Vote for Signatures at the British Restaurant Awards 2017! We’re very excited to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for both Best Restaurant in Wales and Restaurant of the Year 2017…

We’re so incredibly proud to announce that Signatures have been nominated to appear in the shortlist for 2 prestigious titles at this year’s British Restaurant Awards.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is the proud home of Signatures Restaurant, a place where Jimmy, Louise and the rest of the talented team at Signatures always strive to use their extensive knowledge and welcoming outlook to deliver 5 star food in a superb environment. The team work tirelessly to provide delicious meals and with a friendly atmosphere, a place where you will always feel like a regular, where they go the extra mile to make sure you throughly enjoy your Signatures experience.

Signatures couldn’t have made it this far without the continued support of their valued diners who make Signatures Restaurant the delightful place it is, and make every day exciting and fun for the lovely staff.

You can view the full list of the contenders here or vote for Signatures here. Voting ends 10th June.

Please spare a moment to vote for Signatures Restaurant in these awards, it means so much to Jimmy, Louise and their team, and would really show them how amazing they truly are!

Good Luck Signatures, and Please Go Vote!

Our May Madness offer gives you £500 off your dream holiday home at New Pines Holiday Home Park. Now is the ideal time to take advantage of our May Madness offer and make Summer 2017 your best one yet! If you purchase and complete on your dream holiday home at New Pines Holiday Home Park, in Rhyl, before the end of May, you will get £500 off your purchase!

Having the freedom to get up and go on holiday when you choose, with no worrying about flights or accommodation, is a luxury that few can imagine. But once you have experienced this relaxing and family fun lifestyle at New Pines, you won’t look back.

about new pines

Surrounded by the beautiful Denbighshire countryside, New Pines Holiday Home Park is perfectly located between the traditional seaside town of Rhyl and the up-and-coming shopping haven of Prestatyn. Just a short drive from the beach, you can enjoy a fun filled day in the gated community, with fantastic facilities and bustling local area to explore.

Owning your own holiday home at New Pines Holiday Home Park is easier than you think, and our wide range of static caravans for sale in North Wales, as well as luxurious lodges for sale, means your dream holiday home is waiting to be found! Our dedicated Ownership Team can introduce you to financial specialists who will help you spread the cost of your dream holiday home, and if you complete your purchase before the end of May, you will get £500 off the price of your holiday home with our May Madness offer!

a five star family location

New Pines Holiday Home Park offers a relaxing location, in stunningly manicured grounds, to own your dream holiday home, and with a talented entertainments team, including cheeky Charlie Bear, there is plenty of fun to be had too.

This ideal family destination offers a full day and evening entertainments programme, organised by Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, from face painting, treasure hunts and afternoon teas for the children. To the family fun bingo, games, cabaret acts and full show performances by our home-grown talent, the evenings are just as fun for the children as for the adults. With a calendar of event days, fun days and BBQ’s, there will always be something to bring the whole New Pines community together on the playing field.

Keep up with your workouts in the onsite, air conditioned and fully equipped gymnasium, before taking a dip in the indoor tropically heated swimming pool, then relax in the sauna or steam room. All while the little ones enjoy the soft play area or the larger children have a blast in the family entertainments room. Grab a bite to eat at the onsite Restaurant, or sit back with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening’s show.

With so much choice to do onsite you can spend endless holidays and create a lifetime of memories at New Pines, and our wide range of holiday homes for sale means you are sure to find your perfect holiday home. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the May Madness offer and get £500 off the price of you dream holiday home!

Get in touch with our friendly and dedicated Ownership Team via our live chat service, or call us on 01745858010, or book your park tour now!

Happy May Madness Folks!

Take a look at our infographic below – were you aware of all 7 classic routes, hikes & scrambles to the top of Snowdon?

Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. A hike up Snowdon is a must for those who visit the area, with over 10 million people making a visit to the National Park each year, and 450,00 of those making the ascent to the top of the famous mountain. For those of us who prefer to sit back and take in the views, the Snowdon Mountain Railway runs every day from 17th March to the end of October, as long as the weather is not too treacherous…

For those energetic types who do make the 6 to 8 hour round trip to the top of the mountain on foot – there is a great sense of accomplishment along with some stunning views (recently voted the best in the UK) to be enjoyed if the weather permits! Rather surprisingly, many people repeatedly visit the mountain each year, yet stick to the same route or couple of routes to the top of the mountain each time that they visit, missing out on some beautiful scenery and adventure in the process.

snowdon’s routes & paths

The 6 main routes to the top are the Llanberis Pass – on the Northern side of the mountain, which starts at the Pen-Y-Pass car park, found with the postcode – LL55 4NU.

On the Western side is the Rhyd Ddu Path – use Rhyd Ddu Car Park, off the A4085. Postcode – LL54 6TN

and the Snowdon Ranger path – near the Llyn Cwellyn car park. Postcode – LL54 7YT

Whilst on the eastern slope is the Watkin Path; one of the most challenging routes, which starts at the Pont Bethania Car Park, postcode LL55 4NL.

Starting at the Pen-y-Pass car park (postcode LL55 4NU) are both the Miners Path and the Pyg Track. Crib Goch is another popular path, that is often described more as a scramble than a walking route due to its difficult ascent – Crib Goch also starts at the Pen-y-Pass car park.

There are toilets and parking at the start of each footpath, for over 4 hours parking, most car parks charge £5 currently, except for Pen-Y-Pass which is £10. There is another small car park across the road from the railway station which also gets full by 8.30am in the morning during the summer months.

If you can’t find anywhere to park nearby, use the Nant Peris car park and use the park and ride AKA the Sherpa Bus. Nant Peris car park’s postcode is LL55 4UF.

There are a number of cafes, pubs and hotels nearby to grab something to eat. If you are heading back home via the North Wales coastline or spending a few days in North Wales, there’s a Michelin recommended, double rosette winning restaurant that can be found at our Aberconwy Resort & Spa – Signatures Restaurant.

Finally please remember to pick up any litter and keep dogs on their leads at all times (energetic spaniels are great for helping to pull you up during the ascent).

snowdon facts & figures

Snowdon is full of history, myths & legends. Below is a small sample of Snowdon’s trivia

• Snowdon Height – 1085m / 3,560 feet
• Snowdonia attractions – Include Surf Snowdonia, Snowdon Mountain & Zip World
• Snowdonia Products – Include Snowdonia Cheese and Snowdonia Ale
• Snowdonia Mountain Railway Line was opened in 1896.
• Snowdon is home to the extremely rare Snowdon Lily which can be found on its slopes
• Snowdon’s peak offers stunning views in good weather. The view from the top of Snowdon was recently voted as the best in Britain.
• The Snowdon Race takes part annually in July.  The 10 mile race involves running from Lake Padarn in Llanberis to the top of Snowdon and back down again.
• Wild Camping in Snowdon is technically illegal
• ‘Snowdon’ is old English for ‘Snow Hill’
• The Welsh translation of Snowdon is ‘Yr Wyddfa’
• I have been reliably informed never to refer to the mountain as ‘Mount Snowdon’ – just ‘Snowdon’ or ‘Snowdon Mountain’

Happy & Safe Climbing!

The most picturesque places to explore in North Wales. Take a look at the collection of Instagram images around the breath taking North Wales region. Darwin Escapes has four locations along the North Wales Coastline, with two being holiday home ownership exclusive and two including ownership and family holiday homes to rent, you can explore this beautiful place at your own pace.

Here is a selection of Instagram images to help you get out and explore the region…

1. the lonely tree at llyn padarn

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Back to normal today, which means no shots of me! This is my take on the Lone Tree that sits on Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. This is such a peaceful little spot and I could have stayed there for hours if it wasn’t for the wife complaining she was cold…. #llynpadarn #llanberis #northwales #snowdonianationalpark #longexposure #nikon #d7100 #discovercymru #aduk #instalike #instagood #photooftheday #britains_talent #ukpotd #water_shots #photosofbritain #leefilters #leefiltersbigstopper #bigstopper #snowdoniagram

A post shared by Mark Hollis (@markhollisphotography) on Dec 27, 2016 at 1:37pm PST

2. cwm idwal in ogwen valley

A photo posted by Huw (@huwtgriff) on Dec 30, 2016 at 2:17pm PST

3. penman point on angelsey

A photo posted by Lydia (@thefoodygirl) on Aug 27, 2016 at 2:09am PDT

4. llanddwyn island on angelsey

note: keep an eye out for the wild horses roaming on the island

A photo posted by Michal Tekel (@tekelphoto) on Dec 15, 2016 at 1:19am PST

5. menai bridge in bangor

 

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Heading to camera club meeting in Menai Bridge, Anglesey this evening, I thought the sunset looked promising so I took my kit with me. Rather glad I did! This is a 5 minute exposure about 20 mins after sunset …

A post shared by David Griffiths (@dgriffgallery) on Oct 19, 2018 at 3:10pm PDT

6. llyn elsi in betws-y-coed

 

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I really lake this view after an early morning hike… I’d give it mounTEN out of ten ?? #lakeelsi #llynelsi #northwales #betwsycoed #lake

A post shared by Mary (@marysuffield) on Jun 4, 2018 at 4:12am PDT

6. conwy marina in conwy

Only a short 5 minute walk from Aberconwy Resort & Spa

 

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The calm before the storm? A tranquil Conwy Marina before the big blow comes through this week. Great to be back home in North Wales . . #sky #stormseason #storm #stormy #stormclouds #clouds #stormchaser #weather #stormwatch #nature #photography #ffxiv #beautiful #calm #calming #calma #nature #calmini #love #calmness #calmingdown #calmaritime #calms #relax #calme #calmbeforethestorm #photography #calmingcaptures #conwy #conwymarina

A post shared by Rock and Ocean Adventures (@rock_and_ocean_adventures) on Sep 17, 2018 at 7:53am PDT

7. abersoch harbour

A photo posted by Jo Foley (@jofoley7) on Jun 3, 2016 at 2:02pm PDT

8. porthdinllaen

A photo posted by The Travel Hack (@thetravelhack) on Dec 6, 2015 at 11:21am PST

9. bryn cader faner in harlech

A photo posted by Harriet King (@pumpkinsandcats) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:46am PDT

10. snowdonia mountain range

A photo posted by Jake Turner (@byjaketurner) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:59pm PST

11. lyn brenig

A photo posted by Sarah Twist (@sarahjtwist) on Dec 30, 2016 at 1:30pm PST

These Instagram images are the perfect start to help you exploring this vast, diverse and stunning region! With a choice of 4 locations, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park, New Pines Holiday Home Park, Seaview Holiday Home Park and Aberconwy Resort & Spa all in North Wales, you will be spoiled for choice on accommodation while exploring North Wales!

Happy Adventuring Explorers!

Are you looking for a romantic and relaxing babymoon in the UK? A babymoon holiday, also known as a pregnancy holiday, means getting away to relax and put your feet up before the sleepless nights and endless nappy changes take over, once your little bundle of joy enters the world.

It’s the perfect time to have a little me-time and add some extra special romance in all the excitement of your new arrival. With babymoons becoming increasingly popular and starting to hit the mainstream mindset, Darwin Escapes has some of the most perfect locations for this special getaway for expecting parents.

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Where: North Devon

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat has slowly gained the reputation as one of the most romantic destinations in the UK, with countless honeymoons and proposals taking place every year (including our staff!). Beach Cove is located in Hele Bay, atop the cliff overlooking Hele Beach, with dramatic views of the ocean from almost all units at this North Devon location.

Our deceptively spacious beach hut style accommodation will have you relaxing on the sofa, or in the bed, and gazing at the stunning views around you. Take a stroll through Hele Bay and visit the Hele Corn Mill for an award winning Devonshire cream tea. There is plenty to discover in the local area, from Exmoor Zoo to coastal walking paths, and the Victorian Tunnels Beaches, where you can take a dip in the sea pools to ease those aches and pains.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Where: Somerset

Bath Mill offers the perfect alternative to a Bath City break, being just two miles away from the bustling city centre, Bath Mill is surrounded by the beautiful and peaceful countryside. With plenty to do on park you can have a relaxing babymoon break in Bath without feeling rushed into the city life, take a walk in the surrounding fields, dine at our onsite Brook Bar & Bistro for a romantic meal or cook up a storm in the fully fitted kitchen available.

If you are looking for something a little more intimate, the studio style Norland Lodge is our one-bed accommodation, ideal for short city breaks in Bath. With a high-end finish, kitchenette for all your needs, along with a flat-screen TV, the Norland has everything you could need. Bath city offers fabulous must-visits for all, from the famous Roman Baths, to the Jane Austen Centre and Fashion Museum for fabulous period clothing. Visit the Hestercombe Gardens nearby and marvel at the beauty on offer, and don’t forget to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at the infamous Pump Room.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Where: Somerset

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa offers the perfect place to unwind before baby arrives! Surrounded by the Somerset countryside, nestled in the Mendip Hills and views of the beautiful Cheddar Reservoir, you will feel your stresses slip away as you drive to your beautiful lodge style accommodation. Only a 5 minute walk from Cheddar village, where you can see the famous Cheddar Gorge, try some real cheddar cheese at the Cheddar Cheese Co. and indulge in an afternoon tea at the Lion Rock Tea Room.

Onsite at Cheddar Woods you can relax and put your feet up or go for a lovely walk in the woodland surrounding the park. The onsite Eden Spa offers specialised Aromatherapy Associates pregnancy treatments, so you can indulge in luxury while our trained therapists ease away your aches and pains. Enjoy a delicious meal onsite too, with our Kellermans restaurant offering family favourites, and indulge in a hot chocolate from our Costa Coffee machine too.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat

Where: Lake District, Cumbria

Keswick Reach is one of Darwin Escapes’ brand new locations, opening its doors in December 2016, it is fast becoming the most popular holiday destination in Cumbria. Surrounded by the breath-taking Cumbrian countryside, with rolling hills and peaceful horizons, you will truly feel your stresses slip away, while relaxing in our luxury lodge style accommodation.

The Lake District has so much to offer, including the beautiful scenery, close to Derwentwater Lake, the Lakes Distillery, The Darling Manor and even the Beatrix Potter Centre. Onsite at Keswick Reach, you can indulge in a specialised pregnancy Aromatherapy Associates treatment, from our fully trained therapists, before putting your feet up in the beautiful relaxation area in our Ammara Spa. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal at The Copper Fells restaurants onsite, where family favourites meets fine dining, as well as Costa Coffee on offer too. A beautiful escape for you and your loved to one to relax before baby comes!

Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat

Where: Isle of Wight

Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat offers luxury holidays in one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots, right next to the Solent and close to seaside hot spot Cowes, and the bustling harbour town of Ryde. The island itself has so much to offer everyone, from wonderful woodland walks around the park, to a stroll on the beach, as well as plenty of historical places to discover. Including Queen Victoria’s summer house, The Osborne House, which will be featured in the upcoming movie of her life.

The accommodation at Woodside Bay ranges from full lodge style accommodation, with a fully fitted kitchen, to our one-of-a-kind tree house accommodation, with a balcony to sit and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Enjoy a specialised pregnancy Aromatherapy Associates treatment from our fully trained therapists at the Woodside Bay Spa Lodge, where you can indulge in the ultimate me-time in the relaxation suite. There is a choice of 3 restaurants onsite, enjoy a family favourite at Kellermans, or try something new at our South African inspired BBQ The Braii, and during the warmer weather you can indulge in a Pizza Alfresco from our outdoor wood burner stove. With all this and more onsite to help you relax, the Isle of Wight could be your perfect babymoon destination!

Darwin Escapes is here to help you relax at a time when you really need to, a babymoon is designed for you to unwind before the arrival of your little one, and with so much on offer at our locations, you can be sure of a relaxing time with us.
There are hot tubs at our locations, and although the NHS advises against using these while you are pregnant, your significant other can take a dip while you unwind next to them on the outdoor furniture.

Book your babymoon with Darwin Escapes and enjoy the peace before the excitement of your new baby!

Darwin Escapes Customers at Talacre Beach are entitled to 10% off the cost of Go Karting at GYG Karting. The new Formula 1 season is now under way, and Darwin Escapes is giving its holiday home owners and holiday makers at Talacre Beach Resort the opportunity to get a taste of what it feels like to take to the race track for themselves by partnering with one of the best outdoor Go Karting circuits in the country by offering 10% off the cost of arrive and drive karting experiences.

All you have to do to claim this offer is pick up one of the voucher which are available from the reception area of our 5 star resort. Just ask a friendly member of our reception team who will be more than happy to help at any time so you can really make the most of your stay in the North Wales region.

Update – planning to book online? Then simply enter the unique code “darwin” in order to receive your 10% discount!

petrol head’s paradise

The GYG Karting facility is unquestionably one of the finest outdoor go karting circuits in the country, with two layouts available to utilise so that all levels of enthusiasm and skill can be accommodated. There are also two levels of go-kart available to use – single and twin engine vehicles, the latter of which are only really usable by the most experienced and confident driver.

The longer circuit is part of the official National Karting Championship Calendar which is contested by the F1 superstars of tomorrow. It is where the likes of Lewis Hamilton cut their teeth prior to breaking through to the big time. It comprises a mix of long straight, tight turns and high speed corners to really challenge even the best of them.

Championship events from the circuit are regularly broadcast on Sky Sports and S4C, as well as being exciting to attend first hand if you fancy a trip up to the circuit to see how the best in the business negotiate this notorious circuit themselves. It could help to provide some good pointers before you take to the track for yourself!

The next spectator event at the circuit takes place on the weekend of the 14th/15th/16th April when the Dragon Kart Club turns up. Arrive and drive will not be available on this weekend on account of this, but we’d highly recommend a trip up if you happen to be in the area and want to behold a spectacular championship event filled with young stars who are keen to make an impression.

darwin escapes at gyg karting

In Summer 2016, we headed up to the GYG karting circuit to sample the karts and circuit for ourselves. The guys on-site were incredibly friendly and made us feel very, very welcome. The fine selection of food and refreshments in the spectacular on-site complex just added to the overall experience, with those not keen to get behind the wheel for themselves able to take advantage of a viewing area which provides great picture opportunities overlooking the circuit as well as the breathtaking countryside surrounding the Cerrigydrudion area.

You can catch a glimpse of what the arrive and drive experience consists of below in our video featuring the highlights of our experience at the GYG circuit on that day:

You can find out more about GYG Karting on their website

So why not book your holiday with Talacre Beach Resort today and get yourself over to GYG for a fun filled day in North Wales!

Happy Holidaying Folks!

Take a sneak peek at the Pathfinder Tuscany at Seaview Holiday Home Park. Seaview Holiday Home Park offers luxurious holiday living with spectacular surroundings. Located on top of a hill, just 1 mile away from Talacre Beach, Seaview has an unrivalled view of the North Wales coastline. Offering utter peace and tranquillity, you can really sit back and enjoy the view from your home away from home, and all owners are able to travel the 1 mile down the hill to our sister park Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park and take advantage of the activities and facilities.

pathfinder tuscany (2016)

£184,995

Key Features:

• 2 bedrooms
• central heating
• fully fitted kitchen
• master bedroom with ensuite
• beautiful long burning effect stove

The Pathfinder Tuscany offers beautiful Mediterranean minimalism with modern chic, high end finishings and sumptuous stylings throughout. The open plan living, dining and kitchen area is bathed in light with floor to ceiling windows, the 6 seating dining area is perfect for entertaining family and friends. With large bedrooms, plenty of storage and beautiful dressing area, you will be blown away by this beautiful lodge.

Life as a holiday home owner at Seaview consists of waking up to breath-taking views, enjoying the utter tranquillity around you and venturing out to Talacre Beach down the road to take advantage of the five star facilities.

Facilities at Talacre Beach include an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi pool, steam room and state of the art gymnasium. With Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers on hand with endless activities to keep the children busy in the day, you can relax with a drink at the bar or grab a bite to eat in the restaurant. There is always a full programme of nightly entertainment, with performances from musicians, comedians and even our home grown talented entertainments team. Then escape all the hustle and bustle by retreating back to the tranquillity of your home away from home at Seaview Holiday Home Park.

If you would like to know more information, then please contact our friendly Ownership Team via our live chat service, contact form or call on 01745858010 and book your park tour, or inquire about other holiday lodges for sale in North Wales.

Happy Holiday Home Ownership!

Aberconwy Resort & Spa oozes luxury, and the Prestige Buckland lives up to that standard in every way. High end furnishings, sumptuous sofas, and breath taking surroundings, Aberconwy is the place to relax, unwind and enjoy your home away from home on the North Wales coastline.

prestige buckland

£199,995

Key Features:

• 2 large bedrooms
• full ensuite for master bedroom
• fully fitted kitchen
• feature fireplace
• spacious entrance hallway with cloakroom

The Prestige Buckland is a luxury holiday home for sale in Aberconwy Resort & Spa, with two spacious bedrooms and ensuite on the master bedroom you can sit back and relax. The kitchen offers a great place for entertaining friends and family, with a spacious entrance hallway, cloakroom and vaulted ceilings providing a more open feel in the living space. Sited on an elevated plot with views towards the Great Orme, the large windows will give you unspoiled views of the beautiful Welsh mountain.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is an exclusive holiday home owners only community, where you can enjoy all the resort has to offer, the beautiful surroundings and friendly community anytime you want.

Situated a stone’s throw away from the Conwy Morfa Beach, you can indulge in a seaside holiday all year round, and with the Snowdonia Mountain Range as a backdrop you are sure to have a breath taking views from all angles. There are five star facilities to enjoy at Aberconwy, including Langley’s Country Club with a fully refurbished gym, contours only room and friendly personal trainers to help you every step of the way. Take a dip in the stunning indoor, heated swimming pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room before getting a luxury Aromatherapy Associates treatments at the onsite Aberconwy Spa. Or let Mali’s hair salon put a spring back in your step with a rejuvenating hair treatment. The jewel in Aberconwy’s crown is Signature’s Restaurant, an award winning and Michelin recommended, family run establishment. With an ever changing menu, friendly staff and well stocked bar, you could become a regular at one of Wales’ best restaurants!

If you’re interested in joining this wonderfully welcoming community contact our Ownership Team via our live chat service, the contact form or call on 01745858010.

Happy Holiday Home Ownership!

Take a sneak peek inside Talacre Beach’s Clubhouse before your holiday! Whether you are looking to book with us here at Talacre Beach or already have, this post will show you the newly refurbished Clubhouse in one of North Wales’ most popular holiday destinations!

With pictures of everything from the night time entertainment Clubhouse, the evening Horizon restaurant, to Pebbles the children’s playroom and the arcade, this post will have you itching with excitement for your next holiday to the North Wales coastline.

Settle in with a cuppa to view the images below!

How excited for your holiday are you now? Charlie Bear and his Rangers can’t wait for all the children to join in on the fun around the park, and with the night time family entertainment including performances from musicians, comedians and our own home grown talent in the Rangers, there is something for everyone here at Talacre Beach Resort.

Interested in holiday home ownership? You could holiday at Talacre Beach anytime you wanted, no booking or packing, just get up and go to your home away from home. Contact our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745858010, or through our live chat service for more information now.

Darwin Escapes’ brand new location is closing in on it’s opening day! Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat is steaming towards its opening day, so here’s a little sneak peek of the accommodation you could be staying in! Located in Kent, this beautiful retreat will be the place to relax and explore the historic city of Canterbury and the surrounding areas. Take a look at the luxurious accommodation you’ll be in below…

So why not book your next holiday at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat? You could be relaxing in one of these beautiful lodge accommodations!