The Best Minimoons in Hampshire: Romantic Short Breaks for Newlyweds

What is a minimoon?

Rather than plan a big honeymoon right after their wedding, many couples are choosing a shorter, minimoon break instead. Booking a minimoon can help save some of the costs associated with weddings, allow you to spend time together and still enjoy a romantic escape for two.

Why choose Hampshire for your minimoon

Here in Hampshire, we have it all. If you fancy coastal jaunts together, we’ve miles of seaside adventures to be had, if you are seeking indulgence, we have stunning spa hotels, foodie hotels and lots more. Hampshire is also home to two of the UK’s national parks: The New Forest and the South Downs – each making beautiful bases for a minimoon. Added to this, there are three cities; Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester – each offering cultural experiences such as museums, galleries, theatres and plenty of choice for dinners for two.

Luxury and spa minimoon hotels in the New Forest

The New Forest is a popular UK minimoon destination. With its free-roaming ponies, pretty heathland, woodland walks and plenty of things to see and do.

There are some excellent choices for your minimoon here, with several spa hotels – perfect for a  post-wedding treat. Stay in your own treehouse at five-star Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, make the most of the laid-back nature at Lime Wood or check in to the newly opened NICI New Forest Hotel, which overlooks the Solent.

If big hotels aren’t so much your thing but you still love a bit of luxury, The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu makes a perfect destination and is well known for not only its location but its food. Likewise, Daisybank Cottage Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Brockenhurst combines the charm of an independent stay with beautifully styled rooms and plenty of thoughtful touches – perfect for a relaxed New Forest minimoon.

Luxury country house hotel minimoons in Hampshire

Set in rolling countryside, yet a short reach from the historic city of Winchester, Lainston House pulls off ultimate minimoon vibes. This 17th century country house oozes charm and is home to 50 individually styled bedrooms, fine dining restaurants and a seasonal cookery school.

Likewise, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire provides the epitome of luxury with its large spa, suites and other facilities. Spend precious time together on the hotel’s high wires, at the equestrian centre or with a game or two of tennis.

Both hotels are within travelling distance to Hampshire’s newest national park, the South Downs, which is well worth putting on your minimoon shortlist. With rolling hills of chalk downland, views for miles and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as walking, cycling and horse riding – you’ll create memories for years to come.

Coastal minimoons in Hampshire

With its liner-like façade, the Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa offers an ideal location for any sea lovers with its views over Ocean Village Marina. Make the most of the scenery from the HarBar on 6th with its outside roof terrace and taste seafood specialities from the hotel’s Jetty restaurant.

For uninterrupted views of the sea, book your minimoon to Luttrell’s Tower, an iconic Hampshire landmark which sits on the shore of the Solent. This private tower even has its own private ‘smugglers’ tunnel to the beach.

Or, if you just love a sea view, take a look at accommodation in Hampshire which offers a sea view.

Quirky and glamping minimoons in Hampshire

Often more reasonably priced than luxury hotels, glamping can make for a quirky and definitely memorable minimoon.

Check out the glamping options available at adult only park, Back of Beyond, near the New Forest national park. With recently opened ensuite shepherd huts which have their own private gardens overlooking peaceful wildlife lakes. Plus, book yourselves a welcome pack or bottle of finest champagne to be in your accommodation upon arrival.

For something a little different, there are various glamping options available from Little Place in the Country including The Horse Hut and Lotus Spa (its spa bath actually is in a former Lotus car) or the Wagon and the Wigwam, both of which can be found near the South Downs national park.

Foodie minimoons in Hampshire

If you consider yourselves foodies then you will be spoilt for choice for your minimoon, whether you choose to stay at one of these hotels or simply want to dine at one.

The Pig Hotel, is famed for its locally-sourced menu and sits proudly in the heart of the New Forest National Park, near Brockenhurst.

Sister to the Pig, The Pig in the Wall can be found in the medieval walls of Southampton’s Old Town. With a deli-style menu, this is also a handy spot for a minimoon ahead of a cruise.

The Greyhound on the Test is a foodie favourite located in Stockbridge, right on the River Test. Choose from one of the pub’s eight bedrooms and spend your evenings whiling away time in the pub’s riverside garden.

What to do on a minimoon to Hampshire?

You’ll find plenty of things to do on a minimoon to Hampshire. Follow some of our beautiful walks, book onto a vineyard tour to sip on some of the country's finest English sparkling wines, enjoy a blissful paddle along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities or simply watch the sun setting over the Solent from one of Hampshire’s beaches.

Prefer to take things at a slower pace? Book a couples' spa treatment, linger over afternoon tea or reserve a table at one of Hampshire's romantic restaurants. And if you don't want to plan too much at all, that's fine too – your minimoon is the perfect excuse to switch off, enjoy each other's company and take things at your own pace.

Plan your romantic Hampshire minimoon

Whether your dream minimoon involves spa treatments and five-star luxury, waking up beneath the trees, dinner overlooking the sea or simply escaping together to the countryside, Hampshire has plenty of romantic places to make those first post-wedding memories. Explore more romantic breaks in Hampshire, discover our places to stay, browse spa breaks or find even more things to do for couples and start planning a minimoon that's just right for the two of you.

Frequently Asked Questions about minimoons in Hampshire

How long should a minimoon be?

A minimoon is typically a short break of around two to four nights, although there are no set rules. The idea is to enjoy some quality time together after your wedding without committing to a longer honeymoon. Some couples use a minimoon as their main honeymoon, while others book one before taking a bigger trip later in the year.

Where are the most romantic places for a minimoon in Hampshire?

The New Forest and South Downs National Parks are both beautiful choices for a countryside minimoon, while Hampshire's coast offers romantic stays overlooking the Solent. Couples can also choose from luxury country house hotels, spa retreats, glamping accommodation and foodie stays across the county.

Is the New Forest a good place for a minimoon?

Yes, the New Forest is particularly well suited to romantic short breaks, with luxury hotels, spas, boutique accommodation and plenty of beautiful countryside to explore together. Spend your days walking or cycling through the National Park, visit nearby villages and attractions, or simply make the most of your hotel's spa and dining facilities.

Where can you go for a minimoon in the South Downs?

The Hampshire section of the South Downs National Park offers plenty of peaceful places for a post-wedding escape, particularly around the Meon Valley and Petersfield. Choose from country house hotels, cottages and glamping stays, with walking trails, pretty villages, country pubs and spectacular views to enjoy during your break.

What can couples do on a minimoon in Hampshire?

There are plenty of romantic things to do in Hampshire, from vineyard tours and spa treatments to countryside walks and meals at some of the county's best restaurants. You could paddle along the Beaulieu River, explore the New Forest, walk through the South Downs, spend a day beside the coast or simply relax together at your accommodation.

Can you have a minimoon before a longer honeymoon?

Absolutely! Many newlyweds choose a minimoon immediately after their wedding and save their main honeymoon for later. It can give you time to relax together after the celebrations while allowing more time to plan and save for a longer honeymoon.