Mini moons are becoming a popular choice for engaged couples to either bridge the gap to a honeymoon later down the line or provide a more affordable version of a break after getting married. Usually, mini moons for couples marrying in Britain happen in the UK or Europe and there are lots of locations to choose from.
However, when I was looking for mini moon inspiration for ourselves, it was pretty clear that a lot of websites pointed to mini moon locations in the South. The options for North East mini moons was pretty low, but I’m here to show that there are plenty of amazing locations up in the North East for your mini moon.
Why choose a North East UK mini moon?
The North East is often overlooked as an option for a mini moon and I can’t understand why! There are plenty of reasons why you should choose to have a mini moon in the North East UK, starting with its beauty. The top of England is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and woodland, and not to mention we have the most stunning coastline in the whole country (in my opinion). This is balanced with bustling cities, whether you want to shop in Newcastle or immerse yourself in history in Durham, there’s options for all.
The North East is also packed with attractions and things to do. From castles to outdoor pursuits, and from festivals to scenic walks, the whole region is an adventure waiting to happen. With each North East mini moon location I’ve recommended, I’ve added some nearby things to do to help you plan your trip.
Make the North East your mini moon location and see what all the hype is about!
1. Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Great for: couples who want a luxurious mini moon, spa lovers, foodies.
Rockliffe Hall is a 5 star hotel with spa and golf course, tucked away in Darlington, County Durham. Their spacious rooms are big on luxury, offering a comfortable and indulgent country retreat for your mini moon. People travel from across the country to experience this spot’s award-winning spa, complete with private spa garden, outdoor hot tub, thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and so much more. Plus, there’s a range of dining options on site, such as fine dining at TERRA, afternoon tea or The Clubhouse for more relaxed dining.
Prices start from £390 per night (may be reduced for advanced bookings). Learn more about Rockliffe Hall.
Nearby attractions: Raby Castle, North Yorkshire Moors, Alpaca Alpaca, Richmond and Richmond Falls, Valhalla North Axe Throwing, Bowes Museum, Auckland Palace and Gardens, Kynren.
2. Ramside Hall Treehouses, Durham
Great for: couples who want something a bit different, but still want that luxury element, spa lovers, hot tub fans.
Ramside Hall offers rooms within the hall itself, but if you wanted to try something a little different, you might like their treehouses. Each treehouse is on stilts and has a view over the 18th fairway of the Prince Bishops Golf Course, complete with wraparound balcony and sunken hot tub, so they really take luxury to new heights. Each treehouse has three bedrooms, but can be split into one bedroom or two bedroom bookings if needed, whilst still offering you privacy on your mini moon. And as if that wasn’t enough, Ramside Spa is pretty much next door with second-to-none facilities and treatments, as well as the South East Asian-inspired Fusion restaurant.
Prices start from £350 per night for a treehouse studio suite or £395 per night for an A-frame treehouse. Learn more about the Ramside Hall Treehouses.
Nearby attractions: Durham City, Durham Cathedral, Crook Hall and Gardens, Beamish Living Museum, Ushaw House, Kynren, Lane7, The Axe House, Durham Heritage Coast.
3. The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate, Northumberland
Great for: couples who want a stylish mini moon, those who want luxury in a rural setting, people who love an amazing view.
Located in the heart of the Charlton Hall Estate, The Tempus follows the same rebellious style as its sister venue, Charlton Hall, resulting in a gorgeously stylish boutique hotel, bar and restaurant. This spot was listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK, so don’t just take my word for it! They’ve got a range of luxurious rooms to book, including some with hot tubs and some that are dog-friendly, so you can take your pooch on a mini moon too. This is a unique and beautiful place to stay, and is perfectly situated for exploring Northumberland.
Prices start from £115 per night. Learn more about The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate.
Nearby attractions: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens, Barter Books, Farne Island boat tours, Doxford Hall Hotel Spa, Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh Beach, Chillingham Wild Cattle, Cragside House, Ad Gefrin Distillery, Holy Island.
4. Kip & Nook, Darlington
Great for: couples who want to do self-catering, couples who want countryside seclusion, people cravings peace and quiet after the wedding.
Kip & Nook prides itself on hosting the ultimate quirky getaway in the Yorkshire countryside. With renovated shipping containers for two people and a cosy loft for four (and a barn for eight, but that’s a bit of a crowd on a mini moon!), it’s a very relaxed and laidback site for those who are looking for a glamping stay. If you’re looking to be nestled in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle, and quality time between just the two of you, this is the ideal choice.
Prices start from £195 per night in the Baby Bro container. Learn more about Kip & Nook.
Nearby attractions: Raby Castle, North Yorkshire Moors, Alpaca Alpaca, Richmond and Richmond Falls, Valhalla North Axe Throwing, Bowes Museum, Bon Coeur Wine Tasting, Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Birds of Prey, Darlington Hippodrome.
5. The Roundhouses, Alnwick
Great for: couples who want to feel totally alone with each other, those who love a self-catering stay and glamping, couples who want lots of exploring on their doorstep.
Connect with the great outdoors and escape the stresses of everyday life with a mini moon at the Roundhouses in Alnwick. As the name might suggest, this site is home to three roundhouses with full windows to see out across the countryside, outdoor baths, and more peace and quiet than you can shake a stick at. The spaces feel cosy and warm, whilst still feeling fresh and airy, making them perfect for a mini moon at any time of the year. And as they’re based in Alnwick, they provide a great base for exploring Northumberland.
Prices start from £350 for two nights. Learn more about The Roundhouses.
Nearby attractions: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens, Barter Books, Farne Island boat tours, Doxford Hall Hotel Spa, Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh Beach, Chillingham Wild Cattle, Cragside House, Ad Gefrin Distillery, Holy Island.
6. Newton Hall, Alnwick
Great for: couples who want a stylish mini moon, those who wants the hotel experience or a glamping-esque feel, couples who want adventure on their doorstep.
Newton Hall offers two experiences when it comes to staying with them. You can choose to stay in one of their beautifully luxurious hotel rooms, some with roll top baths, plush furnishings and sumptuous king beds. Or you can stay in one of the garden rooms, which are separate to the main hotel and include hot tubs, so you can get the glamping feel without being fully self-catering. This spot also offers a range of add ons to make your mini moon even more romantic, like a turn down service where they leave Prosecco, chocolates, rose petals and candles, or a s’mores kit for the garden rooms.
Prices start from £155 per night in a cosy courtyard room. Learn more about Newton Hall.
Nearby attractions: Newton Hall’s adventure activities (paddle boarding, seal swimming, sailing, beach horse riding, coasteering, cocktail making), Seahouses, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens, Barter Books, Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh Beach, Cragside House.
7. Hesleyside Huts, Hexham
Great for: couples who love a bit of adventure, those who love a self-catering stay, couples who want countryside seclusion.
Hesleyside Huts is a fantastic option if you’re looking to do some glamping for your North East mini moon, but want a bit of choice. Not everyone wants to stay in a yurt or a pod, and that’s totally cool. What about an ornate treehouse instead? Or maybe an unusual watchtower with a star gazing roof? This site offers some truly gorgeous and luxurious options that will keep you comfortable whilst still nestling you in nature. And with the Northumberland countryside and Kielder Forest on your doorstep, it’s definitely one that explorers will love.
Prices start from £125 per night in a shepherd’s hut, £225 per night for the watchtower and £290 per night for the treehouse. Learn more about Hesleyside Huts.
Nearby attractions: Kielder Forest and Observatory, Vindolanda Roman Fort, Northumberland Coast, Hexham Abbey, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, National Trust Wallington, Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre.
8. Middleton Lodge, Richmond
Great for: feeling as though you’re a million miles away from the UK, couples who want different stay options in one place, those who want somewhere to truly relax.
Middleton Lodge is a gorgeously elegant and enchanting spot that will steal the hearts of couples who have luxury and relaxation in mind. This Georgian estate offers a countryside retreat that, in the warmer months, feels like you could be in a chic Mediterranean hotel. You can stay in one of the timeless hotel rooms, a house or a shepherd’s hut, and dine in the beautiful Forge or Coach House restaurants. There’s also the Forest Spa, which receives rave reviews for providing a little oasis on the estate with a pool, treatment menu and lunch served in the pool house. It truly is a gem of a place!
Prices start from £160 per night. Learn more about Middleton Lodge.
Nearby attractions: Summerhill Force, Richmond Castle, Raby Castle, Darlington Hippodrome, Hopetown Darlington, Richmond Falls, Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Birds of Prey, North Yorkshire Moors, Lightwater Valley.
9. Hewn Yorkshire, Richmond
Great for: peace and quiet, couples who love glamping or self-catering stays, those who want to sit in a hot tub and look up at the stars.
A cabin stay is a great option for a North East mini moon because it’s just the two of you, and the peace and quiet. Hewn Yorkshire, just outside of Richmond, takes you right to the heart of nature, offering a beautifully relaxing and silent space to really unwind. They offers pods in The Foxwood, which are pet-friendly, and the refurbished pods with Finnish, woodfired hot tubs in The Quarry for something more private and cosy. Hewn Yorkshire also has a woodland sauna that you can book for private use, so you can enjoy the view and therapeutic heat, then reinvigorate in the cold drench shower. It’s a true hidden gem!
Prices start from £149 per night in The Foxwood or £318 per two night stay in The Quarry. Learn more about Hewn Yorkshire.
Nearby attractions: Summerhill Force, Richmond Castle, Raby Castle, Darlington Hippodrome, Hopetown Darlington, Valhalla Axe Throwing, Richmond Falls, Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Birds of Prey, North Yorkshire Moors, Bon Coeur Wine Tasting, Lightwater Valley.
Definitely don’t discount the North East as a location for your mini moon as there are so many amazing accommodation options! Hopefully this list has helped you to find the perfect spot.
