Home and Away
Image credit: Ryan Brisco, unsplash.com
Leigh Marie Dodd highlights the best local and international places to visit on your honeymoon
With your wedding planning comes preparations for what’s after the big event – the honeymoon. Whether you prefer to stay local and explore the picturesque countryside and coast or a travel aboard for a relaxing or fast-paced adventure, here are some ideas to consider for your honeymoon.
HOME
Honeymoon or mini-moon close to home with these coastal and historical staycation spots across Kent.
Margate
If you’re after a quaint seaside destination, then look no further than Margate. This town is a popular summer holiday destination and is ideal for a mini-moon to celebrate married life. Consider a visit to Shell Grotto, a passageway completely covered in mosaics made from seashells. Enjoy some downtime relaxing along the town’s pristine beach. Thrill-seekers can visit the amusement park by the beach, Dreamland Margate, where you can embrace your inner child with a fun-filled day on the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other attractions.
Dover
The coastal town of Dover has some stunning sights for history buffs. A mini-moon here should include a visit to Dover Castle, a looming presence perched near the shore. Relive the experience of a WWII hospital with secret wartime tunnels waiting to be explored. If you’re up for some walking, take in the sights along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. The long walk and steep terrain pay off with beautiful views of the coast and expansive sea. You can also enjoy the rich heritage as the site is home to the first electric lighthouse in the world, as well as the first ever international radio transmission.
Canterbury
For a mini-moon to the city of Canterbury, take a gentle stroll along the Westgate Gardens riverbank and enjoy the region’s abundant nature. The picturesque surrounds are ideal to take in as you celebrate your new marital status. Remember to visit Canterbury Cathedral, the site of King Henry IV’s tomb. Just outside of Canterbury is Howletts Wildlife Park, home to more than 390 animals. Glimpse the only giant anteaters in the county and see if you can spot some African elephants from the largest herd in the country. The park, a conservation charity, also works in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation to protect and send animals back into the wild.
Ramsgate
The seaside town of Ramsgate is just waiting to be explored for your staycation honeymoon. There are plenty of sandy beaches to walk along, or lounge on and unwind with your spouse. Take a newlywed photo by the harbour, the only Royal Harbour in the UK. Wander the waterfront area, home to colourful restaurants and quaint cafés. Hop on a boat trip, with different tours to suit everyone – try to spot some seals and other local wildlife or embark on a fishing expedition. You can also take a tour of Ramsgate Harbour and learn more about the fascinating history of the marina and town.
Folkestone
The port town of Folkestone is a popular and picturesque place to visit in Kent. Nestled between two cliffs, explore the Creative Quarter, with bustling, colourful shops and studios aplenty. Creative businesses, independent boutiques and delectable bites can be found along the cobble stoned streets, which are close to Folkestone’s beach and harbour. For a romantic mini-moon, indulge in a cosy, romantic cottage. If you fancy a day trip, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is just outside of Folkestone. The train passes through some breath-taking scenery from Hythe to Dungeness, which is recognised as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), and is a great way to explore the region.
AWAY
Glean some inspiration from these popular international honeymoon destinations.
Maldives
For a luxurious honeymoon, consider travelling to the Maldives. Here, you and your new spouse can soak up the sun and relax by the seaside or pool with a refreshing beverage in hand. If the clear blue water doesn’t entice you, there are a plethora of all-inclusive hotels and resorts where you can enjoy dinner on the beach or a couple’s massage as part of a spa package. Explore colourful reefs and swim with local fish and aquatic creatures when you go scuba diving or snorkelling.
Croatia
According to weddingsonline, Dubrovnik in Croatia is the most popular honeymoon destination, unmatched for its value for money with more than 200 romantic activities available. This beautiful coastal destination has charming streets to traverse and picture-perfect beaches. There are plenty of hidden bars and restaurants worth exploring. See the city from above by cable car or walk the Walls of Dubrovnik. Avoid the high summer season, as the city becomes crowded with tourists and day trippers. Take to the seas with a boat tour as you explore local caves or cruise on up to the Elafiti Islands, a small archipelago nearby Dubrovnik.
Italy
Italy can provide a variety of different honeymoon experiences depending on what you and your partner are after. Take a romantic gondola ride in Venice as you explore the city’s canals. A must-see for your Italian honeymoon here is the Piazza San Marco, also known as St Mark’s Square. Art lovers will enjoy Florence for their honeymoon destination, where you can glimpse Michelangelo’s David or Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in person. Enjoy Rome’s delectable food as well as the hustle and bustle of a city rich with history. Explore famous sites such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Vatican City. Alternatively, relax and unwind along the Amalfi Coast, with day trips a quick and hassle-free boat or train ride away.
See the breath-taking views in Capri and wander the beach and local shops in Positano, famed for its pastel buildings built into the hillside terrain. Pick up your very own pair of sandals, handmade while you wait. If you happen to be visiting or staying in Sorrento, be sure to stop by A’Marenna. The Italian bakery’s mouth-watering sandwiches go down a treat, with queues snaking around the building in the warmer months.
New York
Newlyweds looking for a fast-paced environment to jet to should look no further than New York. The Big Apple has a plethora of tourist attractions not to be missed. Seeing a Broadway musical wouldn’t go amiss for couples looking for a bit of culture. There’s plenty of places to walk to and take in the sights as well. Take a stroll through Central Park or walk across Brooklyn Bridge. Ensure you walk along The High Line, an elevated public park built on a historic freight rail line. You can also enjoy jaw-dropping views of the city from either the top of the Empire State Building or Top of The Rock. Food lovers can embark on a gastronomic adventure with plenty of food tours available to sample the city’s cuisine. A trip to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is also a worthwhile experience to appreciate the amazing tribute to such a tragic event in American history.
South Africa
If it’s adventure you are after, then embark on a safari in South Africa. You might even spot local elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and even lions on your journey. The country is rich in both wildlife and natural beauty. Cape Town is ideal to venture to for your honeymoon and the cable car offers the best views of the city. South Africa Tourism has plenty of activities to recommend in and around Cape Town, including guided kayaking in Hout Bay, a visit to Robben Island (the UNESCO World Heritage site where Nelson Mandela was held captive for 18 years), and the opportunity to see penguins all year round at Boulders Beach.
Caribbean
There’s sure to be something to suit your interests at this relaxing honeymoon destination. Stay in Barbados, with its serene beaches filled with soft sand and swaying palm trees. Don’t leave without visiting a local distillery during your stay, as Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience you and your spouse will never forget, plan to go swimming with turtles or tour local caves. Hike up the Blue Mountain Peak in Jamaica, island hop in The Bahamas or explore the vibrant nightlife in Trinidad and exhilarating waterfall swimming in Tobago.
‘Home and Away’ was published in the autumn 2022 edition of A Kentish Ceremony. It was originally written as an online article for bridemagazine.co.uk (article link no longer available as website is now inactive) from a press release sent from weddingsonline, and was later turned into an editorial feature.