Our Kilnwick Percy Resort offers a fantastic break away with your furbaby in Pocklington, Yorkshire. Base yourself at the KP Resort and explore the surrounding 180 acres of the Yorkshire Wolds with your pooch. Kilnwick Percy is home to fabulous facilities, including The Box gym, the Tranquillity Spa with treatment rooms and Jessica Nail treatments and a Nordic Spa area, which is home to a hot tub and swim spa. Enjoy a delicious meal at The Glasshouse Restaurant, and now you and your dog can enjoy a drink at the Glasshouse bar or soak up the sun on the terrace…

relax in our pet friendly accommodation

Here at Kilnwick Percy Resort we have a wonderful range of pet friendly lodges to relax in. Our lodges have everything you need for a self-catering holiday away, including fully fitted kitchens, open plan living areas and floor to ceiling windows for the ultimate views. Take a scroll below for some pictures of our pet friendly accommodation in Yorkshire taken by the wonderful Cockapoo Marley who loved her stay with us!

Book your pet friendly getaway today at the Kilnwick Percy Resort and spend some quality time with your pup in Yorkshire!

Darwin Escapes has partnered with Longleat to bring you 30% off the price of your entry tickets to the ultimate safari park! Longleat offers a fantastic day out for all ages and whether you’re holidaying with us at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat or Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa you can enjoy 30% off entry tickets booked at reception. Enjoy a day filled with adventure where you’ll roam with lions, swing with monkeys and eat with the giraffes. There is something for everyone at Longleat, including the safari, an extraordinary stately home and the main square filled with exciting adventures for the little ones. Book your tickets at reception to get Darwin Escapes’ exclusive discount.

What you can do at Longleat

There are a few things to do at Longleat which are for all ages to enjoy. Everyone will love the Family Farmyard where little ones can visit their farmyard favourites for a cuddle. And don’t forget the Longleat Miniature Railway which takes you on a wonderful woodland journey past Half Mile Lake.

• Safari Drive Through – the main draw for people to visit Longleat is the amazing safari experience. Drive through the wild animal zones and visit the wolf wood, the lions, cheetahs, rhinos, Anne the retired elephant and see if you’re brave enough to enter monkey mayhem.
• The Main Square – explore the jungle, scale the desert and swim the oceans all at the main square. Become an explorer and start your expedition when you meet a whole host of animals, including giant otters, crocodiles, adorable koalas and the bat cave. Hand feed lorikeets and jump on the jungle cruise around Half Mile Lake, past the impressive gorillas, sea lions and hippos.

Don’t miss the Longleat House

This stunning Elizabethan stately home was completed in 1580 by Sir John Thynnes and today his descendants still call it home.

There are guided and free flow house tours where you can enjoy the grand rooms and sweeping corridors of the era. Longleat House really is an outstanding example showcasing high scale Elizabethan architecture, which has been restored and is lovingly cared for. There are also 900 acres of beautiful parkland including mazes to explore.

The house is home to a number of exhibitions throughout the year to enjoy. Don’t miss the Please Gardens which is abundant with natural wildlife, or the beautifully manicured Formal Gardens, with its designs stretching back to the 1st Viscount of Weymouth.

Discover 15 generations worth of collected paintings, furniture and stunning tapestries at the Art & Collection exhibition. Then explore Longleat House and wander around 15 rooms of the new stately home.

Book your tickets at the reception of either Bath Mill or Cheddar Woods when you stay with us for your exclusive Darwin Escapes 30% discount!

Whether you’re looking for a couples break or a full family holiday, we’ve put together the perfect guide to an Isle of Wight holiday…

Darwin Escapes has two destinations on the Isle of Wight, Woodside Coastal Retreat and Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat. Both locations offer luxury lodge accommodation, with Woodside Bay being home to our beautiful quirky treehouses and gym, as well as our Bar & Bistro.

One of the main aspects to consider when booking your Isle of Wight getaway is the ferry trip. Wightlink Ferries offer trips from Lymington, Yarmouth and Portsmouth to either Fishbourne or Ryde, so it’s ideal to plan the times of when you dock on the island and the journey from the dock to our resort.

When you reach our resorts and you walk into your lodge, sit back and relax in your large open plan living space. Why not cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchen before heading out to your private decking and take in the beautiful scenery, maybe in your own hot tub.

The island has so much to offer, we’ve listed our top choices of beaches, historical sites and family attractions to explore during your trip with us!

top four beaches

1. Welcome Beach – also known as Lake Beach – has a designated watersports area here where you can surf, sail or go canoeing and so much more.
2. Sandown Beach – visit this sandy sloping beach for a relaxing sunny day, head to the Sandown Pier for a variety of activities and amusements.
3. Shanklin Beach – located on the southernmost tip of Sandown Bay, Shanklin Beach is a popular sandy beach for soaking up the sun.
4. Whitecliff Bay – the picturesque sand and shingle beach is wonderfully relaxing, but you can also go on an adventure to the chalk Culver Cliffs which are of geological interest.

top four historical sites

1. The Longstone at Mottistone – Mosttistone is a National Trust property and has lots to offer, including The Longstone. These are two pieces of Neolithic greensand sandstone, which are thought to mark an entrance to a 6000 year old burial ground.
2. Brading Roman Villa – the ruins of this wonderful villa dates as far back as the first and second century. The centre has a range of mosaics and a visitors area. The villa was discovered when a 19th Century farmer was digging holes for a sheep pen and stumbled on a Roman villa.
3. St Catherin’s Oratory – legend tells that a Lord was told to build the 12 metres high lighthouse in 1313 pay penance for taking some shipwrecked communion wine. Its modern replacement is the stunning St Catherine’s Lighthouse.
4. Osborne House – this beautiful house was Queen Victoria’s home for the last 40 years of her life. The house is now open to the public where you can wander the rooms, including the Queen’s bedroom and visit the expertly manicured gardens. Don’t miss the Queen’s portable beach hut or the fun games from years gone by!

top four family attractions

• Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens – a fantastic day out for all ages, with medium sized rides, a toboggan run, a maze, endless woodland to explore and an adventure playground.
• Blackgang Chine – a great family day out with medium sized rides for all ages to enjoy. Try out the water slide, a rollercoaster and visit Restricted Area 5 for a selection of animatronic dinosaurs.
• Tapnell Farm Park – an all-weather attraction for the littles, there are indoor soft play and outdoor adventure play areas, including zip wires, trampolines and go karts. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals, wallabies and meerkats.
• Sandham Gardens – this fabulous play area is just around the corner from the brilliant Dinosaur Isle attraction. There is a skate park, football and basketball court to enjoy. As well as a separate toddler playground for the little ones. Try out the electric go karts and the dinosaur themed minigolf.

With so much to do why not book your Isle of Wight break away with us today? Our stunning accommodation offers everything you could need for a self-catering holiday, with our retreats being ideally placed to explore the island at your own pace.

As any of our UK-based readers will know, the Lake District has long been heralded as one of the most beautiful and scenic regions that the country (perhaps even Europe!) has to offer.

England’s largest national park, the Lake District is one of Britain’s true natural wonders set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, sweeping lakes and dramatic moors, and home to bustling market towns and picturesque villages.

It probably comes as no surprise, then, that Lake District holidays offer incredible, tranquil breaks, in some of the best retreats that the country has to offer. Darwin Escapes is proud to have two beautiful resorts in the Lake District region; both our Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat offer guests peace and stillness, in the UK’s most sought-after holiday destination.

Home to England’s highest mountain and deepest lake, the Lake District is the perfect breath of fresh air: relax, unwind and recharge your batteries in a Darwin Escapes retreat. For the best retreats in the Lake District, look no further than our holiday resort in Keswick, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat – ‘the best holiday park In Britain’.

Our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat has been named the ‘Best Holiday Park in Britain’ for two consecutive years – and it isn’t hard to see why.

Set in the heart of Keswick, within driving distance from the region’s iconic lake, Derwentwater, Keswick Reach Retreat is nestled between dramatic fells and among outstanding natural woodland. Lodges in The Lakes For guests looking to take a restful break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Keswick and the surrounding region offer a truly tranquil escape.

With Catbells Lakeland Walk and Whinlatter Forest Park mere moments away, the opportunities to recharge your batteries with walks through England’s countryside are truly endless. We think there’s truly no better way to shake off the working week than by losing yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes, which is why the region attracts almost 16 million visitors per year, from home or further afield. Spark your curiosity with visits to the region’s National Trust properties, like the 18th-century Derwent Island House, as well as national historic monuments such as Keswick Railway Path, Keswick Museum and Honister Slate Mine. Perfect in spring and summer, there’s also plenty to do all year round, with truly spectacular Christmas markets on offer in the festive season.

It’s at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, however, that you’ll have the opportunity to truly relax. Set amongst the outstanding natural beauty of Keswick, our resort offers a peaceful escape, with truly awe-inspiring views across open moorland, towards Carrock Fell. With our bright, modern lodges and our full range of facilities, your retreat here can begin as soon as you wake up.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is, of course, fully stocked with complete amenities for anything you might need. Soak in your hot tub and drink in the views, build strength in our well-equipped gym, or for complete peace of mind and body you can make full use of our Ammara spa.

Grab a glass of fizz and a bite to eat at our Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie, ready to cater to your every need. With endless places to visit and a whole host of activities, including our Jacuzzi and sauna, there’s truly something for everyone at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Go on – what are you waiting for? Find your escape, at our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Thanet Well Lodge Retreat

We are also lucky enough to have a second resort open to guests in the Lake District; namely Thanet Well Lodge Retreat. Located at the edge of Greystoke Forest, with ideal proximity to the region’s stunning locations of Grasmere and Coniston Lake, Thanet Well Lodge Retreat offers total immersion in both Cumbria and the Lake District.

Designed for guests who simply want to relax in the stunning natural scenery, Thanet Well offers access to the unparalleled Lake District towns of Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Penrith, Keswick and beyond; with awe-inspiring walks and views to entertain for days on end.

For those who prefer the options of resort-based activities, facilities and amenities, our sister park, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, is simply a stone’s throw away.

If you would like to learn more about Keswick Reach, Thanet Well or any of our other retreats and parks, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Darwin Escapes, and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to help. We look forward to your stay with us!

Max and Lauren recently enjoyed a fabulous holiday break away to the Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club, read more about it here. Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club is located in Pocklington, Yorkshire and is home to a stunning 120 acre golf course, which is perfect for our Darwin Ambassador Max Evans. Max and his fiancée Lauren recently took a holiday break with us and Lauren played her first 18 hole golf course! We sat down with Max and asked him some questions about his break and the round of golf the pair enjoyed…

• What made you choose a holiday escape at the Kilnwick Percy Resort over our other Darwin Escapes resorts?
  As a proud Ambassador for Darwin Escapes, I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a holiday escape. I chose Kilnwick Percy Resort on this occasion because firstly, I wanted to take my fiancée, Lauren, for her first round of 18 holes on a golf course. Secondly, I knew I could incentivise the trip by offering Lauren luxury accommodation and a wonderful spa all in the same place.

• Did you visit the local area whilst staying with us? If so, where would you recommend?
  We actually drove down from Newcastle and stopped at an English Heritage site, Mount Grace Priory House and Gardens. I love historic buildings and learning about our history so it was well worth it. We didn’t venture out of the resort during our stay, everything we needed and more was within the resort. On our way back to Newcastle, not far from the resort, we saw a road sign pointing to a 13th Century Church. We followed the sign and found the Church easily, it was smaller than I expected but amazing to see such an historic building from the 13th Century.
• How did you find your spa experience and which treatment did you choose?
  The Tranquility Spa experience was excellent. The staff were lovely and gave us a warm welcome. I had a deep tissue sports massage which I really needed and enjoyed very much. Lauren also had a massage, plus she had a gel nail manicure. She loved the massage and was very happy with her nails. I was really impressed by the Jacuzzi and barrel sauna’s, as a former sportsman I know full well the benefits of both for the body.
• Which facility did you use the most whilst staying on the resort?
  Probably the sauna to be honest! We used all of the facilities, the golf course, the gym, the spa, but we certainly used the barrel sauna more than once.

• How did you find the golf course? Did Lauren enjoy playing her first 18-hole course?
  I found the course a comfortable test. I loved feeling completely immersed in nature, by that I mean there is no sign of roads or buildings apart from the lodges which blend into the environment easily. The scenery is picturesque with many pretty holes. Apart from the rain, Lauren was smitten with her first round of Golf. It was obviously her first time learning many parts of the game and certain golfing etiquettes. I couldn’t have asked for a better course to introduce a total beginner.
• What are your top tips for playing at the course at the Kilnwick Percy?
  For the most part, the great thing about the course is the ability to know where you’re going off the tee. Playing it for the first time I wasn’t caught out by any hidden traps. It was a longer course than I expected and there are some tricky bunkers around some of the greens. I suppose my top tip for the course is to work on your bunker play around the greens.

• What was your favourite hole?
  My favourite hole was either the 2nd hole or the 9th hole. The 2nd hole is a testing par 4 with slight dog leg right. If the tee shot is in the right spot, it’s a really nice approach to the green. I really liked the par 3 9th hole, maybe because I had a birdie there, but also it’s a satisfying distance. It’s also next to the lodges, I was watching other golfers play the hole from our lodge afterwards.
• What’s your top tip/bit of advice for anyone wanting to stay at a Darwin Escapes resort but has not yet taken the plunge?
  TAKE THE PLUNGE! DO IT! I guarantee you will not regret it. I truly believe Darwin Escapes have nailed it when it comes to accommodating all different holiday makers. Whether its family, groups of mates, a couples retreat or even a solo trip to treat yourself. The staff are so friendly and I know it’s because the Darwin Escape resorts are all round happy environments. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else for a holiday in the UK.

• Would you stay with us again and is there any particular reason you’d like to return?
  Of course! No question! Lauren and I loved our lodge at the Kilnwick Percy Resort and we felt very tiny in it. We both agreed we’d love to return with our friends and have a blast one weekend! Picturing it now brings a big smile to my face.
• Could you ever see yourself entering into holiday home ownership?
  In all honesty this is the first time anyone has ever asked me. I’ve never thought about it before now. I’ve been so lucky all my life to have Mum and Dad living in Portugal, that’s always been my very fortunate go-to holiday destination. Before I was introduced to Darwin Escapes, it never crossed my mind to go on holiday in the UK. Now, with all that there is to offer at the Darwin Escapes resorts and with so many across the country to choose from, AND with their 3 golf course destinations, Kilnwick Percy, The Springs and Dundonald Links, it’s logistically miles better! I’m definitely interested to know more about holiday home ownership.
• Are there any other Darwin Escapes resorts you’re eager to visit?
  I’m genuinely so eager to visit them all! In the coming years I’m hopeful Darwin Escapes will add Padel Tennis to their long list of facilities. I’m absolutely obsessed with this new sport. It’s very popular in Spain and the courts are starting to increase in the UK. I know everyone will love it as much as I do because in my opinion it’s everything a Sport should be… fun, easy to play, social and competitive! Watch out for news of the first Darwin Escapes Padel Courts and I’ll be there eager as anything to play!
• If you could only describe your Darwin Escapes experience in three words what words would you use?
  Welcome Home Max. (Easiest question of all)

We think it’s fair to say that Max and Lauren had a fantastic holiday break with us at Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club and fully enjoyed all of the facilities available, as well as our beautiful 18 hole golf course.

Why not book your break away with us today and have the same experience as Max and Lauren at our stunning Kilnwick Percy Resort?

The annual Hoseasons Awards were held in Brighton last night and Darwin Escapes came home with 9 Diamond Awards for 2019!

The Hoseasons Awards are a prestigious event and it is the most anticipated evening of the year for UK holiday companies. Here at Darwin Escapes, we have a wonderful history of being multiple Diamond Award winners, including Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat being the first location to ever win the Best in Britain Award two years in a row!

This year was no exception as Darwin Escapes brought home 6 Diamond Award winning locations and 3 Diamond Award winning restaurants!

Scroll for a full list of our Diamond Award winners…

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in Devon, Somerset & Dorset Small Parks

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in Cornwall

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in Devon, Somerset & Dorset

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in Devon, Somerset & Dorset

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in the East of England

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in the South of England

Three of our fantastic restaurants were also Food Diamond Award winners this year. The F&B Awards are a brand new category and we are absolutely delighted to have been nominated and won. These are a recognition of all the hard work that our wonderful teams put into creating the menus and serving delicious meals!

• Sandymouth Holiday Resort, Bistro Restaurant – Best F&B in Cornwall
• Best F&B in North England and Best in Britain Food Award 2019 – Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, Copper Fells Bar & Restaurant

Darwin Escapes also had 6 destinations in the finalists of each of their categories, with Keswick Reach also a finalist in the Best in Britain Award category, which is highly impressive to be recognised for the third year in a row!

Here at Darwin Escapes HQ we would love to say a massive congratulations to whole Darwin Escapes team for another fantastic year at the Hoseasons Awards! All of our colleagues work hard to help you create lasting memories of wonderful holidays at each of our fabulous destinations.

And of course, we would love to say a massive Thank You to you, our truly wonderful guests!

Aberconwy Resort & Spa will be home to the stunning lodge with a roof-top terrace so you can soak up the surrounding views of the Snowdonia Mountain Range and sandy Conwy Morfa beach. Take a sneak peak inside the breath-taking lodge with our images below…

The Bowmoor Lodge is currently available for sale for £449,995. The two bed lodge comes with beautiful open plan living space, a fully fitted kitchen and separate dining area. Head outside to the private decking area and climb the spiral staircase to enjoy the 360 views of the North Wales coastline, included in the cost of the lodge is comfortable outdoor furniture and a BBQ to make the most of those summer nights. We are also throwing in a fantastic Mazda MX-5 when you purchase this terrific super-lodge.

All owners at Aberconwy Resort & Spa enjoy full access to our 5 star facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room to relax in. Or opt for a soothing spa treatment at the Aberconwy Spa, where you can also feel invigorated with a wide range of aesthetic treatments also available.

The Langley’s Country Club and Gym will have everything you need for a full body workout, or if you’re looking for a rejuvenating HIIT class, Langley’s has what you need too. Enjoy an outstanding meal at Signatures Restaurant, where the ever changing menu means you can eat out every week and always enjoy a new dish from talented Head Chef Jimmy!

Ownership at Aberconwy means joining a friendly community and enjoying a fantastic lifestyle along the picturesque North Wales coastline.

Adults like to be spooked on Halloween just as much as children right? Well here is the ultimate list of adult fright nights 2021 to get your adrenaline going…

If you’re interested in an adult fright night experience the DE HQ have braved the perils of searching the web for the ultimate live scare events in the UK. We searched through endless clowns, monsters and zombies to find these frightful events near our locations – so you can book your event and accommodation all in one go!

Read on to find the best live scare adult attraction near you this Halloween…

Fright Nights

At: Thorpe Park / When: 15th – 31st October / Open times vary / Prices: £55 day pass

Thorpe Park is back with its award-winning adult fright night event. Hold your nerve at the 20 minute, utterly frightening, Terror at Amity High show, where you’re invited to the prom but will you survive the brutal vampires who are out for your blood? Or maybe Creak Freak Massacre is more your speed, where you’ll enter the abandoned Creek Woods Saw Mill and get around the unhinged resident family of lumberjacks. Other live scare attractions include Platform 15, Do or Die and Screamplexx, with so many more to give you the fright of your life this Halloween!

Nearest Location: Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat

book now

FEAR Scream Park

At: Avon Valley / When: 15th – 31st October / Times: 6pm – 11pm / Prices from £13.50

FEAR was voted the UK’s Best Scream Park 2019 and is one of the most popular fright night events. There are 4 returning scare attractions for FEAR fans which are X4, Anarchy Live, Phobia: Rebirth and House of Clowns. But a new terrifying scare maze will be live this year and enter at your own peril! As well as the attractions, soak up the screams from the Halloween Festival of Freakalicious, which has immersive street theatre, fire dancers, an escape room, stilt walkers and fairground rides.

Nearest Location: Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

book now

Hallowscream

At: York Maze / When: 8th – 31st October / Times: 6.30pm – 11.30pm / Ticket prices vary

Back with a bang, Hallowscream has over 100 actors and 5 separate live action haunted houses, as well as stage shows and creepy characters roaming around the maze. Based on a farm, legend tells us there was an awful tragedy 1873 and every year on Halloween the restless souls return to find who’s responsible. Head to the live scare attraction 2073 and get thrown into a ‘post Trump’ nuclear apocalypse, where zombies are running free and society has broken down. Corny’s Carnival has had a terrifying update, including shrinking rooms, rooms that spin and defy gravity, all filled with demonic clowns and mind blowing illusions!

Nearest Location: Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club

book now

Terror Island

At: Blackgang Chine / When: 22nd – 31st October / Times: 6pm – 10pm / Prices: from £18 per person

Terror Island lets you explore one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions in a fantastically frightful way! This adult fright night includes 3 terrifying attractions, The Blood Shed is a serial killers secret hideaway of rotting cabins and half human incumbents. The ancient spirits of the sea are angry with St Catherine’s Lighthouse and are out for vengeance and blood. A Pagan deity has invoked a hex on mankind in Hexcavation after being unearthed during an archaeological excavation. As well as the live scare attractions making you scream, there are two rides available, Cliff Hanger and Waterforce, along with tarot card readings, street food, entertainment and a DJ.

Nearest Location: Woodside Coastal Retreat

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Ffear Fforest

At: Zip World / When: 22nd – 31st October / Times: 7.30pm – 10.30pm / Prices: £30 per person

Head to the famous Zip World for a fantastic fright night in the wild! There will be scary characters hiding all over the woods, go for a ride on the Cursed Coaster and twist through the forest with a spooky surprise trying to steal your soul at every corner. Your ticket also gives you access to The Nets where you’ll bounce your way through the jungle while trying to survive an attack of the clowns in Europe’s longest net walkway. Are you brave enough to try Nightfall? A killer clown will be waiting at the bottom of a trapdoor just for you…

Nearest Location: New Pines Holiday Home Park

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Farmageddon

At: Ormskirk / When: 21st – 31st October / Times: 7pm – 11pm / Prices vary depending on date

A terrifying and very popular adult fright night is waiting for you this Halloween. Where you can go after the live scare attractions to slow your heart rate and enjoy the entertainment, including fire dancers, stage shows, music and high rise silk displays. The Zombie Outlaw attraction is a fantastic paintball experience where you’ll shoot anything that moves and stay away from the zombies. The Meat Locker will leave you running from Malachi’s slaughterhouse, as he’s found a way to be immortal by the consumption of human flesh, and it’s yours he wants next. Contagion will play with your mind as the insane clowns and freakish ghouls look to catch you and devour you. Welcome to Farmageddon!

Nearest Location: Talacre Beach Resort

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Alton Towers Scarefest

At: Staffordshire / When: 15th-31st October / Times: 10am – 9pm / Prices: from £34 per person

Give yourselves the adrenaline thrill you need whilst you get the spooks, frights and thrills of the Scarefest. Throughout the park you will have ghools, ghosts and creepy scares wherever you go so you will always need to be on guard. You can also book into the different scare mazes like Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard, The Attic: Terror of the Towers, Altonville Mine Tours or Darkest Depths. All of which will definitely scare even the bravest of people. Alton Towers now also has The Alton Towers Dungeon which you can also add into your Scarefest experience if you want to learn a little more about the hideously horrible history.

Nearest Location: Rivendale Lodge Retreat

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So have you found your live scare event for Halloween from our ultimate guide to the top 7 adult fright night attractions in the UK? Let us know which one you visit…and good luck!

Darwin Ambassador and Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk is holding a charity golf day at The Springs in Oxfordshire this October

Taking place on Thursday 31st October, the charity event aims to raise funds for Dogs for Good, Sarah has been an ambassador of the charity for over two years. The charity trains and provides dogs to people with a variety of needs, including physical disabilities, autism, dementia and learning disabilities, giving them a more independent life.

The charity golf day hosted at The Springs will also be full of fun for everyone, including prizes and a Question and Answer session with professional golfer Eddie Pepperell, who won the 2018 Qatar Masters. The charity golf day is sure to be a fantastic day raising funds for a worthy cause!

You’re still within a chance to play in the tournament too! You can enter with a team, or individually if you choose, all you have to do is get in touch via email on events@dogsforgood.org or call 01295 759 838. This is already a hugely popular event, so make sure to register your interest as soon as you can.

play one of the best courses in oxfordshire at the springs golf club

Located in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, The Springs Golf Club has a fantastic course spread over 133 acres of parkland. The course itself was designed by Brian Hugget, a very talented golfer and former Ryder Cup Captain who created a course to test all skill levels and challenge off the tee.

Our membership costs are competitive and offer a wide range of benefits, including priority online booking, access to practice facilities with a putting green and practice range.

Sarah Stirk’s lucky competition winner spent the day playing a round of golf with the Sky Sports reporter at our very own Springs Golf Club. Darwin Ambassador and Sky Sports golf reporter, Sarah Stirk recently ran a competition in partnership with Darwin Escapes, where one winner would be able to play a round of golf with her at The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Scott Peggie, from near Falkirk in Scotland was that lucky winner and travelled down the country to Wallingford, Oxfordshire to play with Sarah! Scott was surprised and delighted to hear he had won the social competition and was excited to play alongside Sarah and Matt Kimber, the pro-golfer at The Springs. Scott regularly plays with his friends at his local clubs, including St Andrews Golf Club and Falkrik Golf Club, as well as having played on our own championship course at Dundonland Links Golf Club.

Although the weather was not on their side, the trio had a wonderful (if wet) day playing golf on the stunning Oxfordshire course, with Sarah winning the day. Scott and Matt both ended on 35, with Sarah out-scoring them on 39 points.

the q&a

We sat down with both Sarah and Scott after their game and had a quick question and answer session with them about the day.

scott peggie

What made you enter the competition? – I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work on Sky Sports & thought it would be a great chance to play golf with her.

Are you a keen golfer? – I try to play golf every week whether its games with friends or medal competitions at my local golf club.

Are you a member of any other golf clubs? – I’m currently a member of Falkirk Golf Club and The St Andrews Golf Club.

How did you find the day? – It was a fantastic experience & everyone made me feel very welcome. I was a little nervous prior to meeting with Sarah but she was so easy going & down to earth that it felt like I was playing with a lifelong friend!

What did you think of the course? – The course was excellent, very playable for all levels of player. The condition of the course was great, the green in particular were fantastic to putt on, running very true which gives a lot of confidence. The rain didn’t have any negative impact on how the course played as there was no noticeable water lying on the course. The green keeping staff should be commended for the overall condition.

Did you encounter any difficulties/what was your favourite hole? I didn’t encounter any difficulties. There were a number of good holes but my favourite was the 8th hole, which is a short par 3 with a lake to the left of the green. I didn’t play the hole as well as Sarah but it’s one I would like to play again!

Did the weather affect the day? – The weather wasn’t pleasant that’s for sure! However, it didn’t impact on the quality of the golf we all played and certainly didn’t reduce the enjoyment on the day. Only thing it probably stopped me taking photos on the way round as trying to stay dry!

How did you find the clubhouse facilities? – The facilities were really good, the locker room was well set out with individual lockers available for belongings etc. The Pro shop was well stocked with lots of quality brands, both in clothing & golf clubs. The bar/lounge area was spacious and comfortable with nice views out onto the golf course. The staff throughout the clubhouse were very welcoming & happy to assist with any queries that I had.

How was lunch? – I had fish & chips from the ‘specials’ menu and it was tasty. I would definitely recommend having food & a drink after playing as it rounded off the day perfectly.

Would you try another Darwin Escapes Golf Resort? – I’ve been lucky to have played twice at Dundonald Links in the past so I’m really looking forward to seeing how Darwin Escapes develop the course & in particular the facilities further. I’d like to have a game at the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire as it looks a good set up with accommodation available onsite & restaurant facilities.

sarah stirk

How’s the course playing at the moment? – Fantastically well, the greens are great and it’s certainly more challenging off the tee

What was your favourite hole? – 18, visually it’s stunning with the trees splitting the fairway. A real tough driving test and it’s imposing from the tee

Lose any balls in the water? – No, but lots on the bunkers!

How did you find golf pro Matt’s performance? – Matt was fab, a true professional despite him saying he rarely gets to play nowadays, it doesn’t show

How did you find Scott’s performance? – Scott played really well. A lovely guy and an unbelievable putter. He couldn’t miss!

You don’t play as much as you’d like to? How does that affect you? – I miss it, I’ve played more this year, but still not enough. Definitely hope to get a few more rounds in this season and aim to play more in 2020

Sarah will be running another social competition to play at Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club very soon! Make sure to keep an eye out on her social channels for a chance to win and play a game with her at another of Darwin Escapes’ luxurious golf resorts!