The world famous Babbacombe Model Village is magical at day and night, and having featured on the BBC programme ‘the village’ it just keeps on growing…

You can feel like a giant for the day at Babbacombe Model Village as you explore 4 acres of award winning gardens. The attraction has appeared on TV on numerous occasions, including on The One Show with their bird cameras, and also on The Graham Norton Show for Eastenders 30th birthday with the ‘Little Enders’ miniature set of the long running British soap. This is a miniature world that captures everyone’s imagination!

You will find lots of sound and animation, with some fantastic British humour helping bring the small world to life, with loads of hidden secrets an wonderful characters to explore you can stroll through taking your time and see what you discover.

Visit the miniature fishing village, or the famous Stonehenge and the new miniature Paignton Zoo, with miniature giraffes, turtles, elephants and even the wonderful keepers! New for 2016 the Village Green is getting a makeover, introducing the new picturesque village canal featuring charming narrow boats to top off the peaceful and idyllic scene. Also new this year is the fantastic Celebrity Mansion, the display will be hosting many celebs and events, who will be there when you visit? The Mansion will be opening late May in time for the school holidays with a fitting X Factor style garden party, why not pop along and spot your favourite famous faces in miniature?

Don’t miss out on the fun evening illuminations, every Thursday, the village is transformed and enabling you to see the models inside as well as out! Also after a long day feeling like a giant, grab a bite to eat to fabulous Gulliver’s Travels Café and Shop!

The next time you’re staying with us at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa have a fabulous day out at Babbacombe Model Village!

Welcome to this month’s Hidden Britain post lovely readers! Let’s explore the stunning coast of North Cornwall and North Devon and find the hidden gems in and around beautiful Bude!

The Cornwall/Devon border is one of the most popular locations in the UK, it can sometimes be rushed and busy, however there is a beautiful unhurried charm about Bude. Our own Sandymouth Holiday Resort is located in Bude and offers a wonderful traditional family holiday atmosphere. With a fantastic family entertainment’s programme and great facilities, including a large indoor heated swimming pool, air conditioned and state of the art gym, and family activities to enjoy like our own football field. Even with all this going on you may still want to venture out and sample the local scenery, well I’m here to help you find those little gems off the beaten path…

Read on to find a few hidden gems of beautiful Bude below…

Docton Mill – the best cream tea in North Devon

This award winning RHS Partner garden, tea room and mill is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year. The Docton Mill, the leat, head weir and terrace have all been traced back to Saxon times, around 750AD, at the time it would have been promoting the relatively new technology of water-powered milling. The Mill continued to work for hundreds of years supplying local bakers with flower, ceasing to trade in 1910 it became a private house and in the mid 1930’s was modified to generate electricity and continued to supply the town with electricity until the 1950’s! The current owners purchased the mill in 1977 and gave it a massive overhaul, bringing it up to the 20th Century and beyond; the gardens were extended, adding the new and magical woodland gardens, the beautiful stream gardens and peaceful greenhouse areas, winners of the Gold Medal Award Flower Gardens. The Tea Room is equally as popular, winning Best Cream Tea in Devon and Best Tea Room in North Devon, serving local and homemade produce, such as soups, pasties, cakes and delicious desserts. With its beautiful wood burning stove, award-winning Devon Cream Teas, stunning garden terrace and wonderful range of loose leaf teas, you will be in heaven with the friendly and welcome service.

Pencarrow House – fascinating family history

Surrounded by outstanding garden the Pencarrow House has been occupied by the Molesworth family, and their descendants, since Elizabethan times, approached by a magnificent mile-long carriage drive, through an Iron Age hill fort you can feel the history surrounding everything. There was a period in the 20th Century where the house and gardens were left inhabited and overgrown, before being taken on by the current owners Lieutenant Colonel Sir Arscott and Lady Molesworth St Abyn, who spent decades reclaiming the gardens from the overgrown state and lovingly bringing it back to full beauty. Open to the public since the 1970’s, a guided tour around the 50 room Georgian mansion reveals a fascinating collection of antique furniture and paintings, the gardens include a large Victorian rock garden and ice house, with 50 acres of parkland, a lake and magical woodland. Today, the family inhabits one wing of the house, while the rest is a window to the past, the gardens are a combination of formal landscaping and woodland walks, with the Peacock Café on hand for a bite to eat and a cuppa!

the Tree Inn – music, food and friendly atmosphere

This former Manor House is one of the oldest and most historic inns in Cornwall, The Tree Inn dates back to the 13th Century and is situated around a beautiful courtyard. The restaurant is stunning with its ceiling beamed with timbers from ships wrecked on the local coast, and 13th Century Galleon, the gallery above is ideal for more intimate dinning and the Bevil Bar has a beautiful flagstone floor and a wood burner that creates a wonderful warm and welcoming atmosphere on those winter days and nights. On those days where the weather is on your side you can enjoy a delicious meal in the glorious court yard, soaking up the warmth in the natural suntrap. The Tree Inn offers modern British pub food, with locally sauced produce, a stunning Sunday carvery, selection of cask ales, draught ciders, as well as local bottled ciders. Live music is played every Friday night, with the house band playing traditional folk music, along with the blues from The Tree Dogs, and foot-tapping bluegrass from the Smoky Mountain Boys and visits from the ever-popular local Lifeboat Singers! Why not drop in and say hello to Bob & Emma the landlords, as well as the resident furry friends Bella & Brodie, and the stunning Cassie the cat, friendly atmosphere and fantastic food!

Port Isaac – breath taking scenery

Port Isaac is a place of pure beauty, a real coastal small town to marvel at, whilst losing your breath walking up those steep hills! It was a busy coastal port with an active harbour, where cargoes like stone, coal and pottery were traded, from the Middle Ages to the mid 19th Century, most of the old centre of the village is 18th and 19th Century cottages, many of which are officially listed architectural and of historical importance. Port Isaac’s beauty has graced the TV screen a number of times, frequently used as a set for Poldark, but is probably most popularly known as the fictional Port Wenn for Martin Clunes’ hit TV show Doc Martin, where Clunes’ tactless manner causes mayhem in the small Cornish community. With tourism becoming an increasing factor for the village, traditional jobs such as fishing and fish processing are taking more of a backseat, you can now book fishing and scenic boating trips from the harbour. The village was first registered as a fishing village in 1340, with its sheltered harbour, on an otherwise inhospitable coastline offering refuge to many boats and ships. Take a trip to Port Isaac and walk the street that Doc Martin does, see the stunning scenery for yourselves and navigate the narrow alleys and steep hillsides.

Tintagel Castle – King Arthur’s legend

One other place to visit while in Bude would be the stunning Tintagel Castle, located on the breath taking Tintagel headland, this castle is forever associated with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sometimes named as King Arthur’s birth place, but built by King Richard’s brother, Henry the Third in 1225, the castle became a tangled mixture of folklore and legend. Immerse yourself in the history, myths and stunning scenery on this rocky eminence battered by the sea.

So next time you are visiting us at Sandymouth Holiday Home Park venture to these hidden gems and let me know all about your adventure!

Happy adventuring kings and queens!

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With 16 luxury UK holiday destinations, 8 of which offer holiday home ownership, Darwin Escapes are sure to have a location that fits your needs perfectly!

And now, we are adding to our holiday resort portfolio with the beautiful Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat in the stunning Lake District! This luxury location is currently undergoing a major redevelopment to turn it from the tired touring and camping park into a sure to be mouth watering, secluded and stunning resort! Keep your eyes peeled for updates on our latest development in the coming months!

Keep an eye out for information, we will share development news as soon as we have it for you to feast your eyes on!

A beautiful place, lost in history, go along and explore one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England

Located only 30 minutes away from our stunning Piran Meadows Resort & Spa, in the heart of the Cornish countryside the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan is a must see for all ages. Steeped in the local history this 200 acre estate has a fascinating story through the ages, with magical woodlands to offer, exotic flowers that have been planted on the grounds centuries ago.

over 400 years of history

The gardens were purchased by the Tremayne family in 1569, and the current owners are decedents of the same family, meaning that it has been a part of the family for over 400 years.The current owners have meticulously researched the history and have created a wonderful timeline of the estate. They found that the outbreak of World War I was actually the start of the demise of the estate as most of the workers were deployed to fight the war, and many sadly never returned.

revival of romance

The gardens were sold in the 1970s with Heligan house sold and split into private apartments. After decades of neglect a devastating hurricane in 1990 resulted in the gardens almost being lost to history. The romance of its history took hold of the owners imagination and they set about restoring the gardens and house to its former glory. They then discovered a tiny room in the corner of one the walled gardens, the historic Thunderbox Room, and etched into the limestone above the door was the motto “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber”, along with the names of gardeners who have signed. It was dated August 1914 – a true message from history that could have been lost in the rubble if not for the passion and keen eye of the wonderful owners. It sparked their interest and pushed them to make the gardens the best they could.

breath taking natural beauty

Having different styles of Gardens gives you a choice of where you want to visit, the Productive gardens are a living window into the past. The restoration of the Victorian Productive Garden is award winning and acts as a living memorial to the Lost Gardens, see how they used to work.

Visit Cornwall’s only outdoor Jungle, it plays host to luxuriant foliage, outstanding trees and exotic plantings, and inspiring views from one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain. You will get a totally different perspective from the bridge while adventuring through the tropical gardens, marvel at the giant rubarb plants, the stunning banana plantations and magical ponds.

Visit the Giants Woodland Adventure, the ancient woodland pathways were initially created 200 years ago, with many of the flora coming from this time period too. You can discover the iconic sculptures like the Giant’s Head, the Mud Maid and the Grey Lady, see the path come to life as these woodland sculptures show themselves out of the beautiful natural landscape. The Lost Valley offers enchanting ponds and exquisite wildflowers, and the floor is carpeted with Bluebells during the spring time, don’t miss out on the Charcoal Sculpture made by James Eddy, depicting growth and decay.

The Pleasure Grounds offer unusual range of romantic structures and unexpected features, all linked by a network of historic pathways, the beautiful trees and flora that line the paths will take your breath away. Also look out for the fascinating Witches Broom here, a dark green growth from the ancient Douglas’ trunk, a genetic mutation that is extraordinarily popular amongst bonsai enthusiast and of course witches.

There is an abundance of wildlife, see the magical Barn Owls, catch a glimpse of the fascinating Badgers and take a peak at the insect hotel and the honeybee observation hive. Make sure that you go and meet Diggory, the selfie-loving resident scarecrow! Don’t forget to visit the farm and see the cute Tamworth pigs and piglets, as well as the stunning sheep being reared on site too, everyone loves farm animals!

So why not drop into The Lost Gardens of Heligan and visit a piece of history that we almost lost. The beautiful scenery, stunning wildlife and fantastic sculptures will have you returning time and again

So you’ve booked to go on a self catering holiday and are struggling for ideas of what to eat, I’m here to help!

All Darwin Escapes luxury holiday homes and lodges come equipped with stunning and fully functioning kitchens (no fake cupboards or stick on buttons here folks!), we have ovens, microwaves, hobs and even dishwashers to help clean up after. A self catering holiday dream!

So that’s all the equipment sorted, now what about the meals? Well we have the bases covered for that too, this blog has the top 5 easiest (and tastiest) things to make in a holiday home. But remember, most Darwin Escapes locations do have mouth watering restaurants to visit too, so you don’t have to cook if you don’t want to. But if you do…

Then read on and see what recipe tickles your taste buds…

tuna pasta bake

What you’ll need: pasta, tuna, cheese (broccoli, courgette and tomato if you like them)

My favourite dish made by my lovely mum! And what’s not to love? Pasta, easy to make on the state of the art hob, tuna and cheese (I am such a cheese fiend!). It’s super easy to make, stick it all in the dish, grate a bit more cheese on top, and let it cook in the oven for 20 – 30 minutes. The BBC have a great step by step recipe for this tunatastic (har de har) dish!

chicken fajitas

What you’ll need: tortillas, chicken, peppers, onion, salsa & mayo

Fajitas in general are pretty versatile (and fun to say), but chicken ones are my favourite. You can add pretty much anything you like, so I have peppers, onion, a bit of lettuce, a dash of salsa and then some mayo to cool it all down. I sometimes cook the chicken in a spice so it’s a bit more tasty too (I say ‘I cook’, that’s code for the hubby cooks…). Simply Recipes has a great variation too, and it comes with step by step instructions (with photos). Throw it all into a pan and eat with your hands…my kind of meal!

turkey stir fry

What you’ll need: turkey, carrot, baby sweetcorn, veg & soy sauce

Again a super easy dish that you can add anything to, but I like turkey. It’s really quick and easy to cook, stick it all in a pan and you’re pretty much done, I love the fresh egg noodles, but that’s personal choice, you can get them dry too. You can also get a pre-packaged stir fry veg if you didn’t want to make it all from scratch. The Netmums have a fantastic stir fry recipe!

homemade pizza

What you’ll need: Base – flour, butter, egg & milk. Toppings – BBQ/tomato sauce, cheese and mixed herbs

Okay so this can go two ways. You can make your pizza completely from scratch, including the dough base if you wanted to, or you can buy a base and create your own toppings (or for healthy fiends, try some pitta bread). Guess which one I would choose? Pizza’s are amazingly easy to make when you get down to it though, and you can add literally anything you want to on top. Once my hubby put BBQ sauce as the base – totally delicious, I love spinach and goats cheese as my toppings. They normally only take around 20 minutes to cook as well, super quick! The Netmums have another great recipe for this!

bbq

What you’ll need: meat, corn on the cob, jacket potatoes

This is a super simple meal to do. You just pick up any kind of meat you like, some bread buns, a corn on the cob or two and maybe a jacket potato if you fancy it. Stick it all on the BBQ and bob’s your uncle (if he really is then wahey!) you have a ready made meal. And don’t worry if your holiday home is not equipped with a BBQ, the shops sell disposable ones now-a-days so pick that up the same time as the food! Sorted. Tasty food, smells delicious and enjoying it in the sunshine, what could be better?

So that’s the top 5 easiest caravan meals, was your favourite dish in there?

If you are heading off to one of Darwin Escapes UK holiday resorts and thinking of cooking for yourself, I hope this has come in handy. And if you don’t want to cook for yourself? We have you covered with many of our locations having their own Darwin Escapes restaurants on-park, check out this blog post here to learn more about them!

Happy Cooking Guys and Dolls!

Disclaimer: Most, but not all, accommodations have all the equipment mentioned. Some resorts don’t allow BBQ’s, please check before firing it up!

So my lovely readers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, are you all ready and prepared for the love festival of the year?!

No? Well no fear, Darwin Escapes are here (and we rhyme, yay!) to help you plan your perfect Valentine’s Day! We have everything covered in this post, from stunning accommodation for a lovely weekend away and a romantic evening meal (I will be dining with Hugo and Bella, my two loving puppies…), to activities, as fun or relaxing as you choose. So if you aren’t feeling too sick from all the mushiness, keep on reading and let’s plan that perfect Valentine’s Day!

accommodation – fall in love all over again

If you are deciding to get away for Valentine’s Day, as most people would like to, it is the perfect excuse for a long weekend break. Looking for a romantic break by the beach? Our adorable beach huts at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, on the coast of Devon, are fast becoming the romance capital of the UK. Right on the doorstep of Hele Bay, the charming beach huts have brilliant views of the bay, private decking areas and even some hot tubs!

If you wanted to travel to the beautiful Isle of Wight why not visit our stunning Woodside Coastal Retreat. With great views of the Solent and surrounded by glorious woodland you can lose yourself in the nature and relax in this most romantic setting. The luxury lodges will have everything you need for a self-catering Valentine’s weekend away, with all the modern conveniences like dishwashers and washing machines (as great as these are, who is doing their washing on Valentine’s Day…oh right, me). But also the luxuries like DVD players for that cosy night in, maybe with a bottle of wine.

activities – as active or relaxed as you want

Are you the envious adventurous couple? Love to climb mountains and go running? Well Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa could be the perfect place for you this Valentines, with amazing Go Active and target shooting activities on offer at the park. Or scale the 3 mile Cheddar Gorge and see the magical Wooky Hole! There is so much to offer at Cheddar Woods for the active couples out there!

Looking for a city escape, but without the hustle and bustle of a city centre? Bath Mill Lodge Retreat can offer everything you need for a romantic city break, being only a few miles out from the historic City of Bath. It’s nestled and secluded in a beautiful woodland area, with the picturesque Newton Mill Brook meandering through the resort. The sound of the water will relax you and add that special ambience to your Valentine’s Day.

Looking to relax and reconnect? Our brand new Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is the perfect stop for you this long weekend break. With our own Ezina Spa offering the most luxurious spa treatments, from fantastic facials to relaxing full body massages. You will feel the stress slip away as you reconnect, take a dip in the glorious Hydrotherapy pool, heated to a higher temperature and proven to release tension in your muscles. This will be the most relaxing and luxurious Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had.

restaurants – luxurious food in a romantic setting

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is fast becoming the relaxing capital of the UK, with so much on offer to relieve your stress, The Beeches is the perfect place to whet your appetite, with an eloquent and mouth-watering menu on offer there is sure to be something to tickle your taste buds here.

Our mouth-watering and award-winning restaurant Signatures, owned and run by Executive Chef Jimmy, and talented wife Louise, will be there to open the doors and spoil you this Valentines. Placed on the North Wales coast, a stone’s throw away from the Conwy Morfa beach, you can have a taste of the Aberconwy Experience, our exclusive owners-only resort and spa will have you wishing for the finer things in life. Aberconwy Resort & Spa is perfect for a lovely meal in a romantic and opulent setting.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, in the heart of Somerset, has a picturesque setting and The Brook Bar & Bistro is set alongside the meandering Newton Mill Brook. You can sit by the brook and listen to the water slip past, while enjoying a delicious meal, or if the weather is a bit on the chillier side (it is February guys…) you can enjoy your mouth watering dish in the 300 year old converted water mill.

Or if you are taking a country break in Surrey at our beautiful Tilford Woods, why not pop around the corner from the park and visit The Duke of Cambridge for your romantic meal out? Famous for it’s very warm welcome, with it’s heated patio room and cosy fires, this is a fantastic farmhouse pub. Enjoy your Valentine’s meal here, have a few drinks after and soak up the friendly atmosphere!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day (myself and the hubby will be spending it with the pooches!) and a lovely weekend away if that’s what you have chosen to do! Let me know anything you got up to on social media, I love to hear your stories!

Happy Adventuring Love Birds!

I can sum-up my week at Piran Meadows in one word – ‘Wow’!

You’re probably looking for a bit more than that though…let me explain; I work for Darwin Escapes and I was lucky enough to bag a last-minute break at Piran Meadows Resort and Spa in Cornwall in early July. It is not your average ‘holiday park’. Piran Meadows Resort and Spa have raised the bar – this was the best caravan holiday either myself or my partner of us had ever been on.

wow – the welcome was warm and bubbly (literally)

wow – the accommodation was out of this world

We stayed in the Padstow Elegance and it has EVERYTHING you could ever need for a self-catering break including coffee machine, WiFi, picnic basket and PS4!

wow – the facilities were fantastic

We were spoilt for choice with the golf simulator, bowling and activities available. We thought we might be a little old for Splash Zone, but it did look like fun! We played pool countless times and I was a very gracious loser, politely carrying on as I was thrashed in every game!

wow – fantastic food

We ate in The View Bistro only one night at the end of the week and wished we hadn’t waited so long! The lamb burger was delicious and the rump steak was incredible – the best I’ve ever tasted, and as the weather was fantastic, we enjoyed it on the terrace (We know why it’s called ‘The View’ – we enjoyed the vista as we tucked into our meals.)

wow – Cornwall has some fantastic places to discover!

Being located in the heart of Cornwall, near to Newquay, we were able to get out and discover some fantastic beaches and attractions during our stay. We’d recommend beautiful Port Isaac, charming Mevagissey and no trip to the seaside is complete without Fish and Chips, so we headed to Rick Stein’s takeaway in Padstow; it was pricey, we had to wait a while and the chips ok, but the fish was absolutely outstanding. Mmmmmmmmmmm…I can’t find the words …the delicious batter has to be tasted to be believed.

wow – peaceful evenings

As I said before, it’s not your traditional holiday park. Though we went as a couple, we’d say it’s perfect for families with lots to do, but the resort doesn’t offer your usual bingo/cabaret/children’s character-type entertainment. For us that was a plus; but others might be looking for this. We found a peaceful drink in the evening, a board game in the caravan or a game of pool much more enjoyable!

We wish we could have stayed longer as we didn’t have time to go in the swimming pool (just the sauna and steam room – wow!) or try out the activities; plus there’s so much to do right on your doorstep – we didn’t even have time to visit nearby Newquay.

travel tip

Last minute deals are great for grabbing a bargain (we booked 2 weeks before) but there’s rarely any ‘premier’ accommodation left. These have a private outdoor hot tub, which would have been the icing on the, already fabulous, cake.

I’m looking forward to my next Darwin Escape!

book your stay at Piran Meadows

Britain is a country full of variety, just like a biscuit barrel, with everything from rugged coastlines and golden beaches to rolling hills and skyscraping mountains. I know, you think I’m crazy so let me explain my analogy further…

So you may have read the title of my latest blog and thought “what is this about” and how can anybody compare Britain to a Barrel of Biscuits? Well it’s simple really, Britain as a collection of nations has such a wide breadth of landscapes, cultures and characteristics to offer.

In this post I’m going to try and explain my logic a bit further so you can really understand why the likes of Devon can be comparable to the classic Custard Cream and how Cornwall can be loosely tied back to the family favourite Jammie Dodger. To help bring a sense of reason to the article I will start “up north”, from England’s largest National Park, The Lake District and progress my journey South, rummaging deep into the biscuit barrel to finally reach The Isle of Wight.

region: the Lake District – biscuit: shortbread

My journey begins in The Lake District, which is one of the most amazing parts of the United Kingdom. 16.4 million visitors a year travel from all corners of the globe to experience the unique natural beauty that was formed by the actions of glaciers and meltwater, in a process taking 500 million years. This process has sculpted a landscape perfect for adventure seekers, keen walkers and an array of outdoor activities. It goes without saying, but The Lake District is full of spectacular walking routes with my personal favourite being the Buttermere to Rannerdale (3 miles). So how does this relate back to shortbread I hear you say? Well, one of the world’s most famous shortbread brands is aptly named Walkers Shortbread! Created in 1898 by Joseph Walker, it is now known as the finest shortbread in the world. Nothing quite beats a bit of the Scottish delicacies to keep you energised whilst exploring the endless walking routes of The Lake District.

region: North Wales – biscuit: digestive

So now we’ve stimulated our appetite with a heart-warming piece of shortbread it’s time to dig a little deeper south. My next destination, on the mouth-watering map of Britain, is the beautifully diverse region of North Wales. With over 200 miles of coastline, the highest mountain in Wales, age defying castles and fantastic tourist attractions, North Wales has an array of hidden gems that is sure to cater for every taste and age. This great variety and ability to satisfy all preferences makes North Wales the ever reliable digestive biscuit in our barrel of Britain. There is logic behind the madness so please let me explain… The digestive is a mainstay in everyone’s biscuit barrel and this is partly because of its versatility. They’re compatible with almost everyone’s taste buds and can be consumed in a variety of forms such as chocolate, with cheese and can also be used as the cornerstone to an array of puddings. Similarly, North Wales has all the core characteristics that are the cornerstone to any holiday destination.

region: Somerset – biscuit: mcvitie’s cheddars

Whilst strategically moving the top level of shortbread and digestives aside I unearth more hidden treasures as I stumble across the unspoilt county of Somerset. Rich with heritage, culinary delights, the world’s most famous music festival and of course cheese; Somerset is truly an amazing spectacle. One of the regions biggest outputs is of course Cheddar Cheese, which is consumed all around the world, but did you know if the cheese isn’t actually created in the village and aged in the caves of the gorge, it isn’t strictly speaking “Cheddar Cheese” but actually just an impersonator? This brings me onto the next biscuit in the barrel, the McVitie’s Cheddars. There is great debate surrounding this “biscuit” as many seem to think it’s actually a cracker, however according to Wikipedia, “Cheddars are a brand of baked Cheddar cheese-flavoured British-style savoury biscuits”. McVitie’s Cheddars are by no means an impersonator and due to the fact it is founded upon the taste of cheese it is the perfect biscuit to represent the county of Somerset.

region: Devon – biscuit: custard cream

Next on the taste filled journey is a small jump south across into the bordering county of Devon, a region sandwiched in between Somerset and Cornwall. Devon is a county full of contrasts with rugged coastlines and the best beach in Britain to rolling hills and unspoilt countryside. It is also renowned for its custard! (You may remember the “Go West” Ambrosia advert). This well known connection leads me seamlessly into Devon’s biscuit counterpart, the Custard Cream. One of Britain’s favourite biscuits, the custard cream is the perfect fit for Devon because its sandwich structure and custard filling perfectly encapsulates the regions geography and favourite pudding…custard.

region: Cornwall – biscuit: jammie dodger

Rummaging further into the barrel, I reach down to the bottom left corner eagerly hoping for some mouth watering surprises… I’m not disappointed when my hand returns to the surface grasping the colourful county of Cornwall. The region is famous for its 300 plus golden beaches, clotted cream and surf. It is also home to the “jam first scone” opposed to the “cream first scone” of Devon. The battle of the Cream Tea is a hot topic in the South West of England but ultimately there isn’t any difference in taste it’s all just a matter of preference. The Cornish stance of jam before cream is why the Jammie Dodger is the perfect biscuit alter ego.

region: Isle of Wight – biscuit: malted milk

For a final time I reach deep into the biscuit barrel of Britain eagerly anticipating a scrumptious delight. I’ve almost fulfilled my appetite but my taste buds demand one last serving. From the depths of the barrel my fingers emerge, extracting a remarkable find… The Isle of Wight. Known as the dinosaur capital of Great Britain the island plays host to successful music festivals and one of the biggest sailing regattas in the world, Cowes Week. There are plenty of things to keep you entertained on the Island which is summarised well in the 8 Wonders of the Isle of Wight. One of which is the fact that the Isle of Wight is home to “Cowes you cannot milk”. This interesting fact provides a crumbly link to the Malted Milk. This classic has a unique design that features two cows which is why the biscuit is widely known as the cow biscuit.

With my hunger fulfilled and my appetite quenched, my journey of exploration through the biscuit barrel of Britain has come to an end. If you’ve made it to the “bottom of the barrel” well done! I hope your journey was as tasty as mine (I’ve sampled hundreds of biscuits all in the name of research). Finally, I hope my article helps explain my analogy further as to why “Britain is a Barrel of Biscuits”.

Are you searching for the best restaurants, cafes and places to eat out in Newquay? Well look no further because we have done the hard work for you. We’ve trawled the internet, read hundreds of reviews and salivated over the mouth watering pictures.

So regardless to whether you’re after a bite to eat for breakfast, an authentic Italian Pizza or a restaurant with a view, we’ve got it covered. So with no further delay here are 5 of the top restaurants and cafes in Newquay that are sure to get your taste buds tingling.

1. little italy – Newquay pizza co

Looking for an authentic pizzeria in Newquay? Look no further than Little Italy, established in 2009, you can indulge in everything from a delicious homemade pizza to a healthy light salad.

“Genuine Italian pizza”
“Simply Delicious”
“Best pizza I think I’ve ever had”

A fun and friendly atmosphere awaits you here at Little Italy. Next time you’re visiting Newquay be sure to visit.

2. jam jar café

If you’re in search of a cool and quirky café in Newquay close to the world famous Fistral Beach then The Jam Jar is perfect for you. This independent café has freshly baked homemade cakes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“Best coffee in Newquay”
“Amazing place and breakfast”
“Perfect in every way”

On the menu you will find an array of sweet treats including vegan and gluten free options with a healthy twist.

3. the two clomes

Originally named after two fireside ovens situated either side of the open fireplace – the Two Clomes is one of the most popular restaurants in Newquay.

“Never fails to deliver great home cooked food”
“Amazing food and welcoming atmosphere”
“My most favourite pub in the whole wide world”

Serving high quality homemade meals and traditional real ale. Known for its generous portions, excellent service and welcoming hospitality next time you’re in Newquay why not stop by for a bite to eat.

4. oceans café

In search of the best breakfast in Newquay? Well Oceans Café is the place for you. Their mouth watering Full English Breakfast has received a host of amazing reviews from customers and is definitely worth a try.

“If you want a good cooked breakfast this is your place”
“The food was great and so was the service”
“Lovely place to have breakfast! Good cuppa too and friendly conversation”

It should also be noted that they serve more than just breakfast and their steak dishes have also received sterling reviews from the plaudits. Next time you’re feeling peckish why not give the owners Alan and Jan a visit at the Oceans Café in Newquay.

5. lusty glaze beach restaurant

If you want to treat your better half then Lusty Glaze Beach Restaurant is a must visit. Only a short walk from the centre of Newquay, the Lusty Glaze Beach Restaurant is nestled away in a secluded cove ideal for a romantic meal.

“Couldn’t have been better – amazing setting, excellent food”
“Most impressive spot on the beach, very relaxed and romantic”
“Possibly my favourite place on earth!”

Whatever the weather the views are truly spectacular, so you can indulge in delicious food whilst taking in the spectacular views. Former BBC Masterchef contestant, Nat Tallents, is the head chef of the Lusty Glaze and will be on hand to create an array dishes for your dining pleasure.

Here at Darwin Escapes we are always on the lookout for the best local eateries to recommend to our lovely guests. So if you’ve visited Piran Meadows and Newquay is there something that we’ve missed off the list? Why not get involved below and recommend your favourite place to eat in Newquay.

Beach Cove in North Devon has gained the reputation as the romance capital of the UK since opening in 2013…

A couple’s haven in our quirky beach hut accommodation, all decorated with warm pastel colours, Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is the perfect getaway on the Devonshire coastline. On the cliffside of Hele Bay you can curl up and watch the world go by from your luxury hot tub, or wander around the coast, Devon has something for everyone, from the active couples to the strolling and taking it easy couples…

Ilfracombe sea safari

One of the most exciting ways to explore the coast, and the beautiful Lundy Island. The passenger boat trips offer different experiences, you can explore the ocean and spot some dolphins, seals and even a whale if you’re really lucky! Or take a day trip to Lundy Island and escape the crowds, while visiting the 150 resident seals in an unforgettable experience. There is also the chance to go diving and meet the sea creatures up close and personal with their sister company, the Bristol Channel Charters.

active escape

Offering endless activities for everyone from ages 8 to 80, including coasteering, stand up paddle boarding, paint balling to their famous zip lines and abseiling activities! Book a day with the team and you will get exclusive access to their private coastline, Watermouth Cove, with caves, cliffs and beaches galore. Instructors will take you through the whole day so you don’t have to worry about any level of skill, abseil down a 25 meter drop, through a blow hole and into their private cave to explore, before taking the 80 meter zip wire over the ocean. Then grab a hot shower, have a drink and bite to eat at the on-site café.

coastal walking paths

There are an unlimited amount of walking paths around North Devon to explore, the best place to find them is the Walking in Devon website, which chronicles the best walks in the area and you can download a map and a very helpful leaflet, which will tell you about toilet breaks (a must), how hard the walk is and if it is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, what kind of obstacles are in the way (steps) as well as local shops to stop and have a cuppa! The walks range from 1.5 miles to 8 miles, but all have breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliffs and outstanding beaches.

Hele Billy’s Bar & Restaurant

One of the most popular eating destination in North Devon, and it is less than 5 minutes away from our own Beach Cove Coastal Retreat. Barbara and Simon have owned Hele Billy’s since 2005, with a family friendly atmosphere it has become a huge hit with locals and tourists alike! With a huge range of wines, beers, real ales and award winning vodkas, as well as delicious food including season dishes with freshly caught Lundy Lobsters! You are always guaranteed a home cooked meal and  a warm welcome at Hele Billy’s.

Ilfracombe fish trail

A fun and informative self guided tour around a beautiful harbour, the fish trail has 8 information boards that each detail different activities and habitats of fish, and the rich history of the industry in the seaside village. Walking around the harbour you will learn about the local history, including talk of treasure, a ship coming from the West Indies in 1796 wrecked along the coast and was said to have treasure; in 1978, 18th Century gold coins were found washed up in the sand. Try your luck at the beach, or grab a bite at one of the charming cafes along the harbour.

Book your romantic getaway to Beach Cove Coastal Retreat and venture out into the stunning local area, or opt for a quiet holiday in the sumptuous surroundings of our unique beach hut accommodation, complete with hot tub and breath-taking views of the coastline.