Surf Snowdonia offers a fantastic day out for the family full of fun and beautiful scenery. New Pines Holiday Home Park offers the ideal place to base yourself to explore the beautiful North Wales region and it’s only a 45 minute drive from the fabulous Surf Snowdonia.

about surf snowdonia

Offering the only guaranteed surf in the whole of the UK, Surf Snowdonia is the world’s very first inland surfing lagoon and is located in the beautiful heart of North Wales, being surrounded by the forests and magical mountains of the Snowdonia Mountain Range.

Surf Snowdonia is ideal for all ages and abilities, with the lagoon being able to create a wide variety of wave sizes that everyone can enjoy, ensuring beginners can surf next to the pros in the amazing 300 metre lagoon.

learning & perfecting

The friendly and expert staff offer fantastic tuition during the Wave Sessions. There are 3 grades, from beginner and intermediate to advanced, with each session lasting around 55 minutes, these sessions are perfect if you have already had lessons and want to practice a little more.

There is a wide variety of start lessons for all ages to enjoy, as well as expert level training to help advanced and pro surfers perfect their skills with constructive feedback and fun lessons.

Surf Snowdonia offers training lessons to all ages and abilities.

activities

There is more than just surfing fun to be had here in the heart of the mountains!

Test your agility, determination and balance at the Splash & Crash Lagoon! You’ll jump onto the ‘catapult blob’ and fly through the air in an epic show of acrobatics, the Splash & Crash is ideal for the whole family to enjoy or perfect for a group of friends to their competitive edge flowing.

For some all-weather fun with the little ones, head to the Soft Play Shack, where the children can burn off some energy with all the latest toys in soft play heaven. There is a separate zone for toddlers to roam freely and get stuck into, while the adults can relax with a coffee and a light lunch at the Soft Play Café.

Surf Snowdonia is also home to Stand-up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and a wonderful Canoe Safari around the River Conwy.

The whole family can enjoy a day out at Surf Snowdonia, they all boast a full character of events for over 18’s all year round, ideal if you were looking for spectacular light shows and outstanding music from world renowned artists and DJ’s, all in a magical setting!

new pines holiday home Park

New Pines Holiday Home Park offers the ideal family destination in North Wales, surrounded by the beautiful Denbighshire countryside, with 5 star facilities including an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, over 21’s lounge and delicious meals from the Bistro Restaurant & Bar, where you can kick back and enjoy a refreshing drink, from the fully stocked bar.

There is also a full day entertainment programme organised by cheeky Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, which includes face painting, craft activities, tea parties and family fun days. The evening entertainment in the Clubhouse is also provided by the Rangers team, and offers family fun for all with games, karaoke, shows and performances from our home-grown talent, as well as wonderful cabaret acts gracing the stage.

Book your holiday at New Pines Holiday Home Park and enjoy a holiday in the Denbighshire countryside, and being only a 5 minute drive from the sandy beach and sunny seaside of Rhyl.

holiday home ownership at new pines

New Pines offers holiday home ownership in North Wales, imagine going on holiday whenever the mood strikes you, no booking, no queuing, no fuss, you can just get up and go! Everything is just as you left it the last time, waiting for you to relax and enjoy your escape to North Wales, only 10 minutes from the sandy beach. New Pines is a home away from home, with 5 star facilities on your doorstep.

Purchasing your dream holiday home is much easier than you may think, with our friendly team being able to introduce you to independent financial advisors who can help you spread the cost. We also have a wide range of ever changing holiday home and luxurious lodges available to buy at New Pines, so you are sure to find the perfect home away from home to suit your needs.

For more information about joining our ownership community at New Pines Holiday Home Park, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

Visit The Rheged Centre in Cumbria for a fabulous day out with delicious food, plenty of play areas, various shops to explore and movies to enjoy! Our own Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is just a 20 minute drive from The Rheged Centre, making it the ideal place to base yourself while you explore all that the Lake District has to offer.

about the centre

The centre itself is a marvel to look at, created to blend in with the countryside and as if it is located under a hill, the lush green grass roof is a spectacular sight.

The Rheged Centre is ideal for a date night with your better half or a family fun day out exploring all the activities available around the centre. These include a fabulous arts programme, which hosts children’s theatre shows, various workshops and family-friendly movies, as well as live streams of opera shows, spectacular ballet performances and theatre shows, and the gallery space hosts around 5 exhibitions a year to view.

Being owned by a family of farmers mean their passion for food shines through and is reflected in what they serve and sell at the foodhall, café and even the ice cream stand! Stroll around the shops, which host everything from beautiful clothes, health and beauty products, to wonderful handmade products from small local makers from Cumbria and even a range of children’s toys. There will be something to take your fancy at The Rheged Centre.

the spa

Follow the soothing scent of aromatherapy oils to the treatment rooms at The Rheged Centre Spa, where fully trained therapists offer a wide range of relaxing treatments, all with a personalised experience. Treatments available include:

• Clinical Reflexology
• Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage
• Holistic head, neck & face massage
• Chinese fire cupping

They also have a wide range of hand and nail treatments, including:

• Natural nail overlay
• Full set Calgel extensions
• Full set Acrylic nail extensions

There is also a range of waxing, tinting, brow and lash treatments available at The Rheged Centre Spa.

family fun

The whole family will enjoy the fabulous cinema shows on offer, from showcasing the latest hits, including The Greatest Showman, to reshowing classic family favourites such as Matilda. The cinema also has live streamed shows including theatre plays, ballet and opera.

The indoor soft play area is ideal for all weather fun, with bright colours, a fun ball pit, plenty of slides and tunnels to explore, as well as a separate area for the very little ones to enjoy freely. There is also a space where the adults can relax with a hot drink and a snack from the café.

Explore the outdoor play area, which is a favourite among many visitors as it’s designed to spark imagination in all ages! The wooden adventure area is modelled after a Roman Fort, with fun touches like a giant slide, a ropewalk, tunnels to discover and even a mini climbing wall!

Make sure to take part in the Create Pottery Painting Workshop (located next to the indoor play area), where there is a wide range of pottery just waiting for a splash of colour and some imagination. You can choose from a range of plates, mugs, bowls and figurines to let your personality shine through, and your pieces will even be ready to take home in an hour as they will be baked onsite, and as a bonus – they are dishwasher safe!

The Rheged Centre also hosts a variety of children’s activity workshops, where your little ones can learn fun new skills, including baking, bushcraft, science and even animation. There is always something new to try and discover during The Rheged Centre activity workshops.

relax with thanet well lodge retreat

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is Thanet Well Lodge Retreat, which offers the ideal base to explore Cumbria, while enjoying breathtaking views, peace and tranquillity, all with utter luxurious lodge accommodation to relax in.

Boasting unrivalled and panoramic views of the Lake District, Thane Well also has stunning accommodation, all of which includes fully fitted kitchens, large open plan living areas with sumptuous sofas and French doors that lead on to your private decking, where you can enjoy the glorious views around you. All our luxurious lodges offer the comfiest of beds, beautiful bedrooms to relax in, as well as large family sized bathrooms, with some accommodation having ensuites. If you’re looking to add something special to your Lake District holiday, opt for one of our hot tub lodges and soak up the surrounding peaceful nature in style.

Book your holiday to Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and have a fun day out The Rheged Centre on your escape to Cumbria!

There are endless adventures to be had in the Isle of Wight, so we thought we’d give you the top 13 things not to miss out on. Our own Woodside Coastal Retreat is ideally placed to explore the island, with luxurious accommodation to enjoy, breathtaking views of The Solent and unlimited access to 5 star facilities from our sister park, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat. There is so much to explore on the island it can be hard to know where to start, so we created this list for that exact reason!

Happy Exploring!

Osborne House

PO32 6JX / 15 min drive / Adult £17.30 Child £10.30 / 10am – 6pm

Although it had a life beforehand, the Osborne House is most famous for being Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s summer home. The Royal couple bought the property in 1825 and it was a private home away from the court, being used for over 50 years. The rooms are still filled with the original furniture and works of art, with the planting in the gardens following Albert’s original designs, all of which you can see during a tour of the house and gardens on your trip.

Carisbrook castle

PO30 1XY / 22 min drive / Adult £10 Child £10.30 / 10am – 6pm

For over 1000 years Carisbrooke Castle has been a central place for defence and power on the island and has had many lives over the centuries, including being a Saxon fortress and a castle of the Norman conquest. It was eventually remodelled during the Middle Ages under instruction from Elizabeth I, and during the British Civil War the castle famously held Charles I prisoner shortly before his execution.

the Needles landmark & attraction

PO39 0JD / 45 min drive / Parking £5. Extra costs involved / 10am – 5pm

The Needles rocks are the most photographed group of rocks in the world, they are a row of 3 distinctive chalk rocks, with a lighthouse to help guide approaching ships. The name is believed to have come from a needle-shaped rock, which was around 120ft high and unfortunately collapsed into the sea in 1764. A chalk ridge continues all the way towards Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck and it’s commonly believed the ride was once connected to the Old Harry Rocks. They really are a truly unforgettable sight.

robin hill country park

PO30 2NU / 12 min drive / Adult & Child £19 / 10am – 6pm

Explore 88 acres of beautiful countryside, which has endless adventures for the whole family to enjoy. There are a whole host of rides to get stuck into, including the traditional toboggan run, a colossus swinging galleon, a fun 4D motion cinema for all the family, as well as the canopy skywalk and giant maze to get lost in. Robin Hill also have fantastic Falconry experiences along with intimate and exciting owl display shows every day. Discover the perfectly landscaped gardens with its untold secrets and make sure to watch out for the wonderful wildlife that call it home. Robin Hill boasts a full events calendar all year round, from summer family days to fabulous music festivals, which includes international bands headlining.

Isle of Wight steam railway

PO33 4DS / 15 min drive / Standard: Adult £11.50 Child £3.75 / timetable available on website

Your trip on the island’s Steam Railway takes you through 5 miles of beautiful and unspoiled countryside, inside the quaint wooden-bodied carriages, which were once a regular sight during the 1950’s. These perky little tank engines have been brought back to life, as back in the day the island operated on old locomotives sent over from the mainland. Because of this, the Isle of Wight has a magnificent collection of 19th and 20th Century steam locomotives, which have been skilfully restored so a number of them can be in service today!

the Needles Battery

PO39 0JH / 50 min drive / Adult £7.50 Child £3.75 / 10.30am – 5pm

Although the Battery is on the other side of the island to Woodside Coastal Retreat, it’s definitely worth the trip. You’ll get the chance to see one of the most unusual buildings in the Isle of Wight, being almost perched on top of the exposed and windswept headland. The Battery enjoys views overlooking the picturesque Needles rocks and remains a reminder of our concern over a French invasion from Napoleon III. It was constructed in the early 1860’s to protect the naval dockyards in Portsmouth, however, it did play a key role during both World Wars, which you can learn more about in the exhibition.

Shanklin Chine

PO37 6BW / 30 min drive / Adult £5.06 Child £3 / 10am – 10pm (times vary depending on season. Check website for latest information)

Chine is a word only used in the Isle of Wight and Dorset, it means a deep, narrow ravine with water running down to the sea, which gives you an idea of the beauty that awaits you. Celebrating over 200 years as a popular tourist attraction, however, over the centuries the chine was mainly used for smuggling and it was such a problem during the 18th Century the customs officers were stationed in the Old Village. You can visit the breathtaking, tree-lined gorge day or night, and marvel at the stunning surroundings of the chine in the illuminations.

Isle of Wight Zoo

PO36 8QB / 25 min drive / Adult £11.35 Child £9.30 / 10am – 5.30pm

A well established and very popular wildlife centre on the island, which has been a family owned business for over 40 years. As the original zoo on the island, the centre is much loved by residents and tourists alike and has recently joined The Wildlife Trust, which is a charity that helps to secure a long term future for the zoo. The Isle of Wight Zoo is dedicated to providing a life-long and loving home to rescued big cats and other animals, making sure they all have an enriching and meaningful life. The zoo is locally famous for walking their tiger cubs along the beach, but their main focus is now looking after older tigers and giving them a happy retirement.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

PO38 1UL / 35 min drive / Adult £9.50 Child £6 / 10am – 5pm

These spectacular gardens are unrivalled for the collection of subtropical plants being grown unprotected outdoors. Ventnor Botanic Garden is located in its own remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff’ on the island, meaning the colourful plants are protected from the cold northerly winds by the picturesque chalk downs. Travel through the derelict mineshaft that opens into the Tropical House with a large pool of heated water showcasing the stunning Amazonian Giant Waterlily.

Dinosaur Isle

PO36 8QA / 30 min drive / Adult £5 Child £4 / 10am – 5pm

This purpose built interactive museum is the ideal place to display and conserve the fantastically rich geological collections. The building was designed by talented local architects Rainey Petrie Johns and they chose the shape of a giant pterodactyl, the building is home to over 1000 fossils. Take a trip through time with a range of exhibitions that will take you through the Ice Age and all the way back to the Cretaceous period, when the dinosaurs lived. The fantastic displays include a range of real fossils, skeletal re-constructions and two animatronic dinosaurs to delight all ages.

St Catherine’s lighthouse

PO38 2NF / 40 min drive / Adult £5 Child £3 / 1pm – 4.30pm

Located on the picturesque southern tip of the Isle of Wight and boasts the most beautiful views overlooking the channel, which can be seen from atop the lighthouse on your guided tour. The distinctive octagonal tower has provided a waymark for sailors since 1838 and you can take guided tours of the lighthouse and the adjoining visitor centre, which lasts around 40 minutes, and will show you the history of St Catherine’s Lighthouse. In 1997 the lighthouse was made fully automated and also became a weather station for the Met Office.

shipwreck centre

PO30 3AA / 20 min drive / Adult £5 Child £2.50 / 10am – 5pm

Founded in 1978, by Martin Woodward who had been diving shipwreck sites around the Isle of Wight since the 1960’s and created the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum to showcase his impressive collection of artefacts to the public! In 2017 the Maritime Archaeology Trust took over management of the museum, the trust have 25 years’ experience in research and study of maritime cultural heritage. Explore all the hidden treasures on display, from various spectacular finds to the interesting history of underwater exploration.

crave ice cream parlour

PO38 1PD / 30 min drive / 9.30am – 6pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Crave Ice Cream Parlour has been named the best ice cream parlour in Britain by Trip Advisor in 2018! This beautiful parlour is run by husband and wife team, Chris and Tracey, who make all their ice cream on the premises and create fantastic new flavours every day. Crave has a range of gluten free and vegan choices to choose from, along with dairy free options for those who are lactose intolerant. Flavours change daily, but popular flavours in the past include Turkish delight, blackcurrant Eton mess, Jammie Dodger, sticky caramel brownie and the very popular, Lego ice cream, which includes white chocolate ice cream with different flavoured chocolate chips in the shape of Lego pieces. Find them on Facebook here.

Book your Woodside Coastal Retreat holiday and explore all the island has to offer using our top 13 things to do list above!

Take a trip to Kent’s award-winning wildlife attraction when you stay with us at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat. Perfectly located to explore Kent, our 5 star location Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat offers sumptuous lodge accommodation for all different budgets and party sizes, with a range of one bed accommodation ideal for a romantic getaway in the countryside. For a brilliant day out head to Howlett’s Wild Animal Park, which is only a 15 minute drive from our Kent destination.

about howlett’s wild animal park

The animal park works together with the Aspinall Foundation, which is a charity that helps to protect UK wildlife, and also means your visits help Howlett’s send rescued animals back into the wild when they are able to!

Howlett’s has over 400 animals, including the only giant anteaters in Kent, the largest African Elephant herd in the UK, as well as more tigers, gorillas, monkeys and leopards than any other zoo in the country! Make sure to visit the popular amur tiger Arina and the powerful family of Western Lowland gorillas. There is a whole range of rare and endangered animals to meet, as well as baby animals being born all year round, so there is always someone new to meet!

exhibitions

Explore the beautiful 90 acres of parkland and join in on the interactive exhibitions, including the free animal talks, a fabulous education centre and you’ll even get to watch feeding time with the animals too!

Discover the ‘Animals of the Ice Age’ exhibition and explore the long lost world where you’ll see a plethora of life size, pre-historic creatures along the ancient woodland walk. Marvel at the giant sloth and saber toothed Smilodon, and see how large the mighty mammoth really was! Wander the walk and take in the surrounding nature at this fun, family outdoor exhibition.
Enter the leafy enclosure and the ‘Walk with the Lemurs’ exhibit! These adorable playful primates love exploring the branches above the enclosure, but they will come to say hello too, you will get to see black and white ruffed, crowned and red-bellied lemurs having the time of their lives during your walk! This is a very popular walkthrough exhibit and is fun for the whole family.

little adventures

There are two great challenges for the little ones to enjoy on your day out at Howlett’s.

The Animal Adventure Challenge is ideal for 2 to 5 years old and costs £2.50 per child, this fun course features slides, telescopes and periscopes, as well as a children’s zip-line, monkey bars, birds nest swing and more.

Older children will love the Treetop Challenge, costing £7 each and is only available about weekends. Try the exhilarating high ropes and course of nets in the treetops, giving you an idea of how the swinging monkeys really see the world!

times & prices

Summer Times: 9.30am – 6pm / October – March: 9.30am – 5pm / Adult £19.74, Child £17.05

Visit Howlett’s Wild Animal Park on your next trip to Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat and meet all the animals, help out a charity and do your bit for conservation, all on this fun, family friendly day out.

If you’re spending time in Bath, then this list is for you. We’ve chosen our top 5 places to visit. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is only 2 miles from Bath city centre, offering the ultimate luxurious city break in beautiful accommodation. Making it the ideal destination to base yourself to explore all that the city has to offer, from the famous Roman Baths to the delicious afternoon tea at The Pump Room. Below we’ve listed our top 5 favourite places to visit in Bath.

Green Park Station

This was once one of Bath’s main rail hubs, and it is still full of life today and is home to artisan and quirky shops. Regular market days see stalls selling antiques, independent art, vintage clothing and delicious locally produced food and drink. A real taste of the city of Bath.

Sally Lunn’s House

Bath’s oldest surviving house, Sally Lunn’s dates as far back as 1482, but it could be even older with artefacts in the cellar show early Roman inhabitants. The house is the birth place of Sally Lunn, who is the creator of a local delicacy Sally Lunn Bun which is a definite must-try for all visitors to Bath.

The Assembly Rooms

Once an exclusive place for high society, The Assembly Rooms were forever immortalised by Jane Austen herself. Today the rooms are open to everyone, but little else has changed, with the beautiful décor and stunning Georgian chandelier’s still hanging from the ceilings. You can even enjoy ta at the onsite café.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Immaculately designed and kept, this 18th Century garden is just a stone’s throw from the bustling city centre. Home to the famous Palladian Bridge, which is one of only 3 in the UK, you can relax in this peaceful escape, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey has been an important place of worship for more than 1000 years, with the very first King of England being crowned in the Abbey in 973AD. Additions and improvements were made to the Abbey between 1864 and 1874, including the vaulted stone ceiling and much of the striking Victorian Gothic interior.

So why not book your holiday to Bath Mill Lodge Retreat today and start exploring this breathtakingly beautiful city? Our lodges cater to parties of all sizes, from a romantic weekend break in our studio-style Norland Lodges, to family holiday breaks in our larger accommodation.

Book your Bath Mill city getaway today!

Conwy Castle is steeped in the history of the country, playing a role in key moments throughout the centuries. Our own Aberconwy Resort & Spa is a short drive or just a 20 minute walk to the beautiful Conwy Castle. This 5 star holiday home owners’ exclusive destination is located on the Conwy Morfa beach and boasts a breath-taking backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range. Our owners love being so close to the castle and enjoy learning all about the heritage of the local area.

the history of conwy castle

Built for King Edward’s ‘Iron Ring’ of castles in North Wales the castle was constructed between 1283 and 1289. Conwy Castle has played an important role in several wars over the centuries, including being a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and it was also held by forces loyal to Owain Glyndwr in 1401. The castle played a part in the English Civil War, being held by King Charles I loyalists from 1642 to 1646. After the war, the castle was particularly disliked by Parliament and as such, was sent into ruin to prevent any revolt happening, with its lead and iron being stripped and sold off.

Conwy Castle really is one of the most spectacular surviving Medieval fortresses in Britain, and it also has the largest sum of money spent on any of King Edward I’s castles, totalling up to £15,000. When you’re strolling through the beautiful castle, you’ll notice the 2 fortified gateways, a large bow-shaped Great Hall and 8 imposing towers, you’ll realise it was money well spent. Conwy Castle doesn’t have the ‘walls within walls’ defensive design which was characteristic of King Edward, this is because it is located on a rock base, which provides the natural security it needed.

The castle has been a popular visitor attraction for centuries, after suffering in ruin for years painters began to visit and it quickly became an infamous beauty spot for painters and tourists alike. Due to visitor numbers increasing in the 19th Century, restoration work on the castle was undertaken, creating the stunning castle you see today. The castle is so well preserved if it easy to see how life would have been lived back in Medieval times, with the Great Hall, chambers and kitchen all preserved in the outer ward, as well as private chambers and a Royal Chapel in the inner ward waiting to be explored. The most outstanding views come from atop the towers, where you can see across the mountains and marina.

Conwy Castle was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1986, with UNESCO stating it is “one of the finest examples of later 13th and early 14th Century military architecture”. Visiting this piece of history along the North Wales coast means taking a step back in time to see how people lived in Medieval Wales.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is only a short distance away from the historic Conwy Castle, making this owners exclusive destination the ideal base to explore all the area’s historic attractions.

Becoming an owner at Aberconwy Resort & Spa means being able to take full advantage of the onsite 5 star facilities, including the indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as the state of the art Langley’s Country Club gym, with a fabulous new HIIT room. Or relax with a luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the Aberconwy Spa, before having a refresh with a new look from Mali’s Hair Salon. Dine out in style at the multi-award winning Signatures Restaurant, which recently received the Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Award.

To learn more about ownership at Aberconwy Resort & Spa, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

North Wales is teeming with historical sites just waiting to be explored, from sticking slate mines and picturesque stately gardens to endless castles. With 4 unique locations to choose from, Darwin Escapes will have the perfect destination for you to explore the beautiful and historic North Wales region.

Note: settle in with a cuppa for this post, you’ll get sucked in reading all about these 13 historical attractions

conwy castle

Where: LL32 8AY / Open: 9.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £9.50. Child £5.70

Built by King Edward I between 1283 – 1289, Conwy Castle is a stunning Medieval fortification along the North Wales Coastline. It has been classed as a World Heritage Site and has been described as the “finest examples of late 13th Century military architecture in Europe” by UNESCO. Conwy Castle is truly a breath-taking castle to stroll through with beautiful views across the town and picturesque marina.

caernarfon castle

Where: LL55 2AY / Open: 9.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £9.50. Child £5.70

Another beautiful World Heritage Site along the North Wales Coastline, this impressive castle would have made any enemies of King Edward I think twice. The first English Prince of Wales was actually born at the castle in 1284, helping King Edward stamp his supremacy on the native rebellion. In 1969, Prince Charles’s investiture was held in this historic and picturesque castle.

bodnant gardens

Where: LL28 5RE / Open: 9am – 4.30pm / Prices: Adult £14.60. Child £7.30

In 1792 Colonel Forbes built a beautiful Italianate mansion and developed the surrounding parkland, it was then passed on to William Hamer in 1820 who added to the current Old Mill and extended the upper garden. In 1874, Victorian industrialist Henry Davis Pochin bought Bodnant at auction and, with the help of his head gardener Edward Milner, shaped the gardens to the stunning state they are in today.

llechwedd slate caverns

Where: LL41 3NB / Open: 9am – 5.30pm / Prices vary on tour choice

Learn all about the fascinating hidden slate story buried deep beneath the Snowdonia Mountain Range. You’ll explore a fabulous way of life which paved the way for generations of North Wales families, with over 17,000 men employed by the Welsh slate industry. There are 3 tours to choose from, explore the far reaches and rich history on the Quarry Explorer Tour, or learn about the impressive skill of the Llechwedd Story, or you can go along on the thrilling and emotional journey of the Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour.

smallest house in great britain

Where: LL32 8BE / Open: 10am – 4pm / Prices: Adult £1. Child 50p

Built in the 16th Century, this tiny dwelling is only 72 inches wide and 122 inches high. It was occupied as a home until May of 1900, which was by a local 6foot 3inch fisherman! Although small, the house is very practical with room for a bed and fire, and it really is a must-see when you visit North Wales.

bodelwyddan castle

Where: LL18 5YA / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £16. Child £9.50

Bodelwyddan Castle is older than it appears, with timber samples in the attic dating back to the 15th Century, it is beautifully preserved museum where you’ll hear many interesting tales about various owners and the grounds. Owned by the Williams family in 1690, the house became hugely extravagant, but it was then scaled back and was eventually requisitioned by the army during World War I for training and a recuperation hospital.

great orme mines

Where: LL30 2XG / Open: 9:30am – 4:30pm / Prices: Adult £7. Child £5

The Great Orme Copper Mines were discovered in 1987 and date as far back as 4000 years to the Bronze Age! Over the last 30 years archaeologists have been excavating a network of tunnels and larger caverns, revealing what is thought to be the largest Prehistoric mine discovered in the world. The self-guided tour takes around 45 minutes and you’ll get the chance to explore one of the most outstanding archaeological discoveries in recent years.

penrhyn castle

Where: LL57 4HT / Open: 12noon – 5pm / Prices: Adult £13.50. Child £6.75

Built between 1820 and 1833 by famous architect Thomas Hopper, Penrhyn Castle is known for its unique neo-Norman style. Hopper was very hands-on as an architect and even made sure the interior furniture would suit the design of the castle, using local Welsh craftsmen to create many of the pieces.

plas cadnant hidden gardens

Where: LL59 5NH / Open: 12noon – 5pm / Prices: Adult £7.50. Child £2

This one requires a bit of travel, but you won’t be disappointed in the beautiful hidden gardens on the Isle of Anglesey. Known as the best kept secret garden in North Wales, the gardens began life in 1804, with the picturesque walled garden being used as the kitchen gardens for John Price’s grand Georgian house. The on-going restoration work has discovered an upper woodland garden and a picturesque, secret valley garden with a river and 3 waterfalls.

st winefride’s well

Where: CH8 7PN / Open: 10am – 4pm / Prices: Adults £1. Child 40p

A pilgrimage to St Winefride’s Well has taken place for over 1,300 years, visiting the site where St Winefride was brought back to life. Around the year 630AD, Caradoc who was a chieftain from Hawarden, tried to seduce Winefride, she then fled to the church where Caradoc cut off her head. Her uncle, St Beuno, came from the church and placed her head back on her body and prayed over her body, St Winefride was resurrected with a thin white scar as a reminder of the miracle. A spring of water erupted from the ground where her head fell to the ground, and to this day people visit in hopes of healing health ailments and swim in the spring water.

flint castle

Where: CH6 5PF / Open: 10am – 4pm / Free

Famously featuring in Shakespere’s Richard II, Flint Castle is a striking ruin along the North Wales Coastline. The first castle to be constructed in King Edward’s ‘Iron Ring’ across North Wales was built in 1277. With a unique design of a solitary ‘Donjon’ tower, Flint Castle is steeped in history as the place where Richard II met his cousin, and rival to the throne, Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV.

plas newydd – ladies of llangollen

Where: LL20 8AW / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £6. Child £5

Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler captured the Regency imagination by shunning society norms and living together in this beautiful Welsh cottage. Over the years they put their personal stamp on the little cottage, transforming it into a Gothic fantasy of expertly carved oak and picturesque stained glass windows. Explore the cottage and gardens while discovering everything about these two wonderfully interesting ladies, and their many famous guests.

plas newydd – anglesey

Where: LL61 6DQ / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £12.76 Child £6.38

A beautiful house and grounds with a rich history, including being built by Henry William, the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. Henry William is best known for playing a key role in the historic Battle of Waterloo, when he returned he was renowned in the country as a hero, he lost his leg in the battle and was the first person to have a fully articulated leg replacement. The house has had many lives, previously being a Victorian ‘party house’ due to the 5th Marquess’ extravagant behaviour, but it is now known as a wonderful family home with a colourful history.

With so much history all across the North Wales region and more being discovered every day, it’s easy to see why it has been such a popular holiday destination for centuries. Why not book your holiday to North Wales with Darwin Escapes today?

Take your time and go at your own pace to explore all that North Wales has to offer when you own your own holiday home with Darwin Escapes. We offer holiday home ownership at all our North Wales locations, so why not call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service for more information about ownership in North Wales.

North Wales is home to endless family attractions, but we’ve listed the top 8 you need to visit when you’re in the region. Darwin Escapes has 4 destinations along the North Wales Coastline, from our luxurious Aberconwy Resort & Spa, with spa and award-winning restaurant onsite, and Seaview Holiday Home Park, which lives up to its name with unrivalled views of the coastline. Our family focused destinations offer entertainment, fabulous facilities and brilliant locations, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy beach and New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in the Denbighshire countryside.

A popular region to holiday for centuries, the family attractions in North Wales draw thousands of visitors, so we’ve created a list of the top 8 attractions for you to visit.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Where: LL28 5UY / Open: 9.30am – 6pm / Prices: Adult £13.35, Child £10.05

First opened on 18th May 1963, the zoo covers 37 acres and overlooks the beautiful Colwyn Bay area. Home to variety of animals, including brown bears, alligators, lemurs, red pandas and a colony of Humblot Penguins, who you’ll see going for their daily walk.

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Where: LL61 6TQ / Open: 10am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £8.25, Child £7.25

The sea zoo is not only a unique aquarium, but it’s also a marine educational centre and conducts independent research. You’ll be delighted with over 40 tanks displaying beautiful British marine life, including octopus, lobsters, cuttlefish, catsharks and seahorses! Learn all about the habitats on the Welsh Coastline and about the conservation work.

Greenwood Forest Park

Where: LL56 4QN / Open: 10am – 5.30pm / Prices: Adult £14.95, Child £14.40

Greenwood was voted the Best Family Day Out in North Wales, and is a true family fun day in the stunning Welsh countryside. There are endless activities to get stuck into, including the Enchanted Wood Barn with indoor play and soft play for under 3’s, as well as the giant jumper, which offers giggles on a 1500 square foot bouncing pillow. Take a sensory trek on the Barefoot Trail and experience different terrains, including straw, water, timber and sand.

Foel Farm Park

Where: LL61 6TQ / Open: 10am – 4.30pm / Prices: Adult £7.50, Child £6.50

There are endless family attractions to enjoy at Foel Farm Park, including a mini-trailer ride with quad bike, a tractor and farm tour, as well as being able to help feed the adorable farm animals! As well as enjoying the Giant Jumper Pillow to burn some energy!

Zip World Fforest

Where: LL24 0HX / Open: 9am – 5pm / Prices: vary on ride

Zip World Fforest offers amazing views and exhilarating thrills in the treetops of North Wales. Try the Fforest Coaster for Zip Safari and challenge yourself with 22 zip lines! Get involved in the adventure playground on the Treetop Nets, or brave Europe’s highest 5 seater Skyride Giant Swing.

Bounce Below

Where: LL41 3NB / Open: 9am – 6pm / Prices: Adult £25. Child £20

The perfect place for thrill seekers of all ages (from 7 years and up), with spectacular underground scenery, which is breathtakingly lit to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The former slate mine offers an amazing time where you can jump, slide and bounce from net to net in the underground cavern.

Surf Snowdonia

Where: LL32 8QE / Open: 8am – 11pm / Prices: Vary on Activity

The world’s first inland surf lagoon in the heart of beautiful North Wales, with the magical backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range. You can book tutoring lessons, join a camp or opt for the splash lagoon or have some fun in the soft play shack. They also have a variety of events and festivals on throughout the year to join in on too.

Greenfield Valley Heritage Park

Where: CH8 7GH / Open: 10am – 4:30pm / Prices: Adult £6.70. Child £3.90

The most comprehensive museum about the Industrial Revolution in all of North Wales, learn all about the stories of children, women and men who helped to pave the way to the modern world. A fun day out for the children who will have a blast exploring things to do, including the indoor soft play area, the adventure tree house, toddler tractor heaven, the mega tower maze and the tunnel maze.

So if you’re staying at one of our beautiful North Wales locations you can explore the region from an ideally placed base in the region. And with all our North Wales parks offering holiday home ownership, you can explore the region at your own pace while returning back to your beautiful home from home in one of our luxurious locations.

To find out more about ownership in North Wales, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor today via our Live Chat service.

Langley’s Country Club inside the stunning 5* Aberconwy Resort and Spa are proud to announce their new addition, The HIIT Room. A room that will give you the chance to ramp up your normal routine or perhaps experience your first taste of HIIT. I was excited to be invited to a Personal Training session in the HIIT Room by the Gym Manager Ross Davies, but before I get down to the nitty gritty, or completely sweaty in this case…

what exactly is hiit?

You may have heard the term HIIT bounced around for a while now, and if you didn’t already know, HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, it involves short bursts of physical activity followed by intervals of rest.

so why exactly does everyone buzz about hiit?

The short sharp bursts of intense workout, which, by the way you only need to do for 30/45 mins (bonus) burns far more calories at a higher rate than your normal workout and for as much as 72 hours AFTER too! (double bonus, right?)

the warm up & workout

Ross showed me around the room and explained what everything was for, how to use it and also how versatile it was. The warm up started using TRX suspension trainers, these will definitely take you to depths you haven’t managed before, squatting even lower, performing one legged Pistol squats (which I was still feeling 3 days later) and basically enabling you to use your own body weight more effectively to maximise your workout.

Next up was the PLYO Box workout, these large lightweight colourful boxes of different sizes look fun and inviting but were actually pretty challenging and sure did make me work hard.
I started with a 12 inch box, performing sets of two footed jumps followed by rest, I attempted and succeeded the 18 inch box, this definitely got my heart and blood pumping, the biggest tip for the boxes is to believe, as they are definitely mind over matter.

Ross thankfully gave me a chance to rest and explained that everyone can use the HIIT Room as part of their membership. There is even a handy folder created by Hannah, with set workouts bespoke to the HIIT Room, which is suitable for all abilities.
You can book training sessions with all the team as everyone is PT qualified and there is an opportunity to hire the room to yourself, or take part in the ever-growing timetable of classes – check out the current ones here

The next part of my workout included the multi-purpose equipment (you can see the full breakdown below), I used the suspension trainers on my feet to perform suspended crunches, moves only possibly using TRX, unless your party trick is levitation of course.
I added weights to a bar and performed barbell push presses (girls, lifting is not just for the guys!) next up were sand bag bear hug squats (who knew that was an actual thing?) by the end I finished off any remaining energy giving it some on the battle ropes.

I would like to thank Ross for his expert advice and support, his style was so motivational and not once did he bark orders (I mean who wants a Sargent Major as a PT) he encouraged, guided and made me feel like I really could do each exercise well and safely.
By the end of the 45 min session, I definitely felt and looked like I worked hard (check out the beetroot red face in the photos) and was looking forward to taking some time to chill in the rest of the facilities, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub!

To find out more information on becoming a member of Langley’s Country Club and taking advantage of their HIIT Room and everything else that Aberconwy Resort & Spa has to offer click here.

warm up

• TRX Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps
• TRX Pistol Squats – 2 sets of 10
• TRX Squat Jumps – 3 sets of 15 reps

plyo box work out

• 12 inch Box jumps – 3 sets of 10 jumps with 30 seconds rest between each jump
• 18 inch box jumps – 3 sets of 10 jumps with 30 seconds rest between each jump
• Double box jumps – 3 sets of 5 double jumps

mixed hiit work out

6 exercises of 30 seconds on, 10 second off, 30 seconds on and 10 seconds off per exercise.

1. Medicine ball walking lunges (ball above head with straight arms)
2. TRX Crunches
3. Barbell push press
4. Sand Bag bear hug squats
5. Kettle bell swings
6. Battle ropes

North Wales is a spectacular region, filled with amazing outdoor attractions to explore, and we’ve listed them all here…

Darwin Escapes is lucky enough to have 4 luxurious locations along the North wales Coastline, from Aberconwy Resort & Spa, our stunning ownership exclusive destination, to Seaview Holiday Home Park being situated atop Gwespyr Mountain with breathtaking views across the sea over to the Wirral. Our family friendly destinations include, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy beach and a 10 minute drive to the bustling retail park in Prestatyn. Our New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in the Welsh countryside, but is only a 10 minute drive to the traditional seaside town of Rhyl.
North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for centuries and with the region littered with fascinating sites, adventurous attractions and endless things to do, it’s easy to see why. In this post, we’ve listed all the must-see outdoor attractions to visit while you’re in the area.

snowdonia

Scale Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon and explore the many trails, lakes and craggy peaks within the Snowdonia region. See the best paths to take up the mountain in our post here.

snowdon mountain railway

The historic railway climbs to the top of Mount Snowdon, where you can enjoy beautiful views across the ocean, all the way to Ireland.

great orme

The name comes from Viking times and means Sea Serpent. You can climb the stunning limestone headland and marvel at the views across the Llandudno bay from the top.

great orme tramway

A unique experience which show cases Llandudno’s spectacular views when you travel via Britain’s only cable-hauled street Tramway.

little orme

Another beautiful limestone headland, standing 141 metres in height and stands at the end of Llandudno Bay.

north wales coastal path

The region itself was made for walking, with trails ranging from short strolls to longer hikes for more experienced walkers.

llandudno pier

A beautiful attraction in the Victorian seaside town. Explore the boutique shops, which include a Harry Potter shop and pancake place.

aber falls

A stunning 120 foot waterfall, just south of Abergwyngregyn. A popular attraction and wonderful walk.

portmeirion

A stunning Italian style village on the coast, with cafes and shops. It was also the set of the popular cult 60’s TV show, Prisoner.

pontcysyllte aqueduct

Taking 10 years to design and build, construction was finally completed in 1805. The Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What attraction will you visit first? With such a wide range of attractions in the region, there will be something for everyone and all interests in North Wales.

holiday home ownership in north wales

If you love North Wales as much as we do, you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to leave! Buy a holiday home at any of our 4 parks and you can explore the region at your own pace.
Purchasing a holiday home is easier than you think, with our friendly and professional Ownership Team to walk you through the process. As well as being able to introduce you to financial experts who will help you spread the cost, meaning your dream holiday home is closer than you think!

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