Relaxing babymoon ideas in the UK

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, happiness and often a few nerves and challenges along the way. A babymoon is an opportunity to focus on quality time with your partner before your lives change forever! 

With a babymoon in the UK – and no flying required – you can savour the calm before the whirlwind of parenthood begins. This guide will help you to make the most of it.

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What is a babymoon?
Like a honeymoon, a babymoon was once intended to come after the big event: a valuable opportunity for the new family to get to know each other. Now many parents-to-be embrace the babymoon as a chance to steal some time before the new arrival. They can focus on themselves and build the emotional bond that’s so important when the baby comes along. 

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Why take a babymoon?
Having the time to connect with your partner is the biggest benefit of a babymoon. It’s time you won’t get back. It’s also an opportunity to rest, treat yourselves and reflect on what’s to come, preparing yourselves mentally and emotionally. You could even do a little planning, from choosing baby names to thinking about how life will change.

A babymoon is also an excellent excuse for a romantic getaway and a chance to celebrate the relationship that led to the pregnancy in the first place. 

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When is the best time to take a babymoon?
Many women find that the best time for babymoon is during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks. At this stage, most expectant mums have passed the morning sickness phase, but not yet at a point when getting out and about becomes uncomfortable. 

It's also a safer time to travel, with reduced risks compared to earlier and later stages of pregnancy. And of course, if you choose a babymoon in the UK, you side-step any issues that might arise with flying.

The all-important question is where to go. The good news is that there are plenty of idyllic babymoon locations in the UK for all the R&R (relaxation and romance) you could wish for. 

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Choose a countryside retreat
Fresh air, wildlife-filled woodlands and expanses of open countryside: some of the best babymoons involve being surrounded by nature. 

A country hotel puts that on your doorstep, plus access to walking trails, old churches, picturesque villages and plenty of peace and quiet. Escaping to a countryside retreat such as Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire sets the scene for complete relaxation. There’s even a cinema room!

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Make it a babymoon spa break
It’s easy for future mums to forget that their body belongs to them, not just the baby. Spa hotels in The QHotel Collection offer a restorative Peaceful Pregnancy massage designed to redress the balance. With complimentary bath robes and relaxation rooms, it’s easy to take the pace right down. If you want to raise it up again, choose a hotel with a health club or golf course. 

Can you go to the spa when pregnant?

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Enhance the romance in a historic hotel
“There’s a special energy from our guests staying with us on a babymoon. I love nothing more than making their time here as indulgent as possible.”

For all their grandeur, these distinctive properties offer a uniquely intimate atmosphere. At the stunning Grade I-listed Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, you can sleep in a carved four-poster bed with views across beautiful gardens and enjoy a lazy afternoon tea in the lounge or a romantic dinner for two. 

If feeling like royalty is the aim, book into the Grade II-listed Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Leeds for award-winning dining and the first-class butler service. The QHotel Collection dining experience caters for all tastes including special diets, so no one has to settle for anything less than delicious.

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Babymoons and city lights 
While you may not want a high-energy urban adventure, a little nightlife before the night feeds take over is an appealing proposition. A quiet country hotel near a city provides the win-win.

The Oxford Belfry Hotel is around 30 minutes from the iconic university city, with the Cotswolds just round the corner. You can experience the bright lights whenever you want to, or just enjoy a spot of star gazing. 

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Do something you’ve never done before
Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone. Try a hot-air balloon ride, forest bathing or a chocolate-making class. Book a scenic journey on a luxury steam train or go glamping at a summer festival. Become weightless in a floatation tank, or take a guided tour, exploring castles, ancient towns and weird or ghostly histories. Let your imagination be your guide and take the chance to make some memories.