5 Star family fun at our award winning Cornish resort, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa

Winning the prestigious ‘Best in Britian’ 2015 Accolade at the Hoseasons awards last year, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa has an unrivalled range of family facilities in the stunning North Cornwall Countryside. Just a few miles away from the beautiful golden beaches of Newquay, Piran Meadows has a lot to offer holiday makers and holiday home owners a like. Undergoing an extensive redevelopment and opening its doors in 2014, it couldn’t have asked for a better first year!

Piran Meadows has pulled all the stops out for the Easter break this year! The lovely Go Active team are putting on the traditional Easter egg hunt, fantastic Easter crafts including fun egg decorating! As well as Easter Archery, using Easter egg targets and if you hit them you get a delicious chocolate egg! And then you can all settle down, put your feet up and enjoy a fun Easter movie and grab a drink at the bar too.

Our relaxing Serenity Spa also has some great offers on for Easter too, if you book yourself a treat of a 30 minute express massage or a 30 minute express facial you’ll get a £20 voucher to spend on any Ren Products. We also have special teen treatments available, as well as fun and funky child’s Easter nails!

The View Bar & Bistro are also offering for a limited time, a decadent Cream Egg Sundae for dessert! While playing host to two fabulous cabaret shows, Jay Washington who is offering a soul and Motown tribute and some fantastic vocals from Mark Andrew Smith!

With so much on this Easter at Piran Meadows you will find the perfect Easter fun for you and your family!
Happy Easter from Piran Meadows!

Welcome to a love local blog post, we are adventuring to stunning Devon and the delightful Hele Corn Mill!

Hele Bay in Devon is a stunning part of the world, with breath taking views of the coastline. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is set on the stunning cliffside overlooking Hele bay, with one of a kind beach hut accommodation showcasing glorious views of the ocean. Ilfracombe has a lot to offer and I looked at some great hidden gems last year, including the wonderful Hele Corn Mill.

centuries of history (diesel engines and mill mishaps!)

The Hele Corn Mill dates back to around 1525 and was built by John Bourchier, the Earl of Bath. It is a unique, Grade II listed building and worked as a flour mill until about 1940, although production had dropped significantly by the 1920s. The mill fell into disrepair in the late 1960’s but was renovated in the 1970’s by a local man, Chris Lovell, who restored it all to working order. They also have a 1920’s National Diesel Engine, which is in full working order and is able to power the waterwheel if there is not enough water (this often happens during the summer). The current owners provide guided tours, as much as possible, around the mill and regale with hilarious mishaps that have befallen the millers over the years, as well as the interesting history of the mill itself.

The little ones are sure to enjoy the tours too, with great games like ‘find the mice’ and ‘count the millstones’ keeping them entertained and intrigued throughout, as well as enjoying having a go at making flour using the hand quern too! They currently mill an organic heritage wheat from Dorset as well as wheat grown in Chittlehampton, Barnstaple. They do demonstration days to show how the mill worked, and they still use the 100 year old Blackstone Mill for the delicious homemade cakes at the Millers Wife Tea Room.

meet the millers! (isn’t that a movie?)

Here are Kathy and David, Kathy bakes all the delicious cakes on offer at the Tea Room from flour milled on site! A lovely couple, with a passion for history and everything about the mill, they will be able to tell you anything want to know about the history of this historic site.

award winning tea room (and lots of cake…)

The Miller’s Wife Tea Room has been named the winner of the North Devon Best Tea Room competition for the past three years. This consecutive run of excellence kind of speaks for itself! All the cakes are baked on the premises by the very talented Miller’s Wife, and the selection of cakes changes daily but always features a tempting selection of mill-made cakes. There is good range of cream teas on offer, with plain or fruit scones to choose from, and they serve delicious Devonshire splits for a truly traditional tea experience.

Try the speciality Thunder and Lightning tea which is a scone or split with cream and black treacle or syrup instead of strawberry jam, there is also savoury tea on offer, with cheese scones and onion marmalade, take your pick! Or if you wanted some lunch, the Tea Room has that to offer as well, with locally produced and prize winning pasties by Paul the Pieman (best name ever) and daily changing, homemade soup and crusty bread. The charming tea room can sit up to 25 people, and is perfect for a small party or bridal shower, along with the lovely garden area for extra seating on a sunny day, with beautiful views of the watermill.

Being only 5 minutes from the beach, why not drop in to the award winning Miller’s Wife Tea Room, marvel at the historic Corn Mill and Water Mill, and enjoy some cake! (it always comes down to cake…)

All images taken from the Hele Corn Mill Facebook page, make sure to keep up to date with them here.

Aberconwy is opulence and luxury personified, this Easter our lovely owners and members are in for a treat! Nestled between the glorious Conwy Morfa Beach and the breath taking Snowdonia Mountain Range, Aberconwy Resort & Spa has outstanding views from all angles. Some of the spectacular elements that make the Aberconwy Experience are the wonderful Mail’s Hair Salon, putting a spring in your step after a luxury hair treatment. Dine at the award winning Signatures Restaurant, work up a sweat at the state of the art Langley’s Country Club gym and indulge in relaxing treatment at The Langley Spa.

And introducing the brand new Langley’s Lounge to the Aberconwy Experience! Opening it’s doors on the 25th of March, the Langley’s Lounge will be serving Costa Coffee throughout the day and delicious alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. Having been worked and custom built over the past few months, the Langley’s Lounge is sure to be jaw dropping. The reception will also be playing host to the Easter Lucky Dip on Easter Sunday, inviting children and grandchildren to have a go and see if they win a prize, starting at 10am! All money donated will be going to the fantastic Welsh Air Ambulance.

Have a wonderful Easter, enjoy the beautiful new Langley’s Lounge, and see what you can win at the Easter Lucky Dip!

Happy Easter from Aberconwy!

Welcome to another Hidden Britain post ladies and gents! This month we are looking at Lyme Regis, the historic sea side town just 4 miles from Hawkchurch Resort & Spa.

Lyme Regis is known along the Jurassic Coast for its maritime history and fantastic fossil collection, with Mary Anning finding the first millions-of-years-old fossil in the 1800s. The beautiful seaside town has a lot to offer all ages, here are some hidden gems of these historic and stunning places…

Lyme Regis Museum – 115 year old building

The Lyme Regis Museum stands in the hear of town and has a breath-taking charm about it; it is 115 years old and is filled with interesting exhibits, fossils and facts. Built in 1901, the museum has almost always been run by dedicated volunteers, they take care of the interesting and quirky displays and collections. The local history of Lyme Regis is well represented by maritime and domestic objects on display throughout the museum, it is visited by over 26,000 people a year, many visiting the Geological Galleries with local fossils, as well as the Writers Galleries, showcasing local literary connections from Jane Austen to John Fowles. The museum is expanding and adding a Mary Anning Wing to the hundred year old structure, with a state of the art learning space. A fun family day our for all.

River Cottage canteen – delicious food for all

OK, so technically in nearby Axminster, but I simply couldn’t leave River Cottage Canteen & Deli out. It is an award-wining deli that celebrates the ethos of fine seasonal and locally-produced food. The relaxed atmosphere is in perfect partnership with the delicious dishes on offer, like Dorset mushrooms and poached free range eggs on toast, or try the butternut squash soup, walnut and sage pesto with some lovely crusty bread. With live music often setting the tone of the evening, you will love your River Cottage dinning experience, the famous River Cottage HQ, home to the award winning cookery school and dining events is located between Axminster and Lyme Regis. Don’t forget to join the team on the farm for a weekend of food and festivities at the Spring Food Fair 2016! Celebrating everything River Cottage, enjoy the market stalls selling fresh local produce, marvel at the craftsmen demonstrating their amazing skill in ironwork and woodwork. Smell the delicious food at the main stage with cooking demonstrations going on throughout the weekend, pull up a hay bail, enjoy a cocktail and some fantastic live music. Stunning food and electric atmosphere, with fun for all the family.

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – fascinating marine wildlife

Discover the magical creatures of the seashore and deeper waters around Lyme Bay. See some lovely lobsters up close and hold a friendly starfish at this completely interactive Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. Check out the fascinating Ballon Wrasse from the eastern Atlantic ocean, which are all female until the age of 8, when only a handful turn male (how cool is that?). Marvel at the Sea Mouse, who’s head and scales are covered by its hairy body, and see if the furry fellow lives off cheese like his land counterparts! (he’s not actually related to mice…) But one of the main attractions for the aquarium is the shoal of Mullet, you can feel the very tame creatures and even receive a kiss! All you have to do is fill your hand with food and let the very friendly fish gently prod and suck at your hands for the food, a truly unique experience that people go back for time and time again. So why not pop along and a kiss from a Mullet?

Hix Oyster & Fish House – stunning views & food

Owner of the HIX Oyster & Fish House, Mark Hix is known as a writer, artist and restaurateur. A native of Lyme Regis, Hix is a very talented chef and the restaurant is a testament to that. The informal, light and airy dinning room shows the focus is on the food, the menu changes daily during peak season due to the produce being sourced from the local fishermen. For the winter months there is a staple menu, including the delicious Shellfish Soup, or the classic fish fingers, chunky chips and mushy peas, with live music setting the tone and adding to the atmosphere too. Hix has teamed with renowned artist Damien Hirst and opened a new restaurant in Soho, London, called The Pharmacy 2 and in true Hirst style the décor is completely unique with pill bottles lining the walls. But it doesn’t have a patch on the stunning sea views from the Lyme Regis Oyster & Fish House, the floor to ceiling windows showcase the breath taking panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

Why not visit Darwin Escapes brand new luxury location Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, and visit some of these hidden gems? If you find any of your own, drop me a line and let me know!

Happy Adventuring Guys!

Whether you are visiting the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Centre or working in the city for a day, Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is just two miles from the city centre, making this peaceful park the ideal alternative to a busy city hotel. Being surrounded by nature, the beautiful woodland and the dreamy sounds of the slow meandering of the Newton Brook, you will lose yourself and forget that you are close to a noisy city centre. Our luxury studio lodge accommodation is perfect for one night stays in Bath regardless of whether you are staying for business or pleasure.

Bath Mill offers city tranquillity

Our breath-taking lodge retreat is located within walking distance (if the weather is on your side) from the historic city centre. But being surrounded by woodland and the beautiful Newton Brook trickling through the retreat, you will get the best of both worlds at Bath Mill. We have a state of the art, fully air conditioned gymnasium with everything from cardio workouts, with our treadmills and cross trainers, to core strengthening with our free weights, as well as having a luxury flat screen TV and cold, filtered water. Pure peace and tranquillity, only minutes away from the city centre.

luxury one night accommodation

Our fantastic Norland Lodge is available at Bath Mill, and are a studio style accommodation for the ultimate in city comfort. If you are looking for the right alternative to a city centre hotel break, the Norland Lodge is it.

Our one night stay bookings receive early check in, from 12 noon, as well as a continental breakfast at The Brook Bar & Bistro onsite. The Norland offers a kitchenette for those that wish to cook, including a microwave, kettle and toaster, a super soft super king size bed, as well as a private decking area to enjoy your breakfast.

It also has all the mod-cons you could wish for, including a flat screen TV with Freeview channels, free Wi-Fi and Bluetooth docking stations. Along with a stunning en-suite, including a glorious bath, shower and double sink area, all beautifully finished. The lodge also boast fancy floor lighting, so you don’t need to turn the lights on for those mid-night bathroom trips.

luxury food for your stay

The Brook Bar & Bistro is located on site, inside the recently renovated, stunning, 350 year old Mill House. The Brook has become one of the most sought after restaurants in the area with our talented team serving unpretentious fine dining. And with its modern and cosy décor, you will feel relaxed while enjoying mouth watering dishes from our fantastic menu.

business taken tare of

We also have fantastic corporate conferencing facilities, including state of the art audio/visual equipment, free Wi-Fi, a private room and entrance, as well as tablet connectivity, giving you the freedom to roam outside if the need is there. We offer completely bespoke day delegate and 24 hour delegate packages, including food and refreshments available and provided all day, our maximum capacity is 65 people so we cater to all kinds of corporate functions. If your conference is on site at our state of the art facility, you will know that your delegates are well rested in some of the most comfortable accommodation Bath city can offer.

So if you are you looking for the perfect one night stay accommodation in Bath, the Norland Lodge at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is perfect for you, offering all the mod cons and facilities you’ll be looking for in a city break.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to spoil your mum, being able to show that you don’t take for granted all the things she does for you, and we have some great ways to help!

Here at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa taking of mum is easy, with the Go Active team being able to take the children away for fun activities. Including body zorbing, archery and fun workshops to the littler children, mum can be rest assured that they are well looked after, and having so much fun! With the little ones entertained, mum can enjoy some luxury treatments at The Eden Spa, to be able to sit back relax, unwind and rejuvenate. Or mum can join in on the Go Active fun if that’s what she likes too! Here at Darwin Escapes we take care of everyone, and this weekend is the perfect chance for us to help you take care of mum!

holiday home ownership at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Mum can recharge her batteries while children wear theirs down with the Go Active team! And if you are looking for holiday home ownership at Cheddar Woods, with site fees from £5,145, you will get a luxury Spa package worth up to £100 with every purchase between March 1st and March 6th 2016.

Late night viewings are available. If you’re finding it hard to pop down and see us during the day, give us a call on 01745 858010 and we’ll gladly show you around at a time that suits you.

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treat mum this mother’s day and treat your whole family with that perfect holiday home!

have a fantastic mother’s day!

Mother’s Day is the day of the year that you can tell your mum that you appreciate everything she does for you, and we have the perfect way to help you show that!

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is in the stunning Cornwall countryside and has some great activities for Mothers Day! If you fancy a relaxing day in the beautiful Serenity Spa, we offer some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, why not try a full body massage and maybe spoil mum with a mani-pedi too? While mum is relaxing she can be rest assure that the little ones are fully entertained in the fun activities of our amazing Go Active team! And if mum is just as adventurous as the children, She can join in on the Go Active fun too! Try some body zorbing, walker walkerz, rock climbing or archery, great family fun.

holiday home ownership at Piran Meadows Resort

Now is the perfect time to purchase that holiday home you’ve had your eye on too, if you buy your home away from home between March 1st and March 6th 2016 you can get a Spa package worth up to £100! And with site fees from £4068.50, now is the perfect time to buy that home away home you’ve been craving! No waiting or booking, just get up and go to your holiday home and relax.

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Late night viewings are available. If you’re finding it hard to pop down and see us during the day, give us a call on 01745 858010 and we’ll gladly show you around at a time that suits you.

Treat mum this Mother’s Day and treat your whole family with that perfect holiday home!

Have a fantastic mother’s day!

So this year there are 366 days, we all have an extra 24 hours!

I don’t know if you noticed, but it’s a leap year. A whole extra day, so if you could do whatever you wanted, what would it be? What about us I hear you ask? Well read on lovely reader and find out…

I know we don’t really have an extra 24 hours to do whatever we please with, as there is still work and washing to be done. But this begs the question, what would you do if you had an extra 24 hours to do whatever you wanted with? (with in reason, this isn’t Groundhog Day, you will have consequences the next day…no robbing banks please!)
Would you take time out for yourself with a spa pamper day? Or do all the things you want to, and truly enjoy that hobby you keep meaning to get round to? Well here at Darwin Escapes we asked our good friends, and wonderful mummy bloggers, Jo, Hayley and Karen what they would do, here is what they said…

Karen from Stopping at Two would:

With 2016 being a leap year, it means that we have an extra day this year. So what would I do with an extra 24 hours? It’s a bit sad that the first thing that comes to mind is to catch up on my “To Do” list. Since becoming a mum, it feels like there is always SOMETHING that I could do. But that seems like a waste. Time is a precious commodity and I should make the most of it, so I would want to be with my family, in beautiful surroundings – maybe a walk in the countryside, with good food and all finished off with a glass of gin and tonic – perfect!

Hayley from Hayley from Home said she would:

If I had an extra 24 hours I would want to spend it doing something I’ve never done before. Have you heard that expression ‘when was the last time you did something for the first time?’ I read that recently I couldn’t think of an answer. I’d like to change that. It would be a wonderful way to make the most of an extra day. It could be as simple as going to the cinema alone, something that I have always wanted to do, or having a spa day, sadly something I have never done. Alternatively I could do something crazy and go skydiving or take a helicopter ride. Whatever I decided on it would be something new and different – an experience I’ve never had before, something to push me out of my comfort zone.

Jo from Single Slummy Mummy says:

If I had an extra 24 hours I’d make it totally about me do all the things I normally feel too guilty to do! In my extra 24 hours, I’d make my own rules, so there would be no one else around and calories wouldn’t count, obviously. I’d eat every meal out, in gorgeous places, with open fires, whilst reading magazines and cutting out pretty pictures of things. In between food related outings I’d indulge in some serious relaxing – watching all the films I’ve had on my wish list for years, munching my way through some luxury chocolates, and generally spoiling myself. You have to love yourself first right?

What would you do with an extra 24 hours? Drop me a comment below or let me know on facebook, I would love more ideas!

Happy Leap Day Guys and Dolls!

If you are looking for a luxury holiday home, now is the perfect time to buy! Our exciting new offer will be running from now until the end of February, when you purchase with Darwin Escapes, you can enjoy an amazing romantic break away for two!

You are also guaranteed to start loving your new lifestyle, by being able to move in by the end of February! (see our ownership team for more details). So now is the best time to start falling in love with your new lifestyle, but what will it look like I hear you ask? Well I am here to tell you…

a weekend in the life of an owner

A Thursday afternoon, the day before the weekend starts, one of the hardest days of the week. The clock is ticking and I can’t stop watching it, I’m just waiting for the end of a long week after a hard slog in the office, I get home on a dull and dark afternoon and all I want is a break. And then I remember my glorious holiday home, my peaceful sanctuary away from everyday life. Friday starts and I get excited, my escape is near! I clock watch and then…

just imagine…

Friday afternoon is finally here! All that counting down is done, my weekly holiday escape is here at last. I grab my partner and off we go, jump in the car and drive straight to our sanctuary, the anticipation building with every mile we get closer. Pulling into my drive way, my luxury holiday home is like a shinning beacon at the end of my stressful week, I walk through the front door and I feel the tension slip away in my shoulders. Everything is how I left it last weekend, I don’t need to think about the weekly shop, having to stand in line at the supermarket, (getting coughed on or listening to all the domestics going on), no weekly clean to think about (we all know we do one). I drop my bag on the bed and we head out to the on-park restaurant, sit down at our usual table, say hello to Dave the waiter (he knows what we like) and we enjoy a mouth watering meal, simply delicious. Then we sit at the bar for a couple of hours, see our friends from number 13 and number 16, talk to Shelly at the bar, have a few drinks before taking a slow wander back to the warmth of our home away from home.

exploring at our pace

Waking up and walking out on my private decking area, coffee cup in hand, I stand and stare at the breath taking views around me, getting more excited about the adventures I’m going to have this weekend! Dressed and raring to go, we skip out the door (because I don’t run…) and take a lovely stroll around the nature walks, down to the beach and enjoy the sand in my toes (not in my sandwiches) and drop into the local tea room with the afternoon tea that’s calling my name. Then we head back to our home, and sit out on our secluded decking, light the BBQ, get the neighbours round and have a great night, a few drinks and lots of laughter.

perfect relaxation

Sunday is a relaxing day, off to the spa to have my usual full body massage and a rejuvenating facial, a fantastic reset button for the week ahead. I then sit by the pool for the rest of the day, until we leave to go back to the daily grind, but with a spring in my step from my relaxing and fun weekend away, in my favourite place, my second home. Ready to come back next weekend, more adventures and more friends to see, we may even take the bikes this time!

no booking, no waiting…

It all just sounds too good to be true, but it really isn’t! This is the lifestyle of an owner with Darwin Escapes, and it can be your new lifestyle, every weekend, just dropping everything and having a fun and relaxing, a holiday whenever you like. You don’t have to wait for the kids school holidays, or trying to get a week off in work, you can literally just get up and go, no packing, no booking, no waiting. A great new lifestyle is waiting for you to fall in love with it…

Why not take a look at our ownership opportunities? We offer great low finance rates, so getting your home away from home is easier thank you think and as stress-free as you could want it to be!

Welcome to Holiday Freedom Ladies & Gentlemen!

Our brand new retreat in the heart of the Lake District offers fantastic facilities, as well as being close to many events during half term

Half term in the Lake District means exploring the region to your heart’s content, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll marvel at the scenery around you and enjoy the long walks available, before returning to your stunning lodge accommodation in the Lake District. If the weather isn’t on your side and you prefer to stay dry, there are lots of events inside in the surrounding areas to keep all the family happy!

Keswick film festival

Where: Theatre by the Lake
When: 16th – 19th Feb

Anchored within the stunning Lakeland landscape, the festival will take you all over the world through the screen, you’ll visit places where the majesty of the natural environment shapes the lives, loves and futures of the characters that live there and you will live it right alongside them. With a poetry theme throughout, it explores the creative process of the makers, and sometimes the tortured souls who bring us exquisite writings ranging from 16th Century England to South American in the 20th Century. A brand new Critics Award means you can share your own views, and challenge the opinions of those that can often make or break a film. During the festival there will be thought-provoking documentaries, special guests and, of course, the best from film festivals around the world! There is an option of a festival pass if you don’t want to miss a single thing, or you can pay for individual film passes if there are only a few that tickle your fancy.

half term at Rheged Centre

The Rheged Centre has lots of events on over half term for all the family including:

• Make Your Own Mad Hatter’s Hat workshop on 24th Feb – Where you can make your own crazy and fancy hat to rival the Hatter’s himself! With a rang of colourful collage materials, ribbons and jewels all included to help personalise your hat
• 3D Printing Workshop on 20th Feb – Back by popular demand, Arts Manager John Stokes will help you discover exciting technology and learn how to use simple design software to create and print your own model.
• Film Making Animation on 21st Feb – Here you can have a go at creating your very own stop motion animations, with help from educator and animator Sheryl Jenkins. She will inspire you to design and make your own weird and wonderful creations and bring them to life using animations apps you can use at home!
• Join the Spy Academy on 22nd Feb – calling would be spies, join in and train to be an Agent! Learn how to take fingerprints, use a code cracker and solve some cryptic clues, master tricking team building games and find out who’s been causing all sorts of trouble around Rheged! At the end of the training, all Agents’ will receive a certificate and finer print key ring to take home.
• Professor Pumpernickel’s Mind Bending Science Show on 23rd Feb – Roll up and witness Profession Pumpernickel’s greatest science show on earth! He’s on a mission to inspire all future inventors, explorers, life savers and even super heroes! The show includes fire, explosions and mind bending magic!
• Woodstone Learning on 21st Feb – make your own shield and sword from willow, this workshop is back by popular demand from all would-be Knights! Don’t fancy a shield or sword? No problem, create a beautiful heart decoration instead!

With something for everyone in the Lake District this half term, Keswick Reach is the place to be!

Happy Half Term Exploring Ladies & Gents!