to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
‘Mini-moon /ˈmɪnɪmuːn/: a short break spent together by a newly married couple, typically in advance of a longer holiday to be taken at a later date.’
You’ve just married the love of your life, but the grand getaway is months away – what to do? Take a long weekend, or stay for a week to relax after your big day…
Make the break without leaving the country, jump on a boat that will take minimum of 10 minutes or a maximum of 1 hour (depending on your route) to get to the UK’s holiday Island, the Isle of Wight.
Visiting the Island is like stepping into a fairytale book. The scenery is straight out of a dream. You've got lush green countryside, stunning coastlines with dramatic cliffs, quaint villages with charming cottages – it's romance overload.
Like wedding planning, there are key elements to consider – here’s some suggestions for you:
Choose your ideal location
From secluded, remote locations to vibrant towns, the Isle of Wight has you covered.
Head to National Trust property Knowles Farm Cottage, on the southern tip of the Island, you’ll be encompassed by green fields, far reaching sea views and lighthouse. Adding to its charm, an open fire warms the lounge and rustic exposed beams and barn doors run throughout the cottage. The nearby coastline is wild and rocky with jutting cliffs, windswept downs and sheltered valleys. But nestling amongst this, you’ll find golden sandy beaches such as Rocken End and Castle Haven.
The Terrace Rooms and Wine at Ventnor has just 6 rooms for that stylish boutique feel, with views across the beautiful Ventnor Bay, a 600+ wine bottle cave – make sure you take advantage of the amazing breakfast or enjoy the 7 course evening menu for guests staying overnight at the weekend.
The Royal at Ventnor will leave you thinking you were in the Mediterranean, an that extra special pampered feel, Victorian luxury coupled with all the mod cons will give you the memories that will last a lifetime.
Foresters Hall at Cowes offers boutique luxury in the bustling vibrant sailing town of Cowes, with the Smoking Lobster Brasserie offering food that justifies its recent addition to the Michelin Guide!
.jpg)
Now choose your food
With a wide selection of fantastic eateries on the Isle of Wight, you’re spoilt for choice of where to eat.
Fine dining at The Heron in Ryde, Smoking Lobster in Ventnor or House in Cowes, where chefs flex their culinary muscles, making the most of incredible locally sourced food.
Pub food that will leave you thinking you’re in a restaurant at The Taverners in Godshill, The Blacksmiths at Calbourne or The Portland Inn at Gurnard.
Farm food served beautifully at The Garlic Farm in Newchurch or Briddlesford Farm near Newport.
Sweet treats at Blueberry's in Shanklin or ice-cream flavours to knock you off your feet at Crave in Ventnor.
Don’t forget the drinks either - sample the wares of the Isle of Wight Distillery at Pondwell, home of the famous Mermaid Gin or try the UK’s only blue sparkling wine at Adgestone Vineyard.
Where to go for the perfect picture
With stunning views at every turn, it’s difficult to suggest what might be right for you, but how about a backdrop of the iconic Needles – the outcrop of chalk rocks that reach from the sea off the western tip of the Island? Head to the Needles Landmark Attraction or to the top of the downs at the Needles Battery for those views.
If beach pictures are your favourite, we recommend Priory Bay for something that looks like it could be in the south of France or Compton Bay for a wide sweeping beach with chalk cliffs behind you or perhaps the shingle beach at Fort Victoria, with views of the mainland, with Lymington and the New Forest in one direction or the remains of the 19th century fort making a lovely backdrop.
Find your countryside views at Wroxall, in the grounds of the ruined mansion of Appuldurcombe – romantic doesn’t begin to describe the landscape! Or the secluded Newtown Creek at the National Trust's Newtown National Nature Reserve – among the quiet inlets and sweeping countryside, you will see an array of wildlife including majestic White-Tailed Eagles or seals!
Choosing your entertainment
Explore history at Osborne, Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea now managed by English Heritage, or the English Heritage castle at Carisbrooke. Learn about the world-famous portrait photographer Julia Margaret Cameron at Dimbola Museum and Galleries or see where Poet Laurate Alfred, Lord Tennyson lived at the beautifully restored Farringford Manor.
Enjoy some of the Island’s cultural offer at Quay Arts in Newport or the varied programme at Ventnor Exchange.
Looking for thrill seeking, try the Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm, or their other activities, including axe-throwing, archery or football golf. Perhaps you’d like to hire a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters surrounding the Island, or take the leap and enjoy coasteering at Freshwater Bay.
Take a walk by yourselves on the hundreds of miles of footpaths or hire a tandem bicycle and explore the hundreds of miles of cycle paths that criss-cross the Island, including the incredible Red Squirrel Trail from one side of the Island to the other.
So, there you have it – the Isle of Wight is like a little slice of honeymoon heaven right on your doorstep. Whether you're looking for romance, relaxation, or adventure, you'll find it all right here.
.png "Isle of Wight")
