The famous London Marathon is closing in on us here at Darwin Escapes HQ, and our very own lovely Ally is taking part! Let’s all wish her luck!

The London Marathon is one of the biggest UK sporting events, being broadcast on BBC every year and watched by millions – I love watching it, however I’m no where near fit enough to take part. But this year our amazing Ally will be running in the marathon!

She recently had her last “big run” before the race day, which is on the 24th April 2016. Ally ran 22 miles around the North Wales coast in preparation… I’m speechless and that never happens! She is truly amazing (and a little mental in my eyes…) She very kindly interrupted her running to take a few pictures for us to show you, just look at that scenery and those very cute horses!

Ally trains every day and runs up to 10 miles in the morning before work (I stroll in with my Costa Coffee) and makes herself some tasty looking breakfasts to help with her energy levels; my suggestion of sugar energy by eating doughnuts was dutifully ignored.

Go Ally! #LondonMarathon

Ally will be running in her very own Darwin Escapes top, so if you see her give a big wave and shout of encouragement, I know I will be…from my sofa! Check back for our post-marathon Ally update!

Family fun while lighting the coals and steaming up the engines at Lappa Valley Steam Railway near Newquay, Cornwall

Newquay is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, with sandy beachs, sea activities for all ages and plenty of family friendly places to visit too. Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is the perfect base to explore the region from, with unbeatable facilties itself, including an indoor heated swimming pool, fun outdoor splash zone, wonderful Go Active programme and even a golf simulator. As well as the relaxing Serenity Spa offering indulgent treatments, along with the beautiful sauna and steam room, the award winning resort is simply spectacular. During your stay at Piran Meadows, why not take a short drive to the Lappa Valley Steam Railway? With plenty on offer and beautiful scenery too boot, you will fall in love with the charming trains and magical woodland.

Read on to find out more…

about trains…

A day out at Lappa Valley is brilliant fun for all the family, discovering a fantastic day of adventure at the winner of Primary Times Reader Star Awards, for the Best Family Attraction and the Overall Winner Awards. Having undergone a range of exciting developments over the winter, to add to the already outstanding acvities, there is something for all ages! With 3 unique railways to explore, the woodland railway, the newlyn downs branchline, which also takes you around the magical woodland walk and play trains, as well as the east wheal rose line, taking you from the car park, under the Mertha Bridge and around the lake. Grab a bite to eat at The Whistle Stop Café, enjoying locally sauced produced in delicious lunch time meals, including jacket potatoes, pasties and paninis. As well as mouth watering Cornish cream teas, a selection of tempting homemade cakes and Cornish dairy ice cream all on offer.

meet the engines…

Lappa Valley has 6 engines that all have their own personality ad will make all your rides fantastic fun! Meet Muffin, the oldest of the bunch, who was built in 1967, and second oldest is Zebedee, a 1974 engine, both are coal fired and were designed by David Curwen. The Duke of Cornwall is a Ford petrol engine locomotive, built in 1981, which was also designed by David Curwen and comes from Stratford Upon Avon. Eric was built in 2008 by Alan Keff and was named after the founder of Lappa Valley. Don’t forget to meet Ruby, the newest member of the locomotive group, she was commissioned and built in 2015 for the 40th anniversary of Lappa Valley, and was named by the lovely visitors.

more than just trains…

Although the trains are fascinating and fun there are loads of other family activities to do as well, all included in one ticket price too! Located on the East Wheal Rose line the Canoeing Lake is great fun, with each canoe seating 2 adults and 1 child, with two islands to negotiate, this will be a great family adventure! (Just around the river bend…who gets the Disney reference?) If you have a very little one, don’t worry head on over to the fun Toddlers Maze. Made of brick and turf this maze is based on Trevithick’s 1804 railway locomotive, which was the first train in the world to ride on rails, the aim of the maze is to get to the centre and ring the bell in victory! There are plenty of outdoor play areas too, with pirate ships, climbing frames and football nets, all with picnic tables for the adults to rest their feet, or head on to the indoor play areas, which are great fun on a rainy day, or try your hand at the 18 hole family friendly crazy golf course! Take a walk through the magical woodland walk, nearly half a mile long and it has two beautiful hillside paths that offer a quiet view of the railway. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the walk too, but keep an eye out for the little critters who live there, stunning robins, fantastic foxes and even cute bunny rabbits!

So all aboard for Lappa Valley! And all at the price of £12 per adult, £10.00 per child or £40.00 for a family ticket, this family fun filled day is a total bargain!

Happy adventuring ladies and gents!

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Based in North Wales, June and husband Billy educate and excite people with their beautiful exotic animals! Animals Out The Box work with the local pet store, Chrysalis Pets, and offer exotic animal encounters with the aim to educate. June holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science and is under taking a PGCE too, both June and Billy adore their animals and love to introduce them to the children and adults alike, loving the smiles on the faces of someone meeting a lizard or snake for the first time. Being so knowledgeable in the care of exotic animals they take part in birthday parties, events and also help with phobia curing, being patient and giving someone the knowledge around the animals and letting them become comfortable around them.

In their family of exotic animals, joined with Chrysalis Pets, they have lots of snakes, a whole host of arachnids, insects, mammals, rodents and lizards! With a particularly friendly gecko, who loves to jump on your chest for a cuddle and hello – he’s irresistible with his cheeky smile; a posing and beautifully photogenic rat; plus chinchillas, hedgehogs and an extremely relaxed guinea pig. But the undoubtable star of the show is Bandit, the Tanuki (or Racoon Dog), which is actually closer in relation to a fox rather than a dog. Bandit is something of a local celebrity and when you meet her you can understand why, gentle in nature and breath-takingly beautiful, she is a joy to see!

Recently visiting Talacre Beach Resort, Animals out the Box delights everyone – including Charlie Bear and his Rangers, who were on top form to help June and Billy take care of the animals!

A fantastic treat for everyone at Talacre Beach! Lots of fun was had, with loads of knowledge too! June and Billy are two of the most friendly, knowledgeable and patient people you could meet, with a family of relaxed and happy creatures to boot! (I now really want a smiley gecko!)

Check out their pages and see the beautiful pictures of their stunning family for yourself! Great family fun with a twist!

If you have the need for speed, head on down to the Somerset Speedway and witness the Somerset Rebels team taking on all competitors in their pursuit of the Premier League Speedway Crown!

You don’t automatically associate the quiet Somerset countryside with speed and adrenalin, with its idyllic Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquil walking routes. But did you know that the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button was born and brought up just down the road from Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa in Frome?

In fact engines and thrill seeking are far more widespread in this area than you would imagine, with the exhilarating Somerset Speedway also within easy driving reach for anyone staying at our 5 star Somerset holiday resort, running alongside the M5 motorway near Highbridge.

the premier league

The Somerset Speedway, also known as the Oaktree Arena, is a 300 metre oval circuit which was constructed by Australian rider Glyn Taylor back in 2000. It has become a base for the Somerset Rebels team who compete in the Premier League series which is the second tier of Speedway behind the Elite League.

There are 13 teams who are competing in this category including the Somerset Rebels who were promoted to this category back in 2002, having won junior categories including the Conference League KO Cup and Conference League Trophy.

The Somerset Rebels have consistently been competing for top honours in the Premier League since, with 13 trophies to their name including the outright Premier League Championship trophy in 2013.

the Somerset rebels team

There are four new riders in the team for 2016, including two Australian riders 20 year old Jake Allen, who is having his first season in the UK and 26 year old Rohan Tungate, who has been brought in from the Ipswich team for whom he has competed over the past four years.

Another new recruit to the team is New Zealander Bradley Wilson-Dean, who is highly regarded in the sport having previously been crowned the NZ U21 Champion on two occasions.

The team is staying in touch with its local roots with 18 year old Zach Wajtknecht who comes from Saltford, Bristol. He isn’t just there due to his connection to the local area, with a string of successes on his record being a three time World Longtrack champion having won the 125cc Youth Gold Trophy in 2012, and 2013 as well as being the 250cc Youth Gold Champion in 2014.

Three of the teams riders who won the Premier League KO Coup in 2015 will be retained for the coming season. They are Australian Josh Grajczonek who will captain the team, along with British pairing Paul Starke and Charles Wright who was the named Somerset’s most exciting rider of 2015 by fans. Much is expected of the Somerset Rebels and their new line-up in 2016.

see them in action

Regardless of whether you are a petrol head or not, we highly recommend a visit to the Somerset Speedway if you are staying at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. There are two upcoming home fixtures being hosted at the speedway in May where you can see these remarkable daredevils in action. The first is a Premier League KO Cup Match against Workington on the 6th May. There is also a Premier League Match being hosted at the speedway on the 13th May against the Glasgow team.

These remarkable riders with their nerves of steel really have to be seen to be believed, with tickets available from £15 for adults and just £4 for young adults (between the ages of 12 and 18). Children under the age of 11 are admitted free of charge, making it a great and affordable evening out for the whole family.

Surrey has plenty to offer everyone over the summer half term, festivals, live music, nature and beautiful birds! Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is nestled in the heart of Surrey, surrounded by nature but only a short train journey to London. If you wanted to stick a little closer to “home” and explore the local area this half term, here are a few family fun things to do…

birds of prey week

Where: Godstone Farm
When: 28th May – 5th June

Godstone Farm is a family fun place to visit anytime of year, but over half term there is a special treat in the form of Hawkforce, and their amazing birds of prey! There will be a selection of beautiful birds on display throughout the week, some will be taking flight for demonstrations too! The wonderful Hawkforce team are incredibly knowledgeable and have a real passion for their craft, learn facts to wow your friends from this lovely bunch! There really is nothing quite like getting up close with one of these birds.

happy days festival

Where: Imber Court, Esher
When: 28th & 29th May

This weekend festival is back by popular demand and blending three decades of music, the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! They make sure to recreate the sure-fire, feel good factor of your youth (and my youth!) all in a beautiful 40 acre site at the heart of Surrey. There will be a fun retro themed bar, fun pyrotechnics, brilliant games area and plenty of family fun activities! Artists confirmed to perform are The Human League, Vula (Basement Jaxx vocalist) and DJ Jazzie B (Soul II Soul front man) to name a few, but there are many more! Tickets for the festival are available at the door, so go get your happy on!

spring festival

Where: Farnham
When: 29th May

This family fun festival is to celebrate the Queen’s special birthday, with live music, plenty of tasty food and drink on offer and huge range of activities! Including learning how to taiko drum with Farnham taiko club, practicing your football skills with Aldershot Football Club, as well as learning how to street dance with the Farnham Dance Movement! A family fun day out in Farnham!

cherryfest

Where: The Duke of Cambridge
When: 30th May

The Duke of Cambridge pub is right next door to Tilford Woods and having just undergone a major renovation now is the perfect time to drop in. Cherryfest is an annual event at the Duke and is hugely popular, a fantastic day out for the whole family! With fabulous live music, a children’s entertainer, a bouncy castle, inflatable climbing wall and loads more! Delicious food and a charity raffle on offer, so drop in, have fun and help raise some funds!

Happy Adventuring this half term!

Settled near the peaceful village of Axminister in North Devon and close to the historic coastal village of Lyme Regis, there is plenty going on this half term…

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is fast becoming known as the perfect place to take a relaxing holiday, with our state of the art facilities, mouth-watering food at The Beeches and breathtaking hydrotherapy pool. The sleepy village of Axminister offers centuries of history to explore and the near by Lyme Regis has unrivalled views of the beautiful Jurassic Coast.

Although you can sit back and relax this half term if you choose to, Lyme Regis and the surrounding areas, also have some great family fun on offer too…

Sherborne Castle country fair

Where: Sherborne Castle
When: 30th May

This annual and traditional country fair will show off the areas traditional rural skills for everyone to marvel at! With lots of family fun thrown in, including family activities, fun dog shows and dog agility courses (I love these!) along with fabulous dragon boat racing (not actual dragons, I was upset to find that out) and archery! With plenty of trade and boutique stalls to look through as well as crafts in the courtyard and a delicious sounding food hall selling local produce! A great traditional day out for all the family!

annual art society exhibition

Where: Lyme Regis Town Hall
When: 28th May – 8th June

The Lyme Regis Art Society are a hugely talented bunch and every year the members have the opportunity to share their recent art work at the town hall. With a huge range of skills the exhibitions shows the best the society has to offer, pop along for a few hours and you might find a masterpiece or two! Also certain items are on sale if anything does catch your artistic eye!

King Arthur and the inglewood

Where: Marine Theatre
When: 2nd June

A fantastic modern rendition of the classic King Arthur tale, set deep in the enchanted forest with fantastic supernatural beings and when the realm holding the dead crosses over with living King Arthur has the ultimate challenge bestowed on him! Enjoy this ancient tale in a while new way with super exciting visuals, live action, music to tap your feet to and even fantastic puppetry!

Have a fabulous half term holidays at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and happy adventuring folks!

It’s that time of year where we all have to figure out how to change our car clocks again, but the same things happen every year…

Now if you didn’t know how this all started, we can blame a gentleman named William Willett, not Benjamin Franklin as most people think. Good old Will first came up with the idea in the 1700’s because he wanted to be able to get up an hour earlier for a horse ride around London before it got ‘busy’, and not be in the dark, so cheers Will! But to be fair to him, we didn’t actually adopt the practice until during the Second World War to help conserve energy and resources.

So now we are at that time of year where we have to change the clocks and lose an hours sleep. Now in the grand scheme of things my brain says, logically it’s only an hour, it doesn’t make that much difference, but my brain is lying. It makes a big difference to the amount I moan at everyone for not getting enough sleep, for about a week afterwards.

every year the same things happen when the clocks go back, it’s inevitable, do you recognise any of these?

1. You worry your phone won’t automatically change, like they all do. So you end up using Google to find out, still not believing in it and setting another alarm just in case your phone is the only one in the world that won’t change.
2. Your parents become obsessed with telling you when the clocks change (every year without fail my mum texts me to tell me, and it’s generally the only reason I actually know)
3. You will forget to change the clock in your car for months – oh well it’s right for 6 months out the year.
4. You struggle to remember the saying “spring forward, fall back” – because we aren’t American and it’s called autumn.
5. Your tummy doesn’t understand that clocks have changed and grumbles away, a lot! How is it possibly another hour until lunch? (although mine grumbles ALL day anyway)

How many of these happen to you? Hawaii, Pueto Rico and Arizona State don’t have daylight saving, because I guess they don’t need to get up earlier for more sun, another reason to move to Hawaii (apart from being able to see the Hawaii Five- O show!). There are some adverse side effects to the clocks changing, there is a high risk of car accidents and workplace injuries so please be careful guys! There are also major cases of cyberloafing (you’re probably doing it now) by fatigued workers, and not to mention everyone is in a bad mood from losing an hour sleep – like me.

However, it does mean that we get an extra hour in the afternoon to be able to do whatever we want with without being in the dark. Like going out for a walk on the beach, or playing a round of golf, or like me you could pop to a spa and have a lovely treatment or get your nails done, perfect way to relax!

So good and bad points to the clocks changing – just bare with me while my mood adjusts to this new sleeping schedule, after a few coffees I’ll be back to normal!

Be Safe, Enjoy Sleep and Happy Extra Hour Adventuring!

Family fun in the heart of Somerset at our 5 Star Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa! Cheddar Woods is set in the heart of Somerset countryside, and this award winning resort is perfectly placed for endless family fun. With an amazing Go Active programme, the Mendip Hills offering beautiful scenic woodland walks and just a stone’s throw away from the magical Cheddar Gorge.

You will never struggle for things to do!It is no different at Easter, with the lovely Go Active and Cheddar Woods team having put their heads together for some egg-tastic fun (har-de-har!). Make a bonnet, cards and paint some eggs at the Easter Crafts session or show us your best baking skills at the Easter Cookery. For something a little more peaceful, you could settle down to watch a fantastic Easter movie in your luxury lodge.

Of course on Easter Sunday, enjoy the all day family egg hunt! Easter fancy dress is fully encouraged throughout the Easter break and pre-booking for the Easter events is advised due to their high popularity.

Have an amazing Easter break, eat lots of chocolate and enjoy making some crafts with our wonderful team!

Happy easter from Cheddar Woods!

Family fun this Easter break in Bude, Cornwall, with laughs, sea, sand and fantastic entertainment on offer!

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sandymouth Holiday Resort has the best of both worlds, being close to the sandy beaches but also offering the beautiful rural Cornish countryside. With our fun entertainment programme, indoor heated swimming pool, as well as being surrounded by picturesque fishing villages and market towns you will never be short of something to do in beautiful Bude!

Our Easter entertainment programme includes fun children’s activities, games and of course the always cheeky Charlie Bear! We will also have a performance from fantastic magician and illusionist Alexander J, as well as the superb vocalist Sam Wrey who will be taking the stage in the Ocean Bar, where you can feast your eyes on the shows, indulge in some mouth watering food and grab a drink to enjoy your night! The little ones will have a blast at the traditional fun day, where there will be loads going on including Easter bonnet decorating, parade and the traditional fun Easter egg hunt. You could also have a wondrous blast with a fantastic full day of Alice and the Mad Hatter’s tea party! Change places!

We hope you have plenty of family fun this Easter break at our beautiful Sandymouth Holiday Resort, in the stunning Cornish countryside.

happy easter from Sandymouth!

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, and the award winning Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is the perfect location to make your base and explore…

If you are spending some time at Piran Meadows Resrot & Spa, or around Newquay, I have found some great places to visit! Family friendly and fun places, as well as relaxing gardens to lose yourself in too.

Located only a few minutes drive from Newquay, Piran Meadows is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the sights and sounds of the Cornish countryside and golden sandy beaches! If you’re looking to spend time on park you’ll find there is lots to offer too, from the relaxing Serenity Spa to the fun kids Splash Zone and play areas, as well as the beautiful accommodation and luxury indoor tropically heated swimming pool.

Here are my top 5 places to visit on your Newquay adventure…

1. the Japanese Garden – tranquil, beautiful and peaceful

The Japanese Garden combines the beauty of nature with an artistic refinement by shaping and styling the plants and natural elements. A Japanese Garden will traditioinally strive for perfection and balance with a combination of man made and natural elements, making it a place of tranquillity and peace, containing a variety of breath taking plants and calming water features. The garden was built as a meditative space, a place to calm the mind and let go of any unwanted stress through contemplation and reflection in the wonder of nature. Reopening it’s doors on March 1st, Spring is the perfect time to visit while the garden is awakening from its winter slumber, so drop in and calm your mind and marvel at the beauty of the garden and peace around you.

2. Kingsurf Surf School – water sports fun and beautiful beaches

Newquay is known for it’s golden sandy beaches and beautiful scenery, as well as being the epicentre for UK surfing. Kingsurf is a fantastic surfing school with its own base, including warm and dry changing rooms. The facility is located opposite the stunning Mawgan Beach that the Kingsuft school has a private licence for ensuring uncrowded perfection in a unique, unspoiled location. The school has been going for 19 years, and caters to all abilities, whether you are looking for a one lesson taster, or a week long progression course with fun and professional, qualified coaches. The beach is one of the best for beginners learning how to catch their first wave, and with plenty of cafés, shops and even Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant just a short walk away you can grab a bite to eat on your way home. Why not try out a lesson with people that will make you fall in love with the waves in Newquay, with the best kit, approachable and friendly coaches and the natural amphitheatre style cliffs?

3. the Lost Gardens of Helgian – beauty and history in one

With outstanding gardens set in an historical estate, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a wonder to behold. They were resurrected from a lost part of history in the Cornish countryside, the 200 acre estate is a fascinating story through the ages, starting with the Thunderbox Room, and the wonderful inscription from August 1914 etched into the lime stone “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber” by the gardeners at the time. There are beautiful gardens to marvel at, a working productive garden where you can see how they would have farmed back in the day, as well as gorgeous farm animals too (who doesn’t love a cute pig?). With magical woodlands to offer, exotic flowers that have been planted on the grounds centuries ago, and 400 years of history the Lost Gardens will capture your imagination and your heart.

4. Holywell Bay Fun Park – family fun in Newquay

Ride, slide, splash and spin in fun at the wonderful Holywell Bay Fun Park, it has something for every age (even the big kids!) to enjoy. They have a unique ‘your day, your way’ approach which means that it is free to enter the park, and free parking is available too – which is always a bonus! And then you pay as you play, meaning you only pay for the rides you actually go on, how cool is that? They have an great diner to fuel up when your energy levels get low, and a new ice cream parlour for that tasty in between rides treat! The rides and attractions include, adventure golf, bouncy castles, the classic arcade and the hill billy shooting range, along with the Italian Job where you control 8 remote control cars, including a new mini, to recreate the all time classic movie! Or try your hand at the Merlin’s Magical Maze and enter at your own peril, dodge the waterfall, enter the caves unique labyrinth of paths and tunnels, there will be decisions to make and tricks to avoid, think you can get out? There is also the fantastic Sand and Digger Pit for the little’uns, where they can move mountains with the mechanical diggers while you watch from the picnic area and recharge your batteries. And then move on to the fantastic F1 Go Karts, where the adrenaline pumping experience will have you laughing with delight, while going up to speeds of 25mph in the high performance karts! There is also an option of the Whizz Kids and other karting rides for the littler ones in the group, that is just as much fun hearing their screeches of delight! A great family fun filled day out!

5. Quiksilver Surf School – sun, sand and surf

Newquay has the well deserved title of the UK’s epicentre for surfing, and with beaches like Fistral Beach with the waves and golden sand it is easy to see why. The Quiksilver Surf School overlooks the famous Newquay beach and offers surf hire, surf lessons and group bookings, as well as the infamous Roxy, all girls surfing weekend and fantastic Coasteering. The school has hot showers, lockers and up to date kit, with cracking views, as well as a great surf shop where you can pick up fantastic surfing kit, as well as the latest Roxy and Quiksilver clothing ranges. The Roxy weekend takes place once a year, it is an all girls weekend and it’s jam packed with fun fitness events, yoga classes, spa treatments to relax those aching muscles, buffet lunches, of course surfing and loads of Roxy goodies too! It’s an extremely popular weekend every year, catering to both newcomers catching their first wave and intermediate surfers looking for some more advanced coaching to hone those fantastic surfing skills. I would love to have a go and end up looking like I was Blue Crush (that Paul Walker movie?) but I know it would be more like Jaws knowing my luck!

…for the adventurous type!

I might try my hand at Coasteering, exploring the beautiful and rugged Cornish coastline from an new and intriguing angle, free falling off rock faces into the sea. This adrenaline-filled adventure will take you from secluded beaches to smugglers coves and secret caves, all inhabited by stunning and fascinating sea life, such as fun loving seals, playful dolphins and even basking sharks! Coasteering is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports, with a mix of sea swimming, wildlife watching and cliff jumping with qualified instructors who take everything into account, you will get hooked on the buzz from free falling!

And those are my top 5 things to do in Newquay! The place is buzzing with nightlife, wildlife and all kinds of life! (what other kind of life is there?) You will never be short of family fun, adrenaline-junky sports and outstanding views, visit Piran Meadows and have the adventure of a lifetime!

happy adventuring ladies and gents!

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