Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your Christmas tunes lined up…

Here at Darwin Escapes, we absolutely love Christmas and that means it’s time to start getting the decorations and Christmas tree up and most importantly start playing the best Christmas songs!

In our search for Christmas playlists we were left disappointed, so we thought why not create our very own ultimate Christmas playlist with carefully selected festive tunes approved by us all at DE HQ for both us and all of you to listen to.

From Christmas classics like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, through to more recent tunes like The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York and The Darkness’ Christmas Time, we’ve got everything covered! So, if you love Christmas as much as we do, have a listen of our Ultimate Christmas Playlist.

The Ultimate Christmas Playlist on Spotify

Get yourself into the Christmas spirit and listen to our 30 carefully selected Christmas tunes…

We’ve not forgotten those of you without Spotify…

Fear not, we’ve also added our Christmas playlist to Youtube for those of who don’t have Spotify or prefer the video watching platform, check it out below!

And there you have it, our Ultimate Christmas Playlist to get you in the festive spirit! Did your favourite xmas song make the playlist, what would you add? Let us know…

Christmas is here! It’s time to get the decs down and start getting into the Christmas spirit! We’ve picked out the best Christmas songs for you to listen to as you’re putting your decs up!

We all have our favourite Christmas songs that we like to listen and sing along to during the festive period. After much debate, the Christmas lovers here at DE HQ have managed to put together a list of what we believe to be the top 10 Christmas songs of all time. Take a look below and listen to our favourite picks!

01. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues

02. White Christmas – Bing Crosby

03. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley

04. Stop the Cavalry – Jona Lewie

05. Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano

06. Last Christmas – Wham!

07. Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea

08. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid

09. Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade

10. Step into Christmas – Elton John

Voila, our top 10 Christmas songs of all time! But, do you need more Christmas tunes to get you in the festive spirit? You’re in luck, we’ve created an Ultimate Christmas Playlist in our post here.

Do you love Christmas movies as much as we do? We’ve put together a list of what we think are the best Christmas movies…

The festive season is coming around so quickly this year and what better way is there to get yourself in the Christmas spirit than watching some much loved Christmas movies? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of what we believe to be the best films to watch during the build-up to 25th December.

Carry on reading to see what we think are the Best Christmas Movies to help get you in the festive spirit this year!

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol

The traditional tale of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol with a Muppets’ comedic twist. With Michael Cain as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s hardworking and unfortunate clerk, it is an absolute must watch during the festive period.

2. White Christmas

A Christmas movie classic starring crooner, Bing Crosby. White Christmas follows the tale of two showmen and a sister act’s attempt to save a former army commander’s failing holiday inn by putting on the Christmas musical performance of a lifetime.

3. Santa Clause The Movie

An 80’s classic, telling Santa’s tale of going from delivering toys to one small ancient village to becoming an icon delivering presents to all children worldwide. Starring Dudley Moore as Patch the elf who unintentionally puts the spirit of Christmas on the line by helping a deceitful New York businessman.

4. Home Alone

A true fun family favourite film, with Macaulay Culkin playing Kevin McAllister who’s parents forget about him, leaving home alone whilst on a family trip to Paris. Deciding to try and still have a jolly Christmas by himself, Kevin ends up having to confront some dastardly burglars in the process.

5. The Grinch

Jim Carrey’s interpretation of Dr Seuss’ Grinch is unforgettably funny and heartwarming. The Christmas loathing green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for all the festive residents of Whoville, until he meets loveable Cindy Lou Who, causing him to have a change of heart (his heart literally grows twice the size).

6. Elf

This heartwarming comedy follows the adventures of Buddy the Elf, portrayed by Will Ferrell, as he embarks on a journey to the big apple to find his father after growing up in the North Pole with Santa and his elves. This Christmas film is sure to provide laughter for the whole family.

7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, wants to make sure his children and wife have the perfect Christmas, until he gets an unexpected visit from his hillbilly cousin and as you can imagine things don’t run so smoothly. The only thing keeping Griswold going is his expected Christmas bonus, but will he get it? This farce comedy will definitely entertain all ages.

8. Fred Claus

And finally, one of my personal favourite Christmas movies, Fred Claus focuses on Santa’s resentful brother, Fred, played by Vince Vaughn. The hilarious comedy is based around Santa and Fred’s turbulent sibling relationship, it eventually all comes down to Fred to save Christmas, but will he do it?!

So there you have it, a complete list of our top 8 Christmas movies. What do you think? Did any of your personal favourites make the list?

Why not start a new Christmas tradition this year and watch your favourite Christmas films in your very own holiday home? Darwin Escapes offers holiday home ownership at 8 gorgeous holiday resorts across the UK. To find out more about holiday home ownership with Darwin Escapes call our helpful team on 0800 717 707 or talk to an advisor via our live chat.

Darwin Escapes has three unique resorts in Cornwall for you to choose from, you can enjoy the English coastline with us

Enjoy a getaway to the coastline with Darwin Escapes at one of our Cornish resorts. Sandymouth Holiday Resort and Piran Meadows Resort offer family fun, while Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat has a more relaxed atmosphere and a charming local area to discover.

Read below for more local area information near our resorts

Sandymouth Holiday Resort

Beaches

• Sandymouth Bay
• Summerlease Beach
• Duckpool Bay

The Big Sheep
Limited sessions available for pre-booking via the website. There are lots of animals to meet, from llama’s and alpaca’s to goats and pigs. Follow the new farm track and visit the wonderful animal barn with puppies and new lambs to visit with!

Bude Surfing Experience
Pre-book your session by calling 07779117746. The Surfing Experience can help you learn, hire out equipment and have fun in the sea! They also offer paddleboard lessons at 3 different locations. Fun for all ages.

Castle Bude
Reopening from 13th July with social distancing in place, however there is no need to pre-book. The castle will be opening its galleries with an exhibition called Walk on the Wild Side, by Bridget Winterborne. Enjoy the grounds and lawns around the castle, as well as the picnic areas.

Tintagel Castle
Timed slots available for pre-booking online. The magical place is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Lose yourself in myth, legend and history, enjoy a day out on Cornwall’s rugged North Coast. The new castle bridge has reunited the two halves of the castle for the first time in 500 years.

Piran Meadows Resort

Camel Creek Adventure Park
Pre-booking is essential for you visit. Ideal for all the thrill seekers and fun chasers of all ages. Rides include, mini log flume, clown coaster, mega slide, swampy’s tree house, the toddler dizzy dina and the mini Ferris wheel.

The Eden Project
Booking is essential. The rainforest and Mediterranean biomes are open to visitors, as well as the outdoor gardens and core education centre, which is hope to the stunning Infinity Blue sculpture.

Lost Gardens of Heligan
Tickets and time slots available to pre-book online. 200 acres of gardens, history, mystery and romance is waiting to be discovered. Lost to the over-growth since the start of WWI, the gardens were found by a chance finding of a secret door 30 years ago. The gardens are now pride of place in England and offer beautiful flowers and stunning sculptures.

Newquay Zoo
Please follow the one way system and pre-book all tickets online. Newquay Zoo has 13 acres of tropical gardens and over 1000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals. Visit with the lions, tigers, lemurs and birds, then opt for the woodland walk.

Beaches

• Lusty Glaze Beach
• Fistral Beach
• Porth Beach

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, pre-book your time slot via the website. This wonderful charity rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups that get stranded around the Cornish coastline. Visit with all the seals and animals at the sanctuary. The Discovery Cove outdoor playground is now also open.

Lizard Adventure
Open for booking, from a gentle introduction to outdoor activities, to a complete adrenalin rush. Activities at Lizard Adventure include, coasteering, sea and inclusive kayaking, climbing and paddleboarding.

Flambards Theme Park
Get ready for a great day out, reopening its doors on 18th July, Flambards will be offering family fun to all. There are traditional rides available, as well as specific areas including the Jurassic journey, dino dig and the sky high rides are also open. The indoor exhibitions will also be open.

South West Coastal Path
The UK’s longest and most loved national trail, the 630 mile route offers fantastic views and hundreds of circular day walks to enjoy.

Beaches

• Kynance Cove
• Gunwalloe Church Cove
• Poldhu Cove Beach

Book your holiday with Darwin Escapes and explore the Cornish coastline today

If you’re wondering where you can visit when you holiday with us in Devon then you’ve come to the right post!

With our resorts now open, we are so glad to be welcoming you to our wonderful locations. We know you’ll want to explore the local area as much as you can, so we’ve put together a small number of local attractions and perfect places to visit during your trip, which are all open and following government guidance.

Read below for South Devon and Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, or scroll further down for Beach Cove Coastal Retreat in North Devon.

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Forde Abbey
There is no pre-booking in place here, but there are social distancing measures to be followed, which is explained on your arrival. Forde Abbey is a popular attraction for all ages interests, from families to historians. The gardens include an Asian woodland and prairie garden to explore.

Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Booking your ticket in advance is essential for entry as there are two timed entry sessions per day. The wildlife park is a small and friendly zoo aimed at children 12 years old and under, however everyone will love visiting the animals in residence, including meerkats, wildcats and otters.

Beaches

• Burton Bradstock Beach
• Eype Beach
• East Beach
• Cobb Gate Beach

Walking Trails

• Charmouth Forest
• Coney’s Castle
• Lambert’s Castle

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Tarka Trail
A 163 mile walking and cycling path in the shape of a figure eight, which takes you through beautiful landscapes. Explore ancient woodland, striking moorland and productive farmland on your journey, The Tarka Trail passes through a number of towns you may want to visit, including Barnstaple, Braunton and our own Ilfracombe.

Woolacombe Beach

Wildersmouth Beach

Westword Ho!
Visit this wonderful Victorian seaside resort with a fabulous name taken from the Charles Kingsley novel.

Ilfracombe Harbour
As the largest harbor in North Devon, the Ilfracombe harbor has been popular with tourists for several centuries.

Holidaying maybe different in these unprecedented times, but you can still explore the UK’s countryside to your hearts content

We can’t wait to see you on your holiday with us at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, explore the local area and visit the attractions below to make the most of your time in Dorset.

Enjoy a self-catered holiday in Dorset, surrounding by the understand countryside but only a short distance from the area’s famous beaches, at Wareham Forest. There is so much to discover in the English countryside and along the coast, below we’ve chosen the local attraction which are now reopen and waiting for you to visit.

Lulworth cove

This breathtaking cove is home to the world famous Durdle Door. The famous rock arch was created when the sea pierced through the limestone, roughly around 1000 years ago. A popular tourist attraction, Durdle Door is a must-see on your visit to Dorset.

Lulworth castle

Visitor numbers are capped per day, pre-booking your tickets is essential for your visit. The beautiful castle was built during the 17th Century and is steeped in the country’s history. There is extensive parkland to explore, woodland walks and a children’s playground, something for everyone.

Wareham Forest

A spectacular open heathland waiting to be discovered, the area includes the Decoy and Gore Heath.

the blue pool

A wonderfully unique attraction in the Isle of Purbeck, although there is no need to pre-book, there is a one-way system in place. Known as a magical pool which changes colours, from green and blue to turquoise. The pool is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful woodland and heath.

Poole harbour

Book your activity at the harbor and enjoy fun watersports in the Mediterranean-like setting. Activities include, water skiing, yacht racing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

Poole park

A fun public park which has something for everyone, including play parks, ducks to feed, picnic areas and the ice cream parlour Scoops, which is open for takeaway only.

Wareham Forest offers a relaxing holiday away in Dorset, making it the ideal place for you to base yourself while exploring the local area

Darwin Escapes boasts 3 stunning locations along the Cornish coastline, from Bude to the Lizard Peninsula, book your festive break and explore the Christmas markets

Sandymouth Holiday Resort in Bude offers a family focused destination with beach themed accommodation and stunning seaside views.

Located in the understand Newquay countryside, yet only a short drive to the famous Fistral Beach, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa has luxurious accommodation and 5 star facilities.

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat offers a tranquil retreat on the Lizard Peninsula, where you can relax in luxurious lodge accommodation and explore the Cornish coastline.

Explore the Christmas markets all over Cornwall to get into the festive spirit!

Padstow christmas festival

When: 5th – 8th Dec / Where: Padstow
Now in its 12th year, the Padstow Christmas Festival is renowned for showcasing a spectacular selection of food and drink for the festive season.

• artisan breads, cakes and chocolates
• specialist cheeses and meats
• range of award-winning craft beers and ciders
• locally produced gins, rum and brandy

Macmillan christmas fair

When: 13th & 14th Dec / Where: The Eden Project / Tickets available now
Visit the world famous Eden Project and enjoy a festive market in a unique environment, while raising money for a worthy cause.

• stalls with gifts and home accessories
• clothing and jewellery
• festive tasty treats available
• free glass of wine to go alongside your shopping experience

Heligan christmas fair

When: 6th – 8th Dec / Where: Heligan Gardens
Heligan Gardens offers a truly unique and magical experience this festive season while you enjoy a wonderful Christmas fair.

• artisan creators and makers
• festively unique food and drink
• jewellery, art and ceramics for perfect gifts
• enjoy mulled wine and delicious treats

made in Cornwall christmas fair

When: 27th Nov – 1st Dec / Where: Truro’s Lemon Quay
Head to the Made in Cornwall Fair for the ultimate festive feels and stalls with traders that have been certified by Trading Standards that sell products which are genuinely made in the UK.

• stalls from local artists and craft makers
• indulge in festive food and drink

Choose from 3 beautiful locations to base yourself from in Cornwall and explore the stunning region while enjoy the fangtastic Halloween events this year! Read below for all the best Halloween events in Cornwall for 2019

halloween at Piran

Where: Piran Meadows Resort & Spa / Dates, times and prices vary depending on activity

Our very own Piran Meadows’ Leisure Team are gearing up for a spooktacular Halloween with some fantastic events for the children to enjoy. Get stuck in to pumpkin carving, creepy crafts and a spooky monster hunt too, before you head out for some fun trick or treating with the team! The Bistro Restaurant team are also getting in on the action with a boo! -tiful Halloween menu and creepy cocktail menu to delight all!

halloween: october half term

Where: The Eden Project / Dates: 19th Oct – 3rd Nov / Times: 9.30am – 6pm / Prices: Adult £26, Child £13.50
The world famous attraction has endless adventures to have all year round, but this Halloween you can explore the dark woods of the Forbidden Forest, which is filled with outlandish beasts and mythical monsters to delight all ages. The Cryptid Petting Zoo will fascinate everyone, with rare animals including the Mongolian Death Worm. There will also be potion making, pumpkin carving and ice skating to enjoy!

little monster’s ball

Where: The Eden Project / Dates: 26th Oct / Times: 6pm – 9pm / Prices on request
The little ones will love this fangtastic event, they can don their best fancy dress and dance at the disco, after following the fun Ghoulish Trail around the Biomes. There will also be face painting, ice skating and ghastly grub to get stuck into as well.

halloween family fun

Where: Bodmin Jail / Dates: 27th Oct / Times: 12pm – 4pm / Prices: £10 per person
There will be endless fun for all the family at Bodmin Jail, dress up in your best costume to enjoy the whole experience. Get involved with the bat hunt, face painting and guided tour, as well as the fabulous Creepy Crawlies show, which includes reptiles and owls!

curses and crossbones

Where: Pirate’s Quest / Dates: 19th Oct – 1st Nov / Selected times / Prices: Adult £10.95, Child £7.95
Pirate Quest has their annual Halloween fun experience waiting for you, you’ll join the crew to help defeat the tempest sea witch as you explore the caves and coves around you. A pirate guide will transport you back 300 years to Cornwall’s Golden Age of Piracy and you can learn all about the 1721 shipwreck. Opt for the extra scare zone in The Locker of Davy Jones, and meet the greedy goblins and gruesome giants in the Cornish Land of Legend.

shadows and silhouettes

Where: National Maritime Museum / Dates: 19th Oct – 27th Oct / Times vary / Prices: Adult £13.95, Child £6.50
The Museum will have wonderful craft-making workshops, a spooky trail to follow and fascinating storytelling sessions. Sit back and enjoy the fabulous Shadows and Silhouettes performance, before heading to the Treasure Island Play Zone to run wild!

october half term at Flambards

Where: Flambards / Dates: 19th – 31st Oct / Times: 7.30pm / Prices: Adult £15.95, Child £13.95
Flambards are having their annual Halloween Tricks & Treats Firework Spectacular show on 23rd October, where you can enjoy some of the rides in the dark before being blown away by the firework show. Over the half term holidays there will be wacky weird science shows and spooky pumpkin trails to follow through the spectacular Victorian Village.

spooky castle with creepy critters

Where: Pendennis Castle / Dates: 26th Oct – 3rd Nov / Times: 11am – 4pm / Prices: Adult £10.90, Child £6.50
Have a wickedly fun day out at Pendennis Castle, where you can get stuck into the craft workshops and follow the creepy trail around the castle. Everyone will enjoy meeting some amazing animals in the Creepy Crawlies session, which will include snakes, spiders and more! There will also be a wondrous Ghost Tour, with two options for a family tour and one for a frightening adult’s tour.

Darwin Escapes boasts 3 stunning holiday resorts in Cornwall, including Sandymouth Holiday Resort in Bude, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa in Newquay and Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in Falmouth, the most southern point of mainland England.

Each resort offers something unique, so you are sure to find the ideal place for you in Cornwall. All our resorts offer fabulous holidays in the region, with Piran Meadows Resort & Spa also offering holiday home ownership in Newquay, so you don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to!

Darwin Escapes’ two beautiful locations in Devon boast both unrivalled country views and an ideal coastal setting, so we are sure to have the perfect winter break destination for you.

Read more below about all the must-see firework displays in the local area near our stunning locations

Exeter Round Table fireworks display 2019

Where: Westpoint Arena / Date: 3rd Nov / Times: 5.30pm – 9pm / Prices: Adult £9, Child £5

A fabulous annual fireworks display is in its 37th year, the event will be raising funds for Devon Air Ambulance. Event planners ask that if you are arriving by car, please do so by 7pm.
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• theme of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing
• food and drink available
• fairground attractions

firework extravaganza

Where: Crealy Adventure Park / Dates: 26th – 27th Oct / Times: 10am – 10pm
Celebrate Crealy’s 30th anniversary and watch them light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show set to a brilliant soundtrack.
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• special ‘8T9’ firework display
• soundtrack will be from movies, TV shows and music from the 80s
• you can request your favourite song and it might appear in the final display
• selected rides open throughout the evening

bonfire fireworks party

Where: The BIG Sheep / Date: 5th Nov / Times: 4pm – 9.30pm / Price: £8pp

There will be two firework displays throughout the night, one low-bang show for the juniors at 6pm and a main fireworks show at 7.45pm. The indoor playground will also be open until 9.30pm.
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• Bonfire
• two firework displays
• mini street food festival
• food includes: big pot kitchen, Cornish crepes, burgers, hot dogs, toffee apples, popcorn and candy floss

Appledore bonfire night

Where: The Beaver Inn / Date: 3rd Nov / Times: 4.30pm / Price: free – donations

Enjoy a fabulous and traditional fireworks display hosted by the Appledore Pirates. All donations go towards next year’s display, so please give generously!

North Tawton firework display

Where: North Tawton Rugby Club / Date: 1st Nov / Times: 6.30pm – 10.30pm / Prices: £4pp

Enjoy a traditional family friendly firework display night at North Tawton Rugby Club.
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• fireworks at 8pm
• bonfire
• bar and food
• glowsticks
• face painting

Darwin Escapes boasts 3 beautiful Cornish holiday destinations for you to choose from, each offering a wonderful place to escape to this winter.

From the sandy shores of Mullion, to the understated countryside of Newquay, we will have the ideal destination for you.

Take a look at our list below of the all the must-see firework displays in Cornwall near our locations

Bude Rugby Club firework night

Where: The Crescent / Date: 1st Nov / Times: 6pm – 11pm / Nearest Accommodation: Sandymouth Holiday Resort

Head over to Bude Rugby Club for a traditional family-friendly firework night out this winter.

• Guy Fawkes competition
• bonfire
• fireworks display at 7pm
• bar and BBQ

Priory Park football field

Where: Bodmin / Date: 5th Nov / Times: from 6pm / Nearest Accommodation: Piran Meadows Resort & Spa

Priory Park’s annual firework’s night offers family fun and a fantastic fireworks show for all.

• firework display
• bonfire
• laser show
• funfair rides
• food and drink stalls

Flambards tricks & treats firework spectacular

Where: Flambards Theme Park / Date: 23rd Oct / Times: 10am – 8pm / Nearest Accommodation: Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

Spend a full day at Flambards and have a fabulous time on the rides and indoor attractions, then have a blast in the night at the fireworks event.

• stunning pyrotechnics display
• select rides open after dark
• entertainment: including George Michael tribute act
• Billy Wiz’s special Halloween magic show
• last admission at 6pm