Piran Meadows Resort & Spa offers a relaxing and family fun destination in a beautiful Newquay location

Offering both holiday breaks and holiday home ownership, Piran Meadows is the perfect place to escape to with your family and friends as often as you can! With a fantastic Go Active+ programme, including water walkerz, body zorbs, archery and lazer clay shooting, along with the fabulous outdoor splash zone, and the indoor entertainments area, including golf simulator, pool tables and 2 lane bowling alley, there is something for all ages and all weathers!

Enjoy a delicious bite to eat at the onsite restaurant and relax with a drink at our fully stocked bar. For the ultimate in relaxation indulge in an Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the onsite Serenity Spa, where you can unwind with a full body massage or refresh with a luxurious Jessica Nails manicure.

So whether you’re looking for a luxurious holiday break, or somewhere you can call a home from home, take a look at the stunning Piran Meadows pictures below:

Now is the perfect time to book your holiday in Cornwall to enjoy all that Piran Meadows has on offer. If you’re interested in owning your own little slice of Cornish heaven call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745858010, or talk to an adviser via our live chat service, where a member of our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Have a wonderful break in Cornwall!

With a fantastic entertainments programme all year around, the summer offers endless days of fun with Charlie Bear and his Rangers at Talacre. Talacre Beach Resort is home to Charlie Bear and his Rangers, who create a fabulous entertainment programme for our guests every week. With daily activities and evening entertainment available in the North Star lounge, it’s easy to see why Talacre Beach has been a popular holiday destination for over 50 years.

Along with the regular daily entertainments programme, Talacre Beach’s fabulous entertainments team help to organise event days and themed parties all year around. See below for what our fun days this Summer are at Talacre…

mars attacks theme night – 27th july

full fun day event – 4th august

full fun day event – 25th august

So make sure you’re ready for a summer of fun and sun with Charlie Bear and our talented team of Rangers at Talacre Beach Resort!

about Talacre Beach Resort

Talacre Beach is perfectly placed to springboard you into the North Wales region, being only a 10 minute drive to the bustling retail town of Prestatyn and only a 15 minute drive from the traditional seaside resort of Rhyl. Our 5 star holiday location is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy Talacre beach itself, which is home to the historic 17th Century Lighthouse and the protected Gronant Dunes.

Talacre Beach’s fabulous facilities include an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and stream room to relax in, as well as a state of the art gym lodge available. We also have a great Go Active programme, which includes panna soccer, water walkerz, mini jet skis and archery! Along with our beautiful Bistro Restaurant offering mouth-watering dishes and a fully stocked bar to relax in.

ownership options

Offering holiday home ownership means you can explore the region, take full advantage of the facilities and enjoy the diary of events and daily activities from the Rangers, all at your own pace. Owning a holiday home at Talacre Beach is much easier than you think, with a wide range of holiday homes and holiday lodges available, we are sure to have the perfect option for your needs.

If you’d like some more information about holiday home ownership at Talacre Beach, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Darwin Escapes’ new location Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is coming along nicely, take a look at the pictures below for an update on the sure-to-be fabulous complex building!

For more information and development pictures of Norfolk Woods, take a look at our previous post here.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is only a short distance from our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat! Our retreat is located in the heart of Surrey, perfectly placed to explore all the picturesque region has to offer, and Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that we are only 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from the studio tour! So why not make a weekend of your Harry Potter trip and explore all that Surrey has to offer too? If you want to know all there is to know about the studio tour, then settle in with a cuppa and read on…

visit the sets

Various sound stages and sets were created throughout the Harry Potter movie series, including The Great Hall, which was built in 2000 and was used for the next 6 movies. The set includes handmade costumes and two large tables set ready for dinner, as well as breath-taking props like Professor Dumbledore’s lectern and the House Points Counter. A newer addition to the tour is the Forbidden Forest, with 19 handcrafted trees, each 12 feet in diameter.

Other sets include Platform 9 3/4, which was built for the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie, with previous scenes shot at Kings Cross Station in London, however the set was constructed for the final movie, complete with tracks and the iconic Hogwarts Express train. You’ll also get to walk the magnificent Diagon Alley set, lined with store fronts such as Gringotts Bank, Flourish & Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and of course, dusty old Ollivander’s, which was home to over 17,000 individually labelled boxes of wands during shooting.

marvel at the spectacular props

The extraordinary talented Propmasters on the Harry Potter series created beautiful items to bring the wizarding world to life, they even created over 950 potions jars to line the classroom, all with something unique inside them, including herbs and shrunken heads. They also created 900 memory labels for Professor Dumbledore’s Memory Cabinet, with the labels including names such as Professor McGonogall and Argus Filch.

The unsettling pink room of Professor Umbridge’s office was expertly decorated by the art department, with over 130 plates of cute kittens, which meant the department actually filmed kittens with witches hats and balls of wool (sounds like heaven to me!). But nothing is as striking as the 20 foot mannequin above the entrance to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezers store front. Except maybe the funny and equally disgusting Pucking Pastilles dispenser on the store front, outstanding work by Head Propmaster, Pierre Bohanna.

stunning handmade costumes

Costume Designer, Jany Termime, really helped bring the wizarding fashion alive throughout the series, from the Quidditch uniforms which evolved from heavy robes to lighter, sportier robes with names and numbers on the back. She also created breathtaking wizard formal wear for The Yule Ball, putting the boys in wizard tuxedo-style robes, and also made Hermione’s showstopping layered, Chiffron gown. Ron’s wizards robes were actually made from acres of lace and old carpet fabric (he pulled the look off well considering!).

details of the art department

The Art Department created everything for the movies, but the true jewel in the crown is the Hogwarts Castle Model. It was built for the very first movie and every turret, tower and courtyard was filmed, the makers installed more than 2,500 fibre optic lights which simulates torches and lanterns, and giving the illusion of students wandering the halls. The Art Department created thousands of props to bring the wizarding world to life, they made sweet packaging, fantastic textbooks and even issues of the Quibbler. By the end of the Harry Potter saga, over 40 editions of The Daily Prophet were designed.

the magical beasts

There were many magical creatures created on the Harry Potter films, from the huge Basilisk mouth that was made for the final battle scene in Chamber of Secrets, which was 30ft long and had 3ft deep jaws. There were 3 Buckbeak’s, created for the movies including one laying down, another rearing and one standing, with each Buckbeak having every individual feather inserted and glued into place, as well as designers talking to physiologists and vets about the proportions of the mythical creature. Aragog was also physically created for the movies, he actually had a leg span of 18 feet, and the model was able to crawl out of his hole and even deliver dialogue (Ron was right to be squeakily terrified!). Each hair was individually inserted by hand and the hairs varied from pieces of coconut, to the centre of feathers and even broom bristles.

mind-boggling special & visual effects

The Art Department worked tirelessly to create everything from the wizard world they could, even creating the amazing Chamber of Secrets Door. The door is often thought to be CGI, but it’s actually a fully operational door, which includes articulated snakes and motor to make sure they all move at the correct time. The temperamental Whomping Willow tree is iconic of the Harry Potter series, the full sized tree trunk and mechanically operated ‘whomping’ branches were created, with other branches being added in via CGI.

This is just the tip of the magical wonders awaiting you at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some Butterbeer or hop on a broomstick and fly over London via the spectacular green screen experience too!

After your Harry Potter filled day, you can return to the tranquillity of Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat and explore all the beauty that Surrey has on offer. We offer stunning accommodation, which includes hot tubs and private saunas, with some lodges including views of a peaceful lake to top it all off, when you holiday with us at Tilford Woods you really will have a magical weekend worthy of Hogwarts (too cheesy? I’m not even sorry…).

Get your art on at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and celebrate art week by creating your own piece of art!

Locate a short drive away from the stunning Lyme Regis, art has always been at the heart of Hawkchurch Resort & Spa. So what better way to celebrate art week than to partner with two talented artists and offer fabulous workshops to create your own! Art week is from June 4th – June 9th, and we will be holding multiple workshops throughout the week.

paint your day away with anne

Artwrok by Anne Townsend

The lovely Anne Townsend from Broomgate Studio will be at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa on Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th June, from 10am to 4pm. Booking is essential as this is sure to be a popular workshop.

Anne will be tutoring you to paint your own masterpiece and once you have realised your fabulous creation, you’ll be able to take it home too! All materials and tutoring will be included in the booking.

To book your workshop, call Anne direct on 07746 758 370.

create a beautiful necklace with wendy

Jewelry by Wendy Lowis Bates

Wendy Lowis Bates is a talented, local jewellry artist, who will be helping you to create a stunning gemstone necklace, that you’ll be able to take home.

Wendy will be available for bookings at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa on Monday 4th, Wednesday 6th and Friday 9th June, between 10am and 1pm. Booking is essential for this popular workshop and all materials and tuition will be included in your booking.

To book your workshop with Wendy, call her direct on 07956 914 018.

Contact the artists direct for workshop prices

So celebrate art week from 4th – 9th June at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and create some beautiful art to take home with you!

Why not make an evening out of it too? Treat yourself and book your table at our onsite restaurant and indulge in some mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts. Then sit back with a refreshing drink from our fully stocked bar and admire the views of the magical Axe Valley.

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at the largest zoo in the South West! Set in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (which is themed on the biblical story!) offers a packed day of family fun with an opportunity to see over 100 different species of animals at the zoo including Giraffes, Lions, Pigs, Chickens and Elephants!

If you’re looking for a hands-on zoo experience then Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the perfect option. Not only are there animal keeper talks which take place every half hour, so you can hear what it’s like to look after these beautiful animals, but you can also book your own one-on-one ‘Keeper Experience’, where you can spend time with a qualified zoo keeper and help them with their daily routine. If you’re an animal lover or an aspiring zoo keeper this will be a great treat as you can get up close and personal with the animals.

Choose from a range of experiences such as the Big Cat Experience, Elephant Experience, Junior Zoo Keeper Experience and more, all of which can be booked in advance via the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website.

There are a wide range of animals to see at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, which is bound to keep little ones entertained for hours as well as 15 different exciting play areas that are just waiting to be explored. Visitors will also find a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy on-site such as the Mega Monster & Mini Maze, a Tractor Ride and an Elephant Playzone.

If you’ve not had chance to pack a picnic then don’t worry because Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has an on-site Food Barn café, which serves hot and cold food options as well as drinks and tasty treats throughout the day. For those who’d rather grab a bite to eat on the go then there are 3 smaller eateries which can be found around the zoo.

where is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm?

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is based in North Somerset in Wraxall near Bristol. It’s a 45 minute car drive from our Bath Mill Lodge Retreat and roughly 35 minutes from our Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. It’s also accessible via bus and further details on transport links can be found on the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website.

Postcode for Sat Nav: BS48 1PG

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Bristol prices and opening times

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is open Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm throughout the year except for a short break over Christmas.

Prices are seasonal and range from £15 to £20 for an adult and £10 to £14 for a child. A 10% discount is available when you buy your tickets online via their website.

The zoo farm also runs a range of exciting events throughout the year, check out their What’s On page for the latest information.

North Wales is teeming with dog friendly walks, just waiting to be explored by you and your pup! No one gets left behind on a Darwin Escapes holiday! Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park offers pet friendly holidays in North Wales, so your furbaby can explore the region with you! Discover panoramic views of the majestic Snowdonia Mountain Range and breath-taking vistas of the infamous seaside. Read through our list below and discover a new and exciting way to explore with your dog in North Wales.

Llyn Elsi

2.5 miles / low walking level / 2 hours

Enjoy a pleasant walk to the Llyn Elsi lake, surrounded by the forest above Betws-y-Coed. When you reach the lake you’ll be greeted by a clearing with the most beautiful views stretching across to Moel Siabad.

Llanberis path up mount Snowdon

9 miles / high-moderate walking level / 5 – 6 hours

This is known as the ‘tourist path’ to reach Snowdon’s summit. It is the longest route, but offers breath-taking views all the way. It’s the most popular path, so you’ll be sure to meet lots of people and pups along the way! See our post here for more routes up the famous mountain.

Llyn Padarn

5 miles / low level / 2 hours

Take a circular walk around the picturesque lake in Llaberis and marvel at the views of the surrounding Snowdonia Mountains. You’ll see the history of the area along your walk, even encountering the Gilfach Ddu, National Slate Museum.

Talacre beach to Gronant

4.3 miles / low level / 2 hours

The beach is only a 5 minute walk from Talacre Beach park. This walk takes you past the famous, Grade II listed Lighthouse, which was built in 1776 and is rumoured to be haunted. You’ll then walk through the rich habitat of the Gronant Dunes, which is home to the rare Natterjack Toads.

Llangollen history trail

6 miles / low level / 3 hours

Follow the historic landmark trail around Llangollen and you’ll see some beautiful monuments, including the Horseshoe Falls and the Llantysilio Church, which was originally built in 1254.

Coed – y – Gopa

7 miles / moderate level / 3 hours, 30 minutes

A wonderful woodland walk through the ancient forests in the outskirts of Abergele. Following the trail, you’ll see one of the country’s largest hibernation bat sites in the limestone caves, when you reach the clearing you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the vale, and why not try climbing the Iron Age hillfort on the summit? *Note: be very careful – no broken paws please!

Gwydyr forest

6 miles / moderate level / 3 hours

Follow the trail from Betws – y – Coed village into the forest. The trail will take you to the water’s edge of the Llyn river, which you can follow all through the forest. Reach the end of the trail to be rewarded with unbeatable views of the valley and Snowdonia Mountain Range.

Nercwys forest

5 miles / moderate level / 2 hours, 30 minutes

A beautiful woodland walk in Flintshire, follow the forest track and reach two viewpoints, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding area.

bird’s eye Bodnant garden walk

2 miles / low level / 2 hours

With 80 acres to explore, there is a walk for everyone to enjoy at the beautiful Bodnant Gardens. Take the Bird’s Eye walk through the Furnace Wood and Meadow for breath-taking and panoramic views of the gardens.

Before embarking (ha!) on any walk, please make sure you’re properly prepared with the right clothing and walking boots, that you have enough water and food supplies for all in your party (including plenty of tasty treats for the pups) and make sure to don the sunscreen on those hot days! During your walk stay together and take your time enjoying the Welsh scenery.

And these are only a small number of dog friendly walks in North Wales, you and your pupper could discover Roman forts, endless castles and breath-taking views all over the region! With tails wagging and smiles beaming, you will have the time of your lives (too cheesy?).

North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, and it’s easy to see why when you take a walk around the region and witness the beauty and peace for yourself, you can really let go of the daily grind and any stresses or strains when surrounded by so much nature. Talacre Beach is the perfect base to explore North Wales, while also offering fabulous accommodation and fantastic facilities to come back to. Our facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, children’s day entertainment and family evening entertainment, as well as a wonderful onsite Bistro Restaurant and fully stocked bar, plus so much more!

and if at the end of your holiday, you don’t want to leave?

Well, you’re in luck! Talacre Beach offers holiday home ownership, so you could call this little slice of North Wales home and explore all it all has to offer at your own pace. And it’s much easier than you think it is, our professional team are on hand to walk you step by step through the process, and we are able to introduce you to a finical advisor who can help you spread the cost should you need to, so it’s cheaper than you thought too!

If you’d like more information about buying your dream holiday home at Talacre Beach, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010, or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

Are you looking for the best pub grub where you can take your dog? We’ve listed the best places to eat with your pup in Poole below…

Located just a stone’s throw from Poole, our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat offers luxurious pet friendly holidays in Dorset, making it ideal to base yourself while exploring the local area with your pup!

Is there anything better than discovering new places with an excited dog? How about stopping off for a spot of lunch and a refreshing drink with said pooch at a dog friendly pub? Yup, we thought as much, so we put together the top 5 dog friendly pubs in Poole, where you can enjoy a nice meal on a dog date day out!

The Crown

Where: Market Street, BH15 1NF
This place is so dog friendly, they even have dog themed wallpaper! Take your delicious lunch in the secluded Courtyard Garden, or during the colder weather opt for indoors. This is a hidden gem in the heart of Poole, offering mouth-watering burgers and steaks, as well as a fully stocked bar. Dog treats and water bowls are available for your fur-baby.

The Blue Boar

Where: Market Close, BH15 1NE
A wonderful dog friendly pub, which has two log fires to keep you and your pupper warm during the winter months. Dog treats are ready for all the well behaved puppies who enter and the humans can enjoy the hearty portions of mouth-watering, homemade classic dishes, with the steak and grill options being a local legend!

The Antelope

Where: High Street, BH15 1BP
A traditional dog friendly pub located very close to the Poole harbour, offering wonderful views. Dogs are welcome in the cosy bar area, where a full menu of delicious pub grub is served.

The Angel

Where: Market Street, BH15 1DF
Enjoy daily fresh cooked meals from talented and professional chefs. Choose a delicious dish from a fabulous family friendly menu in this very dog friendly pub, which offers treats and water bowls inside and out in the beer garden.

Rope & Anchor

Where: Sarum Street, BH15 1JW
A true little gem of Poole, located just near the Poole quay front. Visit this dog friendly pub with beautiful décor and mouth-watering meals. Owners James and Daniel are popular fixtures and offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to all! What more could you want for a date with your pupper?

Since opening its doors in January 2017, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat has fast become a popular holiday destination for those looking for a peaceful holiday in Dorset. We offer luxurious pet friendly accommodation in all sizes, being able to cater to romantic getaways and larger family gatherings in our sumptuous lodges.

So why not book your pet friendly holiday at Wareham Forest and explore our list of dog friendly pubs in Poole?

The Darwin Escapes family is growing again and this time we’ve headed north to Norfolk! Development has started on the brand new Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa destination, due to open late 2018. For those who have visited our 5 star, luxurious Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa location in Somerset you’ll be pleasantly comforted by the expected facilities at Norfolk Woods! We’ve recently broken ground and started on the main complex building, so we thought you’d like to have a sneak peek at the construction and the surroundings of our brand new destination.

Norfolk Woods is sure to be a popular holiday destination, and if you didn’t want to leave, you wouldn’t have to as it will also be a brand new Ownership destination too!

Keep checking back for more development images and information about Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa!

Did you know local residents are free to use our 5 star facilities? Well, now that you know, why not come and take a look? Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat offers a peaceful escape along the coastline, just a stone’s throw from the beach and is a popular holiday destination on the Isle of Wight. This luxurious holiday destination is home to 5 star facilities including spa lodge, state of the art gymnasium and Bistro restaurant and these facilities are all open to the public, including a fantastic Lifestyle Membership which offers discount rates!

bistro restaurant & bar

Our Bistro Restaurant serves decadent dishes for all the family to enjoy, including our delicious burgers with endless toppings and a mouth-watering sweet potato fries.

Pop in for a light lunch after a walk on the beach or make a night of it and enjoy a wonderful evening meal. When the weather is on your side opt to dine ‘al fresco’ on our outdoor decking area with breath-taking views of the Solent. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink from our fully stocked bar and keep an eye out for any events we may have coming up!

woodside bay spa lodge

Our fully trained therapists offer luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments, including full body massages, Jessica Nails hand treatments and a wide range of rejuvenating facials. Leave the stress and strains of everyday life behind with an Intensive Muscle Release treatment. This 60 minute treatment is designed to help tight, stressed and aching muscles, using Swedish and cross-muscle fibre techniques, as well as essential oils known to help circulation, sounds like heaven!

If you’re looking for a quick relaxing treatment, opt for our Intensely Nourishing Hair Treatment, which helps to restore shine and health in your hair. As well as, offering a truly relaxing Ayurvedic head massage, using essential oils to work at muscles and specific pressure zones. It’s recommended for those suffering with anxiety to receive a treatment like this once a month to help restore a balanced, de-stressed mind.

The spa lodge is also home to a private decking area with beautiful views overlooking the ocean.

woodside bay gym

Woodside Bay boasts a peaceful gym environment, which includes all the equipment you could need for a workout. Including a range of cardio machines, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, cross-trainers and rowing machines. We also have range of weight machines and a free weight area, including dumbbells and medicine balls, we really do have everything you could need for a full body workout.

lifestyle membership

If you live locally and love our 5 star facilities as much as we do, you can enjoy a fabulous Lifestyle Membership, from only £25 a month!

Your membership allows you access to our gym facilities during opening hours, which are 8am – 9pm, Monday to Saturday and 9am – 9pm on a Sunday. The membership also grants a 10% discount at both Bistro and treatments at the Woodside Bay Spa Lodge *

booking your events

Woodside Bay is also able to hold a variety of events and occasions to fit all needs, including corporate meetings and indoor team building days, as well as private functions such as birthday parties, anniversary get-together’s and all other celebrations. To book your event or occasion with us please pop in and ask at reception.

So don’t be shy, our friendly staff are looking forward to meeting you! Pop in to have a chat with our team and a look at our 5 star facilities and take advantage of them with our Lifestyle Membership today!