Clevedon Hall is of the very highest order.  So, we’ve shared two honeymoon destinations that we believe are in the same league – we’re keen to ensure your honeymoon is every bit as special as your big day!  If you’d like some more inspiration about any other aspects of your wedding plan just ask – the team here are only too happy to help.