Honeymooning closer to home is the new far-flung holiday. Wed picks out Cornwall's most romantic hideaways...

Let’s face it – with all this talk of volcanic ash clouds, cabin crew strikes and carbon emissions, there’s never been a better time to honeymoon in Cornwall. And, given the choice of utterly idyllic places to stay, you can look forward to long dreamy days of relaxation with your new spouse without the headache of airports and endless journeys. Who needs the tropics anyway?


Cornwall Honeymoons

From beach shacks to converted ale wagons, the choice is as hip as it is achingly distinctive. We’ve scoured the county to bring you the most inspired settings for some loved up downtime. Prepare to fall hook, line and sinker…

The beach hut
Welcome to your very own love shack. Built in the 1920s, this cosy beach hut is nestled in a wildly romantic setting, affording you exclusive access to your own private wilderness of sea, sands and the spectacular cliffs of the north coast. Seductively close to the elements, the clapperboard exteriors are licked by the sea spray and pummelled by the breeze; inside, the stripped floorboards, whitewashed wood walls and simple furnishings ooze laidback seaside style.


Cornwall Honeymoons

Wile away a few heavenly days pounding the coastal path and reclining before the sea views, enjoying candlelit dinners and stargazing on the deck – and fall asleep every night to the sound of the surf. Bliss.
Unique Home Stays
www.thebeachhut.uniquehomestays.com


Cornwall Honeymoons

The ale wagon
Spend your first days of wedded bliss in the novel setting of a 1940s GWR ale wagon. Once used to ferry goods back and forth on Britain’s railways, Maiden Ale Wagon has retired to a pretty corner of Cornwall to provide a truly unique holiday experience for couples with a taste for the offbeat.


Cornwall Honeymoons

The wagon has been lovingly licked into shape to create a romantic garden bedroom complete with an original cast iron double bedstead and oak furniture. Maiden comes with her own sunny cottage which boasts a roomy open plan kitchen and lounge with patio doors, a wood-burner and comfy sofa.


Cornwall Honeymoons

Located in a pretty garden, you are afforded total privacy to enjoy the delights of the surrounds: toast marshmallows on the campfire, watch for shooting stars and fall asleep to the hooting of owls and the rustle of grasses as rabbits return to their home beneath the nearby hedging.
Quirky Holidays Cornwall
01579 370219 www.quirky-holidays-cornwall.co.uk


Cornwall Honeymoons

The retro caravan
The star of this issue’s bridal fashion spread, ‘Summer of Love’, Love Lane Caravans’ boutique classic caravans make cosy bolt holes for couples seeking romance and escapism. Each caravan is lovingly restored and kitted out for the ultimate nostalgic holiday, complete with vintage kitchenware, paraffin lamps, mismatched china tea sets and games.


Cornwall Honeymoons


Cornwall Honeymoons

Located near St Keverne on the edge of the Lizard Peninsula, the Love Lane campsite has beaches and acres of farmland nearby, while the close proximity of Roskilly’s Farm means delicious ice cream is never in short supply. Relish the joys of simple living: explore the tranquil beauty of the surrounds, catch a snooze on a hammock and, as night falls, fire up the barbecue and cuddle up next to the fire.
Love Lane Caravans
01326 340406 www.lovelanecaravans.com


Cornwall Honeymoons

The boutique B&B
Blending historic character with contemporary comfort, Coswarth House is a stylish retreat for newlyweds lusting after a seaside break. Worlds away from the bustle of Padstow’s nearby harbour, spend a heavenly few days soaking up the tranquility of this secluded setting and its panoramic views across the Camel Estuary to Rock. You might even take a day trip in a classic VW campervan with a picnic hamper full of local produce and a bottle of bubbly.


Cornwall Honeymoons


Cornwall Honeymoons

The Brunyee Suite is the perfect love nest for honeymooners. Fusing a palette of soft blue and cream and French shabby chic inspired décor, it makes for a stylish and soothing setting to unwind. The stunning bathroom has a cast iron roll top bath with room for two – the ideal spot to take a soak with your spouse and sup on a glass of Camel Valley wine.
Coswarth House
01841 534755 www.coswarthhouse.com


Cornwall Honeymoons

The gatehouse getaway
Steeped in history and set in the sublime landscape of the Caerhays Estate, Bottom Lodge offers a truly unique setting to chill out and discover a secluded corner of Cornwall.


Cornwall Honeymoons

Built in 1808, Bottom Lodge was originally one half of the castle gatehouse and the exterior retains its stirring historic character today. Inside, however, you’ll find contemporary style and comfort, from the king size bed and open plan lounge/diner to the handcrafted fittings and chic furnishings.


Cornwall Honeymoons

Just a stone’s throw from the sands of beautiful Porthluney beach, the cosy retreat comes with a large private garden and idyllic views of Caerhays Castle – making for an achingly romantic location. With a choice of walks and beaches on the doorstep, this chic hideaway is a paradise for outdoorsy couples with a taste for life’s little luxuries.
Niche Retreats
01872 870600 www.nicheretreats.co.uk


Cornwall Honeymoons

The seaside sanctuary
The vista from The Admiral’s View is like gazing at a John Miller painting: an expanse of sea, sky, sand and, at its heart, the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse. Hours could slip away sitting in the bay window lapping up the uninterrupted views across the town, harbour and sublime beauty of St Ives Bay.


Cornwall Honeymoons


Cornwall Honeymoons

A stylish synthesis of period features, lofty ceilings and modern comforts, this light and airy retreat is ideally located to explore the charms of St Ives. With a choice of sandy beaches, galleries, boutiques and restaurants on the doorstep, wile away a precious few days wandering, indulging and relaxing. Heaven.
Admiral’s View, The Cottage Boutique
01736 796100 www.cornwall-cottage-boutique.co.uk


Cornwall Honeymoons

The chic retreat
Nestled amidst a beautiful stretch of landscape close to Mevagissey and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lower Barn is a dreamy sanctuary for honeymooners with a taste for boutique style and rural relaxation. The charms of this rather distinctive guesthouse lie in its sumptuously designed rooms, the warm service and the heavenly hot tub, a blissful spot to lie back and gaze at the stars. There is also a gym, a range of holistic therapies available in a tipi and the cosy ‘Shack’ where you can tuck into a delicious candlelit meal before an open fire.


Cornwall Honeymoons


Cornwall Honeymoons

A love den with a laidback beach hut feel set in its own garden, ‘The Hideaway’ is perfect for honeymooners. Fusing vibrant design, a freestanding bath and a super king size bed, this makes a gorgeous setting for your modern love story. And the breakfast? One word: amazing.
Lower Barn
01726 844881 www.bosue.co.uk


Cornwall Honeymoons

Words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2010