North Wales is waiting for you to explore all it has to offer, below are just a small selection of the local attractions open in the area. With 4 resorts in North Wales, Darwin Escapes has the place for you to create your holiday your way along the coastline. We can’t wait to welcome you back when reopening our doors on 13th July, and we want to you discover all the exciting places in the local area.

Read below and start planning your holiday…

the best zoos

Chester Zoo

Pre-book your tickets to the UK’s favourite zoo. There are over 35,000 animals and 128 acres to explore at Chester Zoo, some of which you will have seen on Channel 4’s documentary Secret Life of the Zoo.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Booking is essential for entry, the zoo also asks you to follow the new one-way system put in place. Welsh Mountain Zoo is one of the oldest and most established zoos in Wales, first starting in 1963 as a family run business. There are 140 species of animals to visit at the zoo, which is set in one of the most picturesque locations along the coast.


castles and gardens

Flint Castle

The first castle built in Wales by King Edward I, the ruins of the castle still stand today and you can explore the history of the country and sea views across to the Wirral.

Bodnant Garden

A National Trust property, you will need to book tickets in advance but we promise you it’s worth it. Bodnant Gardens is wildly known as the most beautiful outdoor gardens in the UK, and with 80 acres to discover, from terraced gardens, magical wild gardens to informal lawns, you’ll have a fabulous day out here.


proms, piers and towns

Rhyl Promenade

A wonderful walk along the seafront, with arcades, sweet shops and seating areas to enjoy. Plenty of open lawn area for games and bike rides.

Llandudno Pier & Town

Any trip to Llandudno is well worth it, the shops may start opening up and the coastline is second-to-none. The Victorian-style builds add to the seaside feel of the town and make sure to stroll down the pier and take in the sights.

Beddgelert

Although fairly far out (over an hour and a half’s drive), the town of Beddgelert offers legend, myth, and magic in the Snowdonia region. Visit the gravesite of Wales’ most famous, and most beloved, dogs in this quaint Welsh village.


beaches open all year round

Conwy Beach
Rhyl Beach
Prestatyn Beach
Talacre Beach


Wales is reopening and we can’t wait to welcome you back to explore all that’s on offer!

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Surrey is an area rich with woodland walks and fun attractions for all interests. We’ve managed to collate a list of some of the best local attractions near Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat. All are currently open and following government guidance, you can also explore Farnham on foot with the range of walks in the area, and enjoy the English countryside. Enjoy a fabulous day out with the family or as a couple at the number of attractions below…


food & drink

Duke of Cambridge Pub

Pre-book your table to enjoy some pub-grub at the Duke of Cambridge Pub, which is only a two-minute walk from the resort itself. Find out more about booking on their website.

The Barley Mow Pub

Enjoy delicious food when you pre-book your table at The Barley Mow. Find out more about their safety measures and booking process online.


visit the animals

Birdworld

Pre-book your tickets to Birdworld today and visit this amazing attraction. With other 1,200 birds and other animals to visit, including penguins, Birdworld is a family fun place to visit. Ready to open its doors and offer a great day out for everyone.


family fun

Legoland

Legoland is fully open and ready to take visitors to all their fantastic rides and showcase their spectacular builds. Pre-booking is essential, make sure to visit their website for more information.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington has a whole host of adventures for you to enjoy! The zoo is open and waiting for your arrival to visit all the animals, and for those thrill-seekers out there, the theme park is also open for full enjoyment! Pre-booking your ticket is essential and tickets do sell out quickly here, so make sure you plan ahead.

Thorpe Park

Pre-book your tickets to Thorpe Park now and have a fantastic day out at one of the UK’s top theme parks. All attractions are open, so those tickets book out fast, make sure you don’t miss out!


estates and gardens

Hampton Court Palace

Currently, only the gardens are open at Hampton Court Palace, but throughout July they will be opening more of the interior of the Palace for you to explore. Explore Henry VIII’s home and gardens by booking your start time via their website.

Squires Garden Centre, Hersham

Although the café and pet area is closed, the garden centre itself is open for you to admire all the colorful flowers and plants on offer, while following the social distancing measure put in place. Squires only allow 2 people per household to enter at one time.

Frensham Great Pond

The common greens and ponds are open to the public, with social distancing measures in place, following the current government guidance. Managed by the National Trust, it’s free to visit the ponds and offers a brilliant day out on a sunny day in the countryside.

Book your holiday to Tilford Woods and start exploring the local area and enjoy all that the local attractions have to offer.

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Mother’s Day is the day of the year that you can tell your mum that you appreciate everything she does for you, and we have the perfect way to help you show that! New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in North Wales’ Denbighshire countryside, surrounded by stunning fields and Welsh wildlife.

We can offer mum a fantastic time this Mother’s Day, mum can relax in the knowledge that the children are off having the time of their lives with our fantastic entertainments team. Getting involved in loads of activities, like face painting, body zorbing and even archery, mum can sit back and relax in the indoor tropically heated swimming pool and feel rejuvenated in the beautiful sauna. And after a full day relaxing, why not drop in to the lovely restaurant and enjoy some mouth watering dishes, try the Hand Battered Fish and Chips, or the delicious Thick Ground Beefburger, and a refreshing Eton Mess to finish! A lovely Mother’s Day, where mum can relax and the little ’uns have oodles of fun!


holiday home ownership at new pines holiday home park

And if you are looking for that perfect holiday home, New Pines is the place for you and now is the perfect time to buy! With a meal for two worth up to £100 free with every purchase between March 1st and March 6th 2016 you can have an extra treat as well as having your brand new luxury home away from home!

Late night viewings are available. If you’re finding it hard to pop down and see us during the day, give us a call on 01745 858010 and we’ll gladly show you around at a time that suits you.


Treat mum this Mother’s Day and treat your whole family with that perfect holiday home!

Have a fantastic Mother’s Day!

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Surrounded by 35 acres of picturesque landscape, you’ll be surprised at all the activities available at Calbourne Water Mill. Our own beautiful holiday destination, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is only a 30 minute drive away from one of the oldest mills in the UK, which also offers a number of family fun activities to get involved in.

Calbourne Water Mill is the only working mill on the Isle of Wight and even today, it still produces around 40 tons of flour made in the ‘traditional’ way, this flour is used in the onsite café. Enjoy the acres of beautiful rural landscape, stroll around the small War Museum and step back in time with a number of rural exhibitions.


Calbourne Water Mill’s history

Over 1000 years old, the Calbourne Water Mill on the Isle of Wight was mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, it was known as Mylplace Mill and had a Wheat and Malt Mill.

The mill has a varied and rich history on the island, changing ownership countless times through marriage and deaths, between 1592 and 1878. It was eventually sold to George Weeks, an accountant from London in 1878.

The last sale of Calbourne Water Mill took place in March 2000, when it was sold to the Chaucer Family, the current owners.


picturesque landscape to explore

With 35 acres of unspoilt nature to discover you can enjoy a relaxing walk and marvel at the sheer abundance of wildlife available.

Meet and feed the adorable plethora of feathered friends mulling around, including ducks, doves, moorhens and colourful peacocks. The wondrous oak woodland offers a stunning walking spot and being home to a number of animals, including foxes, badgers and friendly red squirrels, you’re sure to spot some curious creatures along the way.

The wildlife in the stream is season dependent, but you could see a number of different water wildlife here, including eels and large schools of fish, you can also pop into the shop for some fish food and watch as they jump for their favourite dinner.

If you love a beautiful view, take a short walk up the hillside for the most unbeatable, panoramic views of the surrounding villages and landscape.


things to do at  Calbourne Water Mill

Visit the small but fascinating War Museum at the water mill, where you can learn about the role that the Isle of Wight played during the war and see some interesting memorabilia.

A number of rural display exhibitions showcase collectables from years gone by, so you can see a taste of what life used to be like on the island. Exhibitions include a fire station, Granma’s kitchen and the old bakery, with many more to view.

The water mill helps the onsite Pottery, which crafts beautiful handmade souvenirs, you are able to watch the process and purchase a gift too.

Calbourne Water Mill also offers a range of family activities to enjoy, including Lego tables to let your imagination run wild and a giant chalkboard for your artistic skills. The Clay-Play area is a huge hit, a place where you can create and play, they use air drying clay so you can even take home what you make on the same day.

Try your hand at the Adventure Golf course, or opt for a relaxing time floating down the stream in the punts or pedalos, seeing the nature around you in a completely unique way.


Calbourne Water Mill café

The café uses flour made from the mill in its dishes, as well as locally sourced produce where possible, so you can be sure of mouth-watering freshly cooked food. Enjoy a selection of delicious meals and light lunches from their menu, including freshly made soup, sandwiches, pancakes and a range of children’s meals too.

The café also serves a variety of delectable homemade cakes and a wide range of wonderful cream teas to enjoy, while soaking up the surrounding views.


opening times & prices

The Calbourne Water Mill is located in the picturesque town of Calbourne on the Isle of Wight. Dogs are welcome at the mill, but it is requested they remain leashed.

Opening: March to November. Every day. 10am – 5pm.

Ticket Type Cost
Adult
£10
Child 3 – 6 Years
£6
Family (up to 5)
£25

 

You’ll thoroughly enjoy a day out at Calbourne  Water Mill and be pleasantly surprised with all the things you can do, as well as learning about the islands oldest and only working water mill.

Our five-star, luxury holiday destination Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is located only a half hour drive away from the water mill, making it the ideal place to base yourself on the island.

Woodside Bay offers wonderful facilities, including our Woodside Bay Spa Lodge which is home to our fully trained therapists, who offer luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments and beautiful views over the Solent from the decking. Indulge in a delicious meal from our Bistro Restaurant, serving a range of family favourites, after your meal head out to our outdoor sitting area to take in the panoramic views and relax with a drink from our fully stocked bar.

We offer a wide range of self-catered accommodation, from our quirky treehouses, where you can enjoy the peaceful escape of being surrounded by the treetops and the luxurious touches of copper finishing’s and a hot tub, only sleeping 2, this is the ideal place for a romantic getaway away on the island. Our variety of beautiful lodges are also on offer, these all come with large open plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens, sumptuous sofas, spacious decking with wonderful views and a selection of our lodges come with hot tubs too.

Why not book your escape to Woodside Bay today and enjoy a holiday break to the Isle of Wight?

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Are you scrambling around for a last minute gift this Christmas? Eden Spa has the perfect answer for you! Christmas can creep up on us and before we know it, it’s the week before the big day and we’re scrambling around to get that perfect gift! Staff at the Eden Spa have donned their helpful elf hats to give you a hand this festive season, did you know we offer spa vouchers? The ideal gift for that impossible-to-but-for person in your life.


why gift a spa voucher? Here’s why…

There are so many reasons to gift these versatile little presents this Christmas! You can purchase them for specific treatments, a pamper spa day or cash value, meaning they can choose what treatment they would like if you aren’t sure! This also means that no matter who you’re looking to buy for, from your pregnant best friend, stressed out partner, friendly co-worker or lovely husband, we will have a treatment to suit everyone!

Photo of the Cheddar spa voucher

Our range of full body treatments will leave everyone feeling relaxed and refreshed, including the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience, where a therapist will apply pressure to stimulate the nervous system with Swedish and neuromuscular techniques. We also offer a variety of Holistic Treatments, such as a Hot Stone Massage or Hopis Ear Candles treatment, as well as a range of facials to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Our range of Pregnancy and Men’s Treatments, means this truly is a gift for everyone. We all need some relaxation time after Christmas and a spa voucher from Eden Spa give someone exactly that.


what’s available at Eden Spa?

Here at Eden Spa we are proud to partner with Aromatherapy Associates who bring 30 years of knowledge and experience in the industry. Using their essential oils and dedicated techniques, our fully trained therapists can help to reduce stress and muscle pain, while leaving you feeling utterly relaxed and refreshed.

Take some time out in our Relaxation Suite to reflect and re-energise yourself. Indulge in a dip of our tropically heated swimming pool, or chill out in our sauna or steam room and feel your pores and air waves open up. After your treatment, indulge in a mouth-watering meal, or grab a light lunch, at our onsite restaurant.

Our range of treatments means there will be something to soothe everyone, from dedicated Men’s Treatments, including a Refinery Facial for a perfect deep cleanse which leaves bright and clean skin. To our Pregnancy Treatments, such as the Ultimate Rose Pregnancy Massage, where a therapist will massage the legs to ease the heavy feeling that can occur, as well as showing attention to the scalp and face. We also offer a variety of Jessica Nails treatments, including a luxury pedicure or a simple file and polish, as well as a range of waxing and tinting treatments which are ideal for getting before a night out. There are also specific Teenage Treatments to treat those teens in your life, as being a teenager is hard and they deserve the relaxation time.


So really whoever it is you’re scrambling to buy presents for this Christmas, a spa voucher could be the perfect gift you’re looking for! Pop into Eden Spa or call on 01934742610 for more information about ordering a spa voucher.

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Darwin Escapes boasts two wonderful locations in the Isle of Wight where you can enjoy a relaxing Christmas break away in the UK. The Isle of Wight is hosting a wide range of Christmas markets and events for you to enjoy this festive season! And with two beautiful locations to choose from, Woodside Coastal Retreat and Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, you’ll be spoiled for choice with luxurious accommodation. Explore the island and don’t miss out on these fantastic festive Christmas markets…


i love wight christmas market

When: 30th Nov – 1st Dec / Where: The Garlic Farm

The Garlic Farm hosts its annual festive market, with a courtyard full of stalls to marvel at. You’ll be able to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for your special someone.

  • two rooms indoors and the courtyard of stalls
  • locally made crafts, arts and jewellery
  • entertainment for all ages
  • the Garlic Farm café will also be open

2019 christmas market

When: 24th Nov / Where: Donkey Sanctuary / Times: 10am – 4pm

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary and help to raise funds for a wonderful cause while wandering around the stalls and enjoying the entertainment.

  • 30 Christmas stalls
  • crafts and local artisan makers
  • an indoor Christmas market
  • live music from ‘Airwaves Children’s Wind’

victorian christmas

When: 30th Nov – 1st Dec / Where: Osborne House / Times: 11am – 7pm

Visit Queen Victoria’s house this Christmas and learn all about how the majestic Monarch transformed Christmas into what we know now, and all about the traditions we hold so dear. Osborne House will be filled with festive cheer and traditional games.

  • Victorian toy makers: make your own to take home
  • traditional Victorian games
  • carousel, daring jesters and fire shows
  • Father Christmas has made his home
  • carol singers
  • humorous retelling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
  • Father Christmas turns on the lights
  • mulled wine and softly lit grounds

santa specials

When: 30th Nov – 24th Dec / Where: IOW Steam Railway

Jump on the festive steam train and enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. Take a journey on the train before exploring the seasonal market.

  • Christmas music, entertainment and magic shows
  • Santa’s sparkling Winter Wonderland
  • have a 10 mile round trip through the island
  • bustling Christmas market
  • stalls from local makers
  • presents arriving on the North Pole shuttle
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We’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to! Check out our top pics to go for coffee and a slice of cake in North Wales

North Wales offers an abundance of fabulous features; from the rolling green hills to the vibrant seaside, not to mention 4 luxury holiday home resorts, and we’ve explored the area for you to bring you some fantastic hidden gems. Read on to discover our top picks for beautiful tearooms that are off the beaten track, but well worth a visit.


1. sugarplum tearoom

One of my favourites! This quirky little tearoom is one you wouldn’t just stumble upon, as it;s so tucked away, but it’s well worth a visit. Everything about this place has been well thought out, from its quirky retro décor to its locally-sourced menu. The food is fab, the coffee is good and the milkshakes are served in retro milk bottles, what more could you want. Oh yes the cake! Save room for cake, it’s amazing!
LL15 1TN

 

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2. tea rooms at the pet cemetery

I know what you’re thinking, but it’s an absolute delight! Exceptional service, a beautiful setting and the range of desserts is out of this world! It’s dog-friendly and with lovely touches like quirky salt and pepper pots and fine china, this place is a must-visit. Top-Tip: Order the Welsh Rarebit, but save room for a slice homemade cake – you won’t want to miss out!
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3. st pio’s café

This place is another favourite! Tucked away not far from the A55, the setting is beautiful. In the grounds of a Catholic Church and former monastery, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the stunning buildings and lovely walks available from here. The welcome is always warm and the ‘Posh Ploughman’s’ is unmissable!
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4 doris’s bunker at ncar

Small but perfectly formed, this little cabin serves lovely food, drinks and cakes. Situated at an animal rescue centre its pet-friendly, the staff are lovely and knowing that profits go to support the charity make the cakes even yummier! It’s one you’d never find without a satnav and definitely worth a visit!
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5. café at abakhan

Growing up, a family visit to North Wales wasn’t complete without a trip to Abakhan; the ‘big ship’ is still there behind the site like it was all those years ago, but Abakhan’s offering is modern and fresh. The café is great, with hot and cold choices, plus there’s always a mouth-watering cake selection, you’ll be spoilt for choice! (If you can’t decide, I’d recommend the Welsh Cakes). There’s even a play area for the little ones, what more could you want!
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lady m’s tearoom at jackson’s

So, it didn’t make the top 5, because it’s not really a hidden gem – the café is large and still almost always full when I visit, so it must be popular! But if you’re not local, maybe you’ve not noticed this lovely boutique garden centre on the country lanes of Flintshire. Give them a visit and you’ll not be disappointed by the choice of cake and the great selection of hot and cold food. I’ll bet you can’t walk through the gift section of the garden centre either without being wowed by this lovely place!
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So if you’re visiting Talacre Beach, Seaview, Aberconwy or New Pines, be sure to add at least one of these hidden gems on your must visit list and tell us all about your visit on social media.

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Head to Talacre beach on 27th & 28th July for a fantastic weekend of World War II nostalgia along the North Wales coastline. Talacre village will be steeped in 1940’s nostalgia on 27th and 28th July, as the community centre will be putting on an event to help showcase what a key role this sleepy, seaside village in North Wales had to play during the Second World War.

Whether you’re a holiday guest or an owner with us here at Talacre Beach Resort, you are sure to have a fabulous time at the weekend long event, which will only be a 10 minute walk from your holiday home.


Talacre world war ii event

The World War II weekend event is part of the 2019 Now & Then exhibition, which is held at the Talacre Community Centre and is full of interesting facts about the local area from over the decades.

As the largest event of the year the World War II Event will be along the beach and throughout the village and is sure to be a huge hit with all ages. You will be able to learn all about the Spitfire target practice that took place along the beach, the fascinating Norcan pillboxes which are still there and you can find out what it was like growing up in the huts in the sand dunes.

The whole family will delight in the various displays on offer, including the static Spitfire display, the Merlin engine and Spitfire cockpit displays, as well as a range of other military vehicles and displays to enjoy. You’ll love the show from the re-enactors who are there to help showcase what Talacre was really like in the 1940’s.

The weekend extravaganza is sure to be a fabulous time for all ages!


now & then exhibition

Over 2019 the Talacre Community Centre have been showcasing their Now & Then exhibition, which displays pictures, letters and other materials to show the interesting and varied history of the Talacre village.

The exhibition was awarded various grants, including a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help bring the village’s unique history to life. Talacre beach was used as an area for Spitfire target practice during World War II, but it was also a place that many people were evacuated to in order to escape the bombing from Liverpool. Some evacuees elected to stay in Talacre, or kept their huts on the dunes as summer homes, which was the start of a long and successful holiday home owners history for the village.

Learn more about the Now & Then exhibition in our blog post here.


ownership at Talacre Beach Resort

As an owner at our 5 star location, Talacre Beach Resort, you can take full advantage of all the local area events, but still easily relax away from the hustle and bustle in your home away from home.

We offer a wide range of holiday homes and lodges for sale at Talacre Beach Resort. We will have the ideal home away from home to suit all needs and budgets, our professional Sales Advisors can introduce you to an independent financial advisors who will be able to help you spread the cost too. So owning your dream holiday home in North Wales could be much closer than you think.

Our friendly community of owners have unlimited access to our fantastic 5 star facilities, which includes an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa pool. As well as a newly refurbished Bistro Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks. The whole family will love the arcade games and pool table room, as well as the day and evening entertainment programmes provided by Charlie Bear and his talented team of Rangers.

There is always something to do at Talacre Beach Resort, whether that’s getting stuck in with the activities on offer, relaxing in your home away from home or exploring the local area.

To find out more information about ownership at Talacre Beach Resort, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk an advisor via our Live Chat service.

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New Pines Holiday Home Park owners have told us their favourite local attractions to visit in North Wales, you can read their recommendations here. Perfectly placed along the coastline, New Pines offers the best of both worlds as it is surrounded by the beautiful Denbighshire countryside, but is only a short drive away from the bustling seaside town of Rhyl. You can soak up the sun and enjoy a day at the beach while basing yourself with us at New Pines. Book your park tour today and see what we have to offer.

Buying your home away from home at New Pines means you will be joining our friendly community of owners, who all enjoy unlimited access to our 5 star facilities and are able to explore the local area at their own pace. One of the best benefits of owning your own holiday home at New Pines is having endless holidays, which means you don’t have to cram exploring the local area and visiting all the best attractions into one week.

So with this in mind, we asked our wonderful owners at New Pines to where their favourite places were to visit in the local area and we have made a list of their top recommended attractions.


SC2 Rhyl

The SC2 Rhyl is an indoor waterpark, which opened its doors in Spring 2019 and has fast become a huge hit with families of all ages. There are 3 large slides for the thrill seekers, including the Boomerang where gravity takes control of your drop. The little ones will love the Piranha Play area with small slides and the Water Wheel activity area. For those sunny summer days, the Outdoor Splash Pool is perfect for younger children, toddlers and infants. If you love the sound of this, then you’re in luck as New Pines can include a free family pass as part of our Create Your Dream Lifestyle offer when you buy your home away from home.


Rhyl Pavilion

The Rhyl Pavilion has a calendar bursting with fantastic events for all ages to enjoy, from a string of touring theatre shows and comedian acts, to the latest bands and themed party nights. There will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Rhyl Pavilion. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the brand new restaurant called 1891. It was named after the year the very first pavilion was built and offers a wonderful menu for all to enjoy, with a stunning view too.


Dyserth waterfalls

These beautiful waterfalls are only a 5 minute drive away from New Pines and are part of the River Ffyddion. There is a nature walk around the falls to enjoy, as well as the spectacular waterfalls themselves to view. There is an ice cream shop, seating area and designated photo op area here.


marine lake

New Pines is a 15 minute drive away from Marine Lake, which offers a whole host of water sports to enjoy, as well as a peaceful walk around the lake. Try your hand at some of the activities on offer, including sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Marine Lake also boasts the oldest miniature railway in the UK, which is operated by the Rhyl Steam Preservation Trust, the train runs at certain times of the year and all ages will get a thrill from the ride around the lake.


Llandudno snowsports centre

Located on the Great Orme, the Llandudno Snowsports Centre offers great fun for everyone with a range of activities available. Activities include skiing and snowboarding on the dry snow slope, where the centre caters to all abilities. The centre is also home to the longest toboggan run in Wales, at 750m long, you’re sure to have a great time on this ride!


Venue Cymru

The theatre is around a 30 minute drive from New Pines, but with a fantastic reputation of hosting touring West End shows, Venue Cymru is a firm favourite attraction with our owners. The theatre draws all the big names and shows in the country.


Bodnant Gardens

Located in Conwy, Bodnant Gardens is a National Trust location which enjoys beautiful views of the Conwy Valley and the Carneaddau mountains. The gardens were founded in 1874 and developed by the same family, throughout the generations, before becoming a National Trust property in 1949. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere when you visit here and marvel at the colourful, stunningly kept and loved gardens.


Welsh Mountain Zoo

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is located in Colwyn Bay and offers a fabulous day out for all the family. The zoological garden is spread over 37 acres and is home to a number of animals, from big cats and primates, to reptiles and amphibians. There is also a children’s farm to visit where the little ones can meet guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits and ducks. The daily penguin walk is a very popular event at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.


Conwy Quays Marina

Take a trip to the Conwy Quays Marina for unbeatable scenery. The marina is in a stunning location and is close to the famous Conwy Castle. There are pubs and restaurants around the area to sit and enjoy a bite to eat, while taking in the beautiful views of the marina.


all the castles

Exploring all of North Wales’ castles was high on our owners’ list. There are countless castles to discover across the coastline, including Rhuddlan Castle, Ruthin Castle, Conwy Castle, Bodelwyddan Castle and so many more. The good thing about being an owner with us at New Pines is that you can take your time and explore all the historic sites around this stunning region.


llyn brenig reservoir

Enjoy a stroll or bike ride around this stunning reservoir in the Dennigh Moors. Llyn Brenig is home to a hole host of activities on offer, you can learn how to sail, enjoy some relaxing time fishing or the little ones can try out the play areas. There are endless woodland walks to discover and you can always enjoy the stunning views and beautiful natures around you.

In fact, Llyn Brenig is so popular that when some of our owners visited they completely fell in love, with Chris and Sue saying “We went to Llyn Brenig today and hired bikes! It was ace! We cycled 9 miles round the lake and through the woods, it was uphill quite a bit, but the downhill was soooo worth it! We loved it. It rained (and was freezing) but It felt like we were getting good exercise and fresh air. It’s only about an hour away. The bikes were £44 for 3 hours, which sounds a lot, but when you think of it as £11 each, it’s pretty good. We would definitely do it again!”


So those are our New Pines’ owners top local attraction recommendations, you can start exploring the region and enjoying all it has to offer when you become an owner too!

New Pines Holiday Home Park boasts fantastic 5 star facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, luxurious spa pool, steam room and sauna to enjoy. The Bistro Restaurant & Bar serves delicious family favourite meals and stocks all your favourite drinks, from beers and soft drinks, to a range of Costa Coffee drinks.

The whole family can get stuck into the activity and entertainment programme organised by Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers. The daily programme includes craft activities, movie viewings, talent shows and skills workshops. The Rangers also provide the fantastic family evening entertainment, including games, karaoke, cabaret acts and even taking the stage themselves to perform fabulous shows.

There is also a range of water activities to enjoy, a fully equipped gym, a family room with a small soft play area for the little ones and a separate teenager’s room with games consoles and a pool table.

New Pines Holiday Home Park offers something for everyone, including a holiday home. We boast a wide range of holiday homes for sale near Rhyl, so whether you are looking to move to a new destination or you’re just starting out on your holiday home journey, we will have the ideal home away from home for you.

Our friendly Sales Advisors are always on hand to answer any questions and if you’d like to book your park tour today they will be happy to show around our stunning destination in North Wales.

Or if you’d like some more information, please call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or feel free to talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

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Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens’ wide range of animals at one of the world’s oldest zoo’s and learn all about their conservation work too. Our very own luxurious location, Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is only a 30 minute drive away from Bristol Zoo Gardens, making it the ideal destination to base yourself. The zoo first opened in July 1836 and is actually the fifth oldest in the world, with a rich history of conservation research, having saved over 175 species from extinction. The zoo is also a wonderful day out for all ages and has had more than 90 million visitors since opening!


the history of Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens is run by the Bristol Zoological Society, a registered conservation and education charity, but back in 1835 it was founded by Henry Riley, a local physician, who helped join together a number of local prominent individuals. They all came together with the same mission in mind:

“to facilitate the observation of habits, form and structure of the animal kingdom, as well as affording rational amusement and recreation to the visitors of the neighbourhood”

With such a long legacy, steeped in education, conservation and fun, there have been a number of key milestones in Bristol Zoo Gardens’ history.

  • A lowland gorilla arrived in the 1930’s. His name was Alfred and he was very popular and learned how to make snowballs. His popularity soared throughout World War II, providing people with joy during a dark time
  • In 1934 Adam was born, and he was the first chimpanzee to be both conceived and born in captivity in Europe
  • During the 80’s and 90’s, the zoo started to develop into the Bristol Zoo Gardens it is today. Several large exhibits opened during this time, including the monkey house, reptile house, the redesigned aquarium and both the wonderful seal and penguin coast exhibits

The zoo is continuing its legacy and is working on a number of research and conservation projects around the world.


animals & attractions

There are endless species to visit during your day out at Bristol Zoo Gardens, all enjoying a unique and natural habitat, lovingly created by the team who care for each of them.

The zoo has been a home to the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas since 1930, with the current family headed by the impressive silverback, Jock. The family is completed by Kera, Kukena, Kala and Toni, who was hand raised until she was 8 months old and then reintroduced to the family.

You can visit the lion pride, the black howler monkeys or the very vocal gibbons during your trip. But don’t forget the fascinating dwarf crocodiles, African pancake tortoises, the fascinating lemurs or the huge range of beautiful and exotic birds that all call Bristol Zoo Gardens home.

The attractions at Bristol Zoo Gardens are wonderful, including the fun adventure playground and a super fun splash water zone for the little ones. Or opt for a slower pace and try to find all the colours in the Butterfly Forest.

The popular ZooRopia attraction is a fun adventure course for all ages, you can all take advantage of this absolutely wonderful opportunity to swing alongside the lemurs, gibbons and gorillas.

For a completely unique and wonderful journey, head to the Twilight World exhibit, where night and day will be reversed. Meet some of the most fascinating nocturnal creatures in the world, in beautiful settings from the dark forest with the aye-aye’s and underground with the naked mole rats to the town house, which is home to tiny house mice!


So if you’re looking for a fabulously fun day at Bristol Zoo Gardens is definitely the place to be and being only a 30 minute drive away from Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, it really is the ideal place to base yourself to explore the area.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa offers everything you could want for a getaway, from luxurious lodge style accommodation with large open plan living areas, sumptuous bedding and a selection of hot tub lodges too. Our stunning five star facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Eden Spa offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments. The whole family will love the Go Active + programme, which includes a large rock climbing wall, waterwalkerz and archery.

There is so much to do at Cheddar Woods you’ll love relaxing for lunch or an evening meal at our Bistro Restaurant, while kicking back with a drink from our fully stocked bar. And if you don’t want to leave? You don’t have to, as Cheddar Woods offers holiday home ownership too, so you could holiday here every weekend!

For more information about holiday home ownership at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or speak to an advisor via our live chat service and book your tour to see our resort today.

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