Thinking of buying a caravan? Darwin Escapes has the best 7 reasons to convince you to join the Ownership community! Brits have had a love affair with caravans since the 1880’s, from the beaten old tourers, the mint green 70s/80s style statics, up to today’s luxury statics and lodge style accommodation.

Owning your own holiday home is a dream some never consider achievable, but actually static caravans are easily affordable and super cool! I’m not just saying that, many celebrities even own caravans to enjoy this uniquely British holiday experience. Having your very own home away from home means that you don’t have to worry about booking, packing or summer holiday price hikes, you can just get up and go on holiday whenever the mood strikes you.

So I’m here to give you some of the reasons why people buy static caravans…

happy and healthy living

Ever notice you crave a holiday, kind of like craving a cake? (Or is that just me?) Basically surveys show that people on holiday actually have a better ability to resist and recover from stress and can even help to reduce blood pressure. This is probably because on holiday we live better, we tend to eat better and take walks when exploring new places (so being more active). We also have social stimulation and relaxation going on while on holiday, so the whole family’s well-being is improved. Instead of having only one holiday a year, or waiting months in between holidays, owning your own holiday home means you can have a mini health boosting holiday every weekend.

affordability

Static caravans are luxury that anyone can afford, with easy and affordable finance options for the most luxurious lodge holiday homes, your dream home is much closer than you think. 75% of all holiday home buyers use the finance option, and often use the referral scheme to generate income and cover the annual costs of having a holiday home. With flexible funding options, no stamp duty and the average price of a holiday home at £32,000, owning your own luxury static caravan is an attractive idea.

holiday’s when you want them

Owning your own holiday home means you can choose when to go on holiday. You don’t have to worry about flight prices sky rocketing during the school holidays, there’s no packing, no booking to deal with, no shopping around for the best deal (because you already have it!), you can just get up and go when you’re ready. With most of our locations open all year round to owners, there is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy your time away.

discovering new places

All of our locations are surrounded by beautiful scenery and fantastic local attractions to explore, with plenty of beaches, woodland walks, theatre shows and endless shopping to enjoy, you will always have something to do in your home away from home. There is everything from historic castles to exciting roller coasters, so no matter the weather or your budget there will always be something to do.

holiday parks are the best thing since chocolate cake!

Yes I am slightly obsessed with chocolate cake, but this doesn’t make the statement any less true. All holiday parks cater to their clients, whether holiday guests or holiday home owners, meaning that the whole experience is about you, and what can be better than that?

Our Charlie Bear and his Rangers Team make sure to have the little ones entertained all day, and carry on the family entertainment throughout the night.

We also have the Go Active programme for everyone to enjoy. Try your hand at archery, fencing, water walkerz, body zorbing, wall climbing, or many other endless amount of activities that our wonderful Go Active team put on for you.

Some of our locations also offer luxury Spa’s or Spa lodges to treat yourself to a relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatment or Jessica Nail therapies, have your weekly work out at one of our state of the art gyms and relax at the bar onsite before retiring back to your home away from home.

We offer so much at our locations, from family entertainment and games nights, to magicians, local and international singers, as well as our own home grown talent taking the stage to blow you away too! This is all on your doorstep and waiting for you to explore and enjoy at your own pace.

pet’s love it

It’s a holiday home for ALL your family, that means no worrying about getting a dog sitter or looking for kennels, the little fur-baby can come with you! Not all holiday parks allow pets, but ours do!

they aren’t what you think

What you think they look like…

What they actually look like…

Static caravans are no longer those 1970’s cramped, everyone sleeps in the living room type things anymore. Now you can have your own king size bedroom, free standing baths and fully fitted, spacious, kitchens (to make chocolate cake…) with central heating and running water (seriously!).

So even though I talked a bit about chocolate cake, those are the 7 reasons why people buy static caravans. Pop along to one of our locations and I can promise you, you will be amazed by what you see! If you want to know more information before dropping into our friendly team, get in touch with our Ownership Team on 01745858010, and now I’m off to find some chocolate cake…

Undergoing a massive redevelopment Sandymouth Holiday Resort has some brand new beach shack inspired accommodation waiting for you to explore!

As you may know from a previous post, Sandymouth Holiday Resort is undergoing an extensive redevelopment, with the old log cabins receiving some TLC and having brand new accommodation. And this stunning one bedroom beach shack-style accommodation is perfect for a romantic getaway to the seaside in Cornwall.

now available to book

DE HQ have gained some first-look photos at this brand new Beach Shack inspired accommodation

How beautiful is that? Let’s hope the weather is a bit better during your stay, but if not don’t fear, with brand new facilities on offer you will find something to keep you entertained! Why not book your holiday and be one of the first to stay in these beautiful ‘Tintagel Beach Shack’?

Happy Cornish holidaying ladies & gents!

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Take a look at the beautiful little details in Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

It’s all in the details at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, with absolutely stunning surroundings, luxury lodge accommodation and five star facilities, the little things count…

After a recent trip to Hawkchurch Resort & Spa I was blown away by all the little details that they have created and I wanted to share them with you! Having a favourite park is kind of like having a favourite puppy, it’s pretty impossible here at DE HQ because all our locations really are beautiful (and I’m not just saying that, check them out and you’ll see it’s true!) but Hawkchurch has stolen a little of my heart with all these extra touches around the park…

So why wait? Book your holiday in the heart of the Axe Valley, Devon now and enjoy a relaxing break at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa!

Let’s Paint Pottery is a family run business located on the high street in Prestatyn, close to our own Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park! As you know Darwin Escapes HQ love to promote local businesses near our locations, this helps all our holiday guests (or current and potential owners) know what is around the local area. Let’s Paint Pottery is in the bustling seaside town of Prestatyn, just a 5 minute drive from our traditional Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park, and 15 minutes from the luxury New Pines Holiday Home Park close to Rhyl.

fun for all the family

There are creative activities for all ages, making it the perfect place to spend quality time together doing something a little bit different. Molly and Sarah will give you an exceptionally warm welcome as you walk through the door, and all the information you could ever need about painting pottery! With a wall filled with lots of different ceramic goodies to choose from (all labelled with prices for ease!) you can pick anything from a candy skull, teapot or plate to a princess castle, a mermaid or even a duck! There was even a lighthouse for you die-hard Talacre Beach fans, and the sizes vary making it perfect for the little ones to join in too!

events

Let’s Paint Pottery host regular events, from a Harry Potter themed evening, to children’s parties, hen do’s, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to a monthly Ladies Evening, as well as a Knit & Natter afternoon for the local knitting enthusiasts! The paints used on the ceramics are non toxic, so they easily brush off clothes and don’t do any harm, making children’s parties fun and stress-free with no worrying about any damaged clothes! (or if you’re just like me and a little bit clumsy).

the process

Once you have painted your pot (or mermaid), it will then be placed in the back room with the huge kiln, which reaches up to temperatures of 1000 degrees! Your beloved ceramic pal will wait here to be dipped in some blue protective film (Molly did explain this and I have forgotten…sorry Molly!), and they are then placed inside the kiln to ‘cook’. Once it has been cooked and the blue film as been cleaned off, you can then pick up your much wanted ceramic buddy, this will roughly be around 10 days later. And even more amazing (to me anyway) is that they will be both dishwasher and microwave safe! If you are on holiday and can’t come back in 10 days time, then no fear as Let’s Paint Pottery will deliver your items to your home via Royal Mail, please ask at the desk for this service as there will be an extra delivery charge.

foam clay: perfect for holiday guests

If you wanted to take away your ceramic masterpiece home that day, then instead of painting you can use the Foam Clay! It comes in little pots and feels soft and slightly sticky, you it place around your chosen ceramic buddy to decorate, and it then takes around 6 hours to ‘set’. Meaning that you take it away from Let’s Paint Pottery the same day, looking a little shabby, and by morning it will be all set and sparkling, ready to be paraded around to your family and friends! This is perfect for holiday guests or little ones who can’t bear the thought of being parted with their little ceramic pal!

extra pictures

You will love spending time doing something a little different, in a fabulously friendly atmosphere at Let’s Paint Pottery. They also have the option of Afternoon Tea while you paint if you were a little peckish, with the tea served in hand painted mugs!

Have fun during your holiday at Talacre Beach or drop in as many times you like when you’re a holiday home owner in North Wales.

Thinking of popping the question to your better half, but can’t decide where to do it? Well we’re here to help with the top 5 places to propose in the UK. Whilst the UK doesn’t have an Eiffel Tower or a Venice Gondola to speak of, we are a country steeped in culture and romance. Here we have chosen some of what we consider to be the most romantic spots to propose in the UK, including some well known spots as well as some of unique places, helping you find the best place to propose in the UK.

London Eye, London

The London Eye will give you outstanding views of the capital city, booking the ‘Cupid’s Capsule’ package will give you an extra touch of romance and privacy. Included in the package is a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles, which is served by your very own personal host. You will have a private capsule for 2 for a 30 minute rotation, with stunning views of the city. London Eye staff will always help out in other ways too, on a recent Valentine’s Day, Alice proposed to her partner, Ben, by turning the London Eye into a huge engagement ring! All the lights turning gold and the spotlights on top becoming the solitaire diamond, what a beautiful and unique proposal!

Accommodation Nearby: Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

A magical island at the far end of Newborough Warren beach in Anglesey, with rolling dunes, large rock outcrops and a mixture of historic buildings to explore, you and your partner can have a fun filled afternoon in a romantic setting. An ideal place for a picnic on a fine day, with stunning views of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula, your proposal will be extra special! The name Llanddwyn means “The Church of St. Dwynwen”, who is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making Llanddwyn Island one of the most romantic and best places to propose in the UK.

Accommodation Nearby: Talace Beach Holiday Home Park or New Pines Holiday Home Park

palladian bridge, bath

Located in the beautiful landscaped gardens of Prior Park, which is a hidden gem of peace amongst the bustling city of Bath. This romantic escape boasts magnificent views of the city below, created by philanthropist Ralph Allen to compliment his huge mansion on the Bath skyline, he requested the beautiful bridge build in 1755. The ancient bridge was fully restored in 1995, including the 18th Century graffiti, to create the perfect place for a unique and stunning place to propose to your better half. Bath is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the UK, the perfect place to propose and celebrate with your partner!

Accommodation Nearby: Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Lake District, Cumbria

One of the most beautiful places in Great Britain, the best place for a proposal in the UK while being surrounded by breath taking scenery, magical forests, mesmerising sunsets, rolling hills and cosy log cabins. Take a stroll in the nature around you and pick one of the many secluded areas to pop the question, or enjoy a dip in a hot tub at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, and take the plunge while soaking in hot bubbles and being surrounded by the beautiful Cumbrian scenery. The Lake District is the perfect place for a truly unique proposal, one that you can tailor to you and your partner like no other.

Accommodation Nearby: Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat

Hele Bay, Devon

Fast gaining the reputation as one of the ‘most romantic places in the UK’, Hele Bay in Devon is a stunning location to make a beautiful memory with your loved one. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat has played host to a few wonderful proposals since opening in 2013, located along the Cliffside of Hele Bay and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our quirky accommodation lends itself to the romance of the area. With many of our beach hut accommodations over looking the stunning Hele Bay having hot tubs, you can make your proposal surrounded by hot bubbles with the sound of the waves lapping at the beach.

Accommodation Nearby: Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

So if you’re planning on proposing this year these are our top 5 unique places to propose, but really anywhere you decide to propose will be memorable for you both, but a hot tub never hurts!

Happy Proposals!

The East Somerset Railway is a fantastic day out for all the family in Cranmore, Somerset. Our own beautiful location in Somerset, Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is a wonderful family destination and only a short drive away from the East Somerset Railway.

history

The railway has a rich history and was originally used for cargo and passengers back in 1855, but ceased to transport people in 1963. By 1967 artist David Shepard had bought two steam trains and was looking for somewhere to store them. Having looked at 31 sites, David Shepard realised the huge potential at Cranmore, and along with friends purchased the site. By the end of 1973 the East Somerset Railway was opened to the general public.

what’s on

You can enjoy a fantastic steam engine train ride and watch the Mendip Hills speed past the window in a classic form of transportation. There is also an Engine Shed Walk through tour available and a small museum where you can learn all about the evolution of the stream engine locomotive. Have a look at the charming signal box and miniature railway, both of which are only open on selected days so make sure to check the website if these are what you are looking for.

There is also a shop on-site where you can purchase or just browse through a range of books, DVDs, toys and souvenirs. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at the onside café, or bring your own and settle in the grass picnic area next to the outdoor children’s play area; the perfect place for your little ones can climb to their hearts content, as well as there being additional picnic tables by the miniature railway.

train journeys

There are many events and special train journeys throughout the year at the East Somerset Railway, from delicious dining trains such as the Sunday Lunch Train, to the perfectly delectable High Tea Train, where you can even have a glass of Prossecco. You can even book a fun Driver Experience day, where you will experience the thrills of driving and firing a steam locomotive, this is a particularly physical day but oh so rewarding when you’re steaming through the Mendip Hills. Be sure to check with the East Somerset Railway to make sure it’s right for you.

For the festive season East Somerset Railway have a whole month planned with a Santa’s Grotto Train, where all the little ones can meet Father Christmas, and the adults can indulge in a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. There will be additional entertainers, including face painters, to help keep everyone busy while waiting to see the jolly fellow himself!

So whatever the time of year the East Somerset Railway will be a fun-filled family day out!

Favourite walking trails in and around Wareham, explore the beautiful region by foot

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is brand new for 2017. Nestled in the magical Dorset woodland, it’s the perfect escape where you can relax and de-stress from the daily grind.

Return to nature at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat where the local area is filled with walking paths ranging from coastal trails to country ambles. There is quite simply Wareham Forest walks for everyone. I’ve come up with the top 4 walking trails around Wareham that are all close to our brand new luxurious location, which offers fabulous accommodation in a magical setting.

the two rivers walk

These short circular trails follow footpaths along the Frome and Piddle Rivers. Surrounded by Purbeck’s wetlands, which are relatively undiscovered, you can marvel at the nature around you. The wetlands support up to 20,000 birds in the winter, as well as water voles, salmon, trout and even otters, so keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife on your walk! The Two Rivers Walk in Wareham is three miles long and if you decide to take a winter walk in Wareham, then wellies are the best way to go. For any other time of year walking boots are recommended as some places may be a little muddy even in the summer.

the Wareham town walls walk

This is a popular Wareham walking trail on the walls surrounding the town. The walls date back to the 9th Century, originally being built by the Saxons to defend from Viking attacks, it surrounds the town on three sides. The wall is now grassy earth mounds surrounding the town that you can walk up to the top and follow the 1 mile trail around the town, with benches to have a picnic along the way and beautiful views of the River Piddle.

the commoners way

This walking trail starts only a 10 minute drive from Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, with it starting and finishing in Kingston while taking you to the beautiful Corfe Castle and back. This 5 mile circular walking trail starts at St James’ Church in Kingston and takes you through the town, countryside and Corfe Castle village and back. There are lots of places to eat lunch or stop off and have some afternoon tea along the route, as well as there being a number 40 bus service that connects Kingston to Corfe Castle, meaning you can catch the bus to the castle and walk back, or the other way around, if you didn’t fancy the full 5 mile trek.

the Wareham way

This is a long distance walking trail in Wareham, being 13 miles from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall and walk through the less well known, beautiful landscapes of north Purbeck and East Dorset. Along the walk you will enjoy stunning views, shady glades, troves of wildlife and even have an Iron Age hill fort to explore! Start the trail at the beautiful Wareham Quay, with plenty of stop off points for a picnic, follow the gravel paths and public rights of way including stiles and gates along the long distance walking trail. As the Wareham Way walking trail is so long, you don’t have to do all of it, you can join and leave at any point to enjoy the most spectacular country views.

So why not book a holiday at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, relax and de-stress while getting back to nature in the magical woodland and Dorset countryside. The many Wareham walking trails will have you exploring the region at your own pace and in a beautiful setting, all while retiring back to brand new, luxurious accommodation.

Happy Exploring Ladies & Gents!

Darwin Escapes’ brand new Dorset location, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is now open!

If you are looking for luxury holidays in Dorset now is the perfect time to book with our brand new location offering fantastic views in a magical woodland setting. Our wonderful managers cut the red tape for the opening day, Wareham Forest is a place where you can relax in nature and feel your stresses of everyday life drain away while you enjoy your luxury, self catering holiday in the Dorset countryside.

Take a look at the pictures below for a sneak peek of what could be your best holiday of 2017!

Book a holiday at Wareham Forest and explore the Dorset countryside, while relaxing in the woodland surrounding you in luxury, brand new accommodation!

Happy Holidaying!

Looking to keep kids entertained on a car journey? Darwin Escapes have the top 5 free kids car games! You don’t need to spend lots of money on fancy technology to keep the children entertained on long car journeys, think back to when we were little and were in the car going off on holiday, all those songs! So whether you are travelling to your summer holiday destination or driving home for Christmas, these classic car games for kids will keep everyone entertained!

the animal name game

A classic children’s car game, starting with the letter A, each person must name an animal beginning with that letter, once everyone has gone you move on to the next letter. The person who can’t think of an animal loses that round, this car game is also a fun way of teaching the Animal Kingdom to the little ones (don’t cheat and Google the answers!)

20 questions

Everyone knows this car game, but just in case you’ve never played it before here’s what you do… one person thinks of a person (either fictional or real) and everyone else takes it in turn to ask questions that can only be answered with a yes or no (i.e. are you female?). Everyone then tries to work out who it is under 20 questions, and the person who does wins. If no one guesses correctly the person who thought of the person wins…does any of that actually make sense? It’s a very hard game to describe, but so much fun to play! (kind of like Guess Who? without the board?)

my father had a grocery store

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of this car game before, I hadn’t but now I’m hooked! It’s a simple memory game that starts with the phrase “My father had a grocery store, and in it he sells…” something beginning with the letter A. The Next person repeats all this and adds something beginning with B, and so on. Players get knocked out if they forget, mix up or can’t think of any items to add.

i spy

“I spy with my little eye, something beginning with the letter…” are words everyone has heard and said, this is a must-play car game. Players can pick something in or out of the car, as long as it’s constantly there, none of this ‘it was at the last stop’ nonsense! Everyone else uses the beginning letter to guess what the spyer sees and whoever guesses correctly wins! A classic kids car game that will have everyone laughing in the car.

dots & boxes

This kids car game is definitely not for the driver, as you will need two (or more) different coloured pens and a piece of paper. Create the outline of a big box using dots, then fill it with evenly spaced dots. Take it in turn to place a line between two dots, with the aim to make a full box, whoever creates a full box colours it in, marking it as theirs. The person to have the most boxes at the end wins the game.

Is your favourite car game in our list? I love all these games, but I win the most at Dots & Boxes so guess which I like playing the most…

Happy Car Games Ladies & Gents!

Visit The Canterbury Tales Experience and learn all about the fascinating history of the local area, and one of the UK’s literary classics. Our brand new location Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat will be opening its doors in Spring 2017, and The Canterbury Tales is the perfect introduction to the city’s literary history! Visit The Canterbury Tales attraction and enjoy a guided tour through an immersive event where you will enter the site to explore all the sights, smells and sounds of Chaucer’s medieval England. Be one of the first to stay at our luxury new location, Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat and enjoy a introduction to the city like no other at St Margaret’s Church as one of the city’s most loved visitor attractions.

Experience Geoffery Chaucer’s medieval England from his most famous writings The Canterbury Tales recreated at this one-of-a-kind attraction…

who is geoffery chaucer?

 

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Chaucer is known as one of the best poets of the Middle Ages, born in London around 1343, this is where The Canterbury Tales attraction begins its tour. Chaucer was from a family of successful merchants meaning he was well educated; being able to read and write during this period was particularly rare. The Royal family of the time were very fond of him, so much so that when Chaucer was captured by the French in 1359, King Edward III paid his ransom. They also implicitly trusted him, so much so that that the King even sent Chaucer on diplomatic missions to France, Genoa and Florence.

It was during these travels that Chaucer was exposed to some of the great authors of the time, he was not a professional writer himself but rather wrote for his own and friends’ pleasure, with his poetry becoming a favourite of the Kings. While working as Controller of Customs and Justice of Peace in 1386, Chaucer began writing his most famous works, The Canterbury Tales, written in a combination of verse and prose the collection of tales tells the story of over 30 pilgrims’ journey to the shrine of St Thomas Beckett. The work is also a comment on society at the time, with his characters offering insights and raising questions about social class, spirituality and religion. Chaucer didn’t follow the norm when penning his works, he wrote in English which was very rare at a time when everything was in French or Latin, the language of the courts, he was thought so highly of that he was actually the first poet to be buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poet’s Corner.

the Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales share the journey of 30 people on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St Thomas Beckett, they engage in a story telling competition, making the tales a collection of 24 stories told as the pilgrims make their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. On your own journey through the attraction you will be immersed in five of Chaucer’s colourful and entertaining tales filled with love, infidelity, intrigue, courtship and death. All of this is brought vividly to life through recreated scenes, costumed guides and fantastic audio guides. Among the tales that you will hear at The Canterbury Tales attraction are The Knights Tale, The Miller’s Tale and The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.

the attraction

 

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You’ll discover 14th Century England in this immersive recreation of medieval life set in the historic St Margret’s Church nestled in the heart of the city. This is the second oldest attraction in the city behind Canterbury Cathedral. The attraction will give you a unique introduction to Canterbury and its literary connect to Geoffery Chaucer’s famous works.

Since opening its doors in 1988, the attraction has nearly 30 years of heritage and remains a must-see for all ages! The innovative and one-of-a-kind experience lets you explore medieval England through an immersive environment, it is the only tour dedicated to Chaucer and his works. Along with costumed guides taking you through the recreated scenes, there is an amazing array of audio guides voiced by ‘80’s TV stars, including Prunella Scales from Fawlty Towers, and Bernard Cribbons from Doctor Who. You will have a one-of-a-kind experience at The Canterbury Tales attraction, where you will learn all about medieval England and the fantastic writer Chaucer!

Now is the perfect time to start looking at attractions to visit in and around Kent with Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat opening in Spring 2017, and The Canterbury Tales is the ideal attraction for the whole family to giggle and learn!