Newquay provides one of the best locations for Water Sports, so get your wet suit ready!

Cornwall is the ideal location for those hoping to get out in the fresh air and enjoy what the outdoors in South West England has to offer.
Newquay itself boasts eight stunning beaches that all play host to a variety of waves and wildlife making it the perfect location to dust off that surfboard or paddle board and head out into the sea to take part in some water sports.

Newquay Activity Centre is the longest running activity centre in Newquay, it’s won a variety of awards for its extensive array of water based activities and offers some of the best water sports from Surfing to Coasteering.

We’ve put together a list of some of the amazing thrill-seeking water sport sessions available so keep reading to find out more…

surfing

For those of you who have always wanted to learn how to surf, Newquay’s Activity Centre is the ideal place to start. The experienced team of ISA, Beach Lifeguard and Surf England qualified instructors deliver only the best surfing lessons providing tuition from the sand to the water and work hard to tailor every session to suit the individual.

A Taster Surfing Session will include a two hour lesson with an introduction to board handling and prone riding and much more. You’ll also be allocated all the equipment you need to get riding the waves in style!

Taster Surfing Lesson: £35pp

bodyboarding

Bodyboarding is the perfect water sport for the whole family to try! The Newquay Activity Centre is the only UK specialist Bodyboarding School and the team have over 20 years’ experience of the sport.

All bodyboarding lessons are designed by British Team Bodyboard Coach, Rob Barber and your Taster Lesson will include a two-hour session where you’ll learn all you need to know on Bodyboarding from beach safety to warming up, paddling out and learning to ride those waves.

Taster Bodyboarding Lesson: £38pp

coasteering

Be prepared to get yourself kitted out in a wetsuit and hard hat to take part in an adrenaline fuelled water sport. Coasteering offers a unique and thrill-seeking challenge and allows you to take part in sea cliff jumps, clamber through caves, and tackle rapids and whirlpools whilst keeping an eye out for the amazing marine life!

You can choose the intensity level suitable for your group and an experienced team will then take you on a route which is compatible with the group’s abilities. You’ll be taken along the Cornish Coastline so you can see some breath-taking parts of Cornwall in a way you have never seen them before!

North Coast Challenge Coasteer (high tide): £45pp

super stand up paddle boarding

Grab a few of your family members or a group of some of your most daring friends to explore the beautiful Cornwall coast all from a giant stand up paddle board.

The Newquay Activity Centre will kit you out with all the equipment you need to take to the sea and you’ll be able to explore some of the jaw-dropping Cornwall Caves, practice your best paddling manoeuvres and then stop to play some fun games.

Super Stand Up Paddle Boarding quirky activity but full of fun!

Super Stand Up Paddle Boarding: £40pp

For those looking for an unrivalled experience and want to be slightly more daring then why not combine a stand-up paddle session with the thrill-seeking coaster. It’ll provide the ultimate water sport experience with stunning views of the Cornwall Coast along the way! Speak to a team member at Newquay Activity Centre for full details and prices.

enjoy plenty of water sport fun along the beautiful Cornish coastline…

For more information on any of the activities check out the Newquay Activity Centre website or call 01637 877722.

If you’re heading to Newquay to take part in the thrill-seeking water sport activities then why not book a holiday break at our five star Piran Meadows Resort & Spa which is just 15 minutes away from Newquay Activity Centre.

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa will provide the perfect relaxation experience, not only does it have luxurious self-catering accommodation, there is also a restaurant on site!

Have fun and enjoy!

Think of exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and you probably think of trips to the beach and cliff-top walks to see the famous arch of Durdle Door. However, for the more adventurous, there is another way to explore.

For a real bucket-list experience you can join a kayak tour of the Jurassic Coast and paddle right from Lulworth Cove along the coastline to Man O’War Bay, and through the arch of Durdle Door.

Kayaking through Durdle Door had been on my ‘to-do’ list for quite a while, and that eagerness showed when I arrived at Lulworth Cove at 8:15am, a full 30 minutes before the arranged meeting time. It seemed that the entire village was still asleep at this time and despite walking up and down the main streets for a while on the lookout for a cafe or coffee shop, nothing was yet open and I would have to wait until after the trip for a proper cup of coffee. I sat near the beach to kill some time before my trip began, it was beautifully peaceful with not another person around in the picturesque cove.

At 8:45 I made my way to the meeting point at the Jurassic Coast Activities HQ near the main town car park. I was told that today was a quiet day for the kayak tour and only three other people would be joining the tour. I was quite pleased about that, a smaller group can move further and faster and hopefully see more of the coast. I was given a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket and was pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. As I was getting changed I could hear that the other three people had arrived as well. We would soon be on our way.

After the typical formalities of introductions and safety briefings we followed our guide outside and picked up our kayaks. As there were four of us we would be using two-man kayaks for the trip. We wheeled them down to the beach and were in the water within minutes.

In the protection of the cove the water was calm and the paddling easy, but the weather was on the turn and as we reached open water the wind was strong and the swell seemed to lift us and drop us every few seconds.

My initial excitement turned to nervousness for a few minutes as some sizeable waves hit the kayak and rocked us from side to side. I wondered how big these waves would need to be to flip our kayak over and dump us in the sea but our guide seemed unconcerned so I soon settled down. We made good progress along the coast and the opening into Lulworth Cove was soon out of sight. The paddling felt like hard work at times, most of my kayaking experience came from lakes where there are no waves, swells or currents to contend with.

Within a few minutes our guide signalled to a small hole in the cliff face, known as Stair Hole, we paddled through the hole and found a small cove on the other side, almost hidden from the sea. We stopped for a few minutes while our guide pointed out the Lulworth Crumple, layers and layers of limestone that made up the edges of the cove and made this area so geologically important. It was a great experience to be able to paddle right into this cove and get so close to these limestone features.

On the way out of the cove we paddled into a small cave that extended a few metres into the rock. It was dark and narrow, just wide enough for a kayak. We had to hold our paddles parallel to the kayak and use our hands to push ourselves deeper and then use the same method of pushing off the rock overhead to get back out. You would never know this cave was there unless you were on a kayak, it was hidden from land and far too small for any other kind of boat to venture in.

We continued along the coastline, heading towards Man O’War Bay. The weather had really changed by this point and the clear skies of the morning were being replaced with thick cloud. The wind had picked up and the paddling was hard work. We knew that Durdle Door wasn’t too far away though and for all of us, that was going to be the highlight of the trip.

We stopped in Man O’War bay for a quick rest, we pulled the kayaks up onto the beach and drank water and ate a chocolate biscuit each for energy. As we sat and rested we watched a Peregrine Falcon flying high above us, they nest on the cliff tops here and explain why there aren’t too many seabirds to be spotted in this location.

Reenergised and raring to go, we jumped back in our kayaks and paddled hard to get out of the cove against the waves, our hard work was rewarded almost instantly and Durdle Door was within sight. We paddled closer and stopped to take photos and turn on our GoPros. This was what we were here for.

There are many ways to explore Dorset, there are dozens of clifftop walks and coastal trails you can follow, but if you’re feeling adventurous paddling through Durdle Door and exploring the caves and geological features of the area is highly recommended. If you’ve got a bucket list, you should be adding this to it and making plans to tick it off.

For more information on booking a kayak tour visit

By Rob Haggan

We like to say a huge thank you to Rob for his wonderful guest post about the Jurassic Coast! If you’d like to book your own adventure and stay in luxurious accommodation, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is waiting for you!

Happy Adventuring!

Photo Credits: Jurassic Coast Activities

A Fantastic Way to See the Local Area & Great Fun for All the Family

Treasure Trail booklets provide a fun way to explore areas across the UK with self-guided tours which take on a different theme and character depending on the location. Booklets are available for areas all around Cumbria, with Penrith’s trail taking the guise of a Spy Mission! Taking approximately an hour and a half to complete, the trail covers a circular route of 2 miles and is suitable for adults and children aged over 6 – there is even a free text service to receive clues if you get a bit stuck…

what is a treasure trail exactly?

Treasure Trails booklets can be purchased from treasuretrails.co.uk and provide a great way to learn about the local area, with booklets available for dozens of locations all around the UK. They provide an ideal way to explore either the areas nearby to where you live or places that you are visiting on holiday. You can start and finish your adventure whenever you like too – although waiting for daylight is recommended. You can order a printed book, or download an electronic version and print it off yourself…then go out and do some good old-fashioned exploring!

explore as you enjoy themed adventures

Take on the character of a spy, a detective or a treasure-hunter and create your own story as you follow the trail and solve a series of clues whilst taking in the best of the local sights and scenery. Great fun for children and adults.

explore on foot, get on your bike or in your car

Most of the trails – including Penrith’s,  are designed to be explored with a leisurely walk. However, there are also a number of trails that cover larger areas and are designed to be undertaken on a bike or in a car. The bike and car trails consist of a number of stops, where you get off your bike or out of your car to read the next clue. The driving trails consist of both walking and driving, with around 2 miles of walking at each stop; creating a longer day of exploring which will usually take 4 to 5 hours to complete. The cycling trails are plotted along established cycle paths and again consist of stop-offs where you will explore on foot.

see penrith from a different perspective

If you think you’ll enjoy this creative and quirky way to explore Penrith then download your map and clues from the TreasureTrails website. There are a huge number of trails available, including dog friendly adventures!

You can purchase your copy of the Penrith Spy Mission Treasure Trail from the website here. The booklet costs £6.99 at the time of writing.

Book your stay at Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and look forward to exploring the stunning local area.

Take a Walk in Mullion to Relax, Unwind & Explore. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel burnt out and overwhelmed from time to time.

A growing body of scientific literature supports the Victorian notion that time spent by the sea and walking in nature is a fantastic way to relax, rejuvenate and renew. What’s more a family walk by the coast can be highly educational, great fun and completely free! Whether you want a bit of time-out in nature or a fun family adventure full of things to see & explore, Mullion provides some beautiful walks.

We take a look at some of the fantastic walking-routes on offer in and around our Mullion Cove retreat in beautiful South Cornwall…

Mullion Cove to Lizard Point

Boasting amazing views, wildlife and a range of beautiful wild flowers, this clifftop walk is regarded as intermediate in terms of difficulty. 11 miles in total to walk there and back, many opt to take the bus on the way back to Mullion Cove from the wonderfully named Lizard village. Despite being a direct walk along the Southwest Coast Path there are a number of scrambles and climbs to scale along the way. The path soon narrows and steepens and can be very slippy in the damp. Take your wallet with you if you fancy a drink along the way, as you will pass a number of pubs and there are plenty of quirky independent shops and eateries as you make your way into Lizard Village. Keep on the Coastal Path and go past disused soapstone quarry and Kynance Cove – keeping an eye out for the rocky islands and caves of the cove which include the wonderfully named – Devil’s Letterbox! As you carry on along the path and pass by the rocky Pentreath Beach, you should be able to see Lizard Village inland. As the path levels off, after a short while you should soon reach Lizard Point, where a path will take you to the village.

Things to Look Out For on the Walk Include:

• The National Trust Wildlife Watchpoint
• Highland Cows
• Grey Seals on the rocks just offshore
• During the summer look out for dolphins & basking sharks

the Mullion three coves walk – Mullion & Poldhu

A fantastic circular walk, you can take in the coastal views and explore the three amazing coves nearby with this awe-inspiring route. Heading first past Polurrian Cove, with its stunning golden beach and beautifully clear water, you’ll be tempted to spend all day exploring this one location! If you can tear yourself away from this beautiful beach however, you can carry on the Coastal Path, following the signs and the acorn waymarkers until you make your way towards Poldu Cove (also known as Black Pool Cove). A favoured hangout for surfers and windsurfers, this area is owned by the National Trust and there is a quirky beach café nearby to grab some refreshments. Once you’re back on the path, carry on past the Marconi Monument – a tall white stone structure with a plaque dedicated to the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean. Stay on the main path until you are back at Mullion Cove. Partially protected from the elements by Mullion Island, Mullion Cove is still an active fishing boat harbour and has been in use as such since the 1600s. It’s also home to a number of infamous smuggling tales as the local fisherman of the 16th and 17th century looked to broaden their income stream!

Things to Look Out For Include:

• House Martins in the autumn
• Rare birds such as the marsh harrier
• Poldhu Beach with a surf school & cafe
• The Marconi Monument

the Gunwalloe coves walk

With their own unique beaches, history and character, the coves in South Cornwall are so breathtakingly beautiful that even after you’ve completed the Three Coves Walk you are likely to want to find a few more to explore! Gunwalloe is approximately 7 miles from Mullion and this walk passes the old cellars that fans of the BBC’s Poldark series will be familiar with. The circular path goes past the beautiful Loe Bar beach and fishing cove. Loe Bar is historically well known for the storms and strong currents which have resulted in a number of famous shipwrecks including the wreck of HMS Anson in 1807, which still has a memorial near the beach today. The walk then ascends Halzephron Cliff, before descending to the stunning Dollar Cove and then the Church Cove. Dollar Cove is named after the silver dollars that have been found on the beach ever since the San Salvador ship was wrecked nearby in 1669, whilst Church Cove is named after the beautiful church which sits adjacent to the beach.

Things to Look Out For Include:

• The Halzephron Inn
• Treasure at the Dollar Cove
• Kestrels & Ravens
• The church of St Wynwallow at Church Cove

South Cornwall has some amazing scenery and wildlife on offer, with a number of harbour villages and beautiful coves just waiting to be explored. Mullion Cove is the perfect place to base yourself during a trip to the area, with a number of lodges offering pet-friendly accommodation and others boasting luxury hot tubs – perfect for relaxing after a long walk! If you’re out exploring, remember to wear appropriate clothing including footwear, take a drink & sunscreen on summer days and let people know where you are going before you leave. If you’re heading off the beaten track, consider investing in an OS Map and a Compass too.

Take a look at our luxury lodge holidays in South Cornwall

Sandymouth Holiday Resort is nearing its re-opening, so why not start planning your visit now?

Sandymouth is currently undergoing a redevelopment, with brand new accommodation, the wooden lodges having some TLC, along with the infamous Pirate Ship and new facilities, including an outdoor activity area. Sandymouth will be opening in early May, so now is the time to start planning your holiday to Bude!

The South West Lakes Trust is a charity that looks after a collection of lakes in Cornwall, from Wimbleball to Stithian’s Lake, but there are two wonderful lake activity centres near Sandymouth Holiday Resort, Bude. Roadford Lake is only 45 minutes away, and Tamar Lakes is just over 15 minutes away from Sandymouth, both offering fun family activities outdoors!

Roadford Lake

45 minutes away from Sandymouth

Roadford Lake is near the Devon/Cornwall boarder, and is a place where you can explore by bike, foot or boat! The dog friendly park is filled with nature trails to take your fur-baby (on a lead) and discover the lakeside. The man-made lake was built in 1989 and is home to an endangered species of Hazel Dormouse, as well as plenty of other wildlife including, badgers, bats, otters, foxes and even red deer! So keep your eyes peeled while exploring this beautiful area.

If you’re looking for excitement visit the activity centre, where you can try your hand at sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swinging from the high ropes, hit the bull’s eye in archery and so much more. Grab a bite to eat at the Lakeside Café, offering take away or eat in options, where they have locally sourced produce, along with mouth-watering cakes and a wide range of light lunches available. Visit Roadford for a family day out, with plenty of fun and free things to do near Bude.

Tamar Lake

15 minutes away from Sandymouth

Tamar Lake is just 15 minutes away from Sandymouth, and was built in 1819 to supply water to the Bude Canal, where you can now follow the aqueduct trail from Upper to Lower Tamar into Bude and discover the canals history. With plenty of open spaces, a brand new play area and nature trails, this dog friendly area (pup must be kept on a lead) is fun for all the family, and is teaming with wildlife to find! See if you can spot kingfishers, butterflies, herons, beautiful dragonflies or even deer! Enjoy a light lunch at The Frog Hopper café, where delicious homemade soup and fresh cakes are on offer.

Thrill seekers can explore the lake on canoe, kayak, paddle board or pedalo as a family, the fun activity centre offers sailing, along with hiring equipment if you don’t have your own. They also have a wide range of outdoor activities regardless of age or ability, perfect for a real life mini-adventure. Can you see the bubbles on the lake? Well don’t panic, it’s not a lake monster! There are 30 Helixors at the bottom of the lake that stop the water from going stagnant, and help to prevent algae bloom. Beautiful and fascinating to see!

So why not book your holiday at Sandymouth Holiday Resort now? Get ready for the grand re-opening of a beautiful resort along the South West Coast, with so much on offer at park and in the local area, you will love your holiday in Bude, Cornwall.

Have a mini-adventure this year!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat guests receive 10% discount on range of activities at the Keswick Climbing Wall and Outdoor Activity Centre

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is one of Darwin Escapes’ brand new destinations, and located in the heart of the Lake District, is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cumbria. With the onsite Copper Fells restaurant providing mouth-watering food, and Ammara Spa offering luxury Aromatherapy Associates treatments, exploring the region is ideal when having a massage to return too!

Just 20 minutes away is the famous Keswick Climbing Wall and Outdoor Activity Centre, where our guests receive a 10% discount, by quoting ‘Keswick Reach Lodges’ on an indoor climbing session, archery lesson or half day course session! Book your holiday and your exciting adventure in Cumbria, with breath taking views and something for all ages and abilities to enjoy!

a great day out in all seasons…

 

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The Keswick Climbing Wall and Outdoor Activity Centre is designed to be the perfect location for a fun family day out, with something to do for people of all ages. Regardless of whether you are an Adrenalin junkie keen to try their hand at canoeing or simply want to sit back and sample the fine food on offer a the Hungry Heifer Cafe, you will always have something to do at this exciting centre where you can easily fill countless days out during your stay at Keswick Reach.

It is a great attraction to visit in any season, regardless of the weather outside with there being plenty of indoor activities to take advantage of including indoor rock climbing and also archery!

A bit of a novelty in the area is the fact that free parking is provided for anyone visiting the Keswick Climbing Wall. This combined with your exclusive Darwin 10% off voucher makes it a very affordable destination for a fun family day out.

the activities

 

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Being located in the heart of the Lake District has its perks, with breath taking views of Blencathra and the Helvellyn Range, as well as some tasty treats from the Hungry Heifer Café. Keswick Climbing Wall & Activity Centre offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities in this beautiful region.

• Indoor climbing
• Indoor climbing lessons
• Outdoor archery
• Indoor archery
• 170m Zipline
• Outdoor rock climbing
• Orienteering
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Ghyll Scramble
• Orienteering
• Rookery Woods – Under 8’s adventure play area

the darwin discount

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat guests receive a 10% discount when booking certain activities, all you have to do is quote “Keswick Reach Lodges” when booking. There are three activities you can chose from to receive this fantastic discount on: an archery lesson, an indoor climbing wall session or a half day course (3 hours).

 

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The half day course is a 3 hours session of one activity of your choice, you can try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or outdoor rock climbing, as well as testing your balance skills on the high ropes course. Or for the real thrill seekers explore the Lake District in a brand new way with a Ghyll Scramble session, where you will slide, jump and dive down streams, jump off waterfalls and plunge into pools!

The indoor climbing wall is actually a full room of climbing, bringing the outdoors, inside, this room has something for all abilities. Whether you are a total new-comer, where you will receive a lesson beforehand, or an experienced climber looking for a new challenge, the wall will have the perfect pace for you to test your skills.

There is the option of indoor and outdoor archery, so no matter the weather you are sure to perfect your aim. The outdoor range gives you the opportunity to feel like Robin Hood, surrounded by the beautiful views of Blencathra with a bow and arrow. You will be introduced to the activity by fun games and exercises, so you will slowly move further from the target, and maybe even hit the bull’s eye!

Book your next holiday at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat and have an adventure filled time at the Keswick Climbing Wall & Activity Centre! Don’t forget to quote ‘Keswick Reach Lodges’ when booking your activity to get the 10% off!

Happy Adventuring!

Take Exercise Outdoors for Additional Health Benefits! It’s often a lot more appealing and generally a lot more convenient to head to the temperature-controlled gym, than for the nearest field, forest or beach; especially in the winter. A growing body of research however, suggests that if we choose to hit the treadmill rather than the hill, we might be missing out on a number of physical and mental health benefits…

mental health & outdoor exercise

The mental health benefits of exercise have been established for some time now. Scientific research dating back to the start of the 1980s has concluded that regular exercise can improve mood in the vast majority of people.

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1999, examined the impact of aerobic exercise on men and women with major depression. Exercise was so effective, that the study concluded that an exercise training programme may be considered an alternative treatment to antidepressants. In addition, a follow up study conducted six months later found that exercise was a more robust treatment than antidepressants, with the ‘exercise group’, less likely to relapse.

What is perhaps, less well known, is that the benefits of exercise can be enhanced by exercising outdoors.

A study conducted in 2010 assessed the effect of nature and ‘green exercise’ (outdoor exercise) on mental wellbeing. Researchers collected information from 10 different studies carried out in the UK. They concluded that exercise in an outdoor environment improved both self-esteem and mood; and that the presence of water generated even greater effects in terms of mental wellbeing. So, a run on the beach might be one of the best overall forms of exercise you can do, if you’re looking for a boost to your mood and general wellbeing.

Additional research has also shown that exercising outdoors results in lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol, when compared with exercising indoors. Exposure to sunlight too, can lead to the production of more of the mood-lifting chemical – serotonin.

Even in the absence of strenuous exercise, being in the outdoors has a range of mental health benefits, including enhanced clarity and focus. Author & journalist Richard Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his 2008 book Last Child in the Woods based on nature’s ability to calm the mind and improve self-control in some people. In addition, just visiting the seaside has been proven to enhance mood & wellbeing, whilst living by the coast is associated with improved general health.

physical benefits of outdoor exercise

To magnify the benefits of running, go outside!

Running outside is more difficult than running on a treadmill down at the local gym. Studies have shown that treadmill runners expend less energy covering the same distance. This is thought to be due to the air/wind resistance experienced outdoors, a well as the changes in terrain and in gradient.

Speaking of declines, downhill running is also associated with increases in strength and speed. Often difficult to carry out on a treadmill, downhill running places a greater ‘eccentric load’ on the leg muscles, resulting in significant gains in muscle & tendon strength. Proceed with caution however, as a large volume of downhill running can result in a correspondingly large amount of muscle and joint soreness.

Sessions of outdoor exercise, also tend to last longer. If you choose to primarily exercise outdoors – you may find that you enjoy it so much, that you do a lot more of it than you would if you went to the gym. A study conducted in 2012, reported that older adults who exercised outdoors, would exercise for longer, and would also exercise more frequently than their peers who exercised indoors.

So, next time you head to the coast for your family holiday, remember to take your running shoes and enjoy the benefits of exercising outdoors.

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a five star location nestled in the magical Axe Valley where family fun and relaxation is key…

The perfect place to unwind and have some quality family time in the stunning Axe Valley and Devonshire countryside. With five star facilities at Hawkchurch, including a state of the art gym, refreshing hydrotherapy pool and relaxing treatments available at the Ezina Spa, you feel your stresses slip away.

Although relaxation is key at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, the Axe Valley is filled with historical and fun places to visit. Venturing out to explore this historic region is an exciting prospect, and here at Darwin Escapes HQ we’ve found three family fun activities in Axe Valley for everyone to enjoy.

axe valley runners

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa offers holiday home ownership, as well as holiday breaks. If you decide to become an owner at our resort then joining the Axe Valley Runners means you will have something to look forward to every weekend! The group used to be known as “the little club with big feet” but since growing to over 200 members they aren’t quite so little, catering to a wide range of abilities, with no-one being left behind and ages ranging from 16 to the over 70’s. You will love having a weekly run with this diverse and friendly group!

axe vale festival

This is Axminster’s very own family friendly festival! Surrounded by the beautiful Axe Valley you can explore the festival at your own pace, with a plethora of exhibitor stands to go through, with 5 main marquee tents including floral, crafts, food hall, vintage, retro and antiques and toys and hobbies!

There are hundreds of trade stands selling everything from garden machinery and kitchen ceramics to local produce and clothes. Watch in wonder at the demonstrations stalls, including a willow artist, chair re-caning, fire and rescue service, a blacksmith, cider making and so much more. Enjoy the wow factor in the entertainment field, which has an exciting programme to thrill everyone, including the Adrenaline Tour performing an awesome show of Quad and Motorcycle stunts, the Rockwood Dogs will amaze with their courage, agility, tricks and comedy routines (plus, awe dogs!) and Adams Axemen who are a performing lumberjack team and love to entertain a crowd! All along with live music from local acts and bands, bouncy castles and kids crafts to keep everyone happy, pop along on the 17th and 18th of June 2017 for this fun family festival in the Axe Valley.

axe valley wildlife park

Although the Axe Valley Wildlife Park is currently closed for renovation it will be re-opened during the February 2017 school half term, ready for you holiday at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa! This is a family friendly zoo that everyone will enjoy, but it is primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years old.

You will get hands on experience at the zoo, with the opportunity at feeding the free range birds, keeper experience days and daily educational talks about various animals, with a full programme of animal handling sessions during the school holidays. As you stroll through the zoo you will see a variety of animals, including zebra, antelopes, small wild cats, wallabies, otters, guinea pigs, flamingos, owls, porcupines, armadillos, various reptiles and plenty of creepy crawlies! There are also plenty of play areas for the children to enjoy and picnic areas dotted around the park too. Alternatively you could grab a slice of cake at Ringo’s Rest Coffee Shop. For owners at Hawkchurch Resort there is Toddler Time during the weekdays, with toys, books and organised activities, giving you something to look forward to with your toddler during your time at your home away from home!

This is just a small example of what you can explore in the Axe Valley, with breath taking scenery and history dating as far back as the doomsday book there is more on offer in East Devon! Book your holiday at Hawkchurch, or if you are looking into holiday home ownership book your park tour now, or contact our Ownership Team on 01745858010 for more information.

Happy Exploring!

Favourite walking trails in and around Wareham, explore the beautiful region by foot

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is brand new for 2017. Nestled in the magical Dorset woodland, it’s the perfect escape where you can relax and de-stress from the daily grind.

Return to nature at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat where the local area is filled with walking paths ranging from coastal trails to country ambles. There is quite simply Wareham Forest walks for everyone. I’ve come up with the top 4 walking trails around Wareham that are all close to our brand new luxurious location, which offers fabulous accommodation in a magical setting.

the two rivers walk

These short circular trails follow footpaths along the Frome and Piddle Rivers. Surrounded by Purbeck’s wetlands, which are relatively undiscovered, you can marvel at the nature around you. The wetlands support up to 20,000 birds in the winter, as well as water voles, salmon, trout and even otters, so keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife on your walk! The Two Rivers Walk in Wareham is three miles long and if you decide to take a winter walk in Wareham, then wellies are the best way to go. For any other time of year walking boots are recommended as some places may be a little muddy even in the summer.

the Wareham town walls walk

This is a popular Wareham walking trail on the walls surrounding the town. The walls date back to the 9th Century, originally being built by the Saxons to defend from Viking attacks, it surrounds the town on three sides. The wall is now grassy earth mounds surrounding the town that you can walk up to the top and follow the 1 mile trail around the town, with benches to have a picnic along the way and beautiful views of the River Piddle.

the commoners way

This walking trail starts only a 10 minute drive from Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, with it starting and finishing in Kingston while taking you to the beautiful Corfe Castle and back. This 5 mile circular walking trail starts at St James’ Church in Kingston and takes you through the town, countryside and Corfe Castle village and back. There are lots of places to eat lunch or stop off and have some afternoon tea along the route, as well as there being a number 40 bus service that connects Kingston to Corfe Castle, meaning you can catch the bus to the castle and walk back, or the other way around, if you didn’t fancy the full 5 mile trek.

the Wareham way

This is a long distance walking trail in Wareham, being 13 miles from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall and walk through the less well known, beautiful landscapes of north Purbeck and East Dorset. Along the walk you will enjoy stunning views, shady glades, troves of wildlife and even have an Iron Age hill fort to explore! Start the trail at the beautiful Wareham Quay, with plenty of stop off points for a picnic, follow the gravel paths and public rights of way including stiles and gates along the long distance walking trail. As the Wareham Way walking trail is so long, you don’t have to do all of it, you can join and leave at any point to enjoy the most spectacular country views.

So why not book a holiday at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, relax and de-stress while getting back to nature in the magical woodland and Dorset countryside. The many Wareham walking trails will have you exploring the region at your own pace and in a beautiful setting, all while retiring back to brand new, luxurious accommodation.

Happy Exploring Ladies & Gents!

Looking to keep kids entertained on a car journey? Darwin Escapes have the top 5 free kids car games! You don’t need to spend lots of money on fancy technology to keep the children entertained on long car journeys, think back to when we were little and were in the car going off on holiday, all those songs! So whether you are travelling to your summer holiday destination or driving home for Christmas, these classic car games for kids will keep everyone entertained!

the animal name game

A classic children’s car game, starting with the letter A, each person must name an animal beginning with that letter, once everyone has gone you move on to the next letter. The person who can’t think of an animal loses that round, this car game is also a fun way of teaching the Animal Kingdom to the little ones (don’t cheat and Google the answers!)

20 questions

Everyone knows this car game, but just in case you’ve never played it before here’s what you do… one person thinks of a person (either fictional or real) and everyone else takes it in turn to ask questions that can only be answered with a yes or no (i.e. are you female?). Everyone then tries to work out who it is under 20 questions, and the person who does wins. If no one guesses correctly the person who thought of the person wins…does any of that actually make sense? It’s a very hard game to describe, but so much fun to play! (kind of like Guess Who? without the board?)

my father had a grocery store

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of this car game before, I hadn’t but now I’m hooked! It’s a simple memory game that starts with the phrase “My father had a grocery store, and in it he sells…” something beginning with the letter A. The Next person repeats all this and adds something beginning with B, and so on. Players get knocked out if they forget, mix up or can’t think of any items to add.

i spy

“I spy with my little eye, something beginning with the letter…” are words everyone has heard and said, this is a must-play car game. Players can pick something in or out of the car, as long as it’s constantly there, none of this ‘it was at the last stop’ nonsense! Everyone else uses the beginning letter to guess what the spyer sees and whoever guesses correctly wins! A classic kids car game that will have everyone laughing in the car.

dots & boxes

This kids car game is definitely not for the driver, as you will need two (or more) different coloured pens and a piece of paper. Create the outline of a big box using dots, then fill it with evenly spaced dots. Take it in turn to place a line between two dots, with the aim to make a full box, whoever creates a full box colours it in, marking it as theirs. The person to have the most boxes at the end wins the game.

Is your favourite car game in our list? I love all these games, but I win the most at Dots & Boxes so guess which I like playing the most…

Happy Car Games Ladies & Gents!