Make the most of the Easter period this year and enjoy some of these events in The Peak District throughout April.
Sometimes it can be hard finding things to do especially during the Easter period so we have done the research for you and put together the best Easter events in The Peak District this April. Have a read below and see which ones you want to include during your time in The Peak District. We also have a resort in The Peak District that will make the perfect base for exploring.
Easter Craft Fair at Tissington
where? Tissington Village Hall, Tissington, Ashbourne, DE6 1RA
when? 16th April
time? 10.30am-4.30pm
how much? Free
other Info:
Relaxed indoor shopping experience
11 stalls all offering something unique
All items are handmade
Easter Egg Hunt at The Kelstedge
where? Matlock Rd, Chesterfield, S45 0DX
when? 16th April 2022
time? 12am-4pm
how much? Free
other Info:
Collect map from the pub
Head around the village and collect clues
When you’ve finished head back and receive a prize
Make the most of Easter this year and take part in one of these amazing events in Cornwall.
Below you will be able to see some of the exciting events that are on across the Easter period this year in Cornwall. From egg hunts to Easter markets and everything in between. And if you are at one of our resorts in Cornwall this Easter some of these events will only be a short drive away for you.
Easter at Eden
where? Eden Project, Bodelva, Par, PL24 2SG
when? 9th-24th April 2022
time? 9.30am-6pm
how much? Most activities included in general admission price
other Info:
Collect an Easter activity pack
Enjoy adventures and games for the whole family
Hunt to find hidden keys to collect your Easter prize
Make the most of the Easter holidays and keep everyone in the family entertained with these events across North Wales.
Whether you are holidaying with us or own a holiday home at one of our resorts in North Wales we have put together a list of amazing events throughout the Easter period. Have a read below and see which ones you like the sound of and what you might add into your Easter weekend.
Easter Egg Hunt
where? Station Rd, Llanuwchllyn, Bala, LL23 7DD
when? 15th-18th April 2022
time? Various times throughout the day
how much? Normal train fare
other Info:
Easter egg hunt is included with your normal train ticket
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
From enjoying the English countryside to learning more about the history in a museum, there are so many things to do in Oxfordshire that are suitable for all.
Our newest resort has just opened its doors and would make the perfect base for you to explore the local area and the rest of the county. But even if you aren’t staying at The Springs Resort & Golf Club we have put together the ultimate list of things to do in Oxfordshire. Whatever you are wanting to do you will find something that is right up your street in our list below. With things to do in Oxford, local attractions in Wallingford and popular days out in Oxfordshire.
things to do in Oxford
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PW | 34 mins
If you love history and want to learn more about various topics then the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the place to go. With different exhibitions and events running throughout the year you will always find something that peaks your interest as well as the rest of the collections that are always at the museum. Whether you want to learn more about animals or even art this museum has it all. It’s a great place for families with younger children or just couples or even groups of friends.
Oxford Castle was market by the Normans as the perfect place for a castle after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. But over time it transformed into a prison, now visitors come from far and wide to learn all about the history that comes with this incredible site. You can explore and climb 101 steps that leads to an amazing panoramic view of Oxford, go underground and visit the candle-lit crypt and step inside the 18th century prison cells. Oxford Castle & Prison also has guided tours, a jailbreak escape room and murder mystery nights that you can book.
Founded in 1683, The Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. There are a range of world famous collections for you to explore from contemporary art to Egyptian mummies. Admission is free into this museum but it is essential you book a ticket online as you are then guaranteed entry. As well as the usual collections there are also different exhibitions that are changing throughout the year.
Although located in the hustle and bustle of Oxford town centre, Christ Church is a peaceful and vibrant place to visit if you are in the area. There is a Cathedral and Choir, a picture gallery, a library and events that go on inside this building. Its architecture is magnificent and definitely somewhere you would want to see whilst you’re here. Christ Church was also the location for many Harry Potter scenes so if you are a fan you may want to go and see what you recognise!
Old Depot, South Park, Cheney Ln, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7QJ | 31 mins
If you enjoy whisky, gin or vodka and you want to know how they are created then The Oxford Artisan Distillery would be a great place to take a tour of. Learn all about how they make their award-winning spirits and watch every step starting from the seed all the way to when it’s in the bottle. Prices start from £20 and the tour lasts an hour and includes the chance to taste the vodka, gins and whisky. Then at the end if you’d like you can buy a bottle or two of your favourites.
Built in 1632, the Iffley Lock has helped canals make their way across the River Thames for centuries. It was rebuilt in 1924 and since has marked the starting point of many organised rowing races with the Oxford University Boat Club. On a sunny day you can enjoy a walk along the riverbank and incorporate watching the Iffley Lock alter its water levels to help boats pass along the River Thames.
Calling all Harry Potter fans, this one is for you. Did you know many scenes in Harry Potter were filmed in different locations around Oxford? With this walking tour you will be able to discover all of the different movie locations like the Bodleian Library and a few of the oldest colleges in Oxford. Whilst you are on the tour you will also hear different insider gossip about the movies, characters and filming. Along with having the chance to test your knowledge with a Harry Potter quiz as you go along the tour.
This medieval castle is a great one to visit if you want to explore the castle, gardens and meadows. With amazing views, an incredible history and beautiful flowers you will be able to learn all about when William the Conqueror began building the castle in 1067. And when the castle was expanded in the 13th Century and then all of its history since then. It’s a great place to visit that is only down the road from our resort.
Just a mile from Wallingford is where you will find Brightwell Vineyard. The vineyard adjoins the River Thames and they have various events throughout the year that you can go to. Like the English Wine & Food Festival for example. As well as events there is a vineyard tour & wine tasting tour that you can go on all year round. It includes a 1 hour vineyard tour along with the chance to taste 3 different wines that are produced here.
Unit 3 Benson Waterfront, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6SJ | 6 mins
When the weather is nice a trip to AV Boats along the River Thames would be a great idea. You have the chance to hire a day boat, fishing boat, rowing boat, kayak, pedal sup, paddle board, canoe or pedal kayak. So there is something for everyone and it is perfect for all types of groups to enjoy. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get involved in some river sports or just enjoy sailing along the river in your chosen boat for the day.
The Cholsey & Wallingford Railway is a heritage railway that takes you on a 45 minute round trip from the historic market town of Wallingford all the way to Cholsey. It first opened in 1866 and has been running ever since. The train still has its 1950s coaches that you will travel in and you can choose different train tickets. From a usual journey to one that includes a cream tea and even one where you can enjoy fish and chips! It’s a great experience if you want to enjoy views of the beautiful countryside in a different way.
Flint House, 52 High St, Wallingford, OX10 0DB | 8 mins
Wallingford Museum is full of different displays and exhibitions that provide you with interesting information about the history of Wallingford Castle. As well as general information on the castle you can also learn all about different aspects of what everyday life was like inside the castle. Throughout the year there are often various special exhibitions to give you more insights and information about local history.
This National Trust site is the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the life of Lord and Lady Iliffe. Inside Basildon Park there is the house, garden and parkland that you can explore. Dogs are welcome in the garden and parkland so long as they are on leads. It’s a great place to visit all year round and you can enjoy plenty of walks across the 400 acres of parkland.
Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4PG | 19 mins
Grey’s Court is a 16th century mansion and tranquil gardens that you can explore. It was home to the Brunner family until recent years. Now you can explore the house and walled gardens and enjoy the colourful flowerbeds throughout. There is a tea room on site that serves hot and cold food and drinks along with a shop that has a wide range of gifts that are available to buy.
For the thrill seekers and the adrenaline junkies, Thorpe Park is just outside of Oxfordshire which means wherever you are in the county you will easily be able to enjoy this day out! Thorpe Park is home to the UK’s fastest roller coaster, the UK’s only winged coaster and the world’s first horror themed roller coaster that features a 100ft drop.
Church Ln, West Wycombe, High Wycombe, HP14 3AH | 33 mins
Get the chance to explore the maze of caverns at The Hellfire Caves. They were built in the 17th century so that you could travel deep underground in the Chiltern Hills. This day out is perfect for any group and would make an amazing family day out. As well as just going to visit and explore yourself they also host kids parties, events and weddings and you can hire it out as a set if you are filming something!
Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 9NW | 16 mins
For all the animal lovers out there Beale Wildlife Park will be the perfect day out for you. The park is within 40 acres of land and is set right against the River Thames. There are various zoo and farm animals throughout the wildlife park along with plenty of attractions to keep all the family entertained. If you are planning a visit, be sure to check out any events and activities that they have on during the time your there – especially during the school holidays.
Drayton St Leonard, Wallingford, OX10 7BG | 17 mins
At the Aston Martin Heritage Trust you will be able to enjoy viewing the ultimate collection of cars, scale models, trophies, engines, racing memorabilia and engineering tools. It’s a great experience that everyone would enjoy whether you have an interest in cars or not. Ticket prices start from £5 that includes access to viewing everything in the museum. The Aston Martin Heritage Trust also run events throughout the year that are based across the UK!
Beale Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 9NW | 16 mins
Whether you are a family wanting to entertain everyone or a group of friends looking to have some fun, Reload Reading is a great place to go. You can enjoy archery or laser clay pigeon shooting here and each bay can have up to 6 people. It’s the perfect way to get involved in an outdoor activity that will test your aim and be something that everyone will love having a go at.
Wellington Country Park
Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading, RG7 1SP | 43 mins
With Wellington Country Park you will be able to enjoy an adventure for the whole family. At this country park you will find an animal park, miniature railway, jumping pillow, splash zone, indoor soft play, welly wheels, mini golf, adventure play and the list goes on. There is so much to do here you can easily spend the entire day having fun. The kids will have an endless amount of things they will want to do during their day here.
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