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County Wedding Magazines have arranged special promotions for all of our titles in over 550 Branches of Martin and McColl newsagents. |
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Honeymoons Close to Home |
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Britain and Ireland have plenty to offer newlyweds - from a nature-tripping stylish camp to a cosy country cottage; from a luxury rail journey to a glam city bolthole. Rowena Marella-Daw selects a few romantic getaways to suit all budgets |
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BACK TO NATURE
CAMPING PODS - CORNWALL
A camping pod is a trendier, fuss-free alternative to the traditional camping tent. These wooden huts are designed specially to adapt to British weather - ventilation for the summer days, and lamsbwool insulation for chillier nights. At Ruthern Valley Holidays, situated in a wooded valley near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, these specially designed pods are available to rent all year round and cost £30-£35 per night.
There is plenty of space for two adults and the patio doors can be locked. Facilities include a decked area for dining and sunbathing, shower and toilet block with solar hot water, laundry facilities, on-site shop for basic groceries and private parking. Ruthern Valley Holidays, Ruthernbridge, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 5LU. For more information, call 01208 831 395 or visit http://www.ruthernvalley.com/camping-pods/pod.php
FEATHER DOWN FARM DAYS
It may not be the authentic luxury tented camp found in the African bush, but this more affordable alternative is equally glamorous and romantic. At Feather Down Farm Days, couples stay in rustic tented 'cottages' and cosy up in the comfort of duck down feather mattresses, luxury duvets and sheets. Add to this a wood-burning stove, oil lamps and candles and you have a honeymoon that's not only memorable, but also ethical and eco-friendly.
All of Feather Down's spacious tented cottages are situated within working farms and are chosen for their idyllic rural locations throughout the UK. With no more than five to seven furnished tented units in each farm, the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxing. The farms in Cornwall and Herefordshire have carbon-neutral field spas that work without electricity or gas. Fire wood is used to heat up the saunas, hot showers and a huge warm water field tub.
Tented units are available until October 2009. Prices per unit start from £195 for week nights, from £245 for weekends, and from £395 for a week. For reservations and information, call 01420 80 804 or visit www.featherdown.co.uk
YURTS
An adventurous, nomadic streak is urging you to head for the steppes of Mongolia and experience life like a true native - yet your honeymoon budget says you can only go as far as Devon. The good news is, you can actually live like a nomad (minus the camels and yaks) ? in an authentic yurt, nestled within the rolling fields and woodlands of Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon.
At Blackdown Hills, each yurt is furnished with kilim rugs, fluffy sheepskin and organic bedding made from wool-stuffed bedrolls and pillows. There is a composting toilet and running water, but no electricity or gas. Instead, lighting is provided by solar power or wind-up lanterns, and cooking over an open fire or charcoal barbecue is part of the experience, which is romantic in an eco-friendly way.
Blackdown Hills is an ideal base from which to discover the Jurassic World Heritage coastline, Dartmoor and Exmoor, and there are countless footpaths, river banks, ancient woodlands and villages, as well as pubs and restaurants. Indulging in a hearty pub meal and cream tea awaits at the seaside village of Beer or Branscombe.
Rent a yurt for as little as £150 per weekend and £400 per week until 1st July, or £180 per weekend and £500 per week from 1st July onwards. For more information, call 07703 312 294 / 01884 266 699 or visit www.blackdownyurts.co.uk
ANGLESEY, WALES
TIPIS
Couples who prefer sustainable, low-impact honeymoons in Wales should check out Anglesey Tipi and Yurt Holidays, situated along the eastern coast of the isle of Anglesey in the north. Four tipis and a yurt are set in a field surrounded by meadows and woodland. Because the field has been designated as a car-free zone, a wheelbarrow is provided for guests to transport things from the car park 200 meters away. Facilities include a compost toilet and standpipe in the tipi field, as well as toilets and showers near the car park.
The 14-foot tipi is a cosy and ideal for couples, and the field's location gives visitors access to the island's sandy beaches, small quiet coves, trails, natural reserves and impressive monuments. Dining under the stars in front of a big fire pit is one of the highlights of this holiday. Anglesey Tipi and Yurt Holidays, Cae'r Gaseg, Brynteg, Anglesey LL78 8JT. For further information, call 01248 853162 or visit www.angleseytipis.co.uk
ROOM AT THE INN
Couples who enjoy camping but also like their creature comforts can combine a tipi break with a stay at Ye Old Bulls Head Inn, a Grade II-listed building in Beaumaris, Anglesey. The 15th century inn still retains its olde world charm ? original beams, carved oak four-poster beds and antique cast iron bedsteads - whilst also adding modern comforts such as underfloor heating.
The Townhouse nextdoor opened in April this year, and in contrast, the bedrooms have a modern edge, designed and furnished with luscious colour themes - chocolate, scarlet, indigo, fuchsia, lilac and silver - perfect for the modern couple. Ye Old Bulls Head Inn, 10 Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales LL58 8AP. For more information, call 01248 810 329 or visit www.bullsheadinn.co.uk
STEAMING ROMANCE
The Northern Belle revives the days of elegant rail journeys, showcasing the classic craftsmanship of Belle trains of the 1930s. Each carriage is named after a stately home and is furnished with specially designed fabrics and marquetry. The Northern Belle offers a wide range of romantic journeys (lunch, dinner, day and weekend departures from over 65 regional towns and cities.
A brand new weekend journey to Inverness departs from Edinburgh Waverley and includes a two-night stay in Inverness at Culloden Park Hotel or The Kings Mill. The weekend break costs £750 per person.
The Northern Belle journey to Windermere in the Lake District includes a tour of the lakes and surrounding area by luxury coach, a lake cruise and two nights (with table d'hôte dinner and breakfast) at the Fayrer Country House Hotel, Linthwaite Country House Hotel or the Sharrow Bay country House Hotel. This journey departs from Doncaster, Newark and Peterborough, and includes a three-course lunch with Champagne and wine on both outward and return journeys. An all-inclusive seven-day, six-night Grand Tour of Great Britain journey stops at flagship hotels in Edinburgh, Chester and Bath. For further information and to book, call 0845 077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com
THE EMERALD ISLES
THE G HOTEL, GALWAY
If sexy and über-glamorous describes your kind of retreat, then the five-star g Hotel in Galway, Ireland is the perfect city bolthole for your honeymoon getaway. The hotel was designed by Philip Treacy, renowned milliner and a native of Galway - so expect black glass walls, fuchsias, electric blues, sumptuous velvets, dizzying patterns and mood lighting. In the Pink Salon, for example, the chairs are covered in Andy Warhol camouflage print and the carpet is a black and white vortex design - a somewhat 40s and 50s glamour on acid. With a stylish hotel like this, it's the details that make a lasting impression - monogrammed bathrobe and slippers, toiletries by Etro, and a dedicated butler. For further information, call + 35 3 (0)91 865 200 or visit www.theghotel.ie
BALLYMALOE HOUSE, CORK
Ballymaloe House is a charming Irish country house hotel and restaurant nestled within 400 acres of estate in rural east Cork. The hotel belongs to the Allen family, who have been running the hotel for over 40 years. Accommodation at Ballymaloe ranges from a romantic a 15th century Norman tower to modern luxury rooms. For further information, visit www.ballymaloe.ie
While staying at Ballymaloe, why not enrol as a couple in the world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School? Located just five minutes from the hotel, this is a wonderful opportunity to hone your culinary skills as a couple. There is a range of courses on offer from a half-day to five days. For further information, visit www.cookingisfun.ie
PARK HOTEL KENMARE, KERRY
For couples visiting Ireland, it?s well worth staying at Park Hotel Kenmare, a beautiful honeymoon destination that overlooks Kenmare Bay. The hotel is within strolling distance from the town, which is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Cork and Kerry, earning it the title of Jewel in the Ring of Kerry.
The facilities are just what couples need to unwind and get pampered. The world-class destination spa, SÁMAS, has a 25m lap pool where guests can even learn the rudiments of diving from a master scuba dive trainer. Film buffs can enjoy their favourite classics or recent releases in the Reel Room, a 12-seater cinema, and perhaps play a round in the 18-hole golf course.
There are 46 individually decorated bedrooms in the main hotel, although the town houses nearby are more suited for newlyweds, with their open-plan design, ensuite bedroom, first floor sitting/dining room and balconies overlooking Kenmare and the Kerry mountains.
Couples with deep pockets can push the boat out by hiring the hotel?s new luxury skippered charter boat, Sea Escapes Ireland, to take them around the west coast - Ring of Kerry, Skellig Islands, Aran Islands, Connemara, Galway Bay and many more. For further information, call 00 353 64 664 1200 or visit www.parkkenmare.com
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - ISLE OF SKYE
Being voted as fourth best island in the world by National Geographic magazine says a lot about the beauty of Skye and its islands. Escape to the tranquil, majestic landscapes, where romancing with nature becomes a truly magical experience. A network of inlets, bays and islands characterise the Isle of Skye, the most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides described as a 'place of extremes' - plummeting sea cliffs and lochs the depth of mountains. This dramatic scenery can be appreciated between November and March, when the peaks of the jagged Black Cuillin mountain range are covered in snow. Skye can by reached from the mainland via a road bridge. For more information, visit www.skye.co.uk
BUNCHREW HOUSE HOTEL, INVERNESS
The historic Bunchrew House Hotel is a 17th century mansion set on the shores of the Beauly Firth in Inverness. All the bedrooms are named after Scottish clans and places linked to Bunchrew's distinguished past, providing panoramic vistas over Beauly Firth or 20 acres of landscaped gardens and rugged woodland.
Bunchrew is a good base from which to explore the landscapes. A 10-minute drive takes you to the tip of Loch Ness, and the nearby Moray Firth is home to a resident colony of bottle-nose dolphins, porpoise, seal, orca and minke whale. Dolphin-watching boat trips operate during the summer months. For more information, call 01463 234 917 or visit www.bunchrewhousehotel.com
ULLINISH COUNTRY LODGE, SKYE
Ullinish Country Lodge is a historic building situated eight miles south of Dunvegan in western Skye. It has views of the Cuillin mountains to the south and is surrounded by lochs. The lodge is mentioned in Doctor Samuel Johnson's A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (1775), where he recounts his stay at the lodge during his 83-day journey around the Hebrides.
A romantic two-night stay includes a hand-carved super kingsize wooden bed, an ensuite bathroom with roll-top bath, and Champagne, chocolates and flowers, and a candlit dinner each night. For more information, call 01470 572 214 or visit www.theisleofskye.co.uk
OTHER RECOMMENDED BREAKS
Take a relaxing narrow boat ride along the Norfolk broads. Visit www.norfolkbroads.com/water
Explore the peaks of Snowdonia. Visit www.snowdonia-wales.net
Useful Contacts:
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