There are a number of fabulous places to visit in the beautiful city of Bath, ranging from the cultural epicenter that is the Roman Baths to to the perfect afternoon tea served at the Pump Room. All the while you have the option to retreat from the crowds to the peaceful tranquility of Bath Mill Lodge Retreat which is only a 15 minute walk away from the city centre. With so much to see and do you are sure to have a great time when you visit this fabulous city, but what about the hidden treasures? Read on for more…

Alexandra Park – stunning views

Okay I know this isn’t a hidden gem so I thought I would get it out there first, but bear with me here. The views you can get of Bath city from the Alexandra Park are second to none, no matter what the tour guide books say, you will not see beauty like this anywhere. The park is only a 5/10 minute drive from the city centre (or jump on the number 13 bus) and once there follow the path along the left side of the park to the top. Then stand in awe of the stunning views of the historic city below, while surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.

Victoria Falls Adventure Golf – hidden fun

Victoria Park gets all the glory and the Victoria Falls Adventure Golf is often a foot note in most guides, but this beautifully landscapes, 18 hole course is perfect for everyone. Located in the heart of the historic Georgian city you will have a great time playing over waterways and waterfalls, as well as the challenging 15 hole in the middle of the lake! Family fun Adventure Golf, with spectacular surroundings, in the middle of Bath City.

Sotto Sotto – best Italian food in Bath

Awarded the Best Italian Restaurant in Bath at the Good Food Awards, Sotto Sotto is one of the best places to eat in the city. Surrounded by the ancient Roman walls at the Thermaine Spa, Sotto Sotto sets an immeasurable atmosphere to anywhere you have visited before. Relying on the simplicity of their dishes, the quality of talent and delicious ingredients shine through the choices on the mouth watering menu. Be sure to book into this stunning restaurant to avoid disappointment.

Bath Aqua Glass

A place that specialises in stained glass, glass blowing, hand made jewellery and decorations, as well as public demonstrations and activity classes. Bath Aqua Glass is a relaxing day out watching the masters at work, as well as being able to try it yourself! It’s great for birthdays, hen do’s and even a romantic activity for two with the breath in a heart bauble class. Something for everyone to enjoy, with outstanding art work to feast your eyes on, and even purchase!

Toppings & Co. Booksellers

Also if, like me, you are a bit of a book geek and love a good book store to lose yourself in, visit the historic Toppings & Co. Booksellers in the centre of the city. With one of a kind signed copies and first additions, the geek in you will lap it up! They also often host events and talks from celebrities and authors like nature lover Chris Packham, Schindler’s Ark novelist Thomas Keneally (the basis of the Schindler’s List movie) and Formula 1 superstar Mark Webber. Something for everyone’s appetite.

So that’s some food for thought around Bath’s hidden gems! Happy Adventuring Ladies and Gents!

Take trip down maritime memory lane with the The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum in the Isle of Wight, a fun family day out! There is something for everyone at this thriving exhibition of maritime history; The Shipwreck Centre is located in the Isle of Wight at the wonderful Arreton Barns Craft Village so there really is something for everyone there! With gold treasures, antique equipment and thousands of exciting relics to feast your eyes on!

pirates, gold & a merman?

The Shipwreck Centre’s collection is one of the largest in the UK and is bursting with treasures of the deep sea! Marvel at the Spanish gold and silver from the hidden depths and shipwrecks from around the coastline, take a trip to the past and see the antique diving equipment that would still work today! Feast your eyes on the thousands of relics in the museum, from the exciting Pirates famous ‘Pieces of Eight’ to the strange, wonderful and life-questioning discovery of the ‘Merman’. There are also fun games for the children at the museum, (just in case a Merman isn’t enough…) the free activities include the treasure hunt and pirate trail worksheets, as well as crack the code and knotting activities, as a bonus for them all activities come with a free prizes at the end!

The collection was created by owner Martin Woodward who has been a professional diver since the 1960’s, and with decades of experience he has literally dived on hundreds of shipwrecks. Diving in and around the Isle of Wight, as well as other locations worldwide, scouring the coastlines and shipwrecks for their hidden secrets and treasures to share with us all in his wonderfully fascinating museum. He first put his collection on display in 1978 and has been adding more relics over the decades, and after 28 years in Bembridge the museum was moved to the Craft Village in 2006, surrounding itself in good company on this thriving complex.

lifeboats too!

Check out the adjoin Lifeboat Museum and see the original rescue service boats from the Bembridge Lifeboat Station, you can learn the history of the station which dates back to 1867. You can even see the famously historic Queen Victoria RNLI lifeboat from 1887, she has featured in numerous re-enactments and events worldwide since her loving restoration in 1998.

So the next time you are visiting us at Woodside Coastal Retreat, pop along and visit Martin at The Shipwreck Centre and relive the golden age of shipwrecks, pirates and treasure diving (it’s really nothing like that Paul Walker movie ‘Blue Crush’). You will learn about the many sad and tragic stories of shipwrecks, as well as about the magical and mysterious wonders of the deep blue sea.

Bath Racecourse is located on Landsown Hill overlooking the beautiful and historic Bath City. It’s not just a one trick pony, there is also family fun to be had! Home to fantastic events and great days out, Bath Racecourse has much to offer everyone, not just the horse racing fans among you. They offer fabulous race day hospitality packages, as well as a picturesque venue for any party, special occasion or wedding. Being one of the highest racecourses in Britain, it is also known for being an intimate venue, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere from both guests and the lovely staff!

This May Bank Holiday Bath Racecourse are hosting a fun-tastic family fun day, sponsored by Gregor Heating. With lots of children’s activities such as swing boats, bouncy castles, Gromit model making workshops, as well as the chance to meet Wallace and Gromit themselves all throughout the day, this event really is one not to be missed! ‘Meet the Animals’ are also attending the event with their exciting petting corner for everyone to enjoy, also make sure to meet Archie the horse, the friendly Bath Racecourse mascot. There will also be a Shetland pony race taking place for you to enjoy before the main racing fixtures start.

So this May Bank Holiday if you are around the Bath area, or spending some quality family time in one of our lodges near Bath Race Course at the stunning Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, why not treat the whole family to a family fun day out at the race course!

happy adventuring ladies and gents!

Trebah Gardens has beautiful scenery, breathtaking flowers, mouth watering food and a whole host of shows in its Amphitheatre. What more could you want?

Records show that Trebah dates back to the Doomsday survey of 1085, at the time it was the property of the Bishop of Exeter, it has an amazing and fascinating history. The stunning Georgian house at the head of the valley was built in the 18th Century and pre-dates the gardens, a survey map from 1813 shows Trebah as a magical wooded valley.

The beautiful garden you enjoy today is the result of nearly 200 years of horticultural endeavour, over the long history of Trebah the house and gardens has been passed from family to family. And was even used for a regiment of 7500 soldiers from the US Infantry Division during World War II. Major Tony Hibbet and his wife Eira purchased Trebah in 1981 as a retirement home but were convinced by the Cornwall Garden Society to do work on the garden and open it up to the public. Trebah was eventually passed on in 1990 to the Trebah Garden Trust, who currently take care of and enhance the gardens and grounds.Today you can enjoy a mouth watering Cornish Cream Tea at the Planters Café, as well as stocking up on garden essentials at the award winning visitor centre, finding the Gallery and Garden shops as well as the Trebah Plant Centre too. The new feature of the garden is the wonderful Trebah Amphitheatre, providing a space for the performing arts, set within a natural bowl for added atmosphere. The Amphitheatre helps promote local theatre productions and events, with something for everyone from The Mousehole Cat to Duchy Opera. Be sure to check out the Neptunlia events in July and August, a fest for the heart and soul, as well as the belly, all culminating with fun celebrations and dancing down on the beach.

So the next you’re visiting Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat jump in the car for a short drive to the Trebah Gardens, a beautiful day out for all the family!

A massive congratulations and well done to the Darwin Escapes Team, we have won Website of the Year at the Prolific North Awards!

Last night the prestigious Prolific North Awards took place, now going into its fourth year the awards have become one of the most high profile in the UK, covering all of the amazing creative talent in the North of England.

Our very own Darwin Escapes website brought home the Website of the Year Award last night! We would love to say a huge thank you to the amazingly talented Clicky Media, who undertook the design and development of our wonderful website. We will continue to work very hard whilst we constantly strive to improve darwinescapes.co.uk to make it the best we can for your experience.

We would also like to say a fantastic well done to our fellow finalist the BBC Learning website, Craghoppers and the UK Space Agency!

So thank you, congratulations and well done to Clicky Media, the Darwin Escapes Team and, of course, you for visiting our wonderful and award winning website!

winner – 2016 website of the year!

Adding theatre and dance to the North Wales coastline at the seafront Rhyl Pavilion, read about two of their up coming shows below…

The current pavilion is actually the third construction, with the first opening in 1891 and the current building opening 100 years later in 1991! Steeped in local history the Rhyl Pavilion is one of the favourite spots to catch a show for locals and holiday makers alike. Over the decades Rhyl has hosted international artists and a huge number of productions; it also plays a big role in community events. Generating more than £4 million each year for the local economy, holding recent shows like Mrs Browns Boys, Little Mix and John Bishop to get the crowds in. But they also facilitate many local amateur acting groups, as well as being accessible for school productions and local bands, creating a place for theatre and dance on the North Wales coastline.

Two of these nationally acclaimed shows that will be gracing the Rhyl stage are Welsh Wrestling and Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show, read below for more information…

Welsh wrestling

When: 27th May / Cost: £12 for adults, £9 for children and £35 for a family of four

Grab a seat and enjoy the glitz, glamour and body-slamming mayhem in this American Wrestling extravaganza invading Rhyl for one night only! The brilliant and over the top Welsh Wrestling brings the crazy wrestling world and combines it with a fun entertainments show that the whole family can enjoy, screaming along with the thrills and spills of live American Wrestling. Including stars who have appeared, and are about to appear, on the world renowned, WWE! The sensational Stevie Starr, the all action muscle man John Titan (seriously, what a name!) and the masked Mexican flyer Magico! With fantastic stars from the UK, USA, Mexico and Japan, grab a ticket and enjoy the ride. So let’s get ready to rumble! (I bet you shouted that in your head…)

dirty dancing: the tribute show

When: 14th May / Cost: £21 per ticket

This fantastic feel good concert will be touring the UK extensively, but grab it at Rhyl Pavilion in May and enjoy the music, dance and nostalgia! Lead actor Julian Essex-Spurrier has starred in productions like Rocky Horror Picture Show, as Rocky (ultimate dream to see this live) and played Tony in Saturday Night Live. And the beautiful Amanda Coutts has recently joined the cast after completing a stint on the West End in the smash hit We Will Rock You (I loved that movie!). This production is not the movie, so don’t expect a retelling of the movie, this fun show is driven by the soundtrack of the movie. Paying homage to one of the best soundtracks a movie ever had, this high energy, emotional roller coaster has breath taking choreography and buckets of nostalgia, and is currently entering its recording breaking 6th year of touring! Book a ticket and enjoy the electric atmosphere, where the crowd are encouraged to jump up, dance and sing the night away with the actors, and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of Dirty Dancing, a completely unique experience! Definitely a show not to miss!

So folks I think Rhyl Pavilion is the place to be in May! Looking for a place to rest your head after dancing the night away? We have two beautiful North Wales parks close to the Rhyl Pavilion in the form of Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park and New Pines who both offer holiday stays and holiday home ownership, giving you the chance to visit all the shows at the Pavilion, with no booking, no packing, just get up and go!

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is Darwin Escapes’ luxury Cornwall destination. In three words it is picturesque, stunning and breath-taking.

Mullion Cove is a fantastic place for Insta-enthusiasts, the picturesque beauty of the surrounding area and the cove itself is unbeatable…a complete Instagramer dream! Here are our Top 10 Instagram Mullion Cove photos for you to marvel at…

1. what a stunning view – check out that greenery

A post shared by Get Me To Cornwall (@getmetocornwall) on Apr 6, 2016 at 1:12pm PDT

2. beautiful whatever the weather – magicial even in a storm

A post shared by Matthew Burtwell (@mattburtwell) on Feb 8, 2016 at 11:39am PST

3. breathtaking scenery

A post shared by Secret Cornwall (@cornwallsecret) on May 2, 2018 at 10:36pm PDT

4. beautiful sandy beaches – peaceful horse ride

A photo posted by Lera Hatton (@lera242) on Mar 26, 2016 at 1:53pm PDT

5. traditional fishing village – wait, are those lobster cages?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

MULLION COVE WEEK #harbour #cornwall #mullion #mullionharbour #mullioncove #workingharbour #southwest #swcoast #winch #kernow

A post shared by Darwin Escapes (@darwinescapes) on Mar 3, 2018 at 1:40pm PST

6. Mullion Cove fishing lodge – I bet a wizard lives there

A photo posted by Wouter Boer (@wouter.boer) on Feb 11, 2015 at 3:01am PST

7. perfect for a day out – beautiful weather for a bike ride

A photo posted by Matthew Burtwell (@mattburtwell) on Apr 21, 2015 at 11:53am PDT

8. beautiful skies – I love those stormy clouds

A photo posted by Caitlin (@thepigmypossum) on Jul 27, 2015 at 4:42pm PDT

9. fantastic friendly wildlife – he just popped up to say hello

A photo posted by Lena (@prumstaengel) on Sep 15, 2015 at 11:38am PDT

10. see the stars – taken at Mullion Cove, sheer beauty

A photo posted by James (@jw.andrews) on Nov 2, 2015 at 1:21pm PST

11. fascinating history – I couldn’t leave this one out, beautiful historic fishing village

A photo posted by Michael (@mikerooney_1) on Nov 23, 2015 at 1:30pm PST

Jealous? I am too, but here’s your next trip to plan! When you visit Mullion Cove and post your lovely pictures on ‘the Instagram’ as my mum calls it, use the #mullioncove or check in to Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat and maybe you will end up in one of our posts! Thank you to the Instagramers above for their wonderful, breath-taking images!

Happy Adventuring Ladies and Gents!

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!

Want to keep up to date with all the latest information? Like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter to stay up to date on all things Darwin Escapes!

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!