Buying a holiday home is one of the most exciting things you can do! Finding that perfect escape for you and your family, knowing that you’ll get to holiday whenever you choose and as often you want to, what could be better?

There are a few things to think about when buying a holiday home in the UK, from the location to the cost, so we thought we would put them all in one place and create a handy checklist for you.

the location

This is probably the most important thing to settle on, where in the UK is your perfect holiday break? How far do you want to travel from your home? Are you looking for a holiday home by the beach or a countryside escape?

Finding the right destination for you is key, making sure the local area has everything you want to explore and can discover. Sandy beaches to unwind on or glorious mountains for adventure seekers to scale, the UK is filled with exciting landscapes waiting for you.

the resort

When it comes to choosing a resort that’s right for you, there are lots of things to think about and making sure it’s right for you. We’ve got the key ones below.

How long is the season? Can you holiday whenever you choose, or is there a limit to a number of weeks per year? What facilities are there for you to enjoy on your holiday breaks? Is it pet friendly if you have a pooch to come too? Are you looking for a family friendly destination or a peaceful escape to explore together?

the holiday home

Finding your perfect holiday home is so exciting, one of the most important things to consider is does it give you the warm fuzzy feels? Similar to finding your permanent address, you’ll ‘just know’ when it’s the right home from home for you. We have a huge range of holiday homes for sale in the UK for you to choose from.

Do you know if you would like a static caravan or a larger lodge? What are the absolute essential requirements the holiday home needs? For example, do you need two or three bedrooms? Do you need more room for friends and family to come and stay with you? Do you want a decking so you can sit outside? And of course, what’s your budget? This is the really big one, but with our affordable finance options, your dream holiday home here at Darwin Escapes is much easier than you think!

the cost

Once you’ve ticked off the rest of the checklist and you’ve found your holiday home, our advisors will help you work out the running costs of owning your own holiday home. Including site fees, insurance, electric and gas.

Then all that’s left to do is to enjoy endless holidays for you, your family and friends! Escape to your personal getaway whenever you choose, with no booking and waiting around, just pick up and go! Find out about our ownership resorts here and start finding your home from home with Darwin Escapes.

Your dream holiday home will tick all your boxes that you want for your private getaway, take this list with you and make sure you find your holiday-ever-after!

Our dedicated team are on hand to answer any questions you have and to help you start your ownership journey, give them a call on 0800 717 707 or talk to an advisor via our live chat service!

search all our holiday homes for sale here

Take a sneak peek at our beautiful new location in the Peak District, Rivendale Lodge Retreat. Where you can unwind, relax and lose yourself on countryside wanders.

Make it your holiday, your way, with your break to Rivendale. Explore more of the local area with the endless trails around the resort and charming countryside towns and villages to discover! Spend starry nights relaxing in your hot tub or get cosy on the sofa in front the TV on a windy evening, no matter the time of year, your holiday break is waiting for you.

Scroll down for a sneak peek of our Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Spend weekend escapes or week-long getaways at Rivendale Lodge Retreat in the heart of the Peak District.

Find out more and book your holiday today! 

We can’t WAIT to welcome you back! With our resorts open up and down the country since lockdown, we’re back to giving you the holidays you love, time and time again. We hope you’re just as happy as we are, and we’re over the moon that we can be the place for those BIG reunions.

We’ve been having a good think about that first incredible holiday back together. (All right, you got us – it’s all we’ve been thinking about!) At Darwin Escapes, we wanted to make sure you had somewhere extra-special to catch up with friends and family when the time came. That’s why we’ve been busy creating a brand-new resort to welcome you all back to – our spectacular Rivendale Lodge Retreat, which opened its doors last week.

After all – where better to catch up with old friends, and spend precious, uninterrupted time with family than the Peak District? One of England’s most peaceful and breathtaking nature reserves, the Peak District is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with truly unbeatable local scenery. At Darwin Escapes, we’re lucky enough to have Rivendale Lodge Retreat nestled right in the heart of The Peaks – to give you that magical moment you’ve been waiting for!

Our retreat is right in the middle of the dramatic jaw-dropping mountainscapes of the Peaks, but a stone’s throw away from some of the most beautiful market towns and villages, like Buxton, Bakewell and Ashbourne. With endless things to do and see, we know you’ll really be able to make the most of the lush green British countryside this summer!

With hidden gems nearby like the world-famous Tissington Trail, or the rich history and legacy of local stately homes like Chatsworth Manor and Keddleston Hall, this part of the country is just filled with things to discover. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll be delighted to hear that you’re moments away from the world-famous theme parks of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park (for a truly thrilling time!)

Rivendale Lodge Retreat, our brand-new Peak District holiday park, gives you the chance to immerse yourself in all that the Peaks have to offer from your beautiful, bright and modern lodge (we’re really proud of those). Whether you’re a get-up-and-go adventurer, getting the gang ready for those EPIC walks and discoveries – or prefer the life of luxury, with a glass of something fizzy whilst you soak in your hot tub – Rivendale’s got it covered!

If you’re looking for the perfect staycation spot, we think you’ve found it. Rivendale Lodge Retreat gives you the best of both worlds – enchanting, wild forests and deep blue lakes, paired with gorgeous, quaint towns and villages nearby. Love your escape, every time – when you choose Darwin Escapes.

We’re so excited to see you all back at our resorts – and what better way to kick off the celebrations than by visiting our brand new resort in The Peaks?

That’s right –  our gorgeous Rivendale Lodge Retreat has just opened to the public for the very first time – wahey!- to let you grab a much-needed recharge and retreat with your nearest and dearest.

We’ve recently released the details of our brand-new Rivendale Lodge Retreat – head over and check it out if you’re already planning your Peaks party!  If you’re still trying to work out where you should take the family this summer, here’s a little bit of inspiration about why the Peak District is the perfect place for your getaway this year – so you can start planning your adventure..

Spectacular Scenery

Of course, the natural setting’s got to be pretty high on the list when you’re talking about the Peak District! One of England’s gorgeous National Parks, the Peak District is super high on our list of our top places to see, relax and just be in the whole of the UK. With gorgeous, dramatic mountains, breathtaking views across the whole county and fairytale forests, The Peaks are a major ‘can’t miss’ for us.

If you’re after those dreamy beauty spots, look no further than Dovedale, a true literary link to some of England’s greatest writers and works of art (don’t worry, you won’t have to read anything..). The Roaches, too, are a spot like no other – a bit of a steep walk up, but the payoff is HUGE –  catch your breath in front of one of the best views in the country (we might be biased, but you’ll see what we mean!).

Other than that, you’ve got the truly unbelievable Mam Tor – known locally as ‘The Shivering Mountain’ – as well as the gorgeous Monsal Head viewpoint, which stands proudly about 150m above the sleepy valley of the River Wye. We can’t do it justice- just promise us you’ll go.

Incredible History

We’re suckers for a bit of history here at Darwin Escapes – and the Peak District delivers in every possible way. For our culture vultures, thanks to its long history, The Peaks is yet again the perfect holiday option. With Thornbridge Hall Gardens,  Ashford-in-the-Water, and the fascinating Eyam Plague Village Museum, you’re sure to learn a little something along the way! Whether you’re scrambling up the world-famous Jacob’s Ladder, or checking out Solomon’s Temple or marvelling at the enchanting Dovedale Stepping Stones, there’s going to be something for everyone here. Recharge your batteries with a gentle trip around one of these incredible cultural monuments, a fab addition to any holiday.

Thrill-seekers

Don’t be fooled by the beautiful scenery though – the Peak District has BAGS of fun on offer for those looking for a bit more heart-pumping action! If hiking local beauty spots isn’t enough for you (although take on Mam Tor and get back to us) the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies amongst you will be pleased to know there’s a lot more going on in the Peak District than just amazing views.

If you’re looking for some hidden adventures in The Peaks during your stay, why not take on the challenge of rock climbing on the Froggatt’s Edge? Perfect for the pros, but suitable for families too – this is truly gritstone climbing at its best.

If you’re more into wonderful watersports, make a splash with kayaking and canoeing on the River Derwent, The Peaks’ link to Derbyshire! Bound to get your heart racing, spend a dynamic day out before coming back to your cosy lodge in Rivendale to dry off!

For keen cyclists, why not check out the Curbar challenge? You can either hire local bikes or bring your own along, to tick off this incredible adventure. With a winding path along the banks of the River Derwent, incredible local cliffs will make the steep climb worth it (we hope…).

All these adventures and more await you when you head to stay at our newest member of the Darwin Escapes resort family, Rivendale Lodge Retreat. We just can’t wait to have you with us!

Nestled amongst the jaw-dropping mountains and breathtaking scenery is Rivendale Lodge Retreat, in the heart of the Peak District. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better place to get the gang back together again.

We know you’re raring to go (so are we!) so we thought we’d give you a little inspiration for that EPIC first trip. We’ve come up with our top five favourite walks in the Peaks to get you thinking and planning for your big adventure! Take a look:

Padley Gorge

Distance: 6km

Time: 2 hours (the perfect morning dog walk!

Lunch Spot? Yep – the Old Grindleford Station Cafe is just halfway round the loop

Perfect for? Families, four-legged friends, and little ones – the whole gang

The gorgeous Padley Gorge trail is an unbeatable combination of breathtaking natural scenery and woodland estate. Located  along the Burbage Valley, this beautiful ancient woodland is the ideal spot to walk and talk – our number one spot for catching up. A gentle and circular trail which leads you along riverbanks and through forest, Padley Gorge is spectacular all year round. It’s especially magical in spring, when the Yarncliffe Wood forest floor is carpeted with vibrant bluebells! A gentle, grassy walk ideal for dogs and little ones, pick this spot to make the most of family time, at peaceful Padley Gorge.

Dovedale Trail

Distance: 11.6km

Time: 3 – 4 hours (pack a picnic!

Lunch Spot? Plenty – Dovedale Car Park Cafe and Polly’s Pantry in Milldale

Perfect for? Families and friends

The Dovedale Trail is a gorgeous and rewarding trek just twenty minutes’ drive away from Rivendale Lodge Retreat. This trail incorporates the beautiful River Dove as well as the local limestone formations of Lover’s Leap, Dove Holes and Tissington Spires. The famous beauty of the Peaks, the Dovedale Trail is perfect to tackle with friends and family (though it might be a bit tough for any little ones!). When the weather’s warmer, the Dovedale Stepping Stones are the perfect place for a dip – if you’re brave enough! The summit of Bailey Hill, however, is where this walk really shines – though the walk up can be tough, the spectacular view is worth it (we promise).

Mam Tor

Distance: 10.4 km

Time: 2-2.5 hours

Lunch Spot? The Three Roofs Cafe in Castleton – reward yourself with coffee and cake

Perfect for? An epic end-of-trip trek with the team

Even if you aren’t local, it’s likely you’ve heard of Mam Tor. If you’re looking for a truly spectacular reunion, we can’t think of anywhere better than this stunning trail, designed to give you the most EPIC views over the Peaks. Famous for being one of the best ridge walks in the country, this trek over Mam Tor (locally known as ‘The Shivering Mountain’) offers dedicated walkers unbeatable views of Edale, Hope Valley and even gorgeous nearby Kinder Scout. We recommend this one for that BIG last-day celebration – see the country’s best views with the people you love and take that long-overdue selfie!

Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale and Wye Dale

Distance: 6.8 km

Time: 3 hours

Lunch Spot? There are plenty of great cafe lunch spots in Chee Dale, Miller’s Dale, and Wye Dale – like the Angler’s Rest, The Merchant’s Yard and the Refreshment Room – but you can always pack a picnic for the ultimate immersive experience!

Perfect for? Anyone with a bit of agility!

Just east of Buxton, this fantastic loop walk takes you through both deep forest and history. Following Victorian railway tracks, this is the best way to absorb the amazing legacy of this region. For little ones, the fairytale forest brings a sprinkling of magic to the occasion with crags, deep pools and  stepping stones  – we think it’s an ideal route for sparking interest in budding walkers!

The Roaches

Distance: 8.8 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Lunch Spot? The Roaches Tea Rooms – or enjoy a picnic at the top!

Perfect for? Keen climbers or active walkers

This heather-strewn hill is one of the most magical places the Peaks has to offer. Just half an hour’s drive from Rivendale, this is one of the top spots in the region (literally – the views from the top are incredible). Late summer sees the Roaches blossom with heather, nestled among the huge rocky features which make the Roaches so distinctive. A steep climb is worth it for the amazing views over the region – trust us!

We hope this little guide has inspired you to get planning your own BIG adventure in the Peaks. If you’d like to know more about Rivendale, The Peaks or any of our other resorts, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Have we missed your favourite walk? Let us know in the comments!

With two unique resorts in Somerset to visit, we can’t wait to welcome you and help you explore the English countryside. Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa rests in the Mendip Hills and waits for you to explore the stunning countryside surrounding it. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is located in a secret oasis just two miles from the city centre of Bath, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Read below for attractions open around Cheddar Woods and scroll further down for information about Bath Mill.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions

Reopening its doors on 11th July, you can pre-book tickets via their website for your visit. The caves and tunnels will be open and ready to explore, as well as a number of fun attractions including the animatronic dinosaur valley, the fairy gardens, pirate island and adventure golf.

Brean Theme Park

heir number of visitors throughout the day, although you don’t have to pre-book, all visitors must buy a wristband or a minimum of 5 theme park tokens. There are rides open for all ages to enjoy and have a fantastic day out, from the wipeout and sky diver, to the carousel and farm train.

Longleat Safari Park

All tickets must be pre-booked via their website. The drive through safari has been open for a little while and is still hugely popular. Other areas are now reopening, including the animal adventure area, family farmyard, hedge maze, the longleat railway and rockin rhino.

The Bishop’s Palace

With a one-way system in place and a limited number of visitors, all tickets are to be pre-purchased via their website. The beautiful gardens, historic chapel and café are now open. With 14 acres to explore, including the moat which is home to the famous bell-ringing swans of Bishop’s Palace, you’ll have a fantastic day out here.

Glastonbury Town

A wonderful and fascinating town full of myths and legends to learn more about. Explore the quirky shops, where you can find high street names next to occult stores, handmade vegan candles and, of course, the historic Abbey.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Roman Baths

The historic baths have reopened and are waiting to welcome you. Pre-purchasing your ticket and timeslot is essential, there is also a one-way route in place throughout the baths. 2000 years of history is waiting for you to discover and walk in the paths of the Ancient Romans themselves.

Stonehenge

Pre-booking your visit is essential as your confirmation is needed for entry. Visit the best known prehistoric monument and take in the magical atmosphere at the World Heritage Site.

Castle Combe

Please follow government guidance and social distancing when visiting this charming village. Located in the Cotswold’s Area of Natural Beauty, Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England, where people come from far and wide to see the beautiful homes and quaint stores.

Royal Crescent

Take some time out on the green in front of the Crescent, but please follow government guidance while you take in the 30 terraced houses of the sweeping Crescent. Designed and built in the 1700’s, the Crescent is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture.

Enjoy a wonderful holiday away, your way, at either of our resorts in Somerset and explore all that the local area has to offer.

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa has reopened its doors and we are looking forward to welcoming you on holiday with us! Enjoy a self-catered holiday in our wonderful lodge accommodation and explore the local area, there is something for everyone, from family fun to historic houses. Read our list of attractions which are open in the local area below.

Sandringham Estate

Visit the gardens of the Queen’s estate and enjoy the country park. Pre-booking is essential. There is 243 hectares to explore, with two major nature trails you can follow and countless woodland paths.

Bewilderwood

Reopening its doors on 18th July, all tickets must be pre-booked via their website. The award winning forest family attraction offers fun and adventure for everyone, with treehouses, slippery slopes, storytelling, marsh walks and boat rides.

Pensthorpe Natural Park

All tickets must be booked using the website, booking opens every Friday at 4pm ready for the following week. Book same day tickets is an option if there are some left, check the website. Enjoy a day in the countryside with the wildlife, the sculpture trail and nature reserve are both open to visitors. The outdoor adventure play area, WildRootz is also open, with 30 foot towers, zip wires, underground tunnels and more.

Castle Acre Priory

Entry by pre-booked tickets only. Dating back to 1090, the castle is one of the best preserved and largest monastic sites in England. You can see the west end church gable, prior’s lodging and the wonderfully recreated herb garden that the monks would have used for medicinal and culinary reasons.

Oxburgh Hall

The gardens and parkland are open to visitors with pre-booked tickets. The striking gardens are mix of wilderness and manicured greens, also visit the pretty walled garden. Follow the woodland walk along the River Gadder and keep an eye out for the cheeky otters!

Old Hunstanton Beach

Head to the sandy beach for fresh sea air and all the beach fun. Follow government guidance during your visit.

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is looking forward to welcoming you on your holiday, where you can create your getaway, your way.

Holiday with us at Kilnwick Percy Resort and explore everything that Pocklington has to offer, from the stunning countryside, to the activity centres for all ages. Read more below about where you can visit and what you can discover in Yorkshire

kilnwick percy nature trail

Enjoy a nature trail around the perimeter of the golf course at Kilnwick Percy Resort. The trail can be picked up from a member of the team, find all the clues and the follow the footpaths through the Yorkshire Wolds. The trail is around 2 miles long, but can take up to 2 hours when followed.

madhyamaka centre

The grounds and gardens are now open to the public, the centre itself is a Modern Buddhist and meditation centre. Stroll the gardens which offer peace and tranquillity.

burnby hall gardens

Entry to the gardens is by booking only, they offer a varied landscape with something new discover around every corner. Find the secret garden, gain peace at the lakes and water lilies, visit the impressive rock garden or the Victorian garden. There are many other areas to explore in the gardens.

jorvik viking centre

Reopening its doors on 11th July by pre-booking only. The centre is owned by the York Archaeological Trust, aiming to get people engaged with their history. As one of the most popular attractions over the past 35 years, the centre has seen up to 19 million people visit where archaeologists ravelled hidden history secrets. Visit Viking’s houses, workshops and backyards in the Viking city of Jorvik recreated at the centre.

allerthorpe lakeland park

The park will be reopening for booking in advance on 14th July. Working with a limited number of visitors to ensure social distancing and public safety. The park will be open for open water swimming, fishing and boating activities.

castle howard

The gardens, adventure playground and skelf island are all open and waiting for you. Pre-book your tickets via the website today and visit the Howard’s family residence where they have welcome guests for more than 300 years. The stunning gardens are ideal for a stroll, the adventure playground will keep the little one busy and skelf island is ideal for the thrill seeking children, being a treetop adventure across the dormant water of the Great Lake. Enjoy your fabulous day out.

Yorkshire has endless countryside to explore, perfect for your walking holiday or even to sit and soaking in the nature from your hot tub in one of our self-catering lodges.

With two fabulous resorts on the Isle of Wight you can holiday with us and explore the island while keeping social distancing safe and having fun! We’ve created the list below of all the local area attractions that open and are just waiting for you to visit and discover all they have to offer. Whether you’re staying with us at Woodside Bay or Woodside Coastal Retreat, there will be something for everyone and all interests to discover!

animals for all!

• monkey haven
  Pre-book your tickets to visit this wonderful haven filled with rescued monkeys of all species, from Whopping Gibbons to cheeky Capuchins. The tea room and ice cream shack will also be open for delicious takeaway food while you wander the park.
• isle of wight zoo
  Pre-purchase your tickets and time slot for visiting this wonderful zoo on the island. The zoo has a whole range of animals to say hello to, but they do specialise in two specific species, tigers and lemurs.

landmarks not to be missed

• osborne house
  Pre-book your time slot via the website to visit Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s holiday home. The house itself is closed, however, the spectacular gardens are open and waiting to be explored. The Beach Café is also open for takeaway meals.
• the needles
  There is no need to book your ticket to view the Needles, however the staff will be monitoring the flow of visitors to ensure everyone’s safety. The iconic chair lift will be in use to view the Needles from a unique viewpoint. There will also be a variety of catering, external seating and open-air experiences to enjoy, as well as a number of retail outlets.

beaches

• Woodside Beach
• Monk’s Bay
• Shanklin Beach
• Yaverland

The Isle of Wight has so much to offer all, with sandy beaches to relax and stroll along. As well as family fun activities and landmarks all waiting for you to discover them!

Whether you’re staying with us at Thanet Well Lodge Retreat or Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, this list of local attractions is for you. We are happy to have our doors reopened and welcoming you to your getaway in the Lake District. Below we have put together a list of all the local attractions and places to visit which are open and ready for you.

Keswick Climbing Wall

An indoor climbing wall area ideal for starters and experts, as well as a range of activities available. All booking available online, small groups only.

Keswick Launch Co

Pre-booking essential and limited runs of cruises. Round trips only can be booked, with a launch at 9.45am and 10am.

Go Ape Whinlatter

Tickets to be pre-booked online. Scale the treetops of Go Ape and marvel at the dramatic views of Whinlatter Forest at 1000 foot above sea level. Try your hand at the treetop challenge course.

Honister Slate Mine

Open and ready for you to book activities, including the infinity bridge where you can scale 2000 foot above the gorge floor of the slate mine. Try out the Via Ferrata activity where you’ll use the original miners track up the steep incline while attached by cable throughout the 3 hour activity.

Lake district Wildlife Park

No need to pre-book, but visitor numbers will be monitored. Visit all the animals in residence from, gibbons and zebras, to otters and meerkats. There will be daily talks and activities, including reptile and birds of prey talks.

Mirehouse & Gardens

The gardens and lakeside walk only will be reopening on 9th July. Pre-purchased tickets can be bought at the Old Sawmill Tearoom across the road. Visit the bee garden and enjoy a stroll along the poetry walk.

Rookin House Farm

Offering a fabulous day out filled with activities. All outdoor activities are available for booking, including archery, clay pigeon shooting, escort quad biking and more.

Carlisle Castle

Time slots to be pre-booked online. The castle has been a working fortress for as long as anyone can remember, steeped in history this stunning castle is waiting for you to explore it and the grounds. Over the centuries the castle held strong against sieges, held a royal prisoner and was even home to the Royal Boarder Regiment of the King.

Enjoy your getaway to the Lake District with Darwin Escapes and explore all that the local area has to offer!