For a honeymoon that's quaint and affordable take a look at the beautiful properties on offer at ‘Under the Thatch'. Recognised as the one of the top ethical travel companies in the UK, Under the Thatch buys unique properties and restores them to their former glory. Choose from a selection of fantastic honeymoon ideas including a secluded thatched property, an old railway carriage or a gypsy caravan.
A personal favourite is ‘Wendy, The Aberporth Express', a converted Edwardian railway carriage ideally located on the coastal footpath between the sandy beaches at Aberporth and Tresaith. Secluded and cosy it makes a charming honeymoon retreat, offering breathtaking views of the Welsh coast. From directly outside ‘Wendy' there are great opportunities to spot Europe's largest colonies of bottle-nosed dolphins and seals close to the shore. Take a romantic walk on the heritage coast footpath or cosy up inside the carriage with tea and Welsh cakes. Catch your own dinner of mackerel or sea bass on lines from the rocks in front of the carriage and enjoy with a glass of wine in your romantic hideaway. Honeymooners are undisturbed in this beautifully peaceful location, with no roads for 300 yards and no noise or sound pollution.
Inside the oak-lined cabin is cosy yet simple, with good insulation and panel heaters for those chilly nights. A perfectly functional kitchen is equipped with a cooker, microwave and fridge for you to rustle up a romantic feast. The comfortable lounge features a beautifully ornate 1920s fuel burner, a leather sofa and the modern day essentials of a flat LCD TV and CD player. Keeping with the authenticity of Edwardian travel, there carriage includes a dining compartment with a 1930s Oak dining suite. ‘Wendy' has two bedrooms to choose from, although for your honeymoon you'll more than likely opt for the double with a fitted wardrobe and dressing table and use the double with a small single bed for storage. The bathroom features a quality quadrant shower, heated chrome towel rail and blast fan for warmth when you get out of the shower. Outside there is a veranda with a bench and table to sit and enjoy the views and an enclosed garden with access to the sea. A beautifully unique and secluded retreat, the carriage is testament that honeymoons can be special and romantic without busting the budget!
For a more conventional option, stay at the beautiful Argoed Mill, a stone built Victorian conversion set in a peaceful location in the spectacular Wye Valley. Spend romantic days here next to the waterfall and spot kingfishers, dippers and otters from your balcony. Feast on organic vegetables from the kitchen garden and free range eggs from the resident hens, play pool on your own pool table in the den or relax with a book in front of the wood-burning stove with a book. Argoed is the perfect romantic retreat for relaxing or exploring the local area.
The interior of the mill is simply stunning, homely yet elegant it is a true romantic bolthole in the Welsh countryside. A spacious first-floor open-plan living, kitchen and dining area is comfortable and unashamedly romantic. Two steps lead up to a beautiful bedroom with a cast iron King-sized bed and antique furniture. On the ground floor there is a ‘den' complete with a pool table, comfortable armchairs, a selection of books and a CD player with iPod dock. A simple, modern white suite and a power-shower complete the bathroom. Outside, there is a patio and garden with seating and a wonderfully romantic waterfall view. Perfect!