NORTHERN SOUL

NORTH COAST WONDERS

From the rugged cliffs and sprawling sands to the wild moors and leafy valleys, North Devon is a dream destination for a honeymoon. Here’s our edit of some starry-eyed spots to spend those just-married days

words Rebecca Matthews

Best for… swoon-worthy seascapes and a stunning spa SAUNTON SANDS HOTEL

Like a sprawling ocean liner perched on the edge of the Atlantic, all clean lines and neat balconies, the iconic Saunton Sands Hotel is a sight to behold. Dotted with deckchairs and sun loungers hugging a heated outdoor pool, its manicured grounds slip down to three miles of golden sands, with far-reaching views across Braunton Burrows and the coastline beyond.

Inside, the hotel blends its art deco heritage – think golden accents, geometric patterns and glinting chandeliers – with vast, light spaces and windows filled with sea and sand.

As well as welcome touches such as a Bose sound system, complimentary mini bar and Nespresso machine, the Sea-Facing Deluxe rooms come with a snug king-size bed and private balcony with mesmerising views – a sublime spot to relax while gazing at the breaking waves.

Source Spa and Wellness takes the Saunton Sands experience to an even more blissful level. Views across endless sand and sea fill the floor-to-ceiling windows of the marine-inspired Thermal Suite where you can bathe in the mineral-rich saltwater of the vitality pool, inhale the salt particles in the steam room, heat up in the Finnish aroma sauna and cool down at the ice fountain.

The spa treatments also draw on the breathtaking natural environment to soothe, invigorate and nourish, harnessing nature’s energy to take you to a heavenly space (I can highly recommend A Chance To Dream, a dreamy full body massage). Reclining on the rooftop sun deck to the murmur of the ocean is the perfect endnote to a heavenly experience. There’s also an indoor pool and gym.

When it comes to dinner, the choice of dining offers something for everyone, whether you fancy fresh-off-the-grill steaks, hearty burgers or classic fish and chips at the relaxed Beachside Grill or British classics crafted from the finest local produce served alongside sparkling Atlantic views in the glamorous two-AA Rosette Dining Room.

There’s so much to explore along this dramatic stretch of North Devon’s coastline: take the coastal path to Woolacombe and Croyde, walk the sprawling sands of Saunton, take a surf lesson just below the hotel or even have a go at kitesurfing or paragliding. Or you might simply sink into a deckchair with a good book and enjoy the soothing sound of the ocean lapping the shoreline below.

Best for… country charm and luxe touches

ROSE COTTAGE

Blending 18th century charm with contemporary luxuries, Rose Cottage offers a heady blend of romance and relaxation to while away those blissful just-married days. What’s more, its location in the village of High Bickington offers a convenient base for exploring both Exmoor and Dartmoor as well as the North Devon coastline, all within the tranquil setting of a pretty English village.

The thatched cottage is full of character and cosy features, from the historic wooden beams and log wood burner to the snug sofa and super-king French bed. Take a dip in the William Holland copper bath – big enough for two – and enjoy the designer kitchen and gadgets including a 43-inch TV (complete with Netflix and DisneyPlus for fireside snuggles) and Sonos surround system. In the Mediterranean style garden, there’s a luxury hot tub under a gazebo and a large seating area for al fresco dining under the stars.

Located less than a mile down the valley, guests are invited to enjoy fishing and walks at the idyllic Millbrook Estate; you might even arrange private dining in The Summer House or a treatment in The Pamper Room. Back at your cottage bolthole, book the Romantic Package for champagne and chocolates on arrival and, for lazy mornings, enjoy breakfast hampers delivered to your door.

Best for… rural tranquillity and dreamy views

CORNCOTT

Nestled at the heart of the 32-acre Millbrook Estate, an idyllic sweep of lush pasture and wildflower meadows dotted with lakes and resident chickens, ducks and alpaca, Corncott is a dream spot to switch off from the clamour of modern life and savour some slow together-time.

A heady blend of original features, modern furnishings and luxe facilities, there’s a king-size bed topped with Egyptian cotton linen, a free-standing bath and underfloor heating in the bedroom, together with gorgeous views across the lake and grazing alpacas. There’s also a beautifully equipped kitchen and modcons ranging from a 55-inch LCD TV with Netflix to Amazon Show with Amazon Music for chilled out days watching films and listening to music.

As well as North Devon’s scenic walks and adventure playground on the doorstep, you’ll be able to while away those precious days exploring the tranquil climes of the private estate. We love the idea of following the path into the woods, lit with fairy lights, and sinking into the warm waters of the hot tub before a feast in the BBQ House or private dining in The Summer House.

www.millbrookcottages.co.uk/corncott.php

Matthew Heritage Photography

Best for… coastal escapism and Scandi style

THE OLD APPLE STORE

As far as locations go, The Old Apple Store takes some beating. Nestled in the scenic village of Lee near Woolacombe, this hideaway is set amidst rolling countryside within walking distance to the sea, and a gentle stroll to the village pub.

Perfect for unwinding, the modern-rustic retreat is decked out in contemporary neutrals and a soothing Scandi style, with beamed ceilings, a sink-into-me bathtub and a wood burning stove. The beautifully decked courtyard comes with a cedar hot tub where you can gaze out across the surrounding patchwork of meadows as you sink into its bubbling waters followed by an al fresco dinner beneath starlit skies.

Lose yourself in a good book and whip up some hearty feasts in its cosy surrounds or venture out to explore the coastal and country walks on your doorstep for a magical and deeply relaxing mini-moon.

Best for… outdoor adventures and Bridgerton vibes

MORETON HOUSE

A grade-II listed Georgian country house flanked by picture-perfect gardens, Moreton House is a dream mini-moon destination for anyone with a penchant for Bridgerton-esque romance, while its location on the edge of Bideford, just over a mile from the coast, makes it a perfect spot for exploring one of the most scenic stretches of North Devon.

The four stylish apartments offer high ceilings and period charm alongside comfortable beds and modern facilities. In the cosy Bakehouse Suite, for example, you’ll find a glossy modern kitchen with the original bread oven at its heart, as well as an en suite wet room and private deck with a barbecue and firepit – a perfect spot for a sundowner. Then there’s the light and airy climes of The Buck Suite, with its elegant, Edwardian-inspired furnishings, roll-top bath and views across to the clifftops of Westward Ho!

With the A39 close by and bikes and boards provided, the whole of North Devon and Cornwall is easily accessible for adventures on land and sea. Head out on the coast path, catch some waves at Croyde or take the ferry to Lundy Island and look out for the resident puffins. Or simply enjoy relaxing, picnicking and barbecuing in the gardens of your country house bolthole – and maybe even treat yourselves to a romantic private dining experience in the comfort of your apartment.

moretonhousedevon.com

FOR THE LOVERS From epic landscapes to charm-filled villages, make loved-up memories in these stunning North Devon spots

Croyde

Nestled amidst an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Croyde offers surf, sand, scenery and charm-filled pubs to relax after an exhilarating day in the great outdoors. Whether you don a wetsuit and head into the surf, take a walk to Baggy Point to take in the breathtaking views across the coast or hunker down in one of the historic inns for dinner washed down with local ales, you’re bound to make starry-eyed memories in this beautiful spot.

The Valley of Rocks

The Valley of Rocks is one of North Devon’s most spectacular spots: its aweinspiring rock formations slipping into a lush valley with the sweep of Atlantic beyond making for the most mesmerising scenery for a romantic picnic or sunset stroll. Look out for the resident wild goats and maybe stop for a cream tea at the tearoom. Head to nearby Lynton and Lynmouth for a meander around the winding streets and a ride on the Victorian cliff railway.

Clovelly

Stroll hand in hand through the steep cobbled streets of Clovelly and enjoy the romance of this charming little village, from the huddle of whitewashed cottages bedecked with flowers to the quaint harbourside and serenity of the Clovelly Court Gardens. Take a boat trip to explore the coastline from the ocean and enjoy a dinner of freshly caught fish, crab or lobster before mesmerising views across the quay.

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Beauty

Gershwins Hairdressing 01626 202112 gershwins-hairdressing.com The Pop Up Salon 07812 572512 thepopupsalon.co.uk The Wild Pins 07805 063953 thewildpins.co.uk

Bridal wear

Days of Grace 01395 443730 daysofgracevintage.com Kate Walker Bridal 01404 598145 katewalkerbridal.com The Ivory Lounge 01752 875702 theivorylounge.co.uk Pirouette 01392 432643 pirouettethecollection.com Pretty Smithy Bridal 01803 362392 prettysmithybridal.co.uk St Ives Bridal Boutique 01736 799413 stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

Cakes & catering

Peboryon 07534 617059 peboryon.com Porsham Cakes 01752 776730 porsham.co.uk Posh Nosh 01392 444877 posh-nosh.co.uk

Décor hire & styling

Glas Events 07568 055520 glasevents.com Keeping It Vintage 01209 203291 keepingitvintage.co.uk Knots & Kisses 01837 52885 knotsandkisses.co.uk

Entertainment

Offbeat Entertainment 07725 117639 offbeatentertainment.co.uk Posh Booth 07973 800879 poshbooth.co.uk

Fireworks Celebration Pyrotechnics

01208 78790 / 07814 014233 celebrationpyrotechnics.com Sonic Fireworks 01884 849222 sonicfireworks.co.uk

Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design

07766 237975 emmahewlett.co.uk Fuss Pots 01271 850025 fusspots.co.uk The Velvet Daisy 07790 692221 thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

Jewellery

Corrinne Eira Evans 07853 158861

corrinneeiraevans.com Drakes 01752 227775 drakesjewellers.co.uk Erin Cox 01392 660836 erincox.co.uk Justin Duance 01736 368395 justind.co.uk Michael Spiers 01752 661981 / 01392 666590 michaelspiers.co.uk The Lucky Sixpence 07786 546207 theluckysixpence.co.uk The Remarkable Goldsmiths 01803 473179 theremarkablegoldsmiths.co.uk

Marquees

Skybar Weddings 01872 553383 skybarweddings.com Tipi Spaces 01884 277306 tipispaces.co.uk World Inspired Tents 01271 542632 worldinspiredtents.co.uk

Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography 07759 157964 clarekinchinphotography.co.uk Freckle Photography 07870 185277 frecklephotography.co.uk Freeformimages Photography 07846 926029 freeformimages.co.uk Jennifer Jane Photography 07881 941668 jenniferjanephotography.co.uk Maxi Photography 01803 324255 maxiphotography.com

Melanie Barnfield Photography

07878 919561 Nova Wedding Photography 01392 430853 novaweddingphotography.co.uk Peter Prior Photography 07590 983418 peterprior.com Toby Lowe Photography 07800 805081 tobylowephotography.co.uk

Venues

Bickleigh Castle 01884 855363 bickleighcastle.com Brickhouse Vineyard 01626 682287 brickhousevineyard.co.uk Coombe Trenchard 01566 783179 coombetrenchard.co.uk Exeter Golf & Country Club 01392 874139 exetergcc.co.uk Haldon Belvedere 01392 833846 haldonbelvedere.co.uk Harefield Barn 07541 121404 harefieldbarn.co.uk Hareston Manor 01752 880401 harestonwedding.co.uk Holwell Farmhouse 07955 279779 holwellfarmhouse.co.uk Hotel Endsleigh 01822 870000 hotelendsleigh.com Hurlditch Court 07720 889585 hurlditchcourtweddings.co.uk The Lamb Inn at Sandford 01363 773676 lambinnsandford.co.uk Moreton House 01237 425519 moretonhousedevon.com The Oak Barn 01647 24641 theoakbarn.co.uk Polhawn Fort 01752 822864 polhawnfort. com Powderham Castle 01626 890243 powderham.co.uk Pynes House 01392 431403 pyneshouse.co.uk Rockbeare Manor 01392 797444 rockbearemanor.co.uk St Nicholas Priory nicholaspriory.com The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk The Venue at Sandy Cove 01271 882243 sandycove-hotel.co.uk Tree Top Escape 01769 629069 treetopescape.co.uk Trevenna 01579 320013 trevenna.co.uk Upton Barn & Walled Garden 01884 38302 uptonbarn.com Woodbury Park 01395 234723 woodburypark.co.uk

Stationery

Knots & Kisses 01837 52885 knotsandkisses.co.uk

Wedding planning

Clover & Fern cloverandfern.co.uk 07770 736815 Glas Events 07568 055520 glasevents.com