The Springs Golf Club is one of the most popular golf clubs in Oxfordshire, so why not take advantage of our 12 month corporate packages today? Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at The Springs, where our 12 month corporate packages offer a great alternative to formal boardroom meetings.

Spread over 130 acres of picturesque parkland, our championship course was designed by Brian Huggett MBE, Ryder Cup Captain and all round golfing legend. Brian perfected the course during the design and use the space to challenge all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time at The Springs.

Our corporate membership packages allow you to spend time with clients, colleagues and business associates and create an unforgettable working day. Our corporate packages are below:

platinum package

£1000 EX VAT

• 8 rounds per month
• 8 range tokens per month
• Preferential rate on a corporate golf day
• Offers & promotions
• 2020 renewal at 2019 prices

platinum+ package

£1663 EX VAT

• Includes all of our Platinum Package
• Golf hole sponsorship
• 4 buggy hires per month

Ideally placed in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, no matter where you are in the local area, you’ll be able to take full advantage of our 12 month corporate membership packages.

Enjoy a round of golf with business associates, then head into our beautiful Tudor-style clubhouse, where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a mouth-watering meal.
Create a meeting everyone will remember with our golf corporate membership packages.

For more information about our corporate membership packages contact us direct on golf@darwinbusiness.co.uk

Final call for boarding as audiences are flown to sunny Benidorm for a laugh-a-minute production. The famous Solana hotel and the Alicante sunshine were brought to the North Wales coast when the hit TV show Benidorm took to the Venue Cymru stage for its opening night.

Stars of the ITV television series including Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam) and Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) brought their much-loved characters to life for the audience and let me reassure you it’s just as crazy and bonkers in real life as it is on the tele!

As a fan of the TV show, which has been on screens for 10 years, I immediately knew Benidorm Live was something I had to see. I couldn’t wait to see how writer Derren Litten would mould these characters and the storylines for the stage and I was definitely not disappointed.

Litten has put together a perfect show for Benidorm fans. The production is packed with hilarious humour, innuendos, loveable characters and a set which will have you amazed! Audiences will be guaranteed to feel part of the show from the moment they enter the theatre when they see the Solana, Neptune Bar and hear the likes of Cher and George Michael playing in the background!

This live ‘on-stage’ episode has plenty of links to past episodes of Benidorm and many references to characters previously seen on the show. Of course, as each character appeared on stage they received a warm welcome from the audience. Jacqueline played by the fabulous Janine Duvitski was one of those characters, she’s loved for her double entendres, rude remarks and innuendos – if you go to watch the show keep an ear out for her cocktail choices… need I say anymore? You can probably guess for yourselves!

Hands down my favourite scenes of the night were all those which included Blow ’n’ Go’s Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) and Adam Gillen (Liam). The natural comic timing between them is incredible and I was in stitches every time they joined the stage. There were plenty of unexpected added comedy moments from Gillen which had the audience including the rest of the cast in fits of laughter. The scene where he sings ‘Unforgettable’ might have been one of the funniest scenes I’ve seen play out live on stage.

I’ve never left a theatre aching from laughing, or come to that, heard the auditorium filled with so much laughter. Benidorm really lifted the spirits in Venue Cymru and the standing ovation was rightly deserved. Benidorm isn’t Benidorm without these fantastic characters and actors – they all play a wonderful part to make the show what it is.

If you are a fan of the series or just love good comedy – this is one is for you!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your sun cream, order in the Sangria and get yourself to Venue Cymru to see this hilarious production of Benidorm Live!

Benidorm Live will be at Venue Cymru until April 13th so grab your shorts and swimsuits and head down to Venue Cymru – this is one laugh-out-loud show you’ll definitely not want to miss.

To book your tickets for the sunshine show of the season just call the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website.

We’re giving you the chance to be part of the audience when Blood Brothers comes to Venue Cymru this Spring! That’s right… you and a friend could be attending the opening night of the 2019 Spring Tour of the popular musical, Blood Brothers, written by Willy Russell.

Just keep on reading to find out how you can enter…

The Blood Brothers plot tells the captivating story of twins, Mickey and Edward, who were separated at birth and grow up in two completely different homes with two totally different backgrounds but end up forming a friendship.

However the musical takes a turn when the pair grow more distant when both of their lives take different paths one into education another into a world of crime. The heart-wrenching musical comes to a climax when Mickey takes drastic action against his twin when, whilst in prison, he learns that Edward has opened his arms for Mickey’s childhood sweetheart, Linda, which may have a fatal end.

The Spring 2019 tour will feature new members to the Blood Brothers UK tour cast but will still include songs such as Bright New Day, Marylin Monroe, and Tell Me It’s Not True.

This musical is packed with emotion, drama and intensity and is definitely not to be missed! Find out how you can enter our competition to win two tickets to see the opening night at Venue Cymru below:

To enter our Facebook competition for the chance to win two tickets to see the Blood Brothers UK tour cast perform this heart wrenching musical live on stage just visit our Aberconwy Resort & Spa Facebook page.

The UK tour of Blood Brothers will be in Llandudno’s Venue Cymru theatre from Monday 15th April to Saturday 20th April.

Book your tickets over on the Venue Cymru website or by phoning the Box Office on 01492 872000

terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must tag a friend in the comments and like our competition post.
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Friday 5th April and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Friday 5th April
– Winner is the tagger, not the tagee (but let’s hope they share the prize!)
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates Aberconwy Resort & Spa or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is 2 tickets to see Blood Brothers at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Monday 15th April
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Friday 5th April
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– This prize cannot be transferred to any other date or performance
– Tickets cannot be applied retrospectively
– Tickets can be collected from the Box Office from one hour before curtain up only
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our Aberconwy Resort & Spa a like on Facebook too!

We’ve got the perfect eggciting treat for the Easter holidays… oh yes we have! For the panto lovers amongst us, we know the wait till Christmas can feel like forever! But thanks to our friends over at Rhyl Pavilion, you won’t have to wait another 8 months.

We’re able to offer you a family ticket to see the ultimate Easter treat, The Easter Panto Spectacular Beauty and the Beast pantomime!

So if you’re looking for the ultimate feel good show that the whole family can enjoy this Easter, then you’ll love this themed pantomime which will be taking to the stage at Rhyl Pavilion for two days only over the Easter holidays.

Get ready to travel to a land far far away, where Belle lives with her Father until one day he crosses a terrifying beast and Belle is taken captive.

It’s up to the Atomic Fairy, the village idiot Wally and his mother Dame Dolly to rescue her from where she is being held captive bringing plenty of laughs, singing and dancing to the fun filled panto land.

The Easter Pantomime which is on at Rhyl Pavilion on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th April will star Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona, the one and only Basil Brush, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice star Gemma Bissix and CBBC presenter Lauren Platt.

You’ll also be left cracking up with laughter thanks to Easter Panto Tour favourites comic Ryan Greave and dame Phylip Harries.

So if you want a bit of magic added to your Easter weekend then head over to the New Pines Facebook page to enter for the chance to win the family ticket available!

You can get tickets to see The Easter Panto Spectacular – Beauty and the Beast on Thursday 18th April at 7pm or Friday 19th April at 2pm or 7pm.

Book your tickets over on the Rhyl Pavilion website or by phoning the Box Office on 01745 330000.

terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment with their favourite Easter emoji and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Friday 5th April and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Friday 5th April
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates New Pines Holiday Home Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is for a family ticket (2 adult tickets and 2 child tickets) to see The Easter Panto Spectacular Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the Rhyl Pavilion
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Friday 5th April
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Performance dates are Thursday 18th April at 7pm and Friday 19th April at 2pm and 7pm (subject to availability)
– Tickets cannot be applied retrospectively
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our New Pines Holiday Home Park a like on Facebook too!

Buy your dream holiday home along the North Wales coastline before 28th April and get an exclusive outdoor living pack worth over £2000, plus site fees until 2020

Aberconwy Resort & Spa offer complete luxury in the beautiful Conwy valley, with a variety of holiday homes and elegant lodges for sale, as well as boasting outstanding views of the Snowdonia Mountain Range and being just a stone’s throw from the Conwy Morfa Beach.

Owners benefit from 5 star facilities at Aberconwy, and if you purchase your holiday home before 28th April, you’ll receive an exclusive outdoor living pack worth over £2000, as well as having your site fees free until 2020*.

the outdoor living pack

Imagine owning your own holiday home at Aberconwy, walking out of your spacious living area on to your private decking and soaking up the springtime sunshine on your beautiful furniture, while lighting the BBQ.

Well this could easily become a reality, Aberconwy are offering all those who purchase before 28th April an outdoor living pack worth over £2000, which includes:

• Rattan furniture
• Webber BBQ
• 43 inch flatscreen TV
• £500 facilities vouchers (to be used in the spa or restaurant)

With all this, plus having your site fees free until 2020, there really has never been a better time to buy, so why wait for the summer?

Aberconwy Resort & Spa boasts beautiful 5 star facilities available to their owners. Including the multi-award winning Signature’s Restaurant, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the restaurant boasts an ever changing menu meaning you can visit often and never eat the same thing twice! You can also enjoy a lovely drink from the fully stocked bar, which is currently home to the 10th anniversary gin that owners, Jimmy and Louise helped blend themselves. As an owner, you will enjoy 20% off at Signature’s Restaurant.

Owners enjoy unlimited access to the wonderful indoor heated swimming pool, as well as the soothing Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, where you can soak up the heat and truly relax. You will also have unlimited access to the Langley’s Country Club & Gym, which is one of the best gyms in the area boasting state of the art equipment, with a range of cardio machines, free weights and even a deadlift zone. There is also a separate HIIT room for those who enjoy a heavy workout.

For something a little slow paced, book yourself in at our Aberconwy Spa, where you’ll feel completely pampered from our fully trained therapists. We offer a wide range of Aromatherapy Associates treatments, from full body massages, to rejuvenating facials, you’ll leave us feeling utterly relaxed, and as an owner, you will have 20% off treatments. Or book yourself in at Mali’s Hair Salon, where the wonderful stylists will put a spring back your step with a soothing hair treatment, again you will have 20% off here too.

So why wait for summer? With site fees free until 2020 and an exclusive outdoor living pack worth over £2000 available until 28th April, there has never been a better time to purchase your dream holiday home.

Book your park tour today and meet our friendly and professional Sales Advisors who will showcase a range of holiday home and lodges for you, show you the facilities and answer any questions you may have.

For more information call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

*Not available to existing customers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Create your own perfect holiday home package at New Pines when you buy, and buy now to get site fees free until 2020

New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in the heart of the Denbighshire countryside, but perfectly located to enjoy the North Wales coast being only a 10 minute drive to Rhyl Beach, and the traditional seaside town currently undergoing a multi-million pound renovation. With a wide range of holiday homes and lodges for sale in Rhyl, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget at New Pines.

If you purchase your home away from home now, you can create your own package* by choosing one of the below options, as well as having your 2020 site fees included, so there really is no reason to wait until summer to buy, there has never been a better time!

When you buy your holiday home, you can choose one of the follow as an optional extra:

• Rhyl Pavilion Theatre Vouchers – you will have 10 x £50 vouchers to use at the theatre, which means you’ll won’t miss out on the fantastic shows, bands and comedians who don the stage in Rhyl
• SC2 Family Pass – Rhyl is undergoing a multi-million pound renovation, with the SC2 being the crowning jewel, as a fantastic waterpark and indoor TAG adventure play area. Enjoy £500 worth of family pass vouchers at the SC2
• Free Holiday Home Starter Pack – enjoy a fully equipped and stocked holiday home, including a microwave, fridge freezer, oven and TV
• Aberconwy Spa Pass – treat yourself to a 12 month pass at one of the best spas in North Wales. Located on our sister-park, Aberconwy Resort & Spa, you can indulge in a range of Aromatherapy Associates treatments
• 1 Year Rhyl Golf Club Membership – you’ll receive one year membership for 2 adults and one child at Rhyl Golf Club, with a beautiful links course along the beachfront

To learn more about these options and this offer, click here

So why wait for summer? Book your park tour today and meet our friendly Sales Advisors who will show you a range of holiday homes and lodges, as well as showcasing the fantastic 5 star facilities.

Our facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, soothing spa pool, sauna and steam room. Enjoy a relaxing drink at the over 21’s lounge, or in the cabaret room, before indulging in a delicious meal from our Bistro Restaurant. The whole family will enjoy the evening entertainment programme, which provides family games, karaoke, cabaret acts and fantastic shows from our home-grown talent, the Rangers.

The Ranges, along with cheeky Charlie Bear, also provide the daily children’s entertainment programme, which includes themed parties, movie time, arts and crafts, face painting and a whole host of different workshops. The leisure team also put together a range of fun water-based activities, including sea scooters and water walkerz for the children to enjoy.

The adults aren’t forgotten about at New Pines, with a number of different societies to join, including the golf and bowling societies, as well as the community allotments on park where you can grow your own veg! Even the dogs have their own enclosed dog walking field to run around in, there is something for everyone at New Pines, it’s easy to see why this gated community is such a popular holiday home owners destination.

Call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor today via our Live Chat service for more information about owning at New Pines Holiday Home Park.

*Not available to existing customers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Talacre Beach Resort’s facilities have recently undergone a £1 million renovation, buy today and start enjoying your North Wales escape

Home to a wide range of holiday homes and luxurious lodges for sale in North Wales, and with the recent completion of a £1 million facilities renovation, plus having your site fees free until 2020*, there really has never been a better time to buy your holiday home.

Our 5 star facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room to relax in. Head into our beach themed Bistro Restaurant, with beautiful décor and delicious meals on the menu to suit all ages, your dining experience will be one to remember, and don’t forget to grab a drink or a Costa Coffee from our fully stocked bar. During the evening visit The Boardwalk for a variety of family entertainment organised by our talented team, you can enjoy cabaret acts, games, karaoke and talent shows.

The children will love the daily entertainment schedule from Charlie Bear and his rangers, with arts and crafts workshops, party dances and a variety of other activities to keep them entertained in the wonderfully decorated children’s playroom. The whole family can enjoy the brand new arcade space, with a wide range of traditional and digital arcade games for all ages to enjoy, as well as being home to a pool table to try your luck at.

Talacre Beach’s Go Active programme for the whole family to get stuck into includes, panna soccer, archery, fencing, water walkerz and even mini jet skis. There is something for all ages at Talacre Beach Resort.

Why not take full advantage of our site fees free until 2020 offer and start enjoying our newly refurbished, 5 star facilities by purchasing your dream holiday home at Talacre Beach today?

Book your park tour with our Sales Advisors and come to see our beautiful facilities for yourself, our team will also showcase a number of holiday homes and lodges for you to view. You’ll get a little taste of what joining the friendly community of owners is like at Talacre Beach Resort.

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

*Not available to existing customers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Purchasing your holiday home at Aberconwy Resort & Spa is exciting but you may have some questions, and we’re here to help!

Owning your own holiday home means you can enjoy an escape to the North Wales coastline at a luxurious 5 star resort, with beautiful facilities and unbeatable views. Boasting a majestic backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range and only a stone’s throw from the golden sands of the Conwy Morfa beach, it’s easy to see why Aberconwy Resort & Spa is a popular place for a home away from home.

If you’re new to ownership, the process can seem a little intimidating and if you’re a current owner looking for a change of scenery, you’re likely to have some questions. We’ve managed to put together the below list of our most commonly asked ownership questions to help you find out more about ownership at Aberconwy.

How often am I able to use my holiday home throughout the year?

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is open all year round and you are welcome to use your holiday home as often as you wish.

Am I allowed to rent out my holiday home?

No, we don’t allow sub-letting or rents of any holiday homes at Aberconwy.

Can my family and friends use my holiday home?

Yes, they can, upon purchasing you will be given 6 full adult membership, plus dependants under 16, for full access to the facilities. If you require more passes, you can purchase an annual pass, please ask our Sales Advisors for more information.

Will I have discounts on the facilities available?

Yes, as an owner you will receive 10% off luxurious spa treatments at our Aberconwy Spa. As well as, 10% off at the multi-award winning Signature’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious fine dining. As well as, unlimited access to the Langley’s gym and facilities, including the indoor heated swimming pool.

What do site fees cover?

Your site fees help to cover the general maintenance of an award-winning location, from the upkeep of the facilities, to the beautiful landscaping of the grounds.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Aberconwy boasts free Wi-Fi across the whole park, including your holiday home, so you can still stay in touch with the world while escaping to the seaside.

Am I allowed to live in my holiday home at Aberconwy?

No, although we are open 12 months of the year, we are not residential. Your holiday home cannot be your permanent address, this must be held somewhere else and we will request proof of residence every year.

Are you a dog friendly location?

Yes, we are a dog-friendly location and with lots of local walks on your doorstep, including the Conwy Mountain behind the park, and the glorious sandy beach right on your doorstep. We do ask that dogs are kept on their leads while out in the park grounds and that they are picked up after.

Would I need a drain down service and what does that mean?

We would highly recommend the winter drain down service to help protect your holiday home, the service drains all water pipes going to and throughout your holiday home of water. This helps to stop burst water pipes and the damage this can cause to your holiday home during the winter frost months.

Book your park tour to visit Aberconwy Resort & Spa and meet our friendly Sales Team along the North Wales coastline, where our Sales Advisors will be on hand to talk you through the purchasing process, show you a wide range of holiday homes and luxurious lodges to suit all budgets, as well as showcasing the fantastic facilities on offer.

For more information about holiday home ownership at Aberconwy Resort & Spa, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor today via our Live Chat service.

5 star facilities at aberconwy

Aberconwy Resort & Spa offers luxurious facilities to all owners, including the indoor tropically heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi pool, sauna and steam room to relax in. Head to the Aberconwy Spa for luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments from our fully trained therapists, indulge in a full body massage treatment or feel rejuvenated with a refreshing facial, before taking some time out in the relaxation suite.

Keep up with your fitness schedule in our Langley’s Country Club, which offers a fantastic and fully equipped gym, which will hold everything you need for a full body workout. Including a range of cardio machines, weight lifting machines and a wide variety of free weights. There is also a separate HIIT room for those who love a quick and intense workout.

But if you’re looking for award-winning dining, Signature’s Restaurant is the place for you. Husband and wife team, Jimmy and Louise own and run this popular restaurant, where you can enjoy some mouth-watering meals from an ever changing menu. Enjoy some award winning food in a luxurious setting.

The traditional tourist spot of Rhyl is currently undergoing an extensive regeneration project, which will help to transform the seaside town

Our own New Pines Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute drive away from Rhyl’s town centre and the picturesque waterfront, meaning our owners are in the unique position of being able to enjoy all that the local area has to offer in their own time and take full advantage of the regeneration as it’s happening! Denbighshire Council are working hard to create new investment opportunities and make Rhyl a true town centre ‘hub’ for all, including the local community, holiday makers and holiday home owners. Why not book a park tour to see our 5 star location and see the start of the development project in the town centre?

Rhyl town centre will be broken down into ‘quarters’ and this will help to represent name brand chairs, as well as independent businesses and entrepreneurs in the local area.

the gueens quarter

Centred around the Queens arcade, this quarter will bring fun and entertainment to the town, as well as a range of food and drink establishments, from chain names to local independent restaurants.

the queens market

The redevelopment of the large underground market will be the ‘flagship’ development of the town centre, which will hopefully offer a mix of leisure, food and drink, offices and retail options. Denbighshire Council is currently working with designers to create a concept for this quarter.

the town heart

The Rhyl regeneration is looking to create a shared community space in the heart of the town, with space for people to get together and celebrate with both inside and outside areas.

the enterprise quarter

This quarter will help to support local entrepreneurs and new businesses in the area by having an area of low cost shared or flexible working space available for hire.

the high street & indie quarters

With two quarters offering retail, there will be a good mix of brand name shops and independent boutiques, which will create a wonderful and unique town centre.

The Rhyl regeneration project is looking fantastic for the high street, as well as other aspects of the town, for example the Council are working on the infrastructure of the town for Rhyl to hold a wide range of events, including live music.

The waterfront regeneration is fully underway, with the popular Pavilion Theatre having an extensive external refurbishment and creating the opulent 1891 restaurant too. Another restaurant along the seafront has recently opened, The Sunverge is part of the Marston’s chain and is proving very popular! But the crowning jewel of the seafront regeneration is SC2, which has had a £15 million pound development to create a fabulous waterpark and active play area in Rhyl. Read more about the seafront regeneration in our post.

New Pines Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute drive to the town centre, where our owners can take full advantage of the regeneration and explore all that the new Rhyl has to offer, all at your own pace.

Ownership at New Pines means unlimited holidays along the North Wales coastline for 10 ½ months of the year, as well as being able to take full advantage of our 5 star facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a fully equipped gym. The children will love taking part in the daily activity programme, organised by Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, while the whole family can get together for the fabulous evening entertainment in the cabaret lounge. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Bistro restaurant, before relaxing with a drink from the bar. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at New Pines, with a bright and newly developed local area on your doorstep too!

Book your park tour today to meet our friendly team of Sales Advisor’s and see what our award-winning 5 star destination can offer you. Or for more information call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or opt to talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Dover Castle is steeped in history and has played a key part in historical events throughout the centuries. Our own Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat is a short 30 minute drive to Dover Castle, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and learn more about the history of the castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels, which played a pivotal role during World War II.

the castle’s history

The construction of Dover Castle was ordered by King Henry II, and building completion was in the 1180’s. During Medieval times various Monarchs continuously added to the defences of the castle with building work carrying on throughout the era, in the 1740’s the Medieval banks were reshaped as the castle was adapted for a more modern artillery warfare.

During the 18th Century, England was under threat of invasion from Napoleonic France, it was then that the network of tunnels were dug in the cliff face in order to be used as barracks for the large number of troops needed to defend the shores.

the tunnels

The network of tunnels were left empty and unused until 1905, when technological advances allowed the coastal artillery in the harbour to be controlled by a Central Fire Command Post on the cliff edge.

During World War II the tunnels were brought back into service and this was when they made their most notable contribution to British history. The tunnels were used as the control centre for all naval operations in the channel, as well as being extended to house a hospital for troops. Acting as a nerve centre and combined headquarters for the Navy, Air Force and Army leaders, the tunnels helped the Nation’s forces prepare for the 1944 invasion of Europe.

Later, when the world was gripped by fear of the Cold War, the tunnels became the secret location of Britain’s Regional Seats of Government, who would organise events in the aftermath of a nuclear attack.

However, it was during May 1940, that the tunnels were made famous as the site where Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay organised and conducted Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk.

operation dynamo

In late May 1940, the Allied forces of French, Belgian and British troops were trapped by the invading German army on the coast of Dunkirk. Allied leaders soon realised that rescue by sea was the only option, Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay and his staff were tasked with the difficult evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo.

Ramsay planned and arranged for ships to be sent and evacuate the stranded troops, putting the plans into action on May 26th. It was a very difficult and slow evacuation, taking several days to rescue 338,226 troops in vulnerable situations.

Without Operation Dynamo and the rescue of the Allied Troops, the war would have likely been lost. Take the part guided tour around the tunnels, which contains special effects, original film footage and visit sets to bring this dramatic and legendary operation to life.

opening times & prices

Dover Castle and the Secret Tunnels are closed on Monday and Tuesday’s.
Wednesday to Sunday they are open between 10am and 4pm.

Enjoy a day out at Dover Castle and learn all about the history of this important castle, relax in the Secret Wartime Tunnels Café, which serves homemade sandwiches, hot stews and delicious afternoon teas.

Only a 30 minute drive away, our beautiful Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat offers a relaxing place to base yourself while exploring the local area. Our lodge style accommodation will have everything you could need for a self-catering break in Kent, including a fully fitted kitchen with fridge/freezers, ovens and microwaves, as well as a large open plan living space with sumptuous sofas, dining areas and floor to ceiling windows, bathing the rooms in natural light.

Book your holiday at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat and explore the local area at your own pace, while enjoying the luxury lodge style accommodation available.