You might have heard that having a baby can temporarily curb your opportunities to travel. It's not impossible, but once baby's here, that relaxing spa break, spontaneous city weekend or fancy hotel escape becomes less likely. If I've learnt anything from my 10 years as a mum and 5 years as a tour operator, it's that you should make the most of your freedom to travel before your baby arrives, and that the hotel you choose can make or break a holiday. But if you're looking for a UK getaway before your bundle of joy arrives, there are plenty of dreamy destinations that make the best babymoon ideas.
From luxurious pregnancy spa breaks to countryside retreats, it's nice to spend some quality time with your partner before you welcome your new baby into the world. It's also great way to enjoy a bit of calm and relaxation before you swap spa pools for soft play.
You could jet off to Dubai or flop on a beach in Spain but the great thing about a UK babymoon is that you won't necessarily have to worry about flying while pregnant. So while you will need to factor in your due date if you're booking a spa treatment (most are not suitable in the first trimester), you can go at any point during your pregnancy. Just make sure to check in with your midwife before you travel to ensure you aren't missing any appointments and get the right advice.
The best babymoon destinations in the UK
Kent - Champneys Eastwell Manor
Champneys Eastwell Manor is a little slice of heaven in the beautiful Kent countryside and comes highly recommended by Stephanie Spencer, Mother&Baby's hub editor. Perfect for an escape and to relax before your new arrival, Stephanie says, "My stay at Eastwell was the perfect respite, the food was absolutely stunning and I loved the feel of the manor - I've stayed in other spa hotels which didn't match their spa facilities with the look and feel of the hotel itself, but Eastwell delivers character and charm in spades."
Stephanie was also pleasantly surprised by the spa, "I'd been expecting not to be able to use very much since I'm pregnant, but the hydro pool was lovely and not too hot for me to be in, it meant I could still enjoy the jets without being in a hot tub. The pool is also a great size, and there are plenty of comfy places to lounge."
Champneys are currently offering a little extra for their Christmas Gift Cards - until Christmas Day, Champneys will be giving 20% extra free on gift cards brought before 25th December.
Somerset - The Pig near Bath
Somerset's rolling hills are ideal for pregnant mamas, with gentle walks, cosy pubs, and the city sights of Bath and Bristol if you want culture and shopping. The Pig near Bath is the ideal base to make the most of these highlights, as our Digital Writer, Rebecca Lancaster, discovered when she stayed here. "From the organic gardens that provide the produce for the exceptional meals you'll have at the Pig, to the invitingly comfortable decor and unbelievably cosy beds, The Pig went straight to the list of my favourite hotels from the moment I arrived. Everything about it is tastefully lived in, so curling up on a sofa with a mocktail feels natural, as does walking off dinner with a stroll through the kitchen gardens or simply sinking into a deckchair for an afternoon nap!"
After a gentle stroll across the hills that are on the doorstep, indulge with the Mum-to-be spa treatment which is tailored to relieve fatigue and aches and provide a peaceful and uplifting experience.
Cotswolds - Cowley Manor Experimental
The Cotswolds' gentle hills are ideal for easy strolls, while the quaint villages offer slow ambles aplenty, with tea rooms and cosy pubs to pop into when you need a sit-down. Nestled in this stunning landscape and just a stone's throw away from Cheltenham, Cowley Manor Experimental is the perfect hideaway from hectic schedules. The Insta-worthy hotel boasts 36 bedrooms, massive gardens, and a C-Side spa which will melt away any aches and pains. Pregnant mamas can book the Oskia Mother-to-be warm oil massage which uses nourishing oils to soothe, as well as a luxurious foot scrub, gentle facial cleanse, and a relaxing face, scalp, and décolleté massage, for the ultimate indulgence.
The Lake District - Langdale Hotel & Spa
If you're in need of fresh air, open spaces, and uplifting views, the Lake District delivers on all fronts. Mums-to-be can feel enlivened and energised by the landscapes, and with any luck, the wide open views will soothe any tension or stress you might be carrying. Of course, if you need a helping hand to relax, then we'd suggest a stay at the Langdale Hotel & Spa. The Brimstone Spa offers a Mama Love treatment suitable for the second and third trimesters which will encouraging sleep and relaxation with a cocooning soothing massage. Explore the beautiful lakes by day, indulge with a massage, then dine and relax over bespoke mocktails by night.
The Lake District - The Belsfield
If you need to escape the fast pace of everyday life, the Lake District's lakes, rugged hills and fresh air will help you slip into a slower gear. The Belsfield's setting on the edge of the lake is the ultimate spot for simply kicking back and soaking in the views, though there's plenty to keep you busy if you want, from boating to shopping. The luxury hotel has a number of different rooms on offer – including a lake view, garden view, and family rooms for those who are travelling with littles. Sip a mocktail on the terrace or eat enough for two with Afternoon Tea and views of Lake Windermere.
London - Corinthia
If you want to make the most of shops, restaurants and bars before baby arrives, London is your oyster (even if you can't eat the oysters just yet!) You might not have the energy to shop as much as you'd like but pick a central hotel and you can head back to the comfort of your bed whenever you want. The Corinthia is the perfect place for a babymoon staycation; within reach of the shops and restaurants, but close enough to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Unwind with an ESPA Maternity Massage to soothe tight, tender muscles and nourish skin for ultimate relaxation. With 17 gorgeous spa facilities, a divine fine dining experience (mocktails, included!), and grand rooms that are fit for a royal, it's the ideal break for mamas-to-be to unwind.
Suffolk - The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel
Bedford Lodge has the essence of a country home, while its spa facilities are modern and luxurious. It's the perfect blend for mums-to-be needing some TLC and a country break. The spa includes a generous hydrotherapy pool with five water experiences that will relieve tired muscles, a sauna, a steam room, and a thermal hammam table area. There are also a choice of spa treatments, with a revitalising treatment for tired feet and heavy legs, and a full treatment that includes a deeply nourishing body massage and gentle back exfoliation to help you relax, restore and revitalise. Dreamy!
Oxfordshire - The Wild Rabbit
A Cotswold escape is the perfect getaway for parents-to-be, with cute country pubs, manageable walks and cute Cotswolds-stone towns that invite you to amble. To make the most of these pursuits, The Wild Rabbit in Kingham is a cosy, relaxing, and quaint babymoon destination. With a picturesque countryside setting, delicious food, and comfortable guest rooms, each room is different and takes its name from the British countryside. Each is illustrated with sweet and whimsical linocuts and beautifully rustic yet modern motifs.
Buckinghamshire - Horwood House
Combining world-class sights and rolling countryside walks, there's no shortage of things to keep you busy in Buckinghamshire. Whether you're into fast cars at Silverstone, want to stock up on designer baby wear for less at Bicester Village, or channel your inner spy at Bletchley Park, there's plenty to see and do at this babymoon destination. Though with a hotel as inviting as Norwood House, you might be reluctant to leave the comfortable room, stylish restaurant or pampering spa. Make the most of the spa with a tailored Babymoon Package which includes a choice of pre-natal treatments, along with accommodation, afternoon tea, breakfast and a gift. Sign us up now!
The New Forest - Chewton Glen
With outdoor hot tubs, cosy fires, and the advantage of dog-friendly breaks, the accommodation is surrounded by gorgeous backdrops. There are 130 acres of land to explore, which is perfect for taking a scenic walk. There's also a spa and outdoor pool.
Babymoon FAQs
Are babymoons worth it?
You don't have to spend thousands on a luxury couple's holiday to get the full benefits of a babymoon, there are affordable babymoon locations in the UK that are just as good. Babymoons allow you to spend quality time with your partner, so if this is your first baby, booking a weekend trip somewhere or jetting off somewhere sunny is a great way to celebrate the last few months of just being a pair.
When should I go on babymoon during pregnancy?
It's often said that the best time to go on a babymoon is during your second trimester. This is because your first trimester symptoms should have subsided and you won't be struggling to walk or relax with a big baby bump. It's also a good time to fly, with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggesting it's safest to fly before 37 weeks.
If you're looking at spa breaks, many treatments can't be carried out in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy so it's worth checking this before you book.
Where is the best place to take a babymoon?
The best place to take a babymoon will come down to a few factors, including your budget, how far you're willing to fly, and how you're feeling. If you're planning to fly, it's likely you'll want to aim for your second trimester. You should look at the vaccination requirements and malaria risk - as someone who had to cancel a trip to Cambodia because of the requirement to take strong malaria tablets, trust me when I say, it pays to do your research!
If you're travelling from the UK, European destinations like Italy and France offer great food, dreamy hotels and postcard-perfect landscapes. If you're craving some sunshine and a wellness break, check out Gran Canaria.
Wherever you're considering, don't forget to check the Foreign Office Travel Advice.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.