More and more couples are choosing to start their family before tying the knot, so a blissful beach escape to a ‘grown-up’ resort in the Maldives isn’t always an option. But that doesn’t mean you don’t get to have a post-wedding escape! Introducing the ‘familymoon’ – a honeymoon with a family-friendly feel.
We’ve travelled the UK to find six of the best places for a honeymoon with the kids in tow – load up that people carrier and don’t forget to bring your A-game for I-spy en-route…
Honeymoon with a Baby
Travelling with a baby can be hard work – the space in your luggage which was once reserved for several bikinis is suddenly replaced with an influx of wet-wipes. Here are some dreamy destinations for honeymooning with a baby on board.
Browsncombe Tabernacle, Devon
Parenting a baby is hard work, so you want your familymoon to have some luxury treats. Brownscombe Tabernacle in Devon is a charming tin-roof tabernacle in the midst of the countryside, complete with wood-fired hot tub.
There’s a rocking chair – which any new parent knows to be an essential – and you can pre-order hampers and home-cooked meals, provided by the owner, Kate. What could be better after being up (with the baby) all night?
You can join Kate on her rounds of the farm, which would enthral a baby or toddler, and you’re close to Torbay beach where you can swim or take it in turns to practise your surfing!
Prices for 2 from £142 per night – there’s no extra charge to bring the baby.
Honeymoon with a Toddler
You’re not going to be up every couple of hours attending to a tiny screaming human (in theory), but a honeymoon with a toddler still needs to be planned with military precision.
They’re demanding in different ways and you need to make sure there’s plenty to entertain them, whilst enjoying yourselves too..
The Bothy at High Barn, Cumbria
Toddlers come with a lot of stuff, so to make it easy on you, the Bothy at High Barn in Cumbria can provide you with a travel cot and high chair, which gives you more room for packing your things – remember those things?!
You’re totally secluded, with the nearest building being a 20 minute walk away, so there’s no need to worry about noise. You can teach your child about the wonders of toasted marshmallows with your own firepit, and relax in the hot tub once they’ve drifted off to sleep. Hampers are available to order and there’s an on-site farm shop, so meals can be stress-free.
There’s plenty to see and do nearby, so pop the baby in a carrier and get exploring – pets are welcome too so it can truly be a honeymoon for the whole family.
Prices start from £165 for 2 per night
The Wool Shed, Newquay, Cornwall
The Wool Shed is located within a pretty north Cornwall hamlet, and is near to Watergate Bay and bustling Newquay. The accommodation is luxurious and stylish, and it has a second bedroom with twin beds so you don’t have to share a room with the little ones.
The master bedroom is upstairs and boasts an en suite with a decadently deep bathtub, whilst the second bedroom is on the ground floor and has a view of the private garden.
Children are welcome, and a cot and highchair are available. There’s a built-in barbecue and a hot tub at the property too, so you don’t even need to head out for the perfect day.
Families with dogs will be keen to know that you can bring two well behaved canines (additional costs apply).
Prices start from £1,250 per week, £950 per short break
Honeymoons with Children
You don’t need to be quite so hands-on, but a familymoon with older children still needs to provide plenty for them to see and do. Ideally, you want them occupied so you’ve got a little bit of time for yourself – that’s why you waited all this time to finally have a honeymoon, right?
Beacon Hill Farm, Northumberland
The award-winning Beacon Hill Farm in Northumberland has a selection of cosy holiday cottages to hire and the fabulous owners have worked hard at making sure their offering is family-friendly.
You can pick up frying pans for a sausage cook-out in the woods, go on the Harry Potter walking trail, feed the goats and more for those who want to explore. There’s also a swimming pool onsite, and a spa for some time-out.
Your children will also love star-gazing in the observatory (and so will you!), as well as playing tennis, exploring the adventure playground, and, if the weather is less than perfect, challenging each other in the games room.
You can also dine out at one of the many nearby restaurants and pubs – owner Alun provides all visitors with an extensive guidebook filled with his expert recommendations.
Prices vary depending on accommodation.
The Boathouse, Downderry, Cornwall
This super cool converted boathouse will impress even the most reluctant of teenagers – and if it doesn’t, they’ll be delighted to know about the TV & Blu-Ray and DVD player, iPod dock, Bang and Olufsen speakers and Wi-Fi access.
Smaller children will love the chance to embark on a bug safari in the garden and the nearby Portwrinkle beach has plenty of rockpools to explore. There’s a king-size bedroom for the parents, and twin bedroom with skylights – perfect for a spot of late night start-gazing.
The coastal views and breath-taking location guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for the whole family.
Prices from £1,295 per week, £1,350 per short break
The Butlery, Sandwich Bay, Kent
This luxury, self-catering cottage in Kent is the perfect escape from city life for families looking for a special honeymoon location.
There are two bedrooms (and a cot and high chair are available), as well as access to a large playroom with soft play and ping-pong and pool tables. You can play boules on the lawn or follow the garden path down to the seaside.
A small dog is permitted with prior permission from the owners (additional costs apply). There’s a barbecue on site for sunny days, but a TV and DVD player indoors if the Great British weather lets you down.
Prices from £850 per week, £650 per short break.
