An Engagement Moon is the perfect way for couples to spend quality time together and enjoy a stress-free break after announcing their engagement. De Vere, a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels has shared their favourite places to visit in the UK for a relaxing and romantic Engagement Moon this winter.

For those looking to escape the city: The Chiltern Hills

Nestled in the countryside north-west of London, The Chiltern Hills is a wonderful place to escape to without travelling too far away from the capital. The Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) covers the counties of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, offering beautiful rolling hills and valleys; the perfect destination to get away for an engagement moon and enjoy a romantic walk or a picnic or a relaxing bike ride together.

Set in the heart of Buckinghamshire, De Vere Latimer Estate offers 21st-century comfort and style set within 30 acres of grounds within an area steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Guests can stay from just £109 per room, with breakfast included, or add a dining package at the time of booking and receive up to £30 credit to spend in the hotel’s 1838 Restaurant and Bar which offers locally sourced, seasonally inspired dishes.

The hotel is surrounded by fascinating places to visit and fun things to do, from the beautiful Roman city of St Albans to English country manors, to the home of the Harry Potter movies, and the village where Roald Dahl wrote his world-famous stories.  During their visit, couples can go on a romantic winter walk and admire the sweeping views of the Chess Valley. The ten-mile Chess Valley Walk takes you along the stunning River Chess past historic buildings, nature reserves and water meadows. Alternatively, the nearby Wendover Woods offers a series of designated cycle trails and walks to follow. There is even a Go Ape treetop challenge and a café in the woods.

For those looking to retreat to the countryside: South Cotswolds

For a scenic English countryside escape, De Vere Tortworth Court, located in the South Cotswolds, is a stunning Grade II listed Mansion House Hotel that is home to a Victorian arboretum; the ideal engagement moon location if you are looking to explore the Cotswolds, one of England's most romantic destinations with its rolling hills, scenic views and picture perfect villages.

De Vere Tortworth Court, located near Wotton-under-Edge is also offering stays from just £109 per room, with breakfast included. The hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the region, located close to a number of attractions, historic castles, abbeys and manor houses, quaint Cotswold villages including Castle Combe and, and the cities of Bath and Bristol. Lacock Abbey, a truly stunning location which is often used for movie and TV shoots including Harry Potter, Cranford, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is just a short drive away, as is Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden - a must visit for those with a love for science and history.

Guests can discover one of Britain’s finest arboretums within the hotel grounds, which was created by the 3rd Earl of Ducie in 1853 - a keen horticulturalist – and remains one of the greatest arboretums in the British Isles. The arboretum is home to more than 300 plant and tree specimens set within the estate’s 30 acres of Gloucestershire parkland, which also features specially commissioned sculptures by artist Emma Stothard, including a parliament of hares positioned as the centrepiece of the formal garden. The hotel offers audio tours of the gardens and arboretum as well as the history of the estate, available here. The property even has its own resident cat, Lady Grey, who is often spotted roaming the hotel or sunbathing in the hotel’s grounds.

De Vere’s Wellbeing at Heart programme ensures a healthy and safe stay for guests and a safe working environment for its team members. With the support of ChemEco, De Vere has carefully crafted a range of new measures, including enhancing the already meticulous deep cleaning of bedrooms and public areas. This includes regularly sanitising public areas using jet action ‘misting’ technology which uses hard acting yet environmentally friendly solutions from ChemEco. 

For further information and to book, visit www.devere.co.uk/time-well-spent/