Your South Wales Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 77)

SERENE SUFFOLK Travel company Fish&Pips, founded by best friends Holly Chandler (the ‘Fish’) and Philippa Hartley (the ‘Pips’) ten years ago, welcomes new property The Tabernacle, Suffolk – perfect for honeymoon staycationers! This beautiful waterside one-bedroom cabin is situated on its own little island, with access by rope bridge, and is located within five-thousand acres of pristine parkland. This is the perfect place to spend cosy winter nights, hunkered down next to the log fire or soaking in the outdoor hot tub. Reconnect with nature, put your wellies on and stomp through the Suffolk countryside and nearby Heritage coast. Or stay put, and enjoy all the facilities on your doorstep from tennis courts, clay pigeon shooting and Pashley bikes – the Tabernacle has everything thing you need for the perfect winter weekend. Available through Fish&Pips from £235 per night. Visit www.fishandpips.co.uk THE UK’S CROWNING GLORY Following the fourth season of The Crown airing on Netflix in November, Oliver’s Travels has shared some of its grandest British castles and properties that would be sure to live up to Queen Elizabeth II’s standards. ▲ Gothic Castle Estate, County Galway. This 18 th -century castle has hosted Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and sleeps up to 16 guests across eight luxurious bedrooms and features spacious drawing rooms perfect for socialising. It boasts 600 acres of private woodland and Europe’s largest privately owned 1,000- acre lake. From £12,744 for a two-night stay. HEAD TO THE EAST Wilderness Reserve has launched its second country estate, Chapel Barn, just in time for the staycation boom whether you want to head away pre- or post-vows. The Chapel Barn (once a 15 th -century farmstead) has all the charm of its heritage intact and yet comes with a host of luxury facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, cinema, gym and spa set over 5,000 magnificent acres of carefully maintained Suffolk countryside. Accommodation options range from the one-bed electricity-free Hovel, set by the lake, through to Chapel Barn itself, which comes with 18 en suite bedrooms. All seven properties may be rented individually and each building has been sensitively restored, employing the traditional methods of local artisans. Other highlights include Moat Cottage, painted in fetching Suffolk pink. It’s found atop its own hill, surrounded by water full of wildlife. Its hot tub and rowboat are both wonderful spots to take in 360° views of the Suffolk countryside and there’s space on its lawns for fun group activities. Chapel Barn channels the landscaping principles of Capability Brown: cattle and sheep graze the valley sides around the estate’s expansive lake and woodland, wild flower meadows inject colour in spring, while a traditional Suffolk apple orchard flourishes every autumn. Check out https://wildernessreserve.com ▲ Lothian Castle, Edinburgh. The 600-year-old castle is one of the largest and best-preserved Medieval Scottish fortifications. Steeped in history, it sleeps up to 24 guests in its 12 bedrooms, the castle is fit for a king or queen with its grand reception rooms, breathtaking views, elegant fireplaces and colourful tapestries. From £12,094 for a two-night stay. ▲ Timeless Castle, Scottish Borders. For the ultimate royal experience, guests can book a private dinner in the vaulted cellars or the magnificent state dining room. A range of experiences include an exclusive guided tour, whisky or wine tastings, and spa treatments. The castle sleeps up to 16 guests across five apartments. From £3,980 for a three-night stay. To book call 0800 133 799 or visit www.oliverstravels.com To read more about all of these properties head to www.county.wedding/honeymoon-news-headlines 87 HONEYMOON NEWS