There’s definitely been a rise in mini-moons as newlyweds look for a shorter, more affordable break after their wedding. If you’re looking for the perfect UK mini-moon, why not consider the blissful Beacon Hill Farm in Northumberland?
Group Content Editor Zoe Burke visited this picturesque hideaway in the Northumberland countryside, and this is what she discovered…
It was a long drive to Northumberland from our home in Twickenham, but upon arriving at Beacon Hill Farm and seeing the vast expanse of fields and woodland surrounding it, any car-related tension melted away.
We were greeted by the wonderful Alun, who encouraged us to pile on to his golf buggy as he gave us a tour of the farm. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy escape after your wedding, but you still want some luxuries close at hand, Beacon Hill Farm is perfect.
We zipped around the tennis courts, the spa, the indoor pool and hot tub, and the custom built observatory before being chauffeured (still in the golf buggy!) to the door of our shepherd’s hut.
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It’s taken some convincing for my partner to get on board with the idea of staying in a shepherd’s hut, but it’s been on my bucket list for some time now. Even he was converted by luxury offering at Beacon Hill Farm!
There are three shepherd’s huts on site, spaced out enough to give you privacy without feeling totally isolated. There are also 15 luxury self-catering cottages onsite, but our hut (the Foxtail hut) was everything I could wish for from a romantic weekend away.
Upon arrival, the weather was cold and slightly rainy, so Alun had been in and lit the log burner for us. He’d also prepared a hamper with lovely treats such as cake, fresh eggs from the farm and some milk so we could refresh ourselves with tea and a sugar boost after our journey. A delicious bottle of red wine was the perfect accompaniment to dinner that evening too.
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Whilst the accommodation at Beacon Hill Farm is amazing – the huts feature cute little kitchen areas, cosy armchairs next to a shelf filled with books and snug bedrooms, as well as well-equipped bathrooms – it’s the host, Alun, who really makes it. He was so knowledgeable about the area and you can tell he and his family put their all into making this a dream place to stay.
On our first night, we cooked a dinner in the hut, enjoyed our complimentary wine and we would have visited the custom-built observatory, which allows you to cosy up and check out the night sky, but unfortunately it was too cloudy! We made do with watching films in bed – a rare treat that we never indulge in at home.
The next day was spent enjoying some of the woodland walks detailed in the information pack provided by Alun, before taking him up on one of his many restaurant recommendations – the Old Boathouse in Amble. If you’re a seafood fan, this is a must-visit!
Unfortunately it was still too cloudy for star-gazing the next night, but we were able to light the firepit outside our hut and snuggle up with hot chocolate and marshmallows for toasting, taking in the vast scenery and amazing views as they faded to black.
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We also had time to take advantage of the swimming pool, soak in the hot tub and check out the spa – and although I drew the line at using the gym or playing tennis, my partner was happy to be able to squeeze in a quick work out and take his bike out for a spin around the country lanes.
Any couple looking for a secluded, romantic break post-wedding (or even pre-wedding!) would find everything they need at Beacon Hill Farm – and I’d say it’s worth visiting just for the golf buggy tour with Alun!
To find out more, visit Beacon Hill Farm’s website.
If you’re planning the perfect surprise trip for your partner, make sure you read our guide to planning a surprise honeymoon.
