Now that we’re in spring and the weather is finally starting to get warmer a trip to the beach will be a perfect day out.
According to The Beach Guide there are 112 beaches listed in North Wales! This can make it hard to choose which beach you want to visit along the coastline. To help you out we have done some research and found the best beaches in North Wales that you will want to visit. From Anglesey all the way across to the Clwyd area and right the way down the Llŷn Peninsula. Have a read through the list below and make sure you take note of the ones that take your fancy.
Talacre Beach, Clwyd
- where? Talacre, Holywell, CH8 9RP
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant, bakery & café
Due to this being the only beach in Flintshire, Talacre Beach is extremely popular with locals and tourists. The main reason this beach is so popular is because of the Point of Ayr lighthouse, this grade II listed building dates back to 1776 but hasn’t been in use since 1884. Still to this day it is a major monument in Flintshire. When the tide is out you can walk out to the lighthouse which stands 18 metres above the sand. Overall, Talacre is quite a large beach with miles and miles of golden sands for you to enjoy and huge sand dunes that you can explore.
Porth Dinllaen Beach (Morfa Nefyn), Gwynedd
- where? Lon Golff, Porthdinllaen, Pwllheli, LL53 6DB
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes, National Trust car park 19 min walk away
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant and pub
If you are on the Llŷn Peninsula you will want to go to the beautiful village of Porthdinllaen. Here you will find Porth Dinllaen Beach/Morfa Nefyn beach. If you are in this area you will want to explore both beaches on the coast, Morfa Nefyn and Porth Dillan. The best way to do this is to park at the National Trust car park and either walk along the beach or go across the golf course and then down to the beach. When the tide is out this is a beautiful stretch of golden sand with a pub right on the front serving a range of delicious food and drink options.
Llanddwyn Beach (Newborough), Anglesey
- where? Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6SG
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? No, sometimes ice cream van and food van in car park
Located on the south-western tip of Anglesey is where you will find Llanddwyn Beach, also known as Newborough Beach. It is backed by Newborough Forest & National Nature Reserve so not only can you enjoy a beach day here you can also enjoy a forest walk. At the far end of the beach you will find Llanddwyn Island which has various historical landmarks like the Twr Mawr Lighthouse, St Dwynwen’s Church and the Pilots’ cottages. So not only is it a great place for a beach day it’s also a great place to explore and learn about the history of the island.
Morfa Bychan – Black Rock Sands Beach, Gwynedd
- where? Porthmadog, LL49 9YH
- dog friendly? Yes (not on the northern end)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant
The main thing that makes Black Rock Sands so popular is because most of the year you are able to drive onto the beach. Which means you can bring as many things as you want to the beach knowing you don’t have to walk for ages to your spot on the beach! It also means it’s a popular beach for water sports as people bring their own motor boats and water bikes to this beach. During low tides you can explore all the caves and rock pools and see if you can find any crabs or other marine life living around that part of the beach.
Llandudno – West Shore Beach, Clwyd
- where? Llandudno, LL30 2AG
- dog friendly? Yes (not between May – September)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant & café
Just below the Great Orme which is a huge limestone headland in Llandudno is where you will find West Shore Beach. During a low tide it becomes an extremely popular place to go if you like kite surfing, kite flying or you just want to enjoy a beach day on a sunny day. This beach also makes the perfect base if you then want to explore a bit further and head up to the Great Orme to take in the amazing views. Llandudno West Shore beach is also well known for its incredible sunsets so if you stay into the evening you will be able to experience that too.
Trearddur Bay Beach, Anglesey
- where? Trearddur Bay, Holyhead, LL65 2UL
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café, restaurant & pub
Located on Holy Island in Anglesey is the beautiful Trearddur Bay Beach. Perfect for beach days, crabbing and splashing around in the sea. It’s also the perfect place for water sports with the most popular activities being windsurfing, kayaking and bodyboarding. There is also a long promenade behind the beach that is perfect for a stroll in the sun with amazing views along the coast. There are plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants close to the beach too which means you can easily stay here all day.
Prestatyn Beach, Clwyd
- where? Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn, LL19 9LN
- dog friendly? Yes (restrictions in summer)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café & bar & ice cream parlour
In the coastal resort of Prestatyn you will find a five mile long stretch of sand that is created from 3 different beaches. As well as the sandy beach there is also a wide promenade which cyclists and walkers use which starts in Prestatyn and can go all the way across to Rhyl. The beach is separated with rock groynes and by the car park you will find the Beach Hut Café & Bar where you can enjoy a bite to eat and drink with indoor and outdoor seating.
Abersoch Beach, Gwynedd
- where? Abersoch, Pwllheli, LL53 7DP
- dog friendly? Yes (not on northern part between April & September)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, beach café
Abersoch is an extremely popular place for holidaymakers which makes Abersoch Beach one of the most popular on the Llŷn Peninsula. This area is renowned for its water sports and sailing and Abersoch Beach is the place to go for it, there is a centre where you can hire boards and kayaks to try out the sport yourself. As well as that the beach is huge so there is plenty of room to find a space to chill for the day. Along with a café that serves hot and cold food and beach essentials.
Lligwy Beach, Anglesey
- where? Lligwy, Dulas, LL70 9PQ
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? No
You will find Lligwy Beach on the north eastern side of Anglesey not far from the coastal village Moelfre. The beach itself is over half a mile long at its widest point and is surrounded by limestone rocks making it quite a sheltered beach. As well as the beach being great for relaxing it’s also popular for water sports like kite surfing and wind surfing. If you are wanting to explore the area you will find sand dunes line part of the beach also.
Kinmel Bay, Clwyd
- where? The Promenade, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, LL18 5NL
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café
Recently, Kinmel Bay has been awarded a 2021 Seaside Award. Also known as Sandy Cove Beach, Kinmel Bay is an extremely popular place to go for tourists in the summer months and water sport lovers. As well as the large sandy beach you will also find a narrow promenade that goes through the nature reserve here. This beach is also a popular place to see grey seals in the waters so make sure you keep an eye out for them.
Harlech Beach, Gwynedd
- where? Harlech, LL46 2UG
- dog friendly? Yes (not in section by holiday park between April & September)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes in town
Harlech Beach is a peaceful place to go and enjoy the impressive view of the historic Harlech Castle. The beach itself has plenty of flat sand to relax on but there are also so many amazing sand dunes that you can explore. You can easily spend the whole day here with family as kids can enjoy running through the dunes and building sand castles along with relaxing in the sun. There is also a shop and café within walking distance from the beach too.
Whistling Sands Beach – Porthor Beach, Gwynedd
- where? Aberdaron, Pwllheli, LL53 8LH
- dog friendly? Not allowed on beach between April & September
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café
Although it does look like this beach could be abroad in some tropical island it is in fact towards the most south western point of the Llŷn Peninsula. This is a beach that isn’t as known as some in the area but it is definitely one you will want to go to when you are next in North Wales. This stunning golden sands beach is backed by large grassy cliffs with a variety of different walks you can enjoy around the area. The name “Whistling Sands” actually came from the noise the sand makes underneath your feet during a dry spell due to the unusual shape of grains of sand that are here.
Benllech Beach, Anglesey
- where? 64 Bay View Rd, Benllech, Tyn-y-Gongl, LL74 8TT
- dog friendly? Not allowed on main section from May till September
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café & restaurant
Known for being one of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Benllech Beach is on the eastern coast and can offer a long stretch of beautiful golden sands. You will find this beach is extremely popular with both tourists and locals and is definitely worth a trip if you are in the area. Whether you want to just sit and relax, or swim in the ocean, look around the rock pools or do a spot of sea fishing. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Benllech Beach.
Dinas Dinlle Beach, Gwynedd
- where? 1 Parc Llanfair, Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon, LL54 5TW
- dog friendly? Not allowed on main section from May till September
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café
Dinas Dinlle Beach is an extremely popular beach due to the size of it, once you get through the small area of small pebbles you will get to the vast span of stunning golden sands. Another great thing about this beach is when there are clear skies in the summer you can see all the way across to Llanddwyn Island which is on Llanddwyn Beach mentioned in the list above! If you love water sports then you will be pleased to know that jet skis, power boats, scuba divers and wind surfers are frequently used here.
We have four different resorts in North Wales where you can own a holiday home which means you will have plenty of time to get through this list and visit all the beaches.
Whether you are wanting to explore the area or find things to do that will keep the whole family entertained there are plenty of things to do in the Peak District.
The Peak District is a stunning area of England, full of incredible natural beauty and a huge list of things to see and do. Enjoy spending time around the Peak District and find famous walks, explore the countryside or find the adventure. Our exceptional resort in the Peak District can provide the perfect base to explore along with being the place you can escape to in the evening before exploring more the next day.
Peak Wildlife Park
Winkhill, Leek, ST13 7QR | 25 mins
A zoo always makes a great family day out and the Peak Wildlife Park is an amazing one in the area. The zoo can take around 3 hours to get around and see all the animals and there are food options too so you can stay and enjoy a bite to eat and make it a full day experience. The most unique part of Peak Wildlife Park is their large walkthroughs where you can come face to face with endangered and exotic animals. Their walkthroughs are with animals like red squirrels, lemurs, penguins and wallabies.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WP | 40 mins
If history is something you like to learn more about, you’ll definitely want to make a trip to the Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton. It’s famous all over the world because of its unique deposits of Blue John Stone and you will find some of the most beautiful cave formations in the UK here. The tour is a self-guided audio tour where you will go into the caverns and take in the views of the amazing Hope Valley. There is also a café here that you can enjoy a range of drinks, homemade cakes and ice cream.
Gulliver’s Kingdom
Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, DE4 3PG | 22 mins
Gulliver’s Kingdom is perfect if you have younger kids who still love the thrill of rides and experiences. From log flumes to chair lifts, a drop tower to a crazy barrel ride there are so many different rides and attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages. And you will also find a range of places to eat and drink around the resort too which makes it a perfect place to stay all day.
Crich Tramway Village
Crich, Matlock, DE4 5DP | 29 mins
Travel back in time to the 1800s and 1900s with the Crich Tramway Village. Inside this village there are over 60 different trams that will have been built between 1873 and 1982. Enjoy a bite to eat at Rita’s Tea Rooms or The Poulson Room or even The Red Lion Pub. You will also find a sweet shop and an ice cream parlour in the village. Find out more about the trams in the indoor exhibitions, or take a stroll through the period village scene. You will have the option to take a ride on some of the trams around the village.
Miller’s Dale Monsal Trail
Buxton, SK17 8TD | 23 mins
For those who are looking for somewhere to walk and enjoy being in nature in the Peak District, the Miller’s Dale Monsal Trail will be the perfect choice. The trail is perfect for cycling, horse riding and walking. The trail goes along the former Midland Railway line and the trail goes through 4 400m tunnels and 2 shorter tunnels which are all lit during the daylight hours so they are safe to use.
Matlock Farm Park
Jaggers Ln, Matlock, DE4 5LH | 26 mins
Explore Matlock Farm Park and learn about animals like pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep and even wallabies, emus, meerkats and rhea birds! As well as the animals you can see there are also different things like a go kart track, adventure playground and jumping pillow that your kids can have fun on. The Garden Room Café is also open and offers a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks to suit everyone.
Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Green Ln, Buxton, SK17 9DH | 23 mins
The Peak District can provide you with some pretty impressive views, especially if you take a trip to Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park. Poole’s Cavern is a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave that you can explore in a guided 45 minute tour. And whilst you are there you can also enjoy woodland walks through the stunning Buxton Country Park.
Chatsworth House
Bakewell, DE45 1PP | 27 mins
Chatsworth House is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been passed on to 16 other generations of the Cavendish family ever since. During your visit you will be able to explore over 25 different rooms as well as the beautiful gardens that surround the house. There are 105 acres of Chatsworth Garden and you will find things like waterworks, sculptures, Victorian rock garden and plenty of history to learn about.
Alton Towers
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB | 29 mins
For the thrill seekers who want a day out full of fun and adrenaline a trip to Alton Towers might be the perfect thing. There are over 40 different rides and attractions at the theme park which means you won’t find an issue picking things that will suit everyone. And it’s perfect for the whole family with large roller coasters like The Smiler and Nemesis but then you also have a CBeebies Land perfect for younger kids too. There are also different restaurants around the resort selling burgers, pizzas, fried chicken and more!
Mam Tor
Hope Valley, S33 8WA | 35 mins
Another walk that is great for incredible views is Mam Tor, the popular landmark hill and hiking spot. It’s about a 517 metres high and is about a 550 metre walk from the car park. Although it is relatively steep to climb Mam Tor the views are worth it and the walk can be completes in around 2 hours so it doesn’t have to be a full day trip. The walk is also extremely doable with young kids so the whole family can enjoy this experience.
Now that you know some of the things you can do in the Peak District you will be able to start planning your break away starting with a place to stay.
From sandy beaches to woodland walks, there are so many things to do in Devon it can be hard to decide which to include in your trip.
So we’ve done some research and found a range of different things to do in Devon that are suitable for couples, families, groups of friends etc. And if you are looking for a place to stay whilst you’re in the area our resorts in Devon will make the perfect choice for you.
Ilfracombe Harbour
10A The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ
The port that is at Ilfracombe Harbour has been there since the 12th Century and has been a huge part of Devon ever since. Even today it’s still a working harbour and is extremely popular for leisure and tourism. All along the harbour and the streets around it you will find amazing cafes, restaurants, pubs and small shops selling everything from gifts to quirky goods. It’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a summers day near the sea.
Quince Honey Farm
Aller Cross, South Molton, EX36 3RD
Located at the edge of Exmoor is Quince Honey Farm, a working honey farm that offers a full family day out that everyone will enjoy. The most impressive part of this farm is their unique hexagonal themed nectar garden which displays thousands of bee friendly plants. This is where you can see some bees up close. You can also visit the Honey Factory and see what happens behind the scenes! There is also a restaurant at the farm which offers a delicious range of food for all.
The Box
Tavistock Pl, Plymouth, PL4 8AX
If you are wanting an experience that you can learn something from then The Box in Plymouth will be perfect. This new hub has everything from a gallery, archive, museum, café, shop and a bar! When it opened in 2020 it was one of the most significant cultural events in the UK. As well as the permanent galleries they also have various exhibitions that change throughout the year.
Canonteign Falls
Exeter, EX6 7RH
Most famous for being one of the highest waterfalls in England sitting at 220 feet high, Canonteign Falls was formed in 1890 by a stream diverting over the edge of a cliff. It’s an amazing natural attraction that is in the heart of Devon and it makes an incredible day out for families. During your day out at the falls you will also find Canonteign Kitchen where you can enjoy some delicious homemade food.
Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton Ave, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
Since opening in 1963 by Tom & Ruth Dobbins, Babbacombe Model Village is a miniature railway and village that is open 7 days a week from 10am till 2.30pm. Inside this mini village you will find 426 miniature buildings and an estimated population of 13,178 people! It’s a great experience as you will feel like a giant in the 4 acres of award winning gardens that showcase amazing model scenes, vehicles and people!
Plymouth Gin Distillery
60 Southside St, Plymouth, PL1 2LQ
The Plymouth Gin Distillery has been in operation since 1793 and is the oldest working distillery in England. The tour options that you can do in Plymouth Gin Distillery are amazing, you can either do a classic tour where you learn about how the gin is distilled. Or you can do an enhanced Gin Connoisseur’s Tour with tasting or you can do the Master Distillers Tour where you have the opportunity to choose your own botanicals and distil a bottle that you can take home!
Tree Surfers
Tavistock Woodland Sawmill Ltd, Gulworthy, Tavistock, PL19 8JE
If you are wanting to find something that is adrenaline pumping in Devon that will suit everyone in the family then Tree Surfers will be ideal. The main thing on offer is the activity tree surfers where you head up into the tree tops and go through a series of ladders, rope bridges, zip wires and walkways. The tree surfer’s activity is suitable for ages 4 years and up and you can also book into doing archery here too.
Ilfracombe Sea Safari
11 The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ
Since you are going to be right on the coast you might as well make the most of it with the Ilfracombe Sea Safari. You can do everything from fishing trips, to sea safaris where you see dolphins or seals. Even trips that include caves and waterfalls! It’s a great experience that will make an incredible day out for everyone. Tours start from 1 hour long up to 2.5 hours.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park Authority, Haytor Lower, B3387, Haytor, TQ13 9XT
Enjoy exploring the vast moorland that is Dartmoor National Park, you will find everything from forests, rivers, wetlands, rock formations and plenty of trails to use. There are also many villages around the area so you can incorporate a visit to one or two into your day of exploring. Also make sure you keep an eye out for the Dartmoor Pony that roams the national park.
National Marine Aquarium
Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 0LF
For people who love sea life and want to see and learn all about them the National Marine Aquarium is the perfect place to go. With it being the largest aquarium in the UK and home to over 4,000 animals you will be able to immerse yourself into learning about the marine environment. There are a range of exhibits you can explore at the aquarium from the Great Barrier Reef, Eddystone Reed, Atlantic Ocean and more.
Now you are ready to start planning your holiday in Devon, why not start by booking your accommodation.
Each year it is becoming more and more important that we all do our bit for the environment.
Most people make choices to help care for the environment in their day to day lives but there are so many ways that you can continue to live a ‘greener’ life during your family holiday too. Not only is this amazing for the environment but finding ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly also gives you the chance to teach your kids about the importance of it. Have a read below of some of our suggestions on how you can make your family holiday as eco-friendly as possible.
1. keep it in the UK
The first and best way to make your holiday eco-friendly is by staying in the UK. We already know that staycations are here to stay and have just been getting more and more popular. But by staying in the UK you are reducing your carbon footprint with travel as you are more likely to use a car rather than a plane to get to where you are staying. And if you need some inspiration we have some amazing resorts in the UK to give you some ideas.
our top 6 resorts:
- Sandymouth Holiday Resort, Cornwall
- Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, Devon
- Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, Somerset
- Talacre Beach Resort, North Wales
- Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, Somerset
- Rivendale Lodge Retreat, The Peak District
2. continue doing the basics
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Sometimes the simplest things we can do are the most effective, and most of the basic ways to help the environment you will still be able to do during your family holiday. These things can be anything from recycling all your rubbish, especially if you are planning a self-catering holiday. Splitting up your plastics, cardboard and general waste and putting them in the correct bins in the area will make a huge difference. Most of our resorts hand recycle waste externally so make sure you check the information guide at the resort you are staying in to make sure you are doing the correct thing|! Other things you can do is make sure you don’t litter when you are out and about and also making sure that lights and electrical items are switched off when you aren’t using them.
3. be smart with your packing
Most of the time when you are staying in the UK for your family holiday you will be driving to the location. But it’s still important that you are mindful of what you are packing. As tempting as it is to fill your car to the brim with everything and anything you may need for the trip, the extra weight in the car will mean you will use more fuel. By being smart with your packing you will be able to reduce the carbon emissions your car lets out.
4. invest in reusable bottles/cups etc.
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Although buying things like reusable water bottles and cups does come at a cost at the start they end up being extremely cost effective and save you spending money on single-use plastic. If you make sure everyone has their own reusable bottle and if you like hot drinks get some reusable cups then you are set for your day out. You can also take this one step further and buy reusable toiletry bottles so you can just take a smaller amount of the shampoo, conditioner and body wash you already have at home.
5. explore locally
Most of the time with a staycation you will have travelled somewhere in the UK that you want to explore. So use where you are staying as your base and stay local. Once your there try to travel by foot as much as you can or take bikes with you or you will probably be able to hire some not far away from where you are staying. If you need inspiration you will be able to search the internet and find so many amazing walks and things to see and do just a stone’s throw away from you.
6. plan an inspiring green day out
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Since you are trying to make your family holiday eco-friendly a great way to learn more about the environment would be by planning an inspiring green day out! For example if you are planning a holiday in Cornwall you could add a trip to the Eden Project to your stay. Or if you are having a holiday in North Wales take the family to GreenWood Family Park. There will be so much to learn and enjoy on a green day out.
7. think about where your food comes from
One thing you may not think about is the food you eat whilst you are away. You can make sure you eat local meat and produce if you are self-catering. If you are planning on eating out just do some research before you go to make sure the restaurant/café sources all their ingredients locally. By doing this you are not only more likely to eat the freshest and most tasty food but it will also cut down on food miles.
No matter how big or small the changes are that you make to your family holiday it all helps towards looking after the environment. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday today!
The Isle of Wight makes a great staycation location in the UK and can provide you with plenty of things to see and do.
Start planning your trip away with the help of this blog where you can find a range of different things to do in the Isle of Wight. As well as helping you put together some ideas of how to stay busy in the area, we can also help you with deciding where you should stay. We have 2 amazing resorts on the Isle of Wight that are perfect for families, couples and friends.
The Isle of Wight Distillery
Pondwell Hill, Ryde, PO33 1PX
Founded by Xavier & Conrad, The Isle of Wight Distillery is the first and only distillery on the whole of the island. With a commitment to sustainability, conservation and a circular economy the distillery strives to minimise waste and use ethically-sourced and, most of the time, local ingredients to create their range of spirits. Although they don’t do distillery tours they do have a bar on site called The Mermaid Bar where you can go and try out their products and maybe take some home!
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay, PO39 0JD
Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in the Isle of Wight and one that you definitely need to visit if you are on the island is The Needles. You will be able to book a boat trip that will take you on a close up trip of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. But there are also so many other attractions here that you can make a full day of it. From adventure golf to a carousel, dino jeep safaris and tea cups, there’s so much to do – you can even learn more about how sweets and glassware are made.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Undercliff Dr, Ventnor, PO38 1UL
If you love exploring botanical gardens and learning all about different plants and ecosystems, then Ventnor Botanic Garden will be the perfect place for you to go. There are so many areas of these gardens including a tropical house which houses a pool that contains 22 tonnes of heated water. As well as the gardens you will also find the Edulis Restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat for lunch, or The Plantation Room Café which is open from 10am until 4pm with plenty to offer. PUYA Boutique is also open daily and you can purchase a gift for someone or items for yourself before you leave.
Tapnell Farm Park
Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ
This award-winning farm park has everything you’d need to keep the whole family entertained for the day. There are jumping pillows, go karts, sledge slides and plenty of play park areas including one inside a straw barn. Along with the activities there is also an Animal Barn where you will find wallabies, meerkats, goats, highland cows, sheep, alpacas, pigs, donkeys and a pets corner with smaller animals. You can also get a bite to eat at The Cow, which is a family and dog-friendly bar and restaurant.
Isle of Wight Aqua Park
Tapnell Farm House, Isle of Wight Aqua Park, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ
If you are looking for some outdoor fun to enjoy in the spring and summer months then the Isle of Wight Aqua Park will be perfect. It’s located around the corner from Tapnell Farm Park and is an attraction that is completely on water. With over 20 different obstacles to complete you will be able to enjoy a range of slides and climbing frames along the course. And like Tapnell Farm Park you will be able to use The Cow bar and restaurant if you are wanting to grab some food at the end of the day.
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle Hill, Newport, PO30 1XY
You will find Carisbrooke Castle sitting high up at the heart of the Isle of Wight. During its time it has been an artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. It’s the perfect place to go in the spring summer months if you want to enjoy the fresh air and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. As well as the castle, you can also enjoy the Princess Beatrice Garden, the Castle Tearoom, meeting the donkeys and more.
Shanklin Beach
Esplanade, Shanklin, Isle Of Wight, PO37 6BS
Known for being one of the best stretches of golden sands, it’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a traditional English seafront promenade. Shanklin Beach is the perfect place to go if you want a proper beach day, as Shanklin Esplanade has a large amusement arcade which has things like crazy golf, go karting and bowling! You will also find plenty of cafes and beach shops where you can buy supplies for your beach day fun.
Red Squirrel Trail
265 Arctic Rd, Cowes, PO31 7XD
The Isle of Wight’s most iconic species is the native Red Squirrel and that’s who this trail has been named after. The trail itself is 32 miles long and goes along mostly traffic-free areas in the beautiful countryside. If you wanted to cycle the 32 mile route it would be a great 2 or 3 day tour but a lot of people also walk a smaller section of the route and make it a day or half day experience.
Blackgang Chine
Ventnor, PO38 2HN
For a day out that the kids will love you will want to go to Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination, it’s an amusement park that has everything you can think of. From dinosaurs, fairies and cowboys to an underwater kingdom: each area has different rides and attractions that will suit children of all ages and there are plenty of places you can stop at for food and drink to keep you going all day.
Now that you’ve got your ideas ready you can start organising your trip away to the Isle of Wight.
Being in Britain means we can never be guaranteed sunshine all year round.
And although staycations are still as popular in 2022 as they were in 2021 it may still rain during your caravan holiday. But we are here to tell you that you can’t let a bit of rain stop you from having fun and making memories! There are so many fun rainy day activities that you can do on your caravan holiday. To make things easier for you we’ve put all our amazing ideas into a list below so hopefully you find one that suits your family.
make use of the facilities on-site
If you are at one of our Darwin Escapes resorts you will find a range of different facilities available to use that will be perfect for all the family. From indoor swimming pools to restaurants, outdoor splash areas and bowling. You will be able to stay entertained no matter what the weather is at our resorts and make memories that will last forever.
Here is a list of facilities you may find at our Darwin Escapes resorts:
- Indoor swimming pools
- Play parks
- Outdoor splash areas
- Bowling
- Restaurants
- Gyms
- Spas
- Go Active activities
have a movie day
If you do find it’s raining during your caravan holiday and you want to stay inside a great idea would be to have a movie day. Either make sure you have some snacks in or face the rain to stock up on some goodies then you’re good to go. Find all your favourite family films that will be perfect to watch during your movie day!
find some indoor attractions
No matter where in the UK you are for your caravan holiday you won’t be more than a short car journey away from some amazing indoor attractions. This could be anything from a trip to the cinema, an indoor play area, indoor shopping centre, museums etc. If you stay at one of our Darwin Escapes resorts you won’t be far from some fun indoor attractions for all the family.
play some games
The main thing you want to do when you are looking for ideas for rainy day activities for your caravan holiday is ensure that you are doing things that keep everyone entertained. Make sure your prepared for your holiday and take some games with you that you can play together.
Top 6 games to play as a family:
- Monopoly
- Cluedo
- Game of Life
- Trivia Pursuit
- Pack of cards
- Guess Who?
get creative
If arts and crafts is your thing then it’s the perfect time to do so when it’s raining. Whether that’s with a drawing competition or you want to get even more creative and make something out of all the things you can find at the caravan park. It’s a great excuse to think a little differently and create some amazing things together.
bake some treats
Why not pop to the local shops and get all the ingredients you need to make some baked goods. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a baker why not get the packet mixes of cookies and brownies etc. It doesn’t matter how you make them everyone will enjoy eating them at the end!
go out and explore in the rain
Sometimes when it is raining and you have the right clothing, there is nothing better than to go out and explore in the rain. Go on a countryside walk or find a viewpoint to walk to. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air, be at one with nature and get some good exercise in.
We have 24 different resorts across the UK which offer holidays and holiday home ownership options.
No matter what time of year you are around Oxfordshire, a trip to one of these nature reserves will always go down well.
Scattered all around Oxfordshire you will find so many protected areas of importance that have been made into beautiful nature reserves. So whether you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a country walk or you just want to explore the local wildlife and plants you will be able to do so in Oxfordshire. To make things easier for you we thought we’d do all the research and put together a list of large and smaller nature reserves that are near and around Oxfordshire below.
large nature reserves near Oxfordshire
Cotswolds AONB
Covering almost 800 square miles, The Cotswolds covers a huge area of England and is the largest AONB in England. Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are all covered within the Cotswolds. Throughout this area you will find quaint and unique villages with stone buildings along with market towns that are always busy. And there are also plenty of quieter places you can head to if you want to take in the views of the countryside and enjoy a walk. There are over 3,000 miles of footpaths that you can explore so you will be spoilt for choice with all the walks within the Cotswolds.
The Chilterns AONB
Our Springs Resort & Golf Club is located inside the stunning Chilterns AONB. Covering around 324 square miles and covers the counties Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. It was designated as an AONB in 1965 and has some of the most incredible landscapes. Whether you are wanting to walk through one of the many woodlands that are located in The Chilterns AONB or learn more about the Chalk Streams and the history behind this area. You will find that there is something for everyone and you will all enjoy your time exploring this beautiful part of England.
North Wessex Downs AONB
The North Wessex Downs was designated as an AONB in 1972 and is 670 square miles making it the third largest AONB in England. The area covers the counties Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. All around the North Wessex Downs you will be able to find chalk streams, woodlands, river valleys, ancient monuments and beautiful historic towns and villages that are waiting for you to explore. There are also a great range of long distance walking routes if you are wanting to spend the day on foot taking in all the incredible views of the area.
other smaller nature reserves around Oxfordshire
Mowbray Fields Local Nature Reserve
This tranquil nature reserve is located right in the heart of Didcot and is open to visitors all year round. There is no car park at the nature reserve but you can park carefully and considerately around the residential area nearby. There is a pond and wildflower meadow that was sown in 2001 and has become a haven for over 200 different species!
CS Lewis Nature Reserve
Although CS Lewis Nature Reserve is located right near the A40 and is surrounded by houses you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil experience here. With a woodland and large pond that previously belonged to Oxford author CS Lewis. He has said that he enjoyed going here when writing his book series about Narnia!
Dry Sandford Pit Nature Reserve
Enjoy a half mile walk around the reserve all year round. The Dry Sandford Pit Nature Reserve is the perfect place to visit if you want to see some honeycombed cliffs, flowery fen, and take in all the views on the circular walk. If you look carefully in the cliffs, you may find some visible fossils from creatures dating back to the Jurassic era.
Asham Meads Nature Reserve
The Asham Meads Nature Reserve is made up of 3 damp meadows, a pond, hedges, a scrub and an oak plantation that dates back to the 1930s. Enjoy the vast grasslands as you explore the nature reserve. This area is also really popular with rare butterflies so you will want to keep your eye out for these during your time at Asham Meads Nature Reserve.
Heyford Meadow Nature Reserve
If you want a nature reserve you can enjoy a walk through no matter what the weather then Heyford Meadow Nature Reserve will be perfect. With a board walk that provides you with access over the wetter areas all year round you can take in all the views and the wildlife that live here. Oxfordshire’s County flower is called The Snake’s Head Fritillary and you can see the purple flower alongside the board walk when they are in bloom.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Oxfordshire we have our stunning resort with a Tudor-style house from 1893.