Winter is coming and it’s time to prepare… (hah!). Let’s learn all about Winterisation and how to take care of your holiday home during the colder months.

It’s getting to that time of year where your loyal holiday home will be heading off for its winter hibernation and you head home for the snowy months. Now if you are new to the world of holiday home ownership, firstly welcome to your first winter! And secondly you’re probably thinking what the heck is Winterisation? And that’s what I’m here for, also remember that our lovely team offer a Winterisation service so you don’t have to do it yourself!

So let’s see how we set up Winterisation…

first things first…

On the last day in your holiday home you will need to air it out as much as possible, open all the windows and doors, while doing this also check the window seals for any cracks and make sure all the locks are in good order.

bedrooms

Make sure to remove all valuables from cupboards and wardrobes. Take duvets, blankets and pillows home or place in vacuum sealed packs. If there is room stand the mattress on its side away from the external walls, make sure to leave all the cupboards open to improve air circulation.

kitchen

Empty the fridge of all water and wash inside to clear any crumbs and spills, and leave the door open. Remove all food from cupboards and wash with anti-bacterial solution. Don’t be tempted to leave unopened packets of food, it will encourage pesky wildlife, they will still sniff it out and nibble. Clean all surfaces, including the cooker, making sure no spillages or crumbs are left, and make sure to leave the cupboard doors open.

lounge

Even though our parks are under 24 hour security, even during closing, we do suggest that you take your valuables with you, including TV, DVD player and any music systems you may have. Make sure to clean all surfaces in case of food spills or crumbs, move all sofa cushions away from the exterior walls and roll up and loose rugs and stand on end in the middle of the room.

bathrooms

After turning off the water supply, lift the lid on the toilet cistern, flush the toilet and as it refills add anti-freeze in to what is left. Remember to remove the shower hose and shower head as these could become damaged if any water freezes in them over the winter.

external

Check that all guttering and downpipes are in good order. Try to block any gaps that wildlife could use to gain entry. Make sure to take a look at the roof, chassis and any skylights for leaks or loose joints. If your steps are removable then place inside the holiday home for safe keeping away from the weather. Try to clear all vegetation that might have grown close to or underneath the holiday home to discourage pests.

general

Any loose items outside, such as storage boxes or chairs need to be safely locked away. Consider removing curtains or nets to avoid mildew, and make sure to vacuum all the carpets and clean surfaces to remove any food crumbs.

Phew! During the colder months your lovely holiday home can become a little poorly if not cared for properly. That’s mostly getting the holiday home ready for its winter hibernation, there are other bits too, like drain down of the pipes, but check out our  Winter Checklist post for more on that. If that all seems daunting and time consuming don’t worry, we offer a fabulous drain down service to take the all the technical stuff off your hands, as well as offering a Deep Clean Service to take all the cleaning off your hands too! And then you can leave in the knowledge that your lovely holiday home is properly cared for. Pop into reception to find out prices and when is best to book them in!

Happy Winter Break!

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat has the most stunning beach hut accommodation and I just can’t wait to show you them…

From the small details, beautiful decorations and the sumptuous bedding to the relaxing sofas and outstanding views, our unique beach hut accommodation will leave you breathless and desperate for a Devonshire holiday in Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, so let me show you my Beach Hut…

Book your Beach Cove Coastal Retreat holiday now and escape from the mundane with a quirky Beach Hut holiday!

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is perfectly placed to the base for your Cornish Halloween adventures this Half Term…

There are lots of fun family adventures to be had in the local Cornish area around Mullion Cove, filled with fireworks and spooky stories!

halloween happenings at Godolphin

When: 22nd – 30th Oct. Time: 10am – 5pm. Prices: £8.50 (adult) £4.25 (child)

Learn some gruesome and fascinating facts about baths along the family bat tail at Godolphin this Halloween half term, venture into the undercroft and listen to some spooky stories of years gone by and learn all about the ghost that still haunt Godolphin today. Keep your eyes peel as you wander around as you never know what you might see!

fireworks half term at flambards

When: 28th Oct. Time: 6pm Start. Prices: £12.50

Flambards annual Tricks and Treats Firework Spectacular is not to be missed, with Flava and the Big Dance Company headlining the stage where talented crews will be performing their super skilled moves it’s sure to be an amazing half term show! You’ll be able to see one of Cornwall’s finest live bands the ‘Broken Down’ who will be getting the crowd ready and amped up for the spectacular firework display!

spooky Trail at Flambards

When: 24th – 30th Oct. Time: 10am – 5pm. Prices: £19.95

Along with all the fun Flambards attractions, this Halloween half term you can step back in time almost 200 years, with the Spooky Trail through the Victorian Village. Things were terrible for the working class people, disease was rife and the spooky streets were plagued with sneaky pickpockets and murderous rogues. Visit the infamous Peggy Price the Victorian Villager who wanders the cobbles and tells tales of vicious Victorian villains, a great trail for all the family.

After a day out celebrating half term Halloween fun you can retreat back to your stunning lodge in Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat and relax while watching a spooky movie!

Happy Half Term Ghosts and Ghouls!

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Welcome to a Love Local post my loyal readers, this month we are in breath taking countryside of Hampshire. Over 250 years go Selborne and its surrounding areas inspired Gilbert White to start a life-long investigation of the natural world, writing one of the most famous books in the world.

Just over half an hour away from our very own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, Selborne is a beautiful village to visit, with picturesque country houses surrounded by rolling hills, trees and the English countryside. Our Love Local business for October is The Gilbert White House & The Oates Collection and it is a must see for all those visiting the region, steeped in history but with fun games and event days for all the family to enjoy and learn something new about the natural world.

the history

Gilbert White is author of the world famous book The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, first published in 1789, the book has never been out of print and is said to be one of the most published books in the English language. White was the first person to grow potatoes in his village, that gives you an idea of the history we are talking about, before potatoes! He also has the reputation for being the first ‘ecologist’, he believed in studying living birds and animals in their natural habitat. This was considered an unusual approach back in the day as other naturalists carried out experiments on dead specimens in the comfort of their studies, so White really changed the game on ecologist studies.

the house

Gilbert and his family moved into the house when he was around 7 or 8, it was originally a small house and was extended on to over the decades creating the long and sizable house you can visit today. The rooms of the house have been restored using the descriptions in White’s correspondence, including bed hangings that were embroidered from him by his Aunts, contemporary furniture, a chair that White himself used at Oriel College in Oxford, as well as many family photos. On display in the house is the original manuscript of his book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, more than any other book it has shaped our everyday view of the relations between human and nature. The extensions on the house contain The Oates Collection, which celebrates the lives of two members of the Oates family who were both pioneers and explorers, who were very different, but both equally intriguing.

family days out

The Gilbert White House is a fantastic place for families to visit whatever the season, as you wander through the house you will learn all about Gilbert White and his book, but also about life during the 1700’s. Keep an eye out for the Georgian cooking utensils, venture out to the garden to see the growing sunflowers and pumpkins with so much to explore in the wider gardens. The house and gardens has an exciting programme of family activities and events all year round, including Nature Drawing Workshops and Fungus Walks around the gardens, where you discover local fungi and learn the different types and how important they are.

Next time you’re staying with us at Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, make sure to make time for visit this hidden gem in the stunning English countryside.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is nearing it’s opening date and I thought it was time to show you some development photos…

In the heart of the Lake District, Darwin Escapes is redeveloping a brand new UK holiday location with fantastic facilities and outstanding accommodation called Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat (it just rolls right of the tongue right?). So I thought it was about time for us to give you a good taster of what’s to come at this location, check out the photos below…

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat has a soft open due in Decemeber, with the website taking bookings from around Novemeber, so keep checking back to see when you can book your next Lake District Holiday! And I would just like to say a huge Thank You to Sean Wilson for the photos of our redevelopment!

Happy Adventuring Folks!

The Dorset Jurassic Coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and these images will show you why…

Visit the Jurassic Coastline with our beautiful Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat location in Poole, a popular holiday destination in Dorset for all the family. Known as one of the most stunning places to visit, these 9 images will show you why, a truly breathtaking location to explore with lots of family fun things to do around the local area. Take a look at the 9 images below to sway you on where to stay for your next UK holiday to Dorset…

Did these sway you to stay at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat? Book your next Dorset holiday here

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is in the heart of the stunning Axe Valley in Devon, the perfect surroundings for a lovely cocktail…

Summer is now coming to a close, schools will be back in no time along with the daily grind of work. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop having some fun! A weekend break, or a week holiday away from the summer crowds, at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, in the heart of the Axe Valley along the Dorset/Devon border could be just what you need! The Beeches Restaurant is beautifully decorated, with vibrant colours and also a more formal dining area, these are the perfect surroundings for feeling like Carrie Bradshaw while in the Devonshire countryside!

Hawkchurch has some delicious cocktails and we have even got the recipe details listed below in case you wanted to make one in your holiday lodge during your stay at our resort, or even if you fancy getting in jolly mood at home!

Happy Cocktail Making Folks!

Welcome to another hidden Britain post ladies and gentlemen, we are going to explore the Lake District

In late 2015 and early 2016 Cumbria was affected by devastating floods, our own Thanet Well Lodge Retreat was lucky enough not to be touched, but now Cumbria needs the tourism and support to get them back on their feet. So pay them a visit and cheer a few people up after a very tough start to the year…

the bridge house

This is literally a tiny house on a tiny bridge, you can step off the pavement and straight into the miniature downstairs room, with a cute tiny fire place! Walk around the back of the house to go up the outside spiral stone staircase and into the light and airy upstairs room, the house was originally built in the 17th Century as an apple storage building. Over the centuries the little house has been a tea room, a weaving shop, a cobblers, a chair makers and once even a home to a family of 8 (I have no idea how!). During the 1920’s Beatrix Potter’s husband helped to save and restore the charming house through conservation efforts, why not drop in to the see the quaint tiny house on a bridge.

larch cottage nurseries

The Larch Cottage Nurseries is a secret garden in the heart of the Eden Valley with Romanesque walls draped in greenery, providing a backdrop for the peaceful gardens bursting with mature and breathtaking plants. Hosting more than 15,000 varieties of plants the team specialise in rare and unusual shrubs and climbers including Japanese Acers and Dwarf Conifers. It is also home to a huge range of statues, many of which are for sale too, there is a statue to suit everyone taste, from animals and teddy bears to gargoyles and goblins, made out of iron, steal, bronze and even marble. A lovely afternoon out surrounded by colourful flowers and beautiful statues.

lucy’s on a plate

A wonderful restaurant offering delicious food, and owner Lucy Nicolson has made a name for herself in Cumbria, and rightly so! This very talented lady owns not only the restaurant, but also Lucy4 which is a popular wine bar in the area. She has also recently opened a cooking school called Lucy Cooks that offers something for every age, interest and ability, from beginners to advanced skills, helping you to create your own cooking masterpiece. Take a seat on the comfy sofas, or dine in the airy conservatory curled up in front of the cosy fireplace. If the sun is on your side, soak it up in the secluded walled garden too. There is somewhere to enjoy your food for all moods.

brougham castle

A striking historic castle in Penrith, with picturesque surroundings on the banks of the River Eamont, this 13th Century masterpiece is a wonder to behold. It was once a formidable barrier against Scottish invaders and was even home to King Edward I back in the 1300’s, it has lots of complex passages, hidden rooms and spiral staircases to explore on your travels through it too! The gift shop has lots on offer, with souvenirs from the English Heritage site, and the castle is also dog friendly and has picnic tables available to have some lunch too!

Also visit one of the best smoke houses in the region, The Wild Boar in Kendal, and for a beautiful lake away from the tourist path venture to Buttermere lake and marvel at the beautiful scenery! (maybe leave some bread crumbs to help you find your way back…)

Happy Adventuring Folks!

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is an idyllic and tranquil location, just 10 minutes away from the bustling city centre, and this weekend is it celebrating its first birthday!

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat was previously called Newton Mill, and this tenting and touring park underwent a multi-million pound redevelopment in 2015 to turn it into the stunning lodge retreat it is today, along with the 350 year old mill house which was also lovingly restored. Bath Mill has everything you could need on a self catering city break in Bath, from our state of the art gym, large function room for great corporate events, to our cute children’s playing area near the babbling Newton Brook. Along with our world class Brook Bar & Bistro Restaurant, that serves delicious food and is a hit with the locals and guests alike!

Our outstanding lodges that can sleep up to a party of 8, we also have our wonderful and quirky Norland Lodges available too, perfect for one night stays in Bath. These studio style lodges have everything you need for a self catering business stay in the city. From a beautifully finished kitchenette, luxurious king size bed, flat screen TV and comfy sofa to the outstanding sumptuous bathroom all on offer in these lovely little studio lodges!
Manager Will and his team will be celebrating the birthday all weekend, with cupcakes and a quiz night on Friday 12th August and fun live music on Saturday 13th August, leading up to the big day on Sunday 14th August – Bath Mill’s first birthday!

So Happy First Birthday to our beautiful Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, check out the video below for some glimpses before you book your next city break in Bath…

Happy Adventuring Guys & Dolls!

Have a great day out for the whole family the next time you are staying at Hawkchurch, when you pay a visit to Pecorama

Pecorama is one of the leading tourist attractions in East Devon, being situated in the historic fishing village of Beer on the Jurassic Coast, just over ten miles away from Hawkchurch Resort & Spa.

This is a great attraction for railway enthusiasts, with the name of park stemming from the PECO model railway equipment manufacturers whose headquarters are situated adjacent to Pecorama. Pecorama enjoys a close relationship with PECO, even displaying and selling many of their products on-site.

There is very much a railway theme here, with Pecorama being home to one of the country’s finest 7 ¼ inch gauge railways in the form of Beer Heights Light Railway. The hillside location of the railway means that you can enjoy breathtaking views over Lyme Bay and also the Jurassic Coast itself, which is of course one of the few World Heritage Sites in the UK, as you take a ride around this 1 mile track, which was first opened in 1975.

Starting off from near the garden entrance, the journey takes you over many bridges and also a lengthy tunnel in a beautifully recreated track.

something for everyone

This isn’t just a place for railway enthusiasts though, with Pecorama also being home to The Millennium Gardens which was first opened in July 2000 to help celebrate the millennium. Designer Naila Green has ensured that a celestial theme has been followed here, with the sun, moon and rainbow gardens reflecting this with their colour schemes.

You will also find the impressive Millennium Garden Grotto here which is constructed mainly from sea shells as part of the aim of creating a sea theme, with the grotto also featuring an impressive dolphin sculpture leaping out of the sea. It really is a must-see masterpiece.

There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained as well, with a 10 hole crazy golf course and the play station indoor soft play area. You can all grab a bite to eat in the Garden Room Restaurant or enjoy a cream tea in a 1951 ‘Orion’ Pullman Carriage.

If you are looking for a bit of tranquility, then why not head to the secret garden and take in the peace and quiet ensured by the wall herbaceous borders.

peco charity garden day – sunday 17th july

Pecorama puts on a number of special events throughout the year, the next being their annual Garden Day aiming to raise money for charity. This will be taking place on Sunday 17th July and is being put on for Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society.

Special £6 admission prices are available on this day, with £5 of this being given to the two chosen charities. Also on-site on the day. to add a little something extra. will be the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary with their miniature donkeys as well as the Sidmouth Steppers Morris Dancers.

If you happen to be planning on a trip to Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, make sure that you pay a visit.