The Victorian belief of bathing helping to heal ailments helped to create the wonderful Tunnels Beaches in 1820’s

The Tunnels Beaches are around a 30 minute walk (or a 10 minute drive) away from our beautiful Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, where you can enjoy a romantic getaway to Hele Bay, Ilfracombe in picturesque North Devon. The Tunnels are an award-winning and must-see tourist attraction in Ilfracombe, with subterranean tunnels carved in the 1820’s leading to bathing pools and fabulous coves.

The Tunnels’ history

Local entrepreneurs helped to transform Ilfracombe from a small fishing village in North Devon into an extremely popular seaside resort by employing a team of hundreds of Welsh miners to hand carve 6 tunnels, leading to 3 tidal bathing pools. Four tunnels are still in use today, with the coastline virtually unchanged from the 1800s, but it is now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and marine conservation area.

Before the tunnels were carved, the surrounding coves and caves were known to be used by smugglers, and one was even the site where famous Knight William De Tracey hid after the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170.

The Tunnels took two years to build, with 950 cubic metres of rock removed by the Welsh miners and you can still see the pickaxe marks today all throughout the tunnels.

The Bath House

The Victorian cities were home to beautiful bath houses, and with Ilfracombe now a favourite tourist spot of city dwellers, the local population saw the need for an indoor bathing house.
The Ilfracombe Sea Bathing Company commissioned and built a large and elegant Bath House in 1836. There was sea water sent from the Tunnels Beaches by a wood fuelled boiler that powered a pump, baths were taken inside a labyrinth of small enclosures beneath the house for privacy.

It is key to remember that during this time, bathing was seen as an aid to health and doctors often prescribed ‘bathing’ as acute to medical ailments, it was not seen as something that was done for pleasure at the time.

Bathing, either inside or outside, was segregated and tightly enforced with any man attempting to spy on the women promptly arrested. Mixed bathing was eventually allowed in 1905.

rock pooling

Ilfracombe was made world famous for rock pooling during the Victorian era by a renowned biologist called Philip Henry Gosse, who was a friend of Charles Darwin. Gosse discovered several new species of marine life at the Tunnels Beaches, which made thousands of tourists head to the area to enjoy the new fashionable hobby of rock pooling.

The Tunnels Beaches is still a very popular rock pooling destination and is rated the 3rd best beach for rock pooling in the UK by the BBC Wildlife Magazine. The unrivalled rock pools are perfectly placed to make the most of the rugged coastline and are always teaming with sea-life of rare species and even rare sea coral.

Victorian etiquette

The Victorians are known for their manners and importance on politeness, the Tunnels Beaches had ‘etiquette guides’ for boating, as well as boys and girls habits. We have collated a few lines from each below to see what life was a little bit like in the Victorian era…

Etiquette for Boating

• men who cannot swim should never take ladies upon the water
• Great care must be taken not to splash the ladies, either in first dipping the oars or subsequently
• Neither should anything be done to cause them fright

Etiquette for Boys

• Respect your father and mother, and give them their proper titles at all times
• Guard against a profusion of slang that would do credit to a pickpocket

Etiquette for Girls

• When you talk, keep your hands still
• Get up in time for breakfast
• Be natural: a pure diamond is better than a good imitation
• Be reticent: the world at large has no interest in your private affairs

opening times & prices

Always check the Tunnels Beaches website for the most up to date times and prices.

Prices

The Tunnels Beaches is a Blue Flag award-winning location, with a rich history in the local area. They are also a popular wedding venue located on the private beach of the Gentlemen’s Pool, there is an option of a beautiful thatched gazebo overlooking the sea or have your ceremony inside the stylish and bespoke venue building also with wonderful sea views.

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat offers a romantic getaway in our beautiful boutique Beach Hut accommodation, which only sleeps 2 for the ultimate break in Devon. Our Beach Huts have everything you could need for a self-catering holiday, including essential kitchen facilities, the comfiest of beds and wonderfully sumptuous sofas, as well as a range of hot tub accommodation to add a little extra to your holiday.

Mary Anning was a wonderfully fascinating 19th Century female fossilist in Lyme Regis, who helped to change the way scientists look at the world

Mary Anning has been mentioned as being in consideration as one of the historical figures to be printed on the new £50 notes, and she has been part of our culture for centuries, Mary is the lady behind the “she sells sea shells on the sea shore” children’s rhyme!

Mary lived in Lyme Regis, making a living by searching the cliffs and beach in Lyme Bay for fossils and selling them to wealthy scholars and collectors. She also took these scholars on excursions around the Bay and even consulted with them on anatomy and classification. She managed to carve a career doing what she loved during a time when women struggled for independence.

Mary’s history

Mary’s discoveries were some of the most important geological finds of all time, they provided evidence which was central in developing new ideas about the geological history of the Earth and what happened to create our landscapes. During the 19th Century, women were not allowed to vote, hold public office or attend university and the Geological Society of London did not allow women to become members or attend meetings. Mary was seen as an outsider within the scientific community of the age, she did however become well thought of and was eventually held in high regard by a few influential members of the society.

Mary actually knew a lot more about fossils than the wealthy scholars she sold to. They would buy the fossil and listen to her analysis, they would then publish it as their own finding and never credit Mary. This was actually a common pattern in the 19th Century against working class people, with many fossils being found by construction workers or quarrymen, who would then sell to weather collections, who in turn were credited with the find if they were of scientific value. Mary grew tired and angry about this and frequently wrote about her frustrations to friends and in her diary.

Although Mary was not allowed to be part of the societies or scientific community, she did manage to carve a name for herself with a number of high profile discoveries, a lot of hard work and her seemingly endless knowledge.

Mary’s discoveries

Mary Anning’s discoveries came at a time when there was little knowledge about the world outside of religious teachings, her geological findings shock the scientific community to the core. It made them start to think about the world slightly differently and look at alternative explanations for the changes that have occurred in the Earth.

Her very first famous discovery was in 1811 and was the fossil of an Ichthyosaurus skeleton found along the Lyme Bay cliffs. It was actually the first Ichthyosaurus skeleton to come to the attention of the scientific circles in London.

In 1823 Mary found an almost complete skeleton of a Plesiosaurus in Lyme Bay, it was then sold to William Conybeare who published his findings and neglected to mention Mary, not crediting her for the find much her frustration. However, in 1830, she found another complete Plesiosaurus skeleton and was credited for this find.

She also made a number of smaller, but still significant discoveries which greatly contributed to early Paleontology, including a number of fossilised ink chambers and the first Pterosaur skeleton found outside of Germany.

Mary was also a key role for scholars to visit Lyme Regis in search for excursions to the Bay, as well as offering consultations and classification advice to many in the societies.

hardships & passing

Mary was a little unlucky and had faced a number of financial hardships throughout her life. The worst came when she lost her life savings, around £300 (a huge sum in those days), to a bad investment. Her friend William Buckland persuaded the British Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as the Government, to award a civil list pension in return for her geological contributions. The £25 a year pension allowed her some security until her next geological find.

At 47 Mary passed away after suffering from breast cancer for around a year. The Geological community showed their high regard for Mary when they heard about her cancer diagnosis in 1846, they managed to raise money to help her with expenses for medical help and general living. The Dorset Museum also made her an honouree member.

After her death Mary was buried at St Michael’s Church, a deeply religious person, Mary was devout to her church throughout her life. The Geological community contributed to a stained glass window in her memory at St Michael’s Church, you can visit the church, gravesite and see the window today.

Mary was well thought of in the scientific community of this point, with her childhood and lifelong friend the President of the Geological Society. He wrote a eulogy which was published in the quarterly transactions, it was the first ever given to a woman, as this honour was only reserved for society members. Later on, Charles Dickens wrote an article about her life and hardships, emphasising all the difficulties she overcame to make a name for herself.

Mary Anning created a career and status for herself, by hard work and relentless self-teaching of fossils. Finding fantastic geological specimens along the Jurassic Coast in Lyme Regis cemented her story and her knowledge ensured her legacy.

Why not spend the day scouring Lyme Bay for any fossils Mary may have missed? You can learn more about Mary at the Lyme Regis Museum, which is only a short drive from our very own Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in South Devon, a 5 star luxurious location with first-class facilities like no other.

Relax in the soothing Hydrotherapy pool, or soak up the heat in the sauna and steam room, before indulging in a luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatment at our on-park Ezina Spa. Grab a bite to eat at our Bistro Restaurant and sit back with a drink from our fully stocked bar, or hit the weights in our state-of-the-art gym.

Book your holiday at Hawkchurch, or book a park tour and find out about our holiday home ownership options, allowing you to explore the local area in your own time and taking advantage of our facilities, views and stunning lodges for sale in South Devon.

Call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 for more ownership information or feel free to talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Take a look at the pictures below for a little sneak peek inside our stunning beach hut accommodation at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Beach Cove is located on the cliff-side of Hele Bay, in picturesque Ilfracombe, Devon. Our quirky beach hut accommodation offers everything you will need on a romantic escape to the English Coast with sumptuous beds and a plethora of entertainment features. They certainly aren’t devoid of home from home luxuries, being almost like a Tardis when you walk through the patio doors.

A number of our beach huts come with hot tubs which you can enjoy whilst soaking up the coastal views. You can even bring your furbaby along with you, with pet friendly accommodation options available on-site too. Your dog will love the gorgeous Hele Bay beach setting.

Take a sneak peak of our beautiful beach huts in the images below to gain an understanding as to why Beach Cove Coastal Retreat has harnessed a reputation for being the romance capital of the UK.

How amazing do these beach huts look?

Imagine sitting back in your own private hot tub and gazing out over the dramatic coastline with your loved one before retreating into your very own heated quirky beach hut to watch a film or two in complete comfort.

There is also plenty to do in the local area around the resort, with wonderful pubs and restaurants offering delicious meals. This is without mentioning the plethora of scenic walks which await you should you fancy a romantic stroll. For romantic breaks, think Darwin Escapes and our beautiful Beach Cove Coastal Retreat!

Talacre Beach is perfectly located to explore the North Wales coastline and all it has to offer but with a golden sandy beach just a few minutes’ walk away and a fantastic entertainments and events programme all on your doorstep, you won’t need to leave the park for family fun!

Our own Charlie Bear and his Rangers offer a fabulous programme of events to enjoy on park, from family fun days, owner’s only events and owner’s run society nights. Read on below for the upcoming events this winter at Talacre Beach…

owner’s party

When: Friday 16th November / Start: 7pm

Our annual owner’s party will be as popular as ever with the fantastic Viva Las Vegas theme! Owners will don their best black tie outfits, including crisp tuxedos and fabulous ball gowns for all. There will be delicious food on offer, along with entertainment and a DJ in the club and pool area to enjoy and dance the night away!

golf society presentation night

When: Saturday 24th November / Start: 7:30pm

The Talacre Beach Golf Society will be holding its annual Presentation Night, where members will be receiving awards for various accolades throughout the year. Around 40 society members will be in attendance and will enjoy a wonderful meal provided by our talented chefs.

kid’s christmas parties

When: 1st & 2nd Dec, 8th & 9th Dec / Times: 11:30am – 1:30pm

The kids will love our Christmas parties, all organised by the wonderful Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers. There will be food on offer, a fun and festive Santa Grotto to explore and the jolly man will be making an appearance too. On the 1st and 2nd December, there will also be a fantastic pantomime available in the afternoon, please ask a member of our Rangers team for more information.

christmas jumper day

When: Friday 14th December / Times: All Day

Join in with the national Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children. Don your most festive fleece and make a donation while you enjoy a drink from the bar or delicious meal from the Bistro Restaurant. Get festive and give to a wonderful cause.

marie curie coffee morning

Saturday 15th December

There will be a Marie Curie Coffee Morning at the club to help raise funds for a worthy cause, so pop along enjoy a coffee, a slice of cake and help to raise some funds a lovely charity.

winter fun day

When: 16th December / Times: 12pm – 4pm

Enjoy a fantastic fun day event at Talacre Beach, which will include a small Christmas market, with a number of stalls selling homemade trinkets and goodies for the ideal personal gift for a loved on. As well as family fun to be had including a candy floss machine, a fun Christmas Rodeo Reindeer, a number of fabulous fair ground rides, as well as a festive giant snowman and a small bouncy castle, which will be perfect fun for the little ones. Take a picture in the fabulous giant snow globe available, and maybe even make it your Christmas card this year? There will be Christmas music available and the Rangers will also be providing some fabulous entertainment too. There will also be a massive inflatable slide, but this will be weather dependent so keep all those fingers and toes crossed for dry skies!

With so much in store at Talacre Beach this winter, it’s the place to be! To find out more information about ownership at Talacre Beach, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Book a park tour with a member of our dedicated Sales Team, who will be able to show you our wonderful 5 star facilities, including the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room. We also boast a relaxing lounge and bar area, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or main meal. The whole family can enjoy the Go Active programme, including body zorbs and archery, as well as a fabulous schedule of entertainment from Charlie Bear and his Rangers.

Our friendly team will also be able to take you step by step through the purchasing process, while showcasing our wide range of static caravans for sale at Talacre Beach and helping you find your ideal holiday home.

Have a fabulous family day of adventure at Greenwood Family Park in North Wales, only one hour away from our luxury destination. You’ll find action and adventure everywhere at Greenwood Family Park, which has been voted the best family day out in North Wales for 7 years in a row, by the North Wales Cornicle and its readers. The perfect family day out is only a one hour drive from our own Seaview Holiday Home Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the peaceful atmosphere after a full day adventuring.

what’s at greenwood?

There are endless rides and activities to get stuck into at Greenwood, including the Wild Web which is a 6 metre tall double mast rope pyramid to explore, the Magic Chair will help the children shrink their parents in a fantastic optical illusion and the Giant Jumper, which is a 1500 square foot jumping pillow for all ages to enjoy!

The Enchanted Woodbarn is the perfect rainy day activity with all the latest indoor play activities available, and a separate area for the under 3’s to enjoy. In the warmer months follow the Barefoot Trail and take your socks and shoes off, then take a sensory journey through timber, straw, sand and water.

 

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Challenge the whole family with the Tree Top Towers adventure play area, where you can explore 4 tall timber towers, which are all connected by an array of netted walkways and tube slides to enjoy. For the under 7’s, head over to the Tunnel Warren for a smaller scale adventure of slides and rope bridges.

Take a 70 metre sledge run on the Great Green Run, which is the longest in North Wales and is one of the most popular attractions at Greenwood Family Park. Sit in your sledge, keep your arms and legs tucked in tightly and get ready for the ride of your life! The little ones won’t miss out on the fun with the Little Green Run which is ideal for tots!

 

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Jump on the world’s only people powered coaster, the Green Dragon Rollercoaster. A 20 person, 5 car train will race along a 250 metre track, which includes a 360 degree horizontal loop around the hill and through the woods! Or opt for the thrill ride of the Solar Splash, which is the only solar powered ride in the UK and includes a large water slide with two wave chutes, each 60 metres long.

Children ages between 6 – 11 years old can test their driving skills with the Woodland Rovers Driving Course. They will delight in navigating a 4×4 around the trees and along the course. Test your Robin Hood skills and learn how to shoot a traditional longbow, much like the Welsh hunters would have done centuries ago.

And that’s just the tip of the ice berg of all the adventures to be had at Greenwood Family Park, there are mazes to explore, dens to build, woodland walks to discover and craft areas to get stuck into! There really is something for everyone to enjoy!

Use Seaview Holiday Home Park as your base to explore the local area, discover all that North Wales has to offer before retreating back to the tranquillity and breahtaking views, which you can soak up from your private decking area.

And if you don’t want to leave at the end of your holiday? We also offer holiday home ownership at Seaview, which means you can wake up to that view any day you choose. Becoming an owner is easier than you might think and our friendly staff are on hand to take you through the whole process, from your first look to your moving in day and beyond!

For more information about ownership, please call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

North Wales is an area with a rich history filled with legendary figures and tales to stimulate the soul. This will be very much in evidence if you pay a visit to Denbigh Museum on your next trip up to the area. Located just 30 minutes from our Seaview Holiday Home Park, this little attraction only opens sporadically throughout the year due to limited funding. However, this doesn’t stop them putting on some fantastic exhibitions.

Read on to learn more about their latest exhibitions at this free to enter museum.

learn about the Denbigh area

A primary aim of the museum is to educate visitors about the local area and Denbigh itself. One of the highlights are items from the Trefnant Toy Industry which was one of the most significant employment providers during the First World War.

The largest employer in the town was the North Wales Hospital, originally known as ‘the Asylum’. There is an interesting exhibition of this and also on the town’s Infirmary which was founded over 200 years ago.

Another fascinating artefact on display is a model depicting the town of Denbigh during the year 1610. This has been created based on a map of the town completed by John Speed during the era. Speed was one of the most prominent mapmakers of the Stuart period, and seeing his works come to life in such a manner is a real treat for history buffs.

welsh legends

Denbigh Museum also aims to celebrate historic figures originating from the area. This includes the famous preacher and journalist Thomas Gee who was born in Denbigh in 1815. Gee was one of the leading figures of the nationalist movement in Wales during the 19th century and is perhaps most famous for his various Welsh language publications – examples of which are on show at the attraction and for his famous printing works.

Another famous figure who is being celebrated currently at Denbigh Museum is the Welsh Formula One driver Tom Pryce who to this day is still the only Welshman ever to win a race in Formula One machinery.

You will be afforded the opportunity to learn more about Pryce via the various news clippings as well as getting the opportunity to see some of the many trophies that he picked up during his all too short career. Also on show is the mould for the mural which was completed by local artist Neil Dalrymple and can be seen in Ruthin.

The Welshman was one of the historical figures which was chronicled as part of our Welsh Year of Legends feature last year. We recommend having a read of our blog post before visiting the museum so as to truly appreciate the impact that Pryce had on the motor racing community and why he is considered by many to be one of the sports lost champions. A racing car on loan from Cardiff University is currently on display – until the end of the exhibition in late October.

pay a visit to Denbigh museum

If you are looking for free attractions in North Wales and have a keen appreciation for history, then Denbigh museum is the ideal place to visit the next time you are staying at one of our North Wales holiday parks.
The museum is free to enter for guests with free parking also provided. However, donations are welcomed on account of the limited funding that they receive. Opening times are also limited to:

• Monday – 2pm – 4pm
• Thursday – 2pm – 4pm

Visits outside of these hours can be made by contacting 077932 15723 or by emailing gwyneth.kensler@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Whilst in Denbigh, why not take a tour around this quaint little market town and pay a visit to Denbigh Castle; a classic Edwardian castle where you can enjoy breath taking views of the surrounding countryside.

Wookey Hole has been a popular tourist attraction for decades, but there’s so much more to explore than the caves

Located in Wells, Somerset, the world famous Wookey Hole caves are only a short drive from our own Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. The famous caves are a popular tourist attraction in the area, with the new caves being discovered and new attractions always added to entertain and excite the whole family.

about the caves

Over 50,000 years ago the earliest man lived in the Wookey Hole valley, and centuries later during the Iron Age, the Celtic people found the caves equally safe and comfortable to live in. But by the 15th Century, only broken pottery and legends inhabited the area. In 1914, Herbert Blach published his archaeological findings and people began to explore the caves, the legends and the stunning underground river that flows through the caverns.

There are a number of caves to explore at Wookey Hole, all with their own legends and unique attributes. The Witch’s Kitchen is home to ‘The Giant’ which is the largest stalagmite in all the caves. The tallest chamber stands at over 70 feet high, called The Great Hall has recently had witch markings discovered around it. The Witch’s Parlour is the largest natural dome in the UK and is over 200 feet below ground. And brand new for 2018, Chamber 20 offers beautiful and unique formations to marvel at. Visit the caves and learn the legends, before exploring the underground world.

the attractions

There are over 20 attractions for the whole family to enjoy at Wookey Hole, including the Pirate Adventure Golf, a Magical Mirror Maze which creates the illusion of a large colourfully-vaulted crypt, or visit the elves, fairies and dragons in the Mystic Fairy Garden. Take a stroll around the prehistoric landscape of the Valley of the Dinosaurs and step back in time to join the amazing creatures that inhabit it. The Wookey Hole Circus offers a jaw-dropping show of talented people flying through the air, and with 2 shows a day every weekend, you’ll never miss a show. And don’t forget to visit the amazing 4D Cinema where you’ll go on an adventure before watching the movie.

Wookey Hole also boasts a full calendar of events throughout the year to enjoy, with the Halloween spectaculars a popular attraction as every year includes a child-friendly option, plus an adult only scarefest to enjoy!

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Just a 20 minute drive from Wookey Hole is our beautiful Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa location. Surrounded by the picturesque Mendip Hills in Somerset, Cheddar Woods offers beautiful scenery and 5 star facilities, including an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a Bistro Restaurant serving mouth-watering dishes.

There is no shortage of entertainment at Cheddar Woods, with a full Go Active + programme including a large climbing wall, water walkerz and body zorbs, as well as laser clay shooting and archery available. And if the weather isn’t on your side, head over to the indoor entertainments area, complete with a two-lane bowling alley and golf simulator to enjoy.

After all that entertainment head for the Eden Spa to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatment, and truly enjoy some ‘me time’ in our Relaxation Room.

So why not book your holiday escape at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, explore the legends of the local area and get away from it all?

ownership at Cheddar

If you don’t want to leave us, then you’re in luck. Cheddar Woods offers holiday home ownership in Somerset, meaning you can discover all the that the local area has to offer at your own pace, as well as taking advantage of all the amazing 5 star facilities available onsite too.

We have a wide range of holiday homes and holiday lodges available to purchase, so we are sure to have something to fit all needs, budgets and tastes at Cheddar Woods. And becoming an owner is easier than you think, with our team being able to introduce you to a financial advisor who can help you spread the cost of your holiday home, if you choose to.

To find out more about joining our friendly community of owners at Cheddar Woods, call our Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today and start your ownership journey.

Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is located on the outskirts of the Lake District, there are so many places to visit we thought we would give you a hand deciding!

Surrounded by unrivalled views of Cumbria, Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is perfectly placed to explore the region, from the famous lakes to the village renowned eateries. Thanet Well is the ideal escape for those looking for peace and tranquillity in the English countryside, with the Lake District now officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore this natural beauty spot while returning back to your luxurious lodge accommodation, complete with outdoor private hot tub! Booking your holiday with us at Thanet Well means you can explore the region at your own pace and relax in complete luxury in one of the worlds most popular holiday destinations.

Finding places to visit can be overwhelming in the Lake District, so we thought we would put together a little list to help you know where the best places to visit are near Penrith…

wordsworth house & gardens

CA13 9RX / 40 minutes away / 11am – 5pm / Adult £7.90. Child £3.95

Take a trip back in time to the 1770’s at William Wordsworth’s childhood home. This beautiful home was the birthplace and home to famous poet William Wordsworth, and as you walk through the townhouse you’ll see it is presented as it would have been back in the 1700’s, when William and his family lived at the house. Take a stroll through the stunning Georgian townhouse and listen to the knowledgeable guides to learn all about Wordsworth’s Lakeland legacy and his role in the founding of the National Trust.

whinlatter forest

CA12 5TW / 35 minutes away / 10am – 5pm / £8 All Day Parking

Whinlatter is the only truly forest mountain in England, with the mountain rising to 1000ft above sea level, there are a range of activities for everyone to enjoy at Whinlatter. Visit the Information Centre, where you’ll learn all about the activities and wildlife in the surrounding beauty. Children will love the Whinlatter Wildplay Trail, with 9 different play zones to explore along the 600 meter trail, including a climbing wall, giant timber climbing frame and you can even find a secret path in the Fairy Kingdom! Perfect for walking or mountain biking, you’ll see some spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

force crag mine

CA12 5TL / 50 minutes away / Check website for opening days

Open on certain days of the year, visit Force Crag and see where, for over 200 years, men have mined for lead, barites and zinc. Force Crag is also a stunning walk for those looking for breath-taking views of Braithwaite village and marvel at the striking sheer dark face of the Force Crag Mine. Witness the views and fall in love with the Lake District in a whole new way.

lowther castle & gardens

CA10 2HH / 30 minutes away / 10am – 4pm

See the stunning Lowther Castle ruins, which was commissioned by the first Earl of Lonsdale in 1806 and enjoyed a fabulous Victorian heyday. However due to Edwardian extravagance, family deaths and war-time requisition the family was brought into finical ruins and in 1957 the castle roof was removed. But 60 years later Lowther Castle is one of the Lake District’s most dynamic attractions, with breath-taking gardens and wonderful exhibitions to interest all.

the bridge house

LA22 9AN / 45 minutes away / 11.30am – 4pm

Possibly the most photographed building in Cumbria, this tiny building was originally an apple store built over the river to avoid land tax. But it is said that once a family with 6 children lived within the two tiny rooms, however by 1926 the house was bought by a group of local people and passed on to the National Trust. Visiting the sparsely furnished rooms of the house is free of charge and is a popular tourist destination.

larch cottage nurseries

CA10 2DR / 30 minutes away / 9am – 5pm

One of the country’s greatest horticultural hidden gems, Larch Cottage was founded in 1984, originally growing plants for a landscaping business, it eventually grew into the stunning nursery it is today. Wander around the stunning gardens to see the Romanesque walls acting as a backdrop to the peaceful gardens in the Eden Valley. Visit the Red Barn Gallery to view the beautiful artwork spread over 2 floors, and on specific days you can visit the magical private gardens and meandering paths to the stunning Red Chapel, which was lovingly built for the owner’s wedding in 2014.

lucy’s on a plate

LA22 0BU / 50 minutes away / Weekdays: 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Weekends: 11am – 9:30pm

One of the best places to eat in the Lake District for over 25 years, Lucy’s on a Plate offers a daily personalised menu in a lovely welcoming restaurant. There are a number of different areas to dine inside Lucy’s on a Plate, from the magical wall garden area and conservatory, to the comfy seating bar area, complete with window seats. Lucy’s dessert menu is extraordinarily popular, so make sure you leave room for Lucy’s Queen of Desserts.

brougham castle

CA10 2AA / 20 minutes away / 10am – 6pm / Adult £5.40. Child £3.20

In a beautiful picturesque setting, next to the River Eamont, the castle was founded in the early 13th Century. The majestic keep largely survives, enabling you to stroll through and picture what life was really like back then, as well as some later constructions surviving, including the striking double gatehouse and the impressive ‘Tower of League’. Climb to the top of the keep for breathtaking panoramic views of the Eden Valley, then discover hidden passageways and explore the many spiral staircases. The beautiful setting means you can enjoy a stunning day out and a wonderful picnic on the riverside.

With so much to explore in Penrith, there really is no wonder why Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is one of our most popular locations to visit in the UK, offering showstopping views and complete tranquillity, you can really relax with us in the heart of the Lake District.

We also offer a wide range of pet friendly accommodation at Thanet Well, so no-one gets left behind on your explorations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ammara Spa offers Aromatherapy Associates treatments from fully trained therapists, here are our top picks…

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is located in the heart of Cumbria, offering unrivalled views of the truly stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keswick Reach is a peaceful place to unwind from the daily grind, and it is easy to see why the destination was the winner of the prestigious Best Park in Britain Award in 2017 at the Hoseasons Awards, offering fabulous scenery, luxurious accommodation which can include hot tubs, and our fantastic facilities.

Offering 5 star facilities onsite, including The Copper Fells Bar & Bistro, which serves mouth-watering meals and is host to a range of locally produced spirits, including The Lakes Gin. Keswick Reach is also home to our beautiful Ammara Spa, which is exclusive to our holiday guests, so we thought we would share some of our amazing treatments to give you a taste of what we offer.

ammara signature treatment hot stone massage

45 minutes version for £45 / 70 minute version for £70

This signature treatment offers a back, neck and shoulder massage, with the 70 minute version adding legs and arms too. Using a variety of heated volcanic stones and hand pressure, the treatment promotes a relaxed state and muscle tension release. This treatment is ideal for those suffering from back pain, as well as those struggling with depression, stress and anxiety.

bespoke skin polish

30 minutes / £30

You’ll feel fresh and rejuvenated with this nourishing treatment, which is an all over exfoliation opening your pores and soothing your skin. You’ll then be layered with rich, soothing and nourishing products to leave your skin looking radiant and feeling amazing. A short 30 minute treatment to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

deep cleanse facial

6 minutes / £60

A wonderful and purifying treatment, ideal for oily or combination skin. As with most Aromatherapy Associates treatments beautiful essential oils are used, this treatment includes lavender, ylang ylang and tea tree. All these oils have natural antibacterial properties, they will help to penetrate deep into your pores. You’ll also enjoy a drainage massage and freshwater mud mask, which will help draw out dirt and impurities.

star treatment: uplift your mood

120 minutes / £110

A truly indulgent treatment, which offers emotional pampering with the aim to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, this complete experience will boost your emotional well being by using sensory therapy. The treatment starts with a gentle grain exfoliation, followed by a wheat grain oil to the toenail cuticles and dry skin. To help encourage inner peace and harmony you’ll have a pressure point massage with oils including geranium and frankincense. You will then indulge in a soothing scalp massage with conditioning hair oil and pure essential oils. The treatment will leave you feeling both uplifted and nourished, this treatment is perfect for a little emotional pampering and ideal for those suffering with acute stress and anxiety.

relaxation suite

Whether you are booked in for a treatment, spa day or just fancy an hour of ‘me time’ our Relaxation Suite offers the perfect escape on your holiday. The Relaxation Suite includes a soothing Jacuzzi and rejuvenating sauna, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Cumbrian countryside. You can truly relax and feel your stress slip away while soaking in the Jacuzzi or relaxing on the loungers. Use of the Relaxation Suite is £10 per hour, however, it is included in some treatments and spa day packages, please ask when booking your treatment to avoid disappointment.

Ammara Spa also offers pregnancy treatments, treatments for men, as well as teen treatments for 16 years old and over. We also offer finishing treatments, including waxing, tinting, GELeration and Jessica Nails hand treatments. If you’re looking for a true treat, take a look at our spa day options where you’ll indulge in a treatment and use of our beautiful Relaxation Suite, as well as a light lunch or delicious cream tea from our beautiful Copper Fells Bar & Bistro.

Visit the Spa Reception to book your treatment or spa day, you can also take a look at our full treatment menu here.

Have you ever wondered why anyone would want a holiday home in Cornwall? Me too, and here’s what I think…

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa has five star facilities, is ideally located and offers holiday home ownership in Cornwall. But when you think about it, who would want to spend every weekend in a holiday home, surrounded by breathtaking views and family fun activities? Not me, that’s for sure.

who would want these dramatic views of their doorstep?

and no-one really wants to explore this understated countryside

argh, can you imagine how horrible it would be to be so close to this golden sandy nightmare?

why would you want 5 star facilities* only second away?

*facilities include: Bistro Bar & Restaurant, Go Active+, indoor entertainment area and indoor heated pool. Argh, really?

who would want to explore a picturesque local area? No one, surely!

would you want to spend every weekend in a holiday home like this?

or would you really want all your holidays in a luxury lodge like this one? I didn’t think so.

what’s piran meadows all about?

Located near the popular seaside town of Newquay, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is perfectly placed to explore all the local area has to offer, including the surfing haven of Fistral Beach, which is only a 10 minute drive away.
Our award winning destination offers 5 star facilities, such as the indoor heated swimming pool, as well as a steam room and sauna to relax in. We also offer a fabulous Go Active + programme, which includes everything from body zorbs and water walkerz, to mini jet skis and archery. And if the weather isn’t on your side, no fear, you can spend time in our indoor entertainment area, which hosts pool tables, a golf simulator and even a two-lane bowling alley!

how do I own?

If I didn’t convince you, and you really want to know more about how you can own your own holiday home in Piran Meadows Resort & Spa, then call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010, or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Our friendly and professional team will be on hand to walk you step but step through the process, including choosing your holiday home, explaining ways you can finance the purchase and any other way we can help.