This stunning county in England can provide you with everything you need to keep everyone entertained no matter what age.

We have our countryside escape, Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa located here which makes the perfect base if you are wanting to explore all that this county has to offer. But, even if you are not wanting to stay in our resort this list of things to do in Norfolk will still be useful if you are heading down to the area and want things to keep you busy. Below you will find a list of a range of different attractions and places to visit in and around Norfolk.

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Oxburgh Hall

Oxborough, King’s Lynn, PE33 9PS | 18 mins

If you are wanting to dive into some history in the King’s Lynn area then Oxburgh Hall would be a great place to go. Owned by the National Trust, this moated country house is an impressive site to see, and the history is just as impressive. It was built in 1482 by the Bedingfeld family and was home to them for over 500 years. Explore the house on a tour or enjoy wondering around the gardens and the estate. You can also get a bite to eat at The Servants’ Hall tea-room which serves cakes, hot and cold drinks and light lunches.

find out more

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Great Massingham

King’s Lynn | 15 mins

Sometimes it’s nice to just have an area of village that you want to explore, and if that’s something you like the sound of make sure you take a trip to Great Massingham during your time in Norfolk. Located in the King’s Lynn area, this little village has a primary school, village shop, pub, village hall, a church and a sports club. There are also a few large ponds that are dotted around the village and plenty of open spaces so it would make a great day out exploring somewhere new.

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Snettisham Park

Bircham Rd, King’s Lynn, PE31 7NG | 29 mins

Fun for all the family, Snettisham Park first opened in 1986 and has been welcoming families ever since. It is a working farm but you can come with all the family for a fun day out. Spread across 329 acres you will be entertained with lambs, a 45 minute deer safari and plenty of other farm animals that you can learn about and see. So if you have children that are animal lovers this would be a great place to head to and have fun for the whole day.

find out more

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Gooderstone Water Gardens & Nature Trail

The Street, Gooderstone, King’s Lynn, PE33 9BP | 20 mins

This is definitely a unique thing to do because of its history behind it. The Gooderstone Water Gardens were owned by Billy Knights who was a retired farmer, in 1970 he decided to begin his garden and when he died at 93 in 1994 he left his 6.5 acre garden. Throughout the garden you will find ponds, bridges and beautiful flowers. So whether you just love to have a wonder around and take in some stunning sights or you are an avid garden lover, this will be the perfect place to explore in Norfolk.

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Castle Rising

Lynn Rd, King’s Lynn, PE31 6AH | 21 mins

If you are into knowing more about history and castles in particular then you should definitely head to Castle Rising Castle. It’s a 12th Century castle that was built in around 1140 AD and got passed to the Howard family in 1544, it is still in their hands today! There are various events that run throughout the year in the castle grounds so make sure you check that out before you go to see if any are running during the time you are in the area!

find out more

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The Railway Touring Company

14a Tuesday Market Pl, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JN | 21 mins

For something a little bit different, The Railway Touring Company would be a great day out for the whole family. You can get day trips around the UK or even go for UK holidays from this station. All trips are made by a steam charter which have carriages dating back to the 1950s. So if you wanted a thing to do in Norfolk that didn’t rely on good weather this would be a great option. As well as it being perfect if you want to take in some scenery.

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ExTREEme Adventure

High House, Weasenham, King’s Lynn, PE32 2SP | 17 mins

Perfect if you are wanting some action packed fun, the ExTREEme Adventure in King’s Lynn can provide you with quad bike trekking and an army style assault course. So whether you are a family wanting to keep your kids entertained or a group of friends looking for some adrenaline fuelled experiences this will be great. Age restrictions do apply on the quad bike trekking so make sure you check all the information online before you are booking.

find out more

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Holkham Hall & Estate

Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB | 47 mins

There are so many things that you can explore at Holkham Hall & Estate. There is the hall, the walled garden, the park, plenty of walk and cycle trails, a ropes course, boat and cycle hire, a woodland play area, the list goes on. So if you want to learn a bit about the history of the hall and the area whilst still having something to suit everyone around the estate this is a visit you don’t want to miss out on. Prices start from £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

find out more

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Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Watlington Rd, King’s Lynn, PE33 0RG | 17 mins

One of the most impressive things about Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is that they are pioneering a new approach to protecting the last populations of endangered deer and antelope. The reserve is across 170 acres and you can book into a guided tour on either a buggie or safari trailer. As you go round you can learn more about the deer and antelope that live here along with plenty of other rare species like pheasants, ducks and great bustard.

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Locked in Lynn

4 Campbells Business park, Campbells Meadow, King’s Lynn, PE30 4YR | 16 mins

With the Locked in Lynn experience you will have to put your heads together and see how well you can cope under pressure. When you book you will choose one of rooms available, Death Row, Diamond Heist, The Forbidden Campsite or Make or Break. When you are inside you will have a 60 minute countdown start, in that time you need to solve puzzles and clues, unlock locks and work together. Your mental and physical skills will be tested in every room at Locked in Lynn.

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Norfolk Lavender

Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham, PE31 7JE | 31 mins

Founded in 1932, Norfolk Lavender is England’s premier lavender farm. It is known worldwide and you will find almost 100 acres of lavender set in these gardens in Norfolk. There is a garden centre on site along with an animal garden and playpark. You can also get a bite to eat at The Lavender Lounge tearooms and restaurant. And there is a huge lavender product range and gift shop here so you don’t have to leave empty handed.

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Sandringham Estate

Sandringham, PE35 6EN | 21 mins

Known for being a country retreat that is loved by the Queen, Sandringham Estate has been the home of British Monarchs since 1862. You can explore the house, gardens, St Mary Magdalene Church and parkland most of the year, with just the parkland being open in the winter. The park is over 600 acres and has winging trails through woods and the parkland so you can spend hours exploring. They also do incredible light trails at Christmas time.

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Church Farm, Stow Bardolph, Rare Breeds Centre

Lynn Rd, Norfolk, PE34 3HT | 23 mins

There is no better place to go than Church Farm, Stow Bardolph, Rare Breeds Centre. It is a farm park with animals, an adventure playground, a tea room and a shop. So there is plenty to do during your time at the park. You will find everything from horses to goats, pigs to fancy rats. As well as activities like ride on pedal tractors, pig racing and an indoor play area. If you are heading here around Christmas they always have different festive events on like meeting Father Christmas.

find out more

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If you liked our list of things to do in Norfolk why not book our resort in Norfolk for your trip? It would make the perfect base for exploring.

• find out more about Norfolk Woods

The past 2 years have shown us how popular staycations have been for everyone in the UK, and 2022 will be no different.

With uncertainty still floating around about holidaying abroad it makes sense to enjoy all that the UK has to offer by booking a staycation for 2022. There are so many options that you can choose from when planning your UK break and there is always something to suit everyone – whether you are with family, friends, couples or pets! Keep reading to find out why we think staycations are here to stay in 2022 and our top picks for a range of different people.

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why are staycations so popular?

From a survey carried out by Hoseasons in 2021, 83% of British travellers say they would book another UK break again next year. Of course this is due to the pandemic but from this more and more Brits have realised how good it is to have a staycation instead of going abroad. So it looks like the staycation boom is here to stay in 2022 for a number of different reasons. They are convenient and usually a lot more affordable than going abroad. They are also better for the environment and economy and they give you the chance to explore the country that you live in!

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why is a staycation important?

Staycations have become extremely important as they help the economy massively. Especially the local economy of where you will be staying. Along with helping the economy they also guarantee peace of mind meaning you can really look forward to your holiday knowing you are staying in the UK. They also give you a lot more time to relax and explore the area you are staying in as there is less you have to plan usually when staying in the UK.

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our top picks for 2022 staycations

perfect for walkers and explorers

Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Enjoy exploring The Peak District whilst using the stunning Rivendale Lodge Retreat as your base. With treehouses and lodges available you can enjoy time together in your spacious self-catering accommodation. If you love walks, hikes and cycling you will be able to explore and discover all the best trails in the area like the famous Tissington Trail!

• The Peak District
• Pet-friendly
• Outstanding natural area
• Bistro on site
• Bar on site
• Treehouses and lodges

find out more

perfect for relaxing

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa

Sometimes with a staycation you just want to sit back, relax and use this time as an escape from day to day life. And that is exactly what you can do at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa, with the spa on site you will be able to enjoy a range of amazing treatments and facilities there. It’s also a great place for families with an outdoor splash zone and swimming pool.

• Norfolk
• Holidays & holiday home ownership
• Indoor heated swimming pool
• Spa at Norfolk Woods
• Bistro on site
• Lodges for up to 6 guests

find out more

perfect for family time

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

All types of families will find the perfect escape at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. This pet-friendly resort has everything to keep the family entertained. You’ll find an indoor heated swimming pool, Go Active activities along with a two-lane bowling alley and the Eden Spa where parents can enjoy a massage or facial.

• Somerset
• Holidays & holiday home ownership
• Family-friendly
• Swimming pool
• Eden spa
• Pet-friendly

find out more

perfect for a couples escape

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Whether there is an occasion or not, Beach Cove makes the perfect escapes for couples of all ages. Enjoy the views of the cove below and chill out in the hot tub in your premier lodge or explore the local area with your four legged friend. The lodges are all self-catering with kitchen facilities and a fully fitted bedroom.

• Devon
• Beach holidays
• Outstanding natural beauty
• Pet-friendly
• Perfect for 2 guests
• Hot tubs available

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perfect for golf lovers

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club

Our Kilnwick Percy Resort offers you a place where you can enjoy the fresh air, put all your stresses aside and relax. With a golf course set in 120 acres, a stunning Glasshouse Restaurant and spa treatments available this resort would be perfect for golf lovers and people who just want to relax. Each lodge also has a hot tub that you can use during your stay.

• Yorkshire
• Golf course set in 120 acres
• Glasshouse Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Spa treatments
• Outstanding natural beauty

find out more

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We have 24 amazing resorts across the UK which will make the perfect choice for your next staycation in 2022.

• explore our holiday resorts

As soon as the clock strikes 12 and its January 1^st again we are ready to be the best version of ourselves right?

We have our list of resolutions for the New Year and we are ready (once the hangover has gone) to kick start the year and stick to all our resolutions. But it is never that easy, according to research you can find in many articles, only around 8% of people actually succeed in sticking to their resolutions. If you struggle to stick to your resolutions each year why not start 2022 a little different and use these 7 effective ways to stick to your 2022 resolutions.

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1. be specific with your resolutions

When it comes to deciding what your resolutions for the year should be you want to make sure you are as specific as possible. For example if you are wanting to take more steps in a day don’t just use that as your resolution. Be more specific by saying something like take 10,000 steps a day. That way you have an exact figure in your head every day that you know you want to try to reach.

2. make small changes daily

Starting a new resolution can be challenging so there is no point jumping straight into the deep end with this. Slow and steady wins the race so start my making small changes daily or even weekly whatever works for you. If your resolution is that you want to go the gym everyday Mon-Fri then start by going twice or three times a week first and slowly build it up to 5 times a week. You are more likely to keep it going if you slowly introduce it to your lifestyle.

3. give yourself small achievable goals to reach

Although your resolution is the end goal you want to achieve, to get there you will want to give yourself some smaller more achievable goals that are easier to reach. All of these smaller goals will eventually lead you to successfully achieving your New Year’s resolution. This way you will find it much easier to stick to it and not get overwhelmed by the end goal when you have just started. A good example for this is if you are wanting to eat healthier, instead of cutting out everything that is ‘bad’ start slowly incorporating more fruit and veg into your diet.

4. remember that it takes time to form new habits and make them stick

Don’t beat yourself up about things, the most important thing to remember is that it takes time to form new habits. Studies show it actually takes over 2 months (66 days to be exact) to form a habit and make it a natural part of your routine. So the most important thing to take from this is make sure you give it a real go and remember that it can take over 2 months before it starts to feel natural.

5. make yourself accountable and review monthly

Although you want your New Year’s resolution to feel natural it won’t be like that when you first start out. So from our 3rd tip of giving yourself small achievable goals to reach you will also want to make sure you are keeping yourself accountable and reviewing your progress monthly. This way you can really think about your goals, are they too much? Are you not putting the effort in that you know you can? Do you need to reconsider them for the following month? By doing this it will give you a chance to reassess the situation and re-evaluate what you want to come out of your New Year’s resolutions.

6. even if you fail, reassess and move on

That puts us onto our next point, even if you fail, reassess and move on. You will probably find that over 90% of peoples New Year’s resolution journeys aren’t as smooth as you think. Which is why you don’t want to be so hard on yourself if you find you’ve reached a bump in the road. Instead accept what has happened and move on from it. You can still get to your goal and stick to your resolution.

7. remember it’s never too late to start

Yes, we are talking about New Year’s resolutions and they are usually created at the start of the year. But it is never too late to start a new resolution, you could start it at the beginning of a new month or week. Or just start it tomorrow, it doesn’t matter when all that matters is that you start. And hopefully by you remembering all our effective ways to stick to your resolutions for 2022 you will be able to enjoy the process.

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At Darwin Escapes we pride ourselves in offering incredible resorts where anyone can escape to and enjoy a holiday or even own a holiday home!

• explore holiday resorts
• explore ownership resorts

 

Now that 2021 is over, it’s a great time to look back at the fantastic year we have had here at Darwin Escapes.

Although 2021 was still affected massively by the pandemic it hasn’t held us back at Darwin Escapes, below you will find all the things we have achieved from opening new resorts to sponsoring theatre shows and keeping you up to date throughout the year through our social media and blog posts.

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new resorts

Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat

Our Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat was the first to open in 2021 and is the perfect escape for any occasion. With lodges to suit couples, groups of up to 10 guests and anything in between; you will be able to enjoy the views of the English countryside, a walk along the canal or just some time relaxing in your lodge.

• Warwickshire
• Pet friendly
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Perfect for theatre stays
• Historic sites
• Perfect for small or large groups

explore Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat

Dundonald Links

We then opened Dundonald Links which is the perfect escape for golf lovers from around the world. The golf course has hosted a number of major golfing events throughout the years and we are hosting the 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. There are also luxurious lodges here so that you can stay and play.

• Ayrshire, Scotland
• Par 72 course
• Canny Crow Restaurant
• Luxury lodges clustered around putting greens
• Hosting the 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open
• Gym facilities, whisky tasting lounge etc.

explore Dundonald Links

The Springs Resort & Golf Club

Opening shortly after Dundonald Links was The Springs Resort & Golf Club. At The Springs you will find hotel rooms, a hotel lodge and lodges. Along with a golf course, a spa, a restaurant and a gym! It’s the perfect escape if you want to relax or if you are wanting to explore Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas!

• Oxfordshire
• Quirky hotel rooms
• 1893 Spa
• 133 acre golf course
• The Ridgeway Restaurant
• Fully equipped gym

explore The Springs Resort & Golf Club

We also have a brand new ‘our resorts’ section which you will see at the top of the page to help all our lovely customers see all the resorts we have in one place!

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events, partnerships & sponsors

DogFest

Since most of our resorts are pet friendly it makes sense to have a partnership with DogFest! Since being set up in 2013 this annual event has provided its visitors with amazing dog displays, advice from experts and stalls from various businesses. This year we attended DogFest with our own stall showcasing all the amazing pet friendly resorts we have! We also had a caricaturist doing free portraits and a win a holiday competition.

find out more about DogFest

Derby Book Festival

The Derby Book Festival is a 9 day event that is held every year and you will find around 70 different events across 10 different venues. This year we sponsored (and attended) the annual Festival Lunch with Anna Pasternak on Wallis Simpson.

find out more about the Derby Book Festival

Royal Shakespeare Company

We have a 3 year partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company and throughout the years we have sponsored various events and shows. This year we sponsored Comedy of Errors in the newly built Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre. Some of the team even got the chance to watch it in the summer.

find out more about the RSC

Birmingham Hippodrome

Known for being one of the busiest theatres in the UK welcoming around half a million visitors every year. Birmingham Hippodrome has various events and shows on throughout the year and at the end of this year and going into 2022 we are sponsoring the Goldilocks and the Three Bears pantomime!

find out more about Birmingham Hippodrome

Chester Zoo

For the past 5 years we have been partners with Chester Zoo and in September this year we sponsored their Wildlife Connections Festival. This weekend event was a chance for visitors to get closer to nature and learn some amazing things about nature and the nature reserve at Chester Zoo.

find out more about Chester Zoo

Find out more about our partnerships that we have with some amazing business’ and attractions

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Hoseasons Awards 2021

This year we attended the virtual Hoseasons Awards and it was another great year for Darwin Escapes. See the full list of awards we are proud to say that we won this year…

Rivendale Lodge Retreat:

• Best in Britain Food Awards
• Customer Choice Food Awards – Lodge Escape
• Best Lodge Escape Large Park in the Heart of England

Piran Meadows Resort:

• Relax & Explore Large Park in Cornwall

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa:

• Relax & Explore Large Park in Somerset

Talacre Beach Resort:

• Relax & Explore Large Park in North Wales

Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat:

• Best Lodge Escape Large Park in the Isle of Wight

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat:

• Best Lodge Escape Large Park in Devon, Somerset & Dorset

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat:

• Best Lodge Escape Large Park in Cornwall

find out more about the Hoseasons Awards 2021

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social media & blogs

We like to keep you up to date with all things Darwin Escapes and we do this mainly through our blogs and social media posts.

This year we have posted:

89 blogs and 387 social media posts

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what to expect in 2022?

We plan to continue providing you all with amazing family holidays, couples escapes and group getaways across the UK. And help new holiday home owners find their dream holiday home in one of our resorts.

• explore holidays
• explore ownership

 

photos by Simon Hadley

This year you will be able to watch Birmingham Hippodrome’s first pantomime since 2019, Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Over the past couple of years we have been partners with Birmingham Hippodrome and sponsored a range of their shows and pantomimes that they have hosted in the past. (Read more about our partnerships) This year we are sponsoring their Goldilocks and the Three Bears pantomime that runs from Saturday 18 December 2021 to Sunday 30 January 2022.

There are many big names in the cast like Jason Donovan who will be playing the Evil Ringmaster, Matt Slack as the Ringmaster, Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Lion Tamer, Andrew Ryan as Dame Betty Barnum, Alexia McIntosh as Candy Floss and Samantha Dorrance as Goldilocks!

As well as this amazing headline cast there will also be an amazing line-up of circus acts throughout the pantomime. This means that Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the first circus-themed pantomime at Birmingham Hippodrome for 24 years!

Book tickets to Goldilocks and the Three Bears here

We thought it would be a great idea to ask Samantha Dorrance who plays Goldilocks some questions about holidaying in the UK to learn a little more about Samantha. And from her answers we have chosen the best Darwin Escapes resort.

Name: Samantha Dorrance Which area of the UK is your favourite place to book a staycation? St Ives When searching for a (UK) holiday – what’s the first thing you look for? Sea view and balcony! Preferably with a bakery close by so I can pick up some fresh bread for breakfast! What would you never forget to pack? My very over the top sunglasses. What is the main thing you want to do during a staycation? I love to have variety on holiday but sunny beach days and a lovely town or city to potter about in (with plenty of independent restaurants and coffee shops) would have to be my main two needs. If you booked a self-catering lodge, would you cook every night or eat out? If our budget allowed it, I’d choose to eat out every night but one. I think it’s nice to have one evening towards the end of the holiday where you stay in and just be cosy together. Please tell us which of the options below you would opt for during your perfect getaway, based on your answers you will be matched to your ideal Darwin Escapes resort.

This or That? Sunrise or Sunset Beers or Cocktails Woodland Walks or Beach Walks Dinner for 2 or Big Family Dinner Fish & Chips or Afternoon Tea History or Scenery Spa Treatment or Adventurous Activity – ER, BOTH! Lodge or Caravan Hot Tub or Power Shower Last Minute Deal or Long Holiday Countdown – (MORE EXCITING!) Learn to Relax or Learn a New Skill City Exploring or Countryside Living – DEPENDS! Holiday as a Couple or Holiday as a Family Facilities or Local Area Summer Breaks or Winter Escapes

Samantha’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Beach Cove

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We have 24 different resorts across the UK so why not have a browse at all of the destinations available for holidays and holiday home ownership.

• explore holiday resorts
• explore ownership resorts

North Wales is the perfect place to enjoy owning a holiday home. And it makes the perfect base to explore the North Wales coast.

At Darwin Escapes we like to think we know a thing or two about North Wales since our HQ is based here and we have 4 amazing resorts along the coast. So what better way to provide you all with a helping hand than putting together this handy blog? Below you will be able to read all about what you can do and where you can explore close to each of our resort in North Wales. Hopefully this helps you figure out which destination will suit you the most when it comes to owning your own holiday home.

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relax and enjoy award-winning facilities at Aberconwy Resort & Spa

At Aberconwy Resort & Spa you will be able to enjoy a relaxing escape in your own holiday home. This resort is definitely suited to those who want the luxury of a spa, pool, gym, sauna and award winning restaurant that are based on site with your holiday home. As well as being perfect for the ultimate chill out it also makes a great base if you want to explore Conwy, Anglesey, and Llandudno!

• explore Aberconwy Resort & Spa

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Talacre Beach & New Pines are both the perfect base for families

If you are wanting a family escape then Talacre Beach and New Pines will be perfect. Both cater for families of all ages and you will always find something to do that will interest everyone. Whether you want to play in the indoor heated pool or enjoy some time with the kids in the play parks. There is also a bar & bistro on both resorts along with family entertainment throughout the whole season. Both aren’t too far away from the beach either, so on a sunny day head down to Talacre Beach or Rhyl Beach.

• explore Talacre Beach Resort 
• explore New Pines Holiday Home Park

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get your peaceful escape on the coast at Seaview Holiday Home Park

Our Seaview Holiday Home Park is tucked away in the hills of Gwespyr just up the road from Talacre Beach Resort. It’s a peaceful place to own a holiday home as there are no facilities on site. People just enjoy time to themselves with the amazing views of the North Wales coast from their holiday home. But if you wanted to enjoy a few facilities you are able to drive a mile down the road to Talacre Beach Resort and enjoy all that’s on offer there! Seaview is also the perfect base to explore the beaches nearby on sunny days.

• explore Seaview Holiday Home Park

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why buy a holiday home in North Wales?

If you’ve read all the information above and still want to know more about why you should buy a holiday home in North Wales then read our blog on the top 5 reasons to buy a holiday home in North Wales. Hopefully that will help you make your decision and you can enjoy exploring the North Wales coast from your static caravan in no time.

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Our holiday caravan parks in North Wales are extremely popular and suit a wide range of families, couples and groups.

find out more about owning a holiday home in North Wales

 

 

One of the main reasons people go on holiday is to relax, unwind and escape from reality.

With The Springs Resort & Golf Club that is exactly what you will be able to do. With hotel rooms, hotel lodges and self-catering lodges with hot tubs you will be spoilt for choice on where you lay your head at night. But to go with the unique accommodation offerings we also have plenty of facilities to enjoy during your time at our beautiful resort.

One of the facilities we are most excited about is the 1893 Spa located in The Springs. Here you can indulge in everything from a massage to hand and foot treatment, a dip in the hydrotherapy pool or even just something as simple as relaxing in the sauna. We wanted to dedicate this blog to the incredible 1893 spa. Have a browse through the images below that showcase every little detail that has been put together to make it the most relaxing place at the resort.

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If you like the look of the spa then you will definitely like the rest of The Springs Resort & Golf Club. We can provide you with the most perfect holiday for any occasion all year round.

• book your escape at The Springs

There is so much to see and do in North Wales, from mountains and waterfalls to castles and beaches.

North Wales is a large region in Wales and therefore it can be quite difficult to find and think of new things to do. So we thought we would give you a helping hand. Since Darwin Escapes HQ is based here we definitely like to think we know a thing or two about all the best things to do in North Wales. In the list below we have made sure to include a range of things to suit all types of groups, so have a read and see what you are going to add into your next day out in North Wales.

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Snowdonia National Park

Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6LF

There is a lot of things Snowdoina National Park is known for, it’s the largest national park in Wales and it has the highest mountain and largest natural lake in Wales. Which we think is pretty impressive. Whether you want to climb up Snowdon or just want to enjoy some beautiful scenery Snowdonia has everything. There are over 100 lakes around this national park and it is home to most of the ever popular Zip World sites that we have explained more about below.

find out more

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Zip World

LL21 0HX, LL57 4YG, LL41 3NB

If you are looking for adventure, adrenaline and some unforgettable experiences Zip World will be the place to go. With 3 different locations in North Wales and one down South there are a range of different activities you can try out. From quarry karts to ‘Bounce Below’, deep mine tours and even the worlds fastest zip line! It’s the perfect day out for thrill seekers and somewhere that you could go again and again to try out all the different adventures on offer.

find out more

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Llandudno Pier

N Parade, Llandudno, LL30 2LP

Known for being the longest pier in Wales, the Grade II listed Llandudno Pier stretches 2,295 feet and was voted the ‘Pier of the Year 2005’ by the National Piers Society. If you are wanting to take a trip to Llandudno it’s something you cant miss. Locals and tourist all walk along the pier, enjoy an ice cream and browse all the concessions that are on the pier. From British cheese to hats and scarves, ornaments to pieces of art, there are plenty of things on offer along the pier. Whilst on the pier you can also enjoy the amazing views across the Irish Sea.

find out more

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Wepre Park

108 Wepre Park, Connah’s Quay, Deeside, CH5 4JR

Located in the town of Connah’s Quay in Deeside, Wepre Park is a 160 acre country park that is home to Ewloe Castle. One of the last fortifications to be built in Wales and had been abandoned in 1277. There are a range of different trails you can take through the woods that will take you up to Ewloe Castle. As well as a children’s playground, café, football pitch, skatepark and a waterfall and stream that you can use and see during your time at the park.

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Talacre Beach

Talacre, Holywell, CH8 9RP

One of the most popular beaches in North Wales and located just a stone’s throw away from our Talacre Beach Resort, Talacre Beach can provide you with a great day out. With miles and miles of sand dunes and beach there is plenty of room for you to explore the area and sit and relax. On the beach you will also find the Point of Ayr Lighthouse that dates back to 1776! If you fancy some food or drinks or even a play on an arcade in Talacre there is an ice cream shop, bakery, arcade and other little shops along the straight road.

find out more

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Great Orme Country Park

Llandudno, LL30 2XG

If you have ever been to Llandudno before you will know about the Great Orme Country Park. It’s hard to miss, right at the end of Llandudno next to the pier you can see the headland that is around 207m high. You can get up to the top of the Great Orme a number of ways, walking, driving, the cable car or the tramway. At the top you will find a visitor centre where you can get food or drinks and enjoy all the views of North Wales.

find out more

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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Station Rd, Trevor, Llangollen, LL20 7TY

The function of this aqueduct is to carry the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. The impressive structure is a 18 arched stone and cast iron bridge and it was completed in 1805. Its purpose is to take narrowboats across the River Dee and is still used and extremely popular to this day. You can have boat tours that go across the aqueduct or you can just go and walk across the narrow path that goes all the way across.

find out more

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SeaQuarium

East Parade, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3AF

The SeaQuarium in Rhyl has some amazing species that are from all over the world. Their most popular exhibit is their outdoor Seal Cove where you will be able to meet their harbour seals. You get the chance to view the seals underwater in the 330,000 litre pool! Prices for the aquarium vary but they are all under £10. You can explore the tropical reef zone, the beach zone, the rocky coasts and sandy shore zones and more as you learn about each sea life creature.

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Aber Falls

Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LP

Known for being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Snowdonia, Aber Falls makes a great day out for everyone. If you park in the Aber Falls car park it takes between one and two hours to walk up to the falls, it’s a gradual incline with stunning views throughout. On a sunny day we recommend taking a picnic and enjoying it when you get to the waterfall. You can also continue walking past Aber Falls and you will find some smaller waterfalls along with occasionally some wild horses.

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Llanddwyn Beach

Newborough, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6SG

Also known as Newborough Beach, Llanddwyn Beach stretches over a mile in length and has one of the largest areas of sand dunes in the British Isles! At the beach you will find Llanddwyn Island which isn’t exactly an island as it is still attached to the mainland but during high tides it looks like an island. If you venture over to the island you can enjoy fantastic views all the way over to the Llyn Peninsula and even Snowdonia!

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Angel Bay (Penrhyn Bay)

116 Penrhyn Beach E, Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, LL30 3RW

Just at the end of the Little Orme is where you can find Penrhyn Bay, most know it as Angel Bay. You can get to it by walking across the Little Orme or parking in a nearby housing estate that has steps leading up to the bay. It’s a fantastic place to go if you want to enjoy some breathtaking views and mainly if you want to enjoy some seal spotting. During the end of September to late November seals come here for their breeding season so you can often find seals and their pups if you visit during this time.

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Loggerheads Country Park

Ruthin Rd, Mold, CH7 5LH

Located in Denbighshire in Wales, Loggerheads Country Park is a great place to go if you want a walk, a bite to eat in a tea room or to take in the views of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. There is a car park at the park which is close to the tea rooms where you can enjoy a cake and some tea or a bite to eat for lunch. Throughout the park there are a range of different trails that take you to various view points, gorges and cliffs that you can explore.

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Bodnant Garden

Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay, LL28 5RE

Dating back to 1874, Bodnant Garden was first established by Henry Pochin who was a scientist, businessman and politician. With his family he filled the garden with plants collected from global explorers. The National Trust have been caring for the garden since 1949 and now is home to the earliest and grandest laburnum arch which was built in 1880. Whilst at the garden you can explore and discover plants you love and ones you have never heard of!

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GreenWood Family Park

Bush Rd, Y Felinheli, LL56 4QN

Get all the family together and have some fun at GreenWood Family Park. It’s a family attraction park with rides, tunnels, mazes, trails and more to get involved in. It’s perfect for children of all ages and you will easily find different activities that will suit everyone in your family. From a dragon maze to a green dragon roller coaster, the enchanted river ride and the unique ‘Moon Karts’, there are so many great things to keep everyone busy.

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South Stack

S Stack Rd, Holyhead, LL65 1YH

You will find South Stack right on the northwest coast of Anglesey and it is an island just off Holy Island. It is one of the must-see landscapes in Anglesey as you can enjoy all the wildlife that use the cliffs at South Stack along with the views of the lighthouse and beyond. There are tours where you can go up into the lighthouse and an RSPB reserve with a vistor’s centre and café along with plenty of parking.

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SC2 Rhyl

W Parade, Rhyl, LL18 1BF

If you are wanting something to keep the kids entertained no matter what the weather is then SC2 in Rhyl will be your best friend. It’s an indoor waterpark, outdoor splash pad, adventure play, ninja tag and food & drink centre that can provide you with a full day of entertainment for the kids. Prices start from £15.50 for adults and £12.50 for children for a 2 and a half hour slot in the waterpark which is plenty of time to have some fun.

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Conwy Castle

Rose Hill St, Conwy, LL32 8AY

Built between 1283 and 1289 by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, Conwy Castle is a fortification in North Wales. It was constructed as part of a larger project to create the walled town of Conwy and still stands today over 700 years later. Spiral staircases have been restored in the towers so that you are able to walk completely around the Conwy Castle walls. Whilst you’re up on the battlements of the castle you can also take in all the amazing views across Conwy and beyond.

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The Smallest House in Great Britain

10 Lower Gate St, Conwy, LL32 8BE

Measuring only 72 inches across, 122 inches high and 120 inches deep, The Smallest House in Great Britain is surprisingly not hard to miss. This bright red building sits at the end of a row of terrace houses in Conwy. People come from all over to visit this incredible building, it is usually open from Spring to the end of October and you can go inside the house that was lived in before the 1900’s. in 1891 Robert Jones bought the property and has been owned by his family ever since, his great, great granddaughter currently owns it!

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We have 4 different resorts in North Wales that offer holidays and holiday home ownership options to suit everyone and they would be the perfect base whilst you explore all that North Wales has to offer!

• explore Talacre Beach Resort
• explore Seaview Holiday Home Park
• explore New Pines Holiday Home Park
• explore Aberconwy Resort & Spa

The Springs Resort & Spa has been open for a few weeks now and we wanted to catch up with the interior guru behind the interior design.

We have worked with Harriet Lazzeri from Lazzeri Creative Interiors before when we were opening our stunning Rivendale Lodge Retreat. And earlier this year Rivendale was nominated in the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2021. So when we were designing The Springs we knew Harriet would be the perfect match for creating the most stunning rooms and bringing the stunning Tudor-style house back to life. Now that The Springs is open we have caught up with Harriet and asked some questions about all things interior design.

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1. Who are you and what do you do?

I am Harriet Lazzeri; Interior Designer and Owner of Lazzeri Creative Interiors, Part-Time Interior Design Lecturer at De Montfort University, and Professional cocktail drinker😊

I live near Nottingham with my partner, stepdaughter and Border Terrier puppy Chewi.

2. When did you start to have an interest in interior design?

Initially it was all about Architecture for me – from about aged 12 I used to spend hours designing houses for myself and family. I went to uni in Liverpool to study Architecture, but after graduating I worked in a few Architecture practises and realised I was more interested in what was going on inside the buildings; how people used and moved through the spaces and how they made them feel.

So from that point on I redirected slightly to Interiors and joined a small company in Birmingham who specialised in office interiors, and have never looked back. I think the faster pace also appealed to me – some Architecture projects can take years just to get through planning whereas most Interior projects are finished much more quickly.

3. When did you start your company?

It was back in February 2018. I had moved from Birmingham to Nottingham about 6 months previously and was hating the commute back to Birmingham each day, which was taking me about 2 hours each way with all of the traffic. I had moved to Nottingham to move in with my partner and I felt like I saw him less! The company I worked for then made some redundancies in the wake of the Brexit vote and it just made sense for me to go – I worked freelance for them for a few months while I got the business up and running and it has gone from strength to strength.

4. What was your first impression of The Springs when you visited?

My first impression was that it had so much potential to be a really stunning space and how forlorn it looked all empty and fenced off.

It had such great bones with the ornate panelling, the high ceilings, the sweeping staircase and that amazing view over the millpond, but it was covered in mould and graffiti and unfortunately had damage from people breaking in. There was no electricity so walking around the basement using our phone lights and stepping over dead pigeons was an interesting experience!!

As soon as I walked around I was so excited to get back to the office and start designing, to bring the building back to its former glory.

5. Did you learn anything interesting about The Springs or the local area when researching?

So many things! And we have tried to feature or mention as many references as we could throughout the Reception building and the Clubhouse. The now Spa Reception features the only known replica of the ceiling in the Scottish hunting lodge of King James 1.

The first owner who commission the construction of the building was a diplomat called Sir Alexander Condie Stephen – he was feature in Vanity Fair magazine (you can see the portrait up on the First Floor landing). The second owner, Sir John Wormald, owned the company that invented the sprinkler system. He was hugely philanthropic within the nearby village of North Stoke and is held in high regard.

It was bought and converted into a hotel in 1973 by Ian Gillan the lead singer of Deep Purple, who also commissioned the guitar shaped swimming pool (unfortunately this had to be filled in!) The famous contralto Opera singer Dame Clara Butt lived nearby – the Willow Warbler suite is themed around her. Agatha Christie lived and wrote in nearby Wallingford. Rowse Honey are also based in nearby Wallingford.

6. What was the main inspiration for The Springs décor?

The design intent for the Springs encompassed a few things – it needed to celebrate the history and features of the building and feel like a country house again, but with a modern and quirky twist and some eclectic features.

I wanted the Bedroom Suites to all have their own identity – as they all have different sizes, shapes, windows and ceilings etc. it made sense that they weren’t all based on the same scheme, that some are more airy and others more cosy. I also thought it was important that whilst some elements were traditional, other areas were a bit of a surprise like the black basement corridor to the treatment rooms.

7. How did you incorporate golf into the designs?

Although there are some references to golf in the artwork in the building, the main golf items are in the Clubhouse. We felt it was important that the building be slightly separate in style from the golf theme as there may be suite or lodge guests who were more interested in other things such as walking, the countryside, the spa, nearby attractions etc. who we didn’t want to alienated by it being overly golf themed.

The Clubhouse has the Spike Bar which is very much designed around golf with lots of golf themed artwork, balls and clubs on display, with the rest of the building having more subtle nods to golf – a repeated texture is perforated panels used on the feature staircase chandelier and the counter front of the pro shop which references the pattern on a golf ball, and many of the other lighting pieces feature illuminated globes to emulate golf balls. Also look out for the feature golf ball display coffee table.

8. What was your inspiration for the pool décor specifically? It’s very outdoor/indoor type feel with the wallpaper

The theme behind the pool interior scheme is “ethereal nature”- with the misty tree mural, the view of the woods through the beautiful bay window and the timber slatted wall cladding I wanted guests to feel like they could be swimming in a clearing in a forest somewhere. We wanted to blur the lines between outside and inside, and create a feeling of being surrounded by nature.

9. What was your inspiration for the 1893 Spa?

For the Spa I was keen that we didn’t go down the route of Buddha’s and Lotus flowers as the spa is in an English country house and it didn’t feel very authentic. With the stunning Chiltern Hills and The Ridgeway as inspiration the design is centred around nature, combined with accentuating the existing beautiful period features such as the panelling and ceiling of the Spa Reception and Lounge, and using subtle references to period design with the Regency style teal paint and traditional crystal chandelier.

There are references to local flora and fauna throughout, with woodland scenes and natural timber finishes. Utilising the panelling in the Spa Lounge with feature wallpaper inserts creates a feeling of a traditional Victorian orangery, with beautiful views over the Millpond where the Springs got its name!

10. How much did the size of the bedrooms influence your bold colour choices?

Very much so! With some of them being quite small rooms we knew they needed to have a big impact and be full of quirky features. Some of the best hotels in cities around the world that have smaller bedrooms are so successful because they are bold with their designs. By using feature wallpapers and bold paintwork combined with stunning tiles in the bathrooms creates a luxurious feel, full of talking points.

11. How does it feel to see your designs come to life?

It’s one of my favourite parts of a project! There is always a slightly nerve wracking period where you question decisions but seeing it all come together in real life is worth the stress!

12. If you could only choose one of the rooms you designed which would you choose?

Ooh that’s a tough one. Surprisingly one of my favourite rooms is the basement Relaxation Room – with timber slats on the walls, monochromatic tree wallpaper, draped curtains for privacy between the loungers and the warming fireplace it feels cosy and intimate and the perfect place for a snooze after a relaxing massage.

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Why not come to The Springs Resort & Golf Club and see how Harriet designed all of the rooms. Relax and unwind in the spa or enjoy a bite to eat at The Ridgeway Restaurant.

• book The Springs

Enjoy your time up in Ayrshire, Scotland and add some of these things to do near Dundonald to your trip.

Whether you are staying at our Dundonald Links or you are just in or around the area and want things to do, we’ve got you covered. It can be hard finding places that you know will peak the interest of the people you are out with, so we have made sure to cover a range of options in this list so you will be bound to find something you like the look of below. Have a read and see where you want to head to next time you’re in the area.

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Dundonald Castle

Winehouse Yett, Dundonald, Kilmarnock, KA2 9HD | 8 min drive

Dundonald Castle still has remains from the 14^th century hilltop fortified tower house. On the grounds they have also added a visitor centre and historical exhibition. Known for being one of Scotland’s hidden gems and located in the rural part of South Ayrshire. You will be able to explore and learn about the impressive history behind this 3500 year old site! Whilst you’re there enjoy some hot food and drinks at the café, explore the museum and enjoy sitting around the play and picnic areas that are around.

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Scottish Maritime Museum

Linthouse Building, Harbour Rd, Irvine, KA12 8BT | 6 min drive

If you want to learn more about the historic vessels, artefacts, shipbuilding tools and more from Scotland then you should definitely make the trip to the Scottish Maritime Museum. The museum itself is housed in a glass-roofed Victorian Linthouse. Tickets for the museum are priced from £8.50 and it is open daily from 10am to 5pm. There are also options to do a guided tour where you visit the 1920’s Tenement Flat and experience life at sea.

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Barassie Beach

Troon, KA10 6SQ | 6 min drive

Enjoy views of the Isle of Arran and the Firth of Clyde from Barassie Beach. It’s one of the most accessible beaches in Ayrshire and one of the most popular too. You will find it just north of the Troon Harbour and many head there to get involved in watersports like kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing! Even if you aren’t into watersports you can still head there for a long walk along the sandy beach or to just sit, relax and take in the breath taking views.

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The Garage – Leisure Complex

34-36 Grange St, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DD | 14 min drive

The Garage is a Leisure Complex in Kilmarnock that has everything you could ever need all in one place. From tenpin bowling to go karting, Wimpy for food and The Studio for party packages. There is even a bar and nightclub on site too. So whether you are looking to keep the kids entertained with some fast food afterwards or you are wanting a night out with friends The Garage would be a great place to head.

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Dean Castle Country Park

Dean Rd, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB | 16 min drive

Dean Castle is a 14^th century castle and around the grounds you will be able to find something for everyone. The park itself covers over 200 acres and can provide a free family day out for all ages. Within the grounds there are over 7km that you can explore with various trails to suit all abilities. On your walk you will be able to see grazing horses, deer and more wildlife in and around the trees and woodland.

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One of our newest resorts to open this year is Dundonald Links, perfect for all the golf lovers wanting a golf break near the Ayrshire coastline.

• explore our Dundonald Links