Take a romantic break away to the Devonshire Coastline and bring your puppy to explore the local area

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is situated along the Cliffside of Hele Bay, offering stunning views from all angles, and is only a 2 minute walk to the Hele Bay Beach. The local area of Hele Bay Village and Ilfracombe town offer fabulous dog friendly pubs and restaurants to dine out at, no matter the weather! And with a number of our beautiful beach huts being dog friendly too, your furbaby doesn’t need to get left behind during your romantic getaway to the beach.

We have come up with our top 4 dog friendly pubs in Ilfracombe and we’re here to share these delightful eateries with you…

Note: all places below have the postcode and travel distance from Beach Cove

hele billy’s bar & restaurant

 

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Where: EX34 9QY / 4 minute walk away
This family run restaurant by Diana and Tony, offers delicious and healthy meals, created from locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Being close to Ilfracombe Harbour means freshly caught fish features heavily on the menu, but there is also plenty of variety, including home cooked ham, egg and chips, along with an ever changing ‘specials board’. Hele Billy’s is open every day from 12noon to 9pm, and has a wonderful beer garden to soak up the sun and enjoy a lovely meal or afternoon drink. Dogs are welcome in and outside of Hele Billy’s, so pop along and enjoy an afternoon at this dog friendly pub in Ilfracombe.

the pier brewery tap & grill

 

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Where: EX34 9EQ / 6 minute walk away
You’ll enjoy a whole host of grilled delights at The Pier and located right on the Ilfracombe Harbour means you can enjoy the outstanding views of the Bristol Channel, Irish Sea and even the Welsh Coastline. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal or relaxing evening drink on the ‘Poop Deck’ (beer garden) and soak up the atmosphere and sunshine, but if it’s a little chilly, snuggle up with your fur-baby in the cosy seating and warm up next to the classic log burner. Serving quality food, as well as the freshest catch of the day from local fishermen, with all dishes freshly made and healthy portions to fill all rumbling tummies! The fully stocked bar is home to a wide variety of local and international lagers or ciders to test your taste buds. There is also a full programme of live music events to enjoy throughout the year.

george & dragon

 

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Where: EX34 9ED / 5 minutes’ drive away
If you fancy a little 25 minute walk, pop to the George & Dragon for some delicious and traditional pub grub with a friendly atmosphere from this family run pub, by landlords Linda and Jonathan. Enjoy an evening out with your puppy and relax in the beautiful setting of Ilfracombe Harbour by testing your taste buds with wonderful homemade food, which is served every day, with the George & Dragon open every day from 11:30am to midnight. The pub also has a range of fun events all year round, including live music, pub quizzes and even spontaneous jam sessions.

the thatched inn

 

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Where: EX34 9PG / 16 minute walk away
Although dogs are not allowed inside, they are welcome in the beer garden of The Thatched Inn, so pop along to this 17th Century building during a sunny day for a delicious meal and refreshing beverage. The traditional pub grub offers something for everyone to eat, and all ingredients are locally produced, with the bar offering delicious real ales to wet your palate. The Thatched Inn was recently presented with the Muddy Stilettos Best Destination Pub in Devon 2017!

pet friendly holidays in Devon

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat offers the ideal place to base yourself to explore the local area, located on the Cliffside of Hele Bay you can enjoy spectacular views and only a 2 minute walk to the Hele Bay Beach from your doorstep. Each of our one-of-a-kind beach huts sleeps two people, with a number of them being pet friendly and some even offering hot tubs to soak up the Devonshire Coastline views from your private decking.

Discover all that Ilfracombe has to offer, from the fascinating Ilfracombe Museum, historic Victorian Beaches Tunnels, to the fabulous Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room for a delicious afternoon tea date. Most places in and around Ilfracombe are pet friendly, and with our top 5 list above, you can enjoy a wonderful meal out in the local area at one of the dog friendly pubs in Ilfracombe.

The Lake District has officially been declared a UNSECO World Heritage Site, with Prince Charles unveiling a plaque in Crow Park, Keswick!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is located in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District, Cumbria. The county has recently unveiled a plaque in Crow Park, Keswick confirming its UNESCO World Heritage Site status! The picturesque area has always been a popular tourist destination in the UK with over 18 million people visiting every year.

Prince Charles who is a regular visitor to Cumbria, attended the ceremony at Crow Park, to unveil the large plaque. Giving a short speech during the unveiling, the Prince of Wales said “Whenever I come here… I feel my spirits rise and I know the same is true of countless others.” The plaque sits in a stunning park of the Lake District, and Crow Park is actually only a 20 minute drive from our award-winning location, Keswick Reach.

The Lake District has previously been named the most photogenic landscape in Britain, with stunning stretches of open water, lush green scenery, endless forests and some of the tallest mountains in the UK! Joining the World Heritage Site list means being in the company of the world’s most beautiful destinations, including Stonehenge, the Grand Canyon and the Taj Mahal. The Lake District also have many sites of historical importance, including King Arthur’s Round Table, which is around a 40 minute drive from Keswick Reach and is thought to be a Neolithic earthwork henge and the legendary King’s jousting area.

The UK now has 31 World Heritage Sites across the country, from the Giant’s Causeway in North Ireland, as well as the Tower of London which is only a 50 minute train journey from our Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat. The historic city of Bath is also on the list and our own Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is about 2 miles from the city centre, along with our Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat being a short distance from the World Heritage Site of the stunning Canterbury Cathedral.

Being in the heart of the Lake District, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is a popular and luxurious location, which was presented with the Best in Britain 2017 Award at the prestigious Hoseasons Awards in November 2017.

Our five-star, Diamond Award winning destination includes sumptuous accommodation, catering to an intimate weekend getaway with our one-bed lodges or a full family holiday with our larger lodges. We also offer a number of hot tubs, where you can enjoy a soak in the warm water while taking in the atmosphere, and a number of our lodges are also pet friendly, with gates on the outdoor decking for your furbaby to enjoy the surroundings as much as you!

Our stunning facilities include The Copper Fells Restaurant & Bar, which serves mouth-watering main meals and delicious light lunches, as well as stocking the locally produced Lakes’ Gin brand, and offering a programme of live evening entertainment in the bar area. The onsite Ammara Spa offers luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments, including everything from a full body massage and scrub to a relaxing head massage, as well as soothing Jessica Nails hand treatments. Make sure to take some ‘me time’ in the Relaxation Room, which includes a sauna and Jacuzzi  to relax in, and if you’re looking to get fit, try out our state of the art gym, which will have everything you need, including an unrivalled view of your surroundings.

If you’re looking for a holiday break in the World Heritage Site, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is the perfect, luxurious destination for you!

There’s more to Cornwall than beaches, Falmouth is full of fun, family friendly attractions for you to explore and discover at your own pace

Located on the southernmost part of mainland UK, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat offers beautiful surroundings to explore and is ideally placed on the Lizard Peninsula to discover all things to do in South Cornwall. There are endless activities on offer in and around Mullion Cove, here we have listed our top 6 things to do in Cornwall, all are family friendly and fun!

Each attraction has the postcode for your Sat Nav, and the distance in minutes away from Mullion Cove

flambards theme park

Where: TR13 0QA / 20 minutes’ drive

A great family day out no matter the weather, with fantastic theme park rides and fun indoor activities to discover, Flambards is one of the top activities in Cornwall. The adventurous among your group can brave the skies with the fast paced theme park rides, including the Sky-Force, Hornet Rollercoaster or the Skyraker, as well as a whole range of rides to make you scream with laughter. Explore the award-winning indoor attractions at Flambards and travel back in time, where you’ll discover what life was like way back when. In the Victorian Village attraction you can take a trip down memory lane, or learn all about the fascinating Pioneers of Flight, before exploring the fantastic Britain in the Blitz exhibition and learn about the home heroes of World War II. Flambards has everything you could want and is always at the top of the things to do in Cornwall list for all ages!

the chocolate factory & craft centre

Where: TR12 7HB / 8 minute walk
This is a fabulous craft centre to explore for free! Visit The Chocolate Factory and marvel at the skilled chocolatiers tempering the delicious Belgian chocolate, while creating wondrous and mouth-watering chocolate bars, chocolate eggs and chocolate filled truffles, which you can purchase in the shop! You can also purchase skin care products made from local Cornish Honey, the beautiful and natural range is called Honey Cosmetics and has gained a local cult following. The craft enthusiasts in your family will love the Rock, Paper, Scissors Shop, which stocks something for everyone, from stationary and games, to mugs and greeting cards. As well as offering a Make & Take table where customers can create cards, scrapbooks and a whole host of craft activities! Visit the Aladdin’s cave of Cornwall at the Serendipity Shop, where you can find a treasure trove of item’s, including crystals, shells & fossils, jewellery, handmade cards and Tintagel Pottery. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshing drink at the Coffee Shop, before heading out to meet the local resident Llamas. The family of Llamas were born in 2010, in Truro, then moved to the centre to help guard the flock of chickens from the local foxes, they are very friendly and inquisitive animals, who will follow you along your walk and will happily pose for a picture!

paradise park wild sanctuary

Where: TR27 4HB / 35 minutes’ drive
Enjoy a family day out at Paradise Park, which boasts a total of over 650 birds, with 140 different species, from parrots to penguins! You can get up close and personal with the majestic winged friends, by attending the fantastic Eagle Paradise Display show or the Free Flying Bird Show, and don’t miss the fun Penguin Feeding show where you many get the chance to feed them! The littles ones will adore the indoor Jungle Barn Play Centre, with giant slides, a fun soft play area and even a special toddler’s zone, with an adorable ball fountain for the little’s to enjoy! A fantastic family day out in Mullion for all age ranges and interests.

trebah gardens & amphitheatre

Where: TR11 5JZ / 35 minutes’ drive
A stunning Cornish valley garden, with over 4 miles of footpath to explore. Spend the day with your family and friends surrounding yourself with nature, including any fur-babies you may have as Trebah Gardens is dog friendly! Visit the picturesque bridge from the world famous Monet painting before exploring the stunning colourful array of this award-winning landscape. Enjoy a light lunch at the Trebah Kitchen café before discovering the shop. Head into the garden to seek out the Amphitheatre, which hosts a full programme of shows for all ages, including classics such as Punch & Judy and Dr Dolittle, as well as educational plays like Myths and Monsters, or fun stories including The Reluctant Dragon. Trebah Gardens & Amphitheatre is a nature filled, fun thing to do in Cornwall!

lizard lighthouse & heritage centre

Where: TR12 7NT / 17 minutes’ drive
The twin towers of the Lizard Lighthouse mark the most southerly point of mainland UK (and it’s only 20 minutes from Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat). You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the breathtaking views from the top and enjoy a host of interactive displays available. Including, being able to build a foam lighthouse, learn Morse Code and learn all about what it was like working and living as a lighthouse keeper way back when. Built in 1752, the Lizard Lighthouse has been guiding sailors for over 250 years! Enjoy a fun and educations day out, with the added bonus of breathtaking scenery.

pendennis castle

Where: TR11 4NQ / 45 minutes’ drive
Pendennis Castle was built from 1539 to 1545 by King Henry VIII, it was to protect Englad from invasion and it has done its job and protected our shores for over 400 years, with the area seeing action during World War II. Visitors embark on a beautiful and fascinating walk through a complicated history of conflict in Cornwall, with breathtaking and panoramic views to Falmouth and out to open sea.

so many things to do in cornwall

With so much to explore and discover around Falmouth, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is the ideal place to base yourself and your family to explore the local area. With 5 star accommodation, our luxurious lodges offer everything you could want from a holiday home and more.

The Springs Golf Club offers more than a round of golf on a championship golf course, take a look at the fantastic upcoming events in Oxfordshire. Located in Oxfordshire, The Springs Golf Club is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds which provides a breathtaking backdrop for events and special occasions. Here, you can stroll around our 133 acre course and marvel at this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which really showcases the best that the UK has to offer. When you head into the newly refurbished clubhouse, you will also have a wide range of refreshments available to you as well as mouth-watering bar meals to help you recharge your batteries.

The Springs clubhouse offers a beautiful place to host events and we have a list of the upcoming big events which are set to take place here…

• Saturday 3rd Feb – Burns Night
• Sunday 11th Feb – Carvery
• Wednesday 14th Feb – Valentines Dinner
• Friday 2nd March – Quiz Night
• Thursday 8th March – Prosecco Afternoon Tea
• Sunday 11th March – Mothers’ Day Carvery
• Sunday 1st April – Easter Carvery
• Friday 6th April – Steak & Jazz Night
• Friday 13th April – Quiz Night
• Sunday 15th April – Sunday Roast

So if you’re in the Oxfordshire area over this period, make sure to call 01491 827300 to book your place at one of our upcoming events. And don’t forget to keep checking back for more information about our events too!

Get up to £2018 off your dream luxury lodge at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa when you buy before 31st January

You can save some fantastic money when you buy your home away from home at Hawkchurch before 31st January. Our luxurious lodges have £2018 off an our beautiful holiday homes boast £1000 off, as well as site fees being free until March 2019! So if you’re looking for a holiday lodges for sale in Devon, now’s the time to buy!

all about hawkchurch…

The key words at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa are relaxation and peaceful. Nestled in the magical Axe Valey, Hawkchurch offers serenity along the Dorset/Devon boarder, with 5 star facilities and ideally located to explore the local area, including the bustling seaside town of Lyme Regis. Only a short distance from the bustling seaside town, Hawkchuch is known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, where you can explore the sandy beaches and boutique shops of Lyme Regis. Closer to your holiday home, explore the stunning and historic village of Axminster, which dates its history back to the doomsday book.

Hawkchurch offers a peaceful escape in the English countryside, with luxurious 5 star facilities onsite for you to take full advantage them. The facilities include a stunning hydrotherapy pool, hammam-style sauna and luxurious steam room, along with our beautiful Ezina Spa. The onsite spa offers Aromatherapy Associates treatments from fully trained therapists who will help you destress from the daily grind. Indulge in a full body treatment, including a hot stone massage, or opt a rejuvenating facial, which will leave your skin shining. We also offer refreshing Jessica Nails hand treatments, as well as a range of finishing touches, such as waxing and tinting.

After a full day of being pampered, grab a light lunch or a mouth-watering meal at The Beeches Restaurant, then enjoy a drink from our fully stocked bar, while sitting out on our decking area overlooking the stunning Axe Valley.

there’s no place like a second home…

Owning a holiday home means having your very own personal escape in the picturesque Devonshire countryside. Now is the ideal time to purchase your dream holiday home at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa where you can take full advantage of our amazing January sale! You’ll get £2018 off a luxury lodge or £1000 off a holiday home, plus having your site fees free until March 2019, all when you buy before January 31st!

Our wide range of luxurious lodges and gorgeous holiday homes means you are sure to find your perfect home away from home. All our accommodation comes equipped with all the essentials, including fully fitted kitchens with fridge/freezers, ovens and plenty of storage. As well as, spacious open plan living areas, sumptuous sofas and decadent beds, there are also optional luxuries including washer/dryer, dishwasher and statement fireplaces.

We really do have the perfect holiday home for you to escape to, and with our January sale in full swing, now is the time to buy!

why would you want to buy?

If you’re wondering why you would want to buy, think about having as many holidays as you like throughout the year, as opposed to just two abroad a year. And did you know that it’s actually cheaper in the long run?! It only costs 50p per hour for owning and running a holiday home over 10 years, next to the £1.75 for a two week break abroad a year, over the same time.

So why not jump at the chance to own your own holiday home at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa? Save some fantastic funds in our January sale and create your very own personal escape. Talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service for more information, or call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 and book a tour to see what we are all about!

Start your New Year off right

Piran Meadows Resort has everything you could ever need for your home away from home, sandy beaches, lush countryside and endless activities…

This 5 Star rated holiday park has everything you could ever want for a holiday home base, surrounded by the lush Newquay countryside, but still close to the sandy beaches, the local area will give you endless holidays of exploring. On park itself, Piran Meadows has something for everyone, from the relaxing Serenity Spa treatments, the 5 Star facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and stream room, as well as the fantastic Go Active + programme for all the family. If you don’t fancy cooking then pop into the onsite restaurant and bar for a delicious meal and an evening drink.

And now is the best time to book a park tour and see what Piran Meadows is all about, with the newly arriving Ambleside Lodge 2017 Model available for ownership, take a sneak peek at the photos below…

This model never fails to impress with its elegant interior and home from home styling! Feel free to contact our dedicated and friendly Ownership Team via our Live Chat service or call them on 01745858010 for more information

Happy holiday home ownership ladies & gents!

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Indulge in a variety of cuisines all set in the picturesque setting of Cornwall

Sandymouth Holiday Resort is one of three Darwin Escape parks located in the idyllic county of Cornwall.

Set in North Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sandymouth Holiday Resort is just a 15 minute drive from Bude, a seaside town at the heart of the River Neet with plenty of historical landmarks to visit and delicious restaurants to try.

So if you’re wondering where the best place to grab a bite to eat is when you visit, here are our top restaurant suggestions in Bude:

the bank

This quirky restaurant situated alongside the River Neet aims to bring the best taste of Spanish cuisine to Cornwall.
The Bank is ideal for those looking to experience a new culinary experience with plenty of flavour, offering both an eat-in or take-out option.
So whether you’re searching for an evening to share and enjoy a selection of tasty dishes or you’re looking to taste the Spanish flavours from paellas, fish platters and seafood and lobster specials, this restaurant is the place to go to bring the ‘fiesta’ back to your dining experience.

rosie’s kitchen

Rosie’s Kitchen offers a beachside family-run café, perfect for those looking to visit somewhere with a bustling atmosphere and picturesque seaside views.
All food is cooked fresh to order from sizzling fajitas classic to wood fired pizzas and Thai style fishcakes, using local produce where possible. For those who have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delicious desserts on offer including lemon meringue and toffee crunch sundaes and a peanut butter stack. They also offer a selection of Gerry’s Original Cornish Ice Creams and sorbet made just 21 miles from Rosie’s Kitchen itself.

the deck

Known for their signature hanging skewers, The Deck has a lot to offer in terms of delicious mouth-watering menu options.
Choose from The Deck’s popular skewers and pick either a seafood, chicken and chorizo, surf and turf or vegetables and halloumi and then choose which flavour of butter to brush it up with, whether it be hot, sweet chilli or garlic and citrus. There are also a range of burgers to select from, Deck mussels, steak and a range of ‘Deck bites’ for those who fancy a taste of a couple of dishes.

the crow’s nest

Located at Darwin Escape’s Sandymouth Holiday Resort, The Crow’s Nest, has a range of delicious and appetising menus, an entertainment area and a beautifully furnished bar area.
A range of mid-week specials are on offer which include pizza and pasta night, to pie and a pint night and steak night. There is also an opportunity to grab a delicious Sunday Roast from 12pm to 4pm each Sunday.
The Crow’s Nest caters for all and creates a relaxing and friendly environment for individuals, couples and families – a perfect dining experience to make your holiday in Bude memorable.

the coffee pot

This gem of a café is set in the heart of the shopping area of Bude and is the ideal place to stop off for a spot of lunch or a sweet treat and drink.
The Coffee Pot is well-known for its Cornish cream tea and delicious range of lunchtime snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes. It is just a short walk from the beach so whether you’re looking to quell your appetite or just warm up with a hot drink after a long walk, The Coffee Pot is for you.

olive tree bude

Situated alongside Bude’s picturesque canal, The Olive Tree has plenty on offer for those looking for a bite to eat in a picturesque location.
This hidden Cornish gem offers a taste of the county serving a range of Cornish produce from breakfast through to dinner including a range of Cornish beers and gins. With a team of talented local chefs who can cook up a range of delicious meals from baked Cornish brie, lemon sole or toasted mackerel on toasted sourdough, The Olive Tree gives you a chance to sample the local cuisine.
With a cosy interior and an option for alfresco dining this restaurant will leave you spoilt for choice.

life’s a beach

Life’s a Beach, which has a speciality for seafood, boasts a veranda which overlooks Summerleaze beach in Bude with stunning views and outdoor seating for those wanting to take in the sea air whilst they dine.
In the day the restaurant is transformed into a useful facility for Summerleaze beachgoers providing a beach shop, a café and ice cream parlour. From 7pm the restaurant is opened for those wanting to watch the sun go down whilst eating quality local produce.

elements café bar and restaurant

For those looking for a taste of Italian cuisine, look no further than Elements Café Bar and Restaurant serving food and drinks all day from a modern Italian menu.
Opening every day from 10am, Elements offers stunning sea views thanks to its high up location on a cliff top between Bude and Widemouth Bay. A daily specials menu featuring fish from the local catch of the day is on offer at Elements alongside a breakfast, lunch/snacks and dinner menu giving you plenty to choose from.

indulge at one of best restaurants in bude

So if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Bude make sure to visit these wonderful places first!

Book your holiday in Sandymouth today to indulge in a delicious lunch or local seafood or a taste of Spanish cuisine… whatever your taste, there will be something to satisfy your cravings in this picturesque seaside location of Bude.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bude?

Devon is famous for its beaches, and we have the top picks close to Beach Cove for you to discover!

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is nestled on the Cliffside of Hele Bay, overlooking the stunning beach and ocean. During the warmer months you can enjoy a relaxing day spent on the beautiful shingle beach, or relax in your beach hut style accommodation and marvel at the breathtaking views during the colder seasons.
Devon is infamous for stunning beaches, so here at Darwin Escapes HQ, we thought we would compile a list of the best beaches in North Devon you can explore during your stay with at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat…

combe martin beach

Located less than 10 minutes from Beach Cove, Combe Martin Beach is set in a beautiful location, being surrounded by the highest sea cliffs in England and is a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A mixture of shingle and pebbles, the beach turns into sandy-goodness the closer to the water you travel, it is a popular place for a wild-water swim as the cove is protected from very strong currents or waves. For those who like to keep their feet on dry land, there are an abundance of rock pools to explore around the beach too.

woolacombe beach

At 20 minutes away from Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, Woolacombe Beach is one of the best beaches in Devon with several miles of golden sand, and is again an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is very popular with the surfing community, so if you’re looking to catch a wave, Woolacombe is perfect for you.

hartland quay beach

A little further afield, at just over an hour away from Beach Cove, Hartland Quay is well worth the trip. A small pebble and rock beach along the stunning Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, and is known for the spectacular surrounding scenery. The picturesque beach is famous for the stinking and imposing cliffs towering over the beach, these Cliffside’s are not only awe-inspiring but are interesting to the geological community, with jagged shapes and layered forms. On the beach you can discover rock pools, waterfalls and wildlife in the area. Visit the nearby Hartland Quay Museum and learn all about the legends and history of shipwrecks and even smuggling in Devon!

woody bay

Just over half an hour away from Beach Cove, the walk down to this visually stunning cove is just as delightful as the beach itself, during the walk you will zig-zag through the beautiful woods and pass some very humorous signage along the way. This stunningly imposing cove is along the rugged Exmoor coastline, and is backed by heavily wooded and breathtakingly beautiful cliffs.

hele bay

Hele Bay is only a two minute walk from your beautiful beach hut style accommodation, and is a sand and shingle beach waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Located next to the picturesque Hillsborough Nature Reserve, you can enjoy the beautiful walk to the top of the cliff to overlook the cove and the whole of Beach Cove Coastal Retreat.

Beach Cove has one of the best beaches in Devon right on its doorstep, and located close to many more, making your holiday in Devon as beach – filled as you’d like! If you’re looking for a romantic holiday in Devon, Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is the perfect destination for you, with our beach hut style accommodation housing everything you could need under one roof, including sumptuous king size beds and luxurious hot tubs.

Book your holiday at Beach Cove today and start exploring Devon’s beach beaches

Think of exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and you probably think of trips to the beach and cliff-top walks to see the famous arch of Durdle Door. However, for the more adventurous, there is another way to explore.

For a real bucket-list experience you can join a kayak tour of the Jurassic Coast and paddle right from Lulworth Cove along the coastline to Man O’War Bay, and through the arch of Durdle Door.

Kayaking through Durdle Door had been on my ‘to-do’ list for quite a while, and that eagerness showed when I arrived at Lulworth Cove at 8:15am, a full 30 minutes before the arranged meeting time. It seemed that the entire village was still asleep at this time and despite walking up and down the main streets for a while on the lookout for a cafe or coffee shop, nothing was yet open and I would have to wait until after the trip for a proper cup of coffee. I sat near the beach to kill some time before my trip began, it was beautifully peaceful with not another person around in the picturesque cove.

At 8:45 I made my way to the meeting point at the Jurassic Coast Activities HQ near the main town car park. I was told that today was a quiet day for the kayak tour and only three other people would be joining the tour. I was quite pleased about that, a smaller group can move further and faster and hopefully see more of the coast. I was given a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket and was pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. As I was getting changed I could hear that the other three people had arrived as well. We would soon be on our way.

After the typical formalities of introductions and safety briefings we followed our guide outside and picked up our kayaks. As there were four of us we would be using two-man kayaks for the trip. We wheeled them down to the beach and were in the water within minutes.

In the protection of the cove the water was calm and the paddling easy, but the weather was on the turn and as we reached open water the wind was strong and the swell seemed to lift us and drop us every few seconds.

My initial excitement turned to nervousness for a few minutes as some sizeable waves hit the kayak and rocked us from side to side. I wondered how big these waves would need to be to flip our kayak over and dump us in the sea but our guide seemed unconcerned so I soon settled down. We made good progress along the coast and the opening into Lulworth Cove was soon out of sight. The paddling felt like hard work at times, most of my kayaking experience came from lakes where there are no waves, swells or currents to contend with.

Within a few minutes our guide signalled to a small hole in the cliff face, known as Stair Hole, we paddled through the hole and found a small cove on the other side, almost hidden from the sea. We stopped for a few minutes while our guide pointed out the Lulworth Crumple, layers and layers of limestone that made up the edges of the cove and made this area so geologically important. It was a great experience to be able to paddle right into this cove and get so close to these limestone features.

On the way out of the cove we paddled into a small cave that extended a few metres into the rock. It was dark and narrow, just wide enough for a kayak. We had to hold our paddles parallel to the kayak and use our hands to push ourselves deeper and then use the same method of pushing off the rock overhead to get back out. You would never know this cave was there unless you were on a kayak, it was hidden from land and far too small for any other kind of boat to venture in.

We continued along the coastline, heading towards Man O’War Bay. The weather had really changed by this point and the clear skies of the morning were being replaced with thick cloud. The wind had picked up and the paddling was hard work. We knew that Durdle Door wasn’t too far away though and for all of us, that was going to be the highlight of the trip.

We stopped in Man O’War bay for a quick rest, we pulled the kayaks up onto the beach and drank water and ate a chocolate biscuit each for energy. As we sat and rested we watched a Peregrine Falcon flying high above us, they nest on the cliff tops here and explain why there aren’t too many seabirds to be spotted in this location.

Reenergised and raring to go, we jumped back in our kayaks and paddled hard to get out of the cove against the waves, our hard work was rewarded almost instantly and Durdle Door was within sight. We paddled closer and stopped to take photos and turn on our GoPros. This was what we were here for.

There are many ways to explore Dorset, there are dozens of clifftop walks and coastal trails you can follow, but if you’re feeling adventurous paddling through Durdle Door and exploring the caves and geological features of the area is highly recommended. If you’ve got a bucket list, you should be adding this to it and making plans to tick it off.

For more information on booking a kayak tour visit

By Rob Haggan

We like to say a huge thank you to Rob for his wonderful guest post about the Jurassic Coast! If you’d like to book your own adventure and stay in luxurious accommodation, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is waiting for you!

Happy Adventuring!

Photo Credits: Jurassic Coast Activities

In the heart of the Lake District you can indulge in delicious meals from a never ending array of restaurants on offer

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is brand new for December 2016 and offers utter luxury throughout the park, from the delicious onsite restaurant, The Copper Fells to the complete relaxation of our Ammara Spa offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments.

If you’re like me and just love food, Keswick Reach is the ideal place to base yourself to take a tour of the best restaurants in the area.

Here are our top 5 places to eat in Keswick…

the Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

The Lingholm Kitchen boasts delicious locally sourced food, including artisan breads and home backed cakes, with a passion for real barista coffee and housing an extensive range of loose leaf tea is all on offer at this quirky eatery. Offering a blend of traditional and healthy dishes, The Lingholm Kitchen aims to offer the best day-time eating experience in Keswick, and you won’t be disappointed with beautiful breakfasts, luscious lunches and decadent afternoon tea all on offer for a wonderful day out in beautiful surroundings. The kitchen is also home to a fantastic shop selling Cumbrian artisan products, from cards, gifts, art to craft beers. Don’t miss the magical Walled Garden area, which was the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in Beatrix Potter’s, The Tale of Peter Rabbit! Enjoy everything from a cuppa to a full meal here.

the Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie

This beautiful restaurant is exclusive to our guests here at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, where you can indulge in a mouth-watering meal at our formal eating area, serving sumptuous starters, delicious main meals and decadent desserts. There is also a light lunch menu on offer if you’re interested in a quick re-fuel before exploring the local area. Choose a mouth-watering steak while enjoying views of the rolling mountains and if the weather is on your side take your meal to the decking area and take in the scenery around you. Relax in the rustic lounge area, next to the wood burner fire with a drink from our fully stocked bar, with locally brewed beverages, including the Lakes Distillery whiskey and gin offerings. Dogs are welcome in the lounge area and, of course, on the decking, but not in the formal dining space.

the Square Orange Café & Bar

A hidden gem of the Lake District, a continental café that specialises in perfectly brewed coffee and beautifully stone-baked pizzas. There is also a fully stocked bar for a wonderful evening at this quirky find with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in freshly roasted coffee, ethically sourced loose leaf tea or a weak-at-the-knees hot chocolate all on offer. The stone-baked pizzas are a huge hit with the locals and holiday guests alike, cooked from 6pm – 9pm on weekdays, as well as 12 – 3pm on weekends. Enjoy the delicious homemade soup, mouth-watering panini or sumptuous tapas! There is something for everyone here, along with being very dog friendly, there is even a selection of board games to settle in for a quiet and rainy afternoon.

the Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant

Having been redeveloped and upgraded in 2013, The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant offers a delicious day menu, from a full Cumbrian breakfast to a beautiful brunch and an all-day fried breakfast option. For lunch why not indulge in a freshly backed pizza or homemade soup from the day menu. Pre-book a delicious afternoon tea where you can indulge in homemade fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, delicious cake and freshly made sandwiches. Visit the onsite bakery section to take some tasty goodness home with you too! Located next to the Derwentwater Lake, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking surrounding scenery.

Bar Metro: American Grill & Coffee House

An American themed family friendly diner in the heart of the Lake District, serving delicious Tex Mex style food. All food is locally sourced from Cumbria, a diner where the burgers are made from scratch and all BBQ meats are flame grilled in the stylish kitchen. There is a light bite menu on offer, but the stars of the show are the mouth-watering ribs, steaks and burgers, all freshly cooked to perfection. A range of desserts include sundae’s pancakes and home backed apple pie, as well as a variety of shakes on offer, with an option for alcoholic shakes too! You’ll meet Bunty, Bar Metro’s resident dog, and being a dog friendly restaurant don’t hesitate to take your own fur-babies along!

So what are you waiting for? Why not book your luxurious lodge accommodation at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat now and explore the breathtaking beauty and mouth-watering meals on offer in this stunning region.

Book your holiday in Keswick Reach today and discover the beautiful food on offer, the relaxation area, state of the art gym and sumptuous spa all on site, while staying top of the range, luxurious lodge accommodation and being surrounded by the rolling mountains of the Lake District.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in Keswick?