We’ve put together the ultimate holiday checklist of all the things you need to remember to make the most of your UK getaway. Staycations are the perfect getaways for all, whether you’re looking for a family break or a romantic escape, our resorts are waiting for you!

There is so much to discover with a UK holiday break, whether you’re searching for your next adventure, or looking for summer breaks on golden sands and blue seas, Britain has such a massively diverse landscape that you can choose any type of holiday and it will be waiting for you to explore.

Here at Darwin Escapes, we’ve put our brains together to come up with this definitive list of what you need to look at before booking your staycation.

breathtaking views

You’ll discover some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from stretches of sandy beaches in Dorset to the dramatic mountains of the Lake District. Whether you’re searching for a country escape, a seaside getaway or looking for a next adventure by climbing the magical North Wales mountains, our resorts are your base for exploring our stunning country.

St Anthony Head – Cornwall. Closest location, Piran Meadows Resort

family fun activities

If you have little ones, activities in the park are a must! Some of our parks have a full Go Active+ program, including climbing walls, archery and some even have an outdoor splash zone. You’re sure to find the perfect family holiday break for you.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa – Somerset

delicious food

With Darwin Escapes, you’ll have one of the area’s best restaurants on your doorstep. Relax and kick back with a drink from our fully stocked bars. Find family-favourite dishes in Cornwall or enjoy a date night in peaceful surroundings at our Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, in Somerset. Or dine in at our Rivendale Lodge Retreat in the Peak District with award-nominated interiors and enjoy the stunning countryside too.

Rivendale Lodge Retreat – Peak District

relaxing spa treatments

Everyone loves to unwind on holiday. All our spa locations offer relaxing treatments such as a full back massage, refreshing facials, and nail treatments. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to escape for a couple of hours at our Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa in Somerset, or Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa, or if you’re after a full spa-break away in Devon, you’ll find it here.

The Spa at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa – Norfolk

first-class facilities

If you’re looking for saunas and steam rooms or Jacuzzi’s and swimming pools, Darwin Escapes’ destinations are ideal for you. Head to Surrey for a sauna in your lodge, or venture up to Yorkshire for a golf course, we really do have something for everyone! Our Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in Devon is a firm favourite for a relaxing break, with our stunning hydrotherapy pool.

Hydrotherapy pool at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa – South Devon

beautiful accommodation

The accommodation makes the holiday, our self-catering lodges are second to none. With sumptuous king sizes beds, luxurious ensuites and spacious, open-plan living spaces, there’s enough room for everyone. Or if you’re looking for a romantic break, we have quirky beach huts at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat in North Devon for you or try out our stunning treehouses in the Isle of Wight or in the Peak District, whatever kind of escape you’re looking for, it’s here.

Treehouse at Woodside Bay – Isle of Wight

Are you ready for a perfect staycation?

We have holiday locations all over the country waiting for you, and with 8 of our destinations offering holiday home ownership in case you never want to leave us! There are endless escapes you can make, discover Darwin Escapes and your UK holiday inspiration with us.

discover our destinations

It’s that time of year, where we embrace the UK’s rainy days! We’ve got all the best rainy day activities that are perfect for you and your family to get stuck into this Autumn and Winter!

Whether you’re at home or on holiday with us at a Darwin Escapes location, these rainy day ideas will be a great tool in your kit. We’ve got everything from fun attraction ideas to things you can do in the living room.

go puddle hunting

Don your best wellington boots and go puddle hunting! The winner will be whoever finds the biggest puddle to jump in.

visit an aquarium

Aquariums are places filled with wonder and magical sea creatures in the eyes of a little one! Find your nearest one and venture out, but if you’re staying with us in York at Kilnwick Percy don’t miss The Deep Aquarium for one of the best experiences in the country.

create a living room cinema

Pick your favourite movie, close the curtains, get some popcorn and snuggle on the sofa! Enjoy the cinema without leaving your living room.

play a board game

A classic rainy day activity for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of Connect 4 or craving a Monopoly marathon, all Darwin Escapes accommodation offer a variety of board games to enjoy!

baking

Cook up a storm in the kitchen and bake the best cakes to eat on a rainy day. Whether you’re at home or on holiday, this is always a good activity because you get a tasty treat at the end! Our accommodation comes with a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to be a master baker!

We hope you found our activity list helpful and you can now fill your rainy days with endless fun and activities! Why not book a holiday with us today and embrace those rainy days to put some of these activities to the test?

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

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

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

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

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

top four beaches

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

top four historical sites

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

top four family attractions

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

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

Surrounded by 35 acres of picturesque landscape, you’ll be surprised at all the activities available at Calbourne Water Mill. Our own beautiful holiday destination, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is only a 30 minute drive away from one of the oldest mills in the UK, which also offers a number of family fun activities to get involved in.

Calbourne Water Mill is the only working mill on the Isle of Wight and even today, it still produces around 40 tons of flour made in the ‘traditional’ way, this flour is used in the onsite café. Enjoy the acres of beautiful rural landscape, stroll around the small War Museum and step back in time with a number of rural exhibitions.

Calbourne Water Mill’s history

Over 1000 years old, the Calbourne Water Mill on the Isle of Wight was mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, it was known as Mylplace Mill and had a Wheat and Malt Mill.

The mill has a varied and rich history on the island, changing ownership countless times through marriage and deaths, between 1592 and 1878. It was eventually sold to George Weeks, an accountant from London in 1878.

The last sale of Calbourne Water Mill took place in March 2000, when it was sold to the Chaucer Family, the current owners.

picturesque landscape to explore

With 35 acres of unspoilt nature to discover you can enjoy a relaxing walk and marvel at the sheer abundance of wildlife available.

Meet and feed the adorable plethora of feathered friends mulling around, including ducks, doves, moorhens and colourful peacocks. The wondrous oak woodland offers a stunning walking spot and being home to a number of animals, including foxes, badgers and friendly red squirrels, you’re sure to spot some curious creatures along the way.

The wildlife in the stream is season dependent, but you could see a number of different water wildlife here, including eels and large schools of fish, you can also pop into the shop for some fish food and watch as they jump for their favourite dinner.

If you love a beautiful view, take a short walk up the hillside for the most unbeatable, panoramic views of the surrounding villages and landscape.

things to do at  Calbourne Water Mill

Visit the small but fascinating War Museum at the water mill, where you can learn about the role that the Isle of Wight played during the war and see some interesting memorabilia.

A number of rural display exhibitions showcase collectables from years gone by, so you can see a taste of what life used to be like on the island. Exhibitions include a fire station, Granma’s kitchen and the old bakery, with many more to view.

The water mill helps the onsite Pottery, which crafts beautiful handmade souvenirs, you are able to watch the process and purchase a gift too.

Calbourne Water Mill also offers a range of family activities to enjoy, including Lego tables to let your imagination run wild and a giant chalkboard for your artistic skills. The Clay-Play area is a huge hit, a place where you can create and play, they use air drying clay so you can even take home what you make on the same day.

Try your hand at the Adventure Golf course, or opt for a relaxing time floating down the stream in the punts or pedalos, seeing the nature around you in a completely unique way.

Calbourne Water Mill café

The café uses flour made from the mill in its dishes, as well as locally sourced produce where possible, so you can be sure of mouth-watering freshly cooked food. Enjoy a selection of delicious meals and light lunches from their menu, including freshly made soup, sandwiches, pancakes and a range of children’s meals too.

The café also serves a variety of delectable homemade cakes and a wide range of wonderful cream teas to enjoy, while soaking up the surrounding views.

opening times & prices

The Calbourne Water Mill is located in the picturesque town of Calbourne on the Isle of Wight. Dogs are welcome at the mill, but it is requested they remain leashed.

Opening: March to November. Every day. 10am – 5pm.

You’ll thoroughly enjoy a day out at Calbourne  Water Mill and be pleasantly surprised with all the things you can do, as well as learning about the islands oldest and only working water mill.

Our five-star, luxury holiday destination Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is located only a half hour drive away from the water mill, making it the ideal place to base yourself on the island.

Woodside Bay offers wonderful facilities, including our Woodside Bay Spa Lodge which is home to our fully trained therapists, who offer luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments and beautiful views over the Solent from the decking. Indulge in a delicious meal from our Bistro Restaurant, serving a range of family favourites, after your meal head out to our outdoor sitting area to take in the panoramic views and relax with a drink from our fully stocked bar.

We offer a wide range of self-catered accommodation, from our quirky treehouses, where you can enjoy the peaceful escape of being surrounded by the treetops and the luxurious touches of copper finishing’s and a hot tub, only sleeping 2, this is the ideal place for a romantic getaway away on the island. Our variety of beautiful lodges are also on offer, these all come with large open plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens, sumptuous sofas, spacious decking with wonderful views and a selection of our lodges come with hot tubs too.

Why not book your escape to Woodside Bay today and enjoy a holiday break to the Isle of Wight?

Don’t miss Bath’s biggest ice rink this festive season in the beautiful Victoria Park, filled with fun, food and events. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is only short distance from the historic city centre, meaning you can explore all the hustle and bustle of city life but retreat back to the peaceful oasis Bath Mill offers. And during your winter break with us, don’t miss the ever popular Bath on Ice!

about Bath on ice

Bath on Ice opens on Friday 16th November and is open every day (except Christmas day) until Sunday 6th January. This year the rink will be 1000 square meters of ice, making it the biggest ever ice staking rink in the city, which will provide more space for skaters than ever before, there will also be new, more comfortable lace-up boots available to hire too.

The Glow in the Dark Mini-Golf course will also be back and is always a popular attraction, with 18 holes, mist and atmospheric lighting, and of course, glow in the dark golf balls! Put your competitiveness to the test with this fabulous attraction, in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park.

After a fun time skating and playing mini-golf, head into the warmth of the Moguls Alpine Bar, which will be serving festive hot mulled wine, mouth-watering wood fired pizzas and luxurious hot chocolate. There will also be a range of beers and wines available at the bar, and wonderful log burners to relax next to.

events at Bath on ice

There are a range of family friendly events throughout November and December to enjoy at Bath on Ice, where you can enjoy time with family and get in the festive spirit.

Enjoy the events and have fun skating, but Bath on Ice also offer private event functions, where you can book a group booking, birthday or Christmas party and have a wonderful night!

opening hours & prices

16th Nov – 14th Dec: weekdays 11:45am – 9:30pm / Weekends 10:30am – 9:30pm
15th Dec – 6th Jan: Everyday 1:30am – 9:30pm (Closed Christmas Day)

Why not book your Bath Mill holiday break and visit the fantastic Bath on Ice, skate the night away, enjoy the Glow in the Dark Mini-Golf and indulge in delicious food at the Alpine lodge.

Bath Mill offers a great alternative to a city hotel escape, with a range of luxurious lodge choose from, including our one bed Norland Lodges which are ideal for city breaks and a range of larger lodges for full family holidays. Indulge in a delicious main meal at our onsite Brooke Bar & Bistro, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and decadent desserts, as well as a relaxing drink from our fully stocked bar.

Photo’s provided by Bath On Ice

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is only a short distance from our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat! Our retreat is located in the heart of Surrey, perfectly placed to explore all the picturesque region has to offer, and Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that we are only 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from the studio tour! So why not make a weekend of your Harry Potter trip and explore all that Surrey has to offer too? If you want to know all there is to know about the studio tour, then settle in with a cuppa and read on…

visit the sets

Various sound stages and sets were created throughout the Harry Potter movie series, including The Great Hall, which was built in 2000 and was used for the next 6 movies. The set includes handmade costumes and two large tables set ready for dinner, as well as breath-taking props like Professor Dumbledore’s lectern and the House Points Counter. A newer addition to the tour is the Forbidden Forest, with 19 handcrafted trees, each 12 feet in diameter.

Other sets include Platform 9 3/4, which was built for the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie, with previous scenes shot at Kings Cross Station in London, however the set was constructed for the final movie, complete with tracks and the iconic Hogwarts Express train. You’ll also get to walk the magnificent Diagon Alley set, lined with store fronts such as Gringotts Bank, Flourish & Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and of course, dusty old Ollivander’s, which was home to over 17,000 individually labelled boxes of wands during shooting.

marvel at the spectacular props

The extraordinary talented Propmasters on the Harry Potter series created beautiful items to bring the wizarding world to life, they even created over 950 potions jars to line the classroom, all with something unique inside them, including herbs and shrunken heads. They also created 900 memory labels for Professor Dumbledore’s Memory Cabinet, with the labels including names such as Professor McGonogall and Argus Filch.

The unsettling pink room of Professor Umbridge’s office was expertly decorated by the art department, with over 130 plates of cute kittens, which meant the department actually filmed kittens with witches hats and balls of wool (sounds like heaven to me!). But nothing is as striking as the 20 foot mannequin above the entrance to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezers store front. Except maybe the funny and equally disgusting Pucking Pastilles dispenser on the store front, outstanding work by Head Propmaster, Pierre Bohanna.

stunning handmade costumes

Costume Designer, Jany Termime, really helped bring the wizarding fashion alive throughout the series, from the Quidditch uniforms which evolved from heavy robes to lighter, sportier robes with names and numbers on the back. She also created breathtaking wizard formal wear for The Yule Ball, putting the boys in wizard tuxedo-style robes, and also made Hermione’s showstopping layered, Chiffron gown. Ron’s wizards robes were actually made from acres of lace and old carpet fabric (he pulled the look off well considering!).

details of the art department

The Art Department created everything for the movies, but the true jewel in the crown is the Hogwarts Castle Model. It was built for the very first movie and every turret, tower and courtyard was filmed, the makers installed more than 2,500 fibre optic lights which simulates torches and lanterns, and giving the illusion of students wandering the halls. The Art Department created thousands of props to bring the wizarding world to life, they made sweet packaging, fantastic textbooks and even issues of the Quibbler. By the end of the Harry Potter saga, over 40 editions of The Daily Prophet were designed.

the magical beasts

There were many magical creatures created on the Harry Potter films, from the huge Basilisk mouth that was made for the final battle scene in Chamber of Secrets, which was 30ft long and had 3ft deep jaws. There were 3 Buckbeak’s, created for the movies including one laying down, another rearing and one standing, with each Buckbeak having every individual feather inserted and glued into place, as well as designers talking to physiologists and vets about the proportions of the mythical creature. Aragog was also physically created for the movies, he actually had a leg span of 18 feet, and the model was able to crawl out of his hole and even deliver dialogue (Ron was right to be squeakily terrified!). Each hair was individually inserted by hand and the hairs varied from pieces of coconut, to the centre of feathers and even broom bristles.

mind-boggling special & visual effects

The Art Department worked tirelessly to create everything from the wizard world they could, even creating the amazing Chamber of Secrets Door. The door is often thought to be CGI, but it’s actually a fully operational door, which includes articulated snakes and motor to make sure they all move at the correct time. The temperamental Whomping Willow tree is iconic of the Harry Potter series, the full sized tree trunk and mechanically operated ‘whomping’ branches were created, with other branches being added in via CGI.

This is just the tip of the magical wonders awaiting you at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some Butterbeer or hop on a broomstick and fly over London via the spectacular green screen experience too!

After your Harry Potter filled day, you can return to the tranquillity of Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat and explore all the beauty that Surrey has on offer. We offer stunning accommodation, which includes hot tubs and private saunas, with some lodges including views of a peaceful lake to top it all off, when you holiday with us at Tilford Woods you really will have a magical weekend worthy of Hogwarts (too cheesy? I’m not even sorry…).

With 8 locations offering their own character finding your perfect match at Darwin Escapes can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re here to help!

Are you a Talacre Beach person? Or more of a Hawkhurch fanatic? Finding your dream holiday home destination is a lot like going on a dating app, searching through, looking at the profile pictures and reading the bios. But DE HQ are here to play cupid and help you find your perfect match to suit all your needs!

Which Darwin Escapes location will you start your new life with? Are you looking for family adventures or a peaceful escape? Or maybe you want both. Darwin Escapes has a destination to fit every need and want you and your family have, all you have to do is scroll down and read the bios and see which one tickles your fancy!

Talacre Beach Resort

Location: Flintshire, North Wales
Near: Rhyl, Prestatyn, Chester
Likes: long walks on the beach, trying new Go Active activities, enjoy fabulous family entertainment and taking a dip in the indoor, heated swimming pool

<strong> Bio: </strong> One of the most popular holiday home ownership destinations in North Wales for over 50 years! Talacre Beach offers family fun adventures all year round, with owners taking full advantage of onsite facilities, including a tropically heated, indoor swimming pool, sauna and stream room, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar. There is also a fabulous entertainments programme provided by Charlie Bear and his Rangers, as well as a full Go Active programme including archery and mini jet skis. We have wide range of holiday lodges and static caravans for sale in Flintshire’s premier seaside holiday destination, and if you find your perfect match before 19th March, you’ll get your site fees free until November 2019 on selected models.

Piran Meadows Resort

Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Near: Truro, Crantock
Likes: rolling meadows and sandy beaches, surfing, family activities, swimming in indoor heated pools, family friendly meals and relaxing with spa treatments.

Bio: If you like the best of both worlds, Piran Meadows is for you, surrounded by the understated Cornish countryside and only a short distance to Newquay’s famous sandy beaches, which is also the surfing capitol of the UK. Piran Meadows offers family fun with a fabulous Go Active + programme, including archery, wall climbing, water walkers and mini jet skis, as well as an indoor entertainments area with pool tables, golf simulator and two lane bowling alley, plus a fabulous outdoors splash zone! Take a dip in the indoor, tropically heated swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the onsite Serenity Spa, as well as the refreshing sauna and steam room. Buy your dream holiday home in Newquay now and get your site fees free until March 2019 at your perfect match!

New Pines Holiday Home Park

Location: Dyserth, North Wales
Near: Rhyl, Prestatyn
Likes: having family fun entertainment, singing along with Nationally known cabaret acts, swimming in the indoor heated swimming pool and spending quality time with family.

Bio: Nestled by the Welsh countryside, New Pine offers family fun from Charlie Bear and his Rangers, along with a peaceful atmosphere around the beautiful park. Take a dip in the indoor, heated, swimming pool before relaxing in the sauna or steam room, and with a fully equipped gym you’ll never miss a workout. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat or mouth-watering meal from the onsite restaurant, before taking to the family room for fun and entertainment, including a range of game consoles and a soft play area for the little ones. New Pines has a huge variety of lodges and static caravans for sale, and if you find your perfect match you could get site fees free until November 2019! (on selected models only)

Seaview Holiday Home Park

Location: Gwysper, North Wales
Near: Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl
Likes: nature filled walks, taking in the breathtaking views, peace and tranquillity, as well as having access to 5 star facilities just one mile away

Bio: Located atop of Gwysper Mountain, Seaview offers stunning views in a peaceful atmosphere along the North Wales coastline. Boasting a nature walk around the park, you can explore the local area in a completely new way, taking in the local wildlife and panoramic views. Travel one mile down the road to sister park, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park, were our owners have unlimited access to the 5 star facilities, including indoor heated swimming pool, restaurant &amp; bar, entertainments and Go Active programme, fully equipped gym and family evening entertainment. What more could you want? Seaview is the best of both worlds, buy your soulmate static caravan or holiday lodge on the North Wales Coast and get your site fees free until March 2019.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa

Location: Conwy, North Wales
Near: Conwy, Rhos on Sea, Llandudno
Likes: peaceful strolls on the beach, a pamper day in the Aberconwy Spa, first class gym facilities and mouth-watering meals from award-winning restaurants

Bio: Surrounded by the Snowdonia Mountain range on one side and the beautiful sandy Conwy Morfa Beach on the other, Aberconwy boasts stunning views at every angle. Enjoy a luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the onsite Aberconwy spa, before relaxing in the indoor, heated swimming pool or refresh in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Indulge in a mouth-watering meal from 2017 Best Restaurant in Wales winner, Signatures Restaurant, where Head Chef Jimmy mixes up the menu every 6 weeks, so no matter how many times you visit there’s always something new to try! Break a sweat at the Langley’s Country Club &amp; Gym, with everything you could need for a workout, from cardio machines to deadlift equipment. And don’t forget to freshen up your look at the onsite Mali’s Hair Salon. With a wide range of static caravans and lodges for sale in Conwy, including the Look Out Lodge, you will be sure to find your perfect match, and buy now to get your site fees free until March 2019!

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Near: Bristol, Bath, Glastonbury
Likes: taking part in family Go Active activities, swimming at the indoor heated pool, exploring new places like the Cheddar Gorge, eating lots of locally made cheese and relaxing at the Eden Spa

Bio: Nestled in the Mendip Hills you can have endless fun exploring the local area, from the Wookey Cave and Cheddar Gorge just 5 minutes away, to the city of Bath only 30 minutes away. Cheddar Woods also offers a 5 star facilities complex, with indoor entertainments area including golf simulator and two lane bowling alley, an indoor heated swimming pool and restaurant &amp; bar. Over 16’s can relax and unwind in the onsite Eden Spa with Aromatherapy Associates treatments, as well as a relaxation suite to enjoy, along with a sauna and stream room. The children will love the family Go Active + activities, including archery, wall climbing, target shooting, mini jet skis and water walkers, as well as fun workshops for the little ones too, there really is something for everyone! Purchase your luxurious holiday lodge in Cheddar Woods before 19th March and you’ll get your site fees including until March 2019!

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Location: Axminster, Devon
Near: Exeter, Lyme Regis
Likes: peace and tranquillity, spending time relaxing in a Hydrotherapy Pool, indulging in spa treatments and eating a delicious meal.

Bio: With stunning views of the Axe Valley, a holiday home at this award winning resort will ease your stress from the daily grind, providing you with your own peaceful escape. Take your time and relax in our Beeches Restaurant, where you can grab a light lunch, enjoy a delicious evening meal or simply relax with a drink from our fully stock bar. Indulge in an Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the onsite Ezina Spa, take some ‘me time’ in the Relaxation Room before relaxing in the sauna or steam room. Dip your toe (and body) into our stunning Hydrotherapy Pool, which is proven to increase circulation and reduce muscle tension with our visually striking jets creating a soothing current. Take advantage of 5 star facilities every weekend, including our state of the art gym, all when you buy a luxury lodge at Hawkchurch, and buy now to get your site fees free until March 2019!

Have you found your perfect Darwin Escapes match? Are you a New Pines fan or a Cheddar Woods soul mate? Call our dedicated Ownership Team for more information about starting your life together with your perfect match, talk to an adviser on 01745 858 010 or ask any questions you have via our Live Chat service.

Find your perfect match and get your site fees free until March 2019, start your ownership journey with Darwin Escapes!

Tilfords Woods Lodge Retreat is a family favourite, so we’ve put together a special list of things to do in Surrey. Our etreat is surrounded by beautiful scenery, only a short walk from one of the best places to eat in the area, The Duke of Wellington Bar & Restaurant, as well as being only a 50 minute train journey from London city center. But what if you didn’t want to enter the hustle and bustle of the big city, and still wanted family friendly things to do with your little ones?

Well here at HQ we’ve come up with 9 things to do with the kids in Surrey that is fun for everyone! Each place has the opening times, prices, postcode and length of time to drive from our retreat, so you can plan your holiday before you get to us!

It’s a bit of long one, so settle in with a cuppa and read our top 9 things to do with the kids in Surrey…

1. hampton court palace

Opening Times: 10am – 6pm
Prices: Adult £18.40. Child £9.20
Postcode: KT8 9AU (50 minutes away)

Wander the corridors of royal power and pleasure of the Hampton Court Palace. A full programme of activities, from Tudor jousting to exploring 300 year old chocolate kitchens! Visit the Magic Garden and let the adventure begin, a place where the little ones will come face to face with mythical beats, help to storm the battlements and explore the secret grotto, a brand new and unique way to explore the past. Venture into the world famous maze, designed by George London and Henry Wise and was commissioned in 1700, take a leisurely stroll but try not to get lost!

2. thorpe park

Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm off peak. Until 10 pm during Summer holidays.
Prices: (vary, based on online prices) 1 day ticket £29.99, Day ticket + fast track £36.99. Annual pass £119
Postcode: KT16 8PN (45 minutes away)

Endless family fun at this hugely popular theme park, with two categories of rides to choose from, the family friendly rides and the thrill rides for those extra adventurous folks! There are over 30 rides, attractions and live events, with 5 of the UK’s top roller coasters at the theme park, along with Darren Brown’s brand new Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon ride now open, for those who dare! There is also the fun Angry Birds 4D Experience, among other family fun things to do for the kids too!

3. birdworld

Opening Times: 10am – 6pm (BST) and 10am – 4.30pm (GMT) (last admissions are an hour before closing)
Prices: (vary, based on peak times) Adult £18.95, Child 3-15 £14.95
Postcode: GU10 4LD (15 minutes away)

Birdworld is one of the most popular things to do with the kids in Surrey, a place where you can have the ultimate family fun. Visit the penguins at feeding time, help to feed the birds and learn all about their colourful characters. Don’t miss the stunning Flamingo Cove & Seashore Walk, as well as the fabulous Park Pet Shop, were you can cuddle and purchase your very own fluffy bundle of joy! Also don’t miss the exciting Owl Parliament, in honour of the brilliant fantasy author, this satellite exhibit aims to educate and raise awareness of these stunning and wise animals!

4. watts gallery & artists village

Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm weekdays, 10 am – 5 pm weekends
Prices: Adult £9.50, Student £4.75, Under 16’s go free
Postcode: GU3 1DQ (20 minutes away)

There is something for all ages at Watt’s Gallery & Artists Village, with a full programme of workshops to join in on, creating crafts and learning new skills, while having lots of fun! You can explore the beautiful Artists Village with one of the family trail packs, including the brand new Activity Backpack, which is full of quizzes, activities, games and multi-sensory objects to explore. There is also the Family Explorer Trail, where you discover the entire Artists Village and the collection through drawing activities and challenges. Discover the history behind the centre and view some beautiful art at the Watts Gallery.

5. hatchlands park

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm (House opens at 2 pm)
Prices: Adult £11, Child £5.50, Family £27.50 (whole property prices)
Postcode: GU4 7RT (40 minutes away)

Over 400 acres of beautiful parkland is open all year round at the Hatchlands Park. You can find the perfect picnic spot while exploring the magical tree-lined paths and plenty of picnic benches if you don’t fancy sitting on the grass. Visit the children’s adventure area, a place to let them run free and climb the frames! Discover the Parterre Garden, a peaceful spot where you can soak up the surrounding beauty in a place bursting with colour. This stunning suntrap is home to water features, palm tree and benches for you to sit back and take in the tranquillity, while watching the little ones explore the flower beds. Dogs are welcome in the walking paths, and wider gardens, but not in the Hatchlands House. The Georgian house was built in 1756, and you can explore all 6 of the beautifully restored rooms, and if you’re lucky you can even discover the hidden spaces beneath the house.

6. british wildlife centre

Opening Times: 10 am – 5pm (during school holidays)
Prices: Adult £11.50, Child £8.50, Family £37
Postcode: RH7 6LF (1 hour away)

Spend a day visiting the British Wildlife Centre and learn thing about the wildlife on your doorstep. There are over 40 animals on display at the wildlife centre, including little owls, otters, foxes, snowy owls and many more. There are fantastic keeper talks every half an hour, so you and your little ones can learn more about the animals in your back garden at home! Visit the wildlife themed activity area, Pip’s Childrens Corner, where the little ones can run wild and take part in activities such as building a heron’s nest, explore an underground badger sett and slide down the otter bank, among many other activities! You and your family can enjoy a full day at the wildlife centre, take your own picnic and relax at the picnic areas, or grab a hot drink and warm meal at the onsite coffee shop, before off exploring some more of our wonderful wildlife!

7. godstone farm

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm everyday
Prices: Adult & Child £8.90, Child (1 year old) £3.40 (based on peak times)
Postcode: RH9 8LX (55 minutes away)

Perfect for a family fun day out in Surrey! Visit a variety of animals, the farmyard section offers pigs, cows, sheep and goats to cuddle! Meet the ponies and horses grazing in the fields, along with an array of colourful birds living all around the farm to see on your stroll. Cuddle the fluffy and furry bunnies, guinea pigs, degus and even cute chinchillas, as well as visiting the very friendly llamas and alpacas! At the top of the farm you can find one of the biggest adventure playgrounds you have ever seen, full of sandpits, slides, climbing walls and even a zip lines! If the weather starts to take a turn for the worse, never fear, head straight for the indoor Playbarn, a wonderful soft play area for all ages! Godstone Farm is truly one of the best things to do with the kids in Surrey no matter the weather.

8. tulley’s farm: maze fun park

Opening Times: seasonal, 22nd July – 3rd September
Prices: Adult £9, Child £10, Family £32
Postcode: RH10 4PE (1 hour away)

Tulley’s Farm is an events venue known for its spectacular seasonal events every year, especially their live-scare Halloween events. During the summer holidays take your little ones to the Summer Maize Fun Park, with over 25 attractions there will be something to entertain all ages! The attractions include logic puzzles, giant games, illusions and a giant adventure play area with trampolines, tractor rides, Frisbee golf and much more! The maize maze is created from 8 acres of corn and is one of the best ways to have a leisurely walk in the summer sun. During the summer nights you can experience the maze in a while new way with the Torchlight Maze Nights, a truly enlightening experience, where you can create your own light show!

9. waverley abbey

Opening Times: Accessible during day light hours
Prices: Free
Postcode: GU9 0JA (10 minutes away)

Waverley Abbey is located in a peaceful loop of the River Wey, and still shows the impression of solitude experienced by the monks who founded the Abbey 900 years ago. The Waverley Abbey ruins are a fantastic day out for the family, a nature walk to the ruins mean you can soak up as much of the summer sun as possible. A unique way for the children to learn about the history of Surrey, they can marvel at the 13th Century vaulted dining hall, and visit the ruins of the monks sleeping quarters. Take a picnic with you for a peaceful day out at the ruins, where you can sit back and relax to the beautiful River Wey.

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ideal place to base yourself if you’re a nature-loving family, where you can venture into the local area on foot, or explore further to the family friendly things to do in Surrey. Book your holiday now and start planning your family holiday to Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat!

Have a Fabulous Family Holiday!

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is perfectly placed to the base for your Cornish Halloween adventures this Half Term…

There are lots of fun family adventures to be had in the local Cornish area around Mullion Cove, filled with fireworks and spooky stories!

halloween happenings at Godolphin

When: 22nd – 30th Oct. Time: 10am – 5pm. Prices: £8.50 (adult) £4.25 (child)

Learn some gruesome and fascinating facts about baths along the family bat tail at Godolphin this Halloween half term, venture into the undercroft and listen to some spooky stories of years gone by and learn all about the ghost that still haunt Godolphin today. Keep your eyes peel as you wander around as you never know what you might see!

fireworks half term at flambards

When: 28th Oct. Time: 6pm Start. Prices: £12.50

Flambards annual Tricks and Treats Firework Spectacular is not to be missed, with Flava and the Big Dance Company headlining the stage where talented crews will be performing their super skilled moves it’s sure to be an amazing half term show! You’ll be able to see one of Cornwall’s finest live bands the ‘Broken Down’ who will be getting the crowd ready and amped up for the spectacular firework display!

spooky Trail at Flambards

When: 24th – 30th Oct. Time: 10am – 5pm. Prices: £19.95

Along with all the fun Flambards attractions, this Halloween half term you can step back in time almost 200 years, with the Spooky Trail through the Victorian Village. Things were terrible for the working class people, disease was rife and the spooky streets were plagued with sneaky pickpockets and murderous rogues. Visit the infamous Peggy Price the Victorian Villager who wanders the cobbles and tells tales of vicious Victorian villains, a great trail for all the family.

After a day out celebrating half term Halloween fun you can retreat back to your stunning lodge in Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat and relax while watching a spooky movie!

Happy Half Term Ghosts and Ghouls!

Want to keep up to date with all the latest information? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and like us on Instagram to stay up to date on all things Darwin Escapes!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

If you are spending time at Piran Meadows and are searching for family fun activities in and around Newquay look no further…

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa offers an amazing Go Active+ programme, where you can enjoy archery, fencing, water walkerz and body zorbing among many others! But if you are looking to explore the local area for fun family things to do, then here are our top 10 family things to do in and around Newquay…

pirate’s quest

Join in on the swash buckling voyage through Cornwall’s pirates past! (Who knew?!) You will come face to face with smugglers, mermaids and buccaneers as you travel back 300 years and visit The Republic of Pirates. You will escape a shipwreck with the Flying Gang and their Captain Blackbeard, travel through mystical caves and murky 18th Century streets of Cornwall, while looking for new buccaneers to join the gang! The Pirate’s Quest is family fun for everyone!

blue reef aquarium

A place where there are new discoveries everyday, with over 40 naturally themed habitats, you will travel from Cornish waters to exotic seas! Marvel at the fresh water turtles, pulsating jellyfish and mesmerising pufferfish, and at the heart of the Blue Reef Aquarium is the Ocean tank and underwater tunnel, where you can view fascinating sea creatures. The Black Tip Reef Sharks, who grow up to 2 meters long, as well as the completely unique Giant Pacific Octopus who are very intelligent and have 3 hearts, blue blood and a doughnut shaped brain! (wow!) Learn so much at the aquarium and see the masses of colourful fish too.

newquay zoo

With over 1000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals, Newquay Zoo is surrounded by 13 acres of lush tropical gardens, you can run wild and explore to release your inner animal! See the penguins, lions, tigers and the breathtaking beautiful zebras, and adventure to the topical house if you dare to see the rare and unusual animals there, including a sloth (my favourite animal ever, for obvious reasons. I want to be one, I’m already half way there). There are activity trails, a café, face painting and a loads of education about conservation too, fun for all ages!

jungle jacks

At Jungle Jacks in Newquay you can let the little monkey’s run wild in the 1700 square feet purpose built play frame! Providing a safe places for them to have a blast, burn off some steam and have endless amounts of fun, challenging climbs, a fun rope bridge, astra-glide slide, crafty crawl tubes and cool peekaboo bubble windows. For the adventure seekers there is the super fast racing slide and spiral tube for the brave kids, as well as dedicated baby and toddler play area for the little ones too. There is ample seating, positioned so you can see the whole play area, free Wi-Fi and a well stocked café.

lusty glaze adventure centre

This sheltered beach cove is the perfect place to kick your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes, take a break and breathe in the fresh salt air away from the stresses of everyday life. Take a spade, bucket, ball and a picnic and you have the perfect, free, fun family day out at the beach! There are also plenty of adventure activities taking place at the centre, from abseiling, tightrope walking, a cool surf school, jet ski lessons and a fun banana boat ride! The on-site restaurant has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere with panoramic views, along with mouth watering food on offer too. Relax by the log burner on a colder night, or dine al fresco in the sunshine, Lusty Glaze has something for everyone.

lappa valley steam railway

You can have the ride of your life at Lappa Valley Steam Railway, meet the one of a kind trains and journey through the woodland while sitting back and relaxing. But there is more than just trains here, jump in the canoe and navigate your way around the islands on the canoe lake, have a round of crazy golf, walk the fascinating nature tails and use the outdoor and indoor play areas! There is even a toddlers maze for the little ones to get involved too, the small brick walled maze is a replica of an 1804 locomotive! Don’t forget to enjoy the sand pits, pirate ships and coin operated cars!

crantock beach

Crantock Beach is a 15 minute drive from Newquay town centre and was voted Best British Beach in 2013 by the BBC! Walk over the looming sand dune and marvel at the awe inspiring view on offer, the beautiful expanse of golden sand and glittering blue sea will wash all your stresses away and makes for a great seaside family day out! Drop into the Fern Pit where you can order a cooked lobster that has been freshly caught that morning, and take a walk along the headland overlooking the bay too. And if you have a fur baby with you, dogs are welcome all year round at the beach too!

st eval kart circuit

This is perfect for children aged 7 and above, the St Eval Kart Circuit is a massive outdoor track and one of the UK’s biggest, as well as being the Southwests largest and fastest adult kart circuits too. Its only one of its kind in Devon and Cornwall, so you are rest assured for a fun and unique family day out here! If you aren’t into racing but the little ones are, no worries, you can watch them zoom around the track for free as spectators aren’t charged! It is an all weather track so you can go rain or shine and have the time of your life zipping round the track in the Powermax kart!

skullduggery lazer tag

Skullduggery is Cornwall’s premier lazer tag arena, you can even become a member if you wanted to! With jaw dropping lighting and adrenaline pumping effects you will have the time of your life here, hiding and dodging your family and friends. You can play on your own, so every man for himself, or you can team up and protect your bases, like in Halo (I love that game), sneak around and hide from your opponents in the arena and lazer your way to the leader board!

Those are Darwin Escapes top 10 family fun things to do in Newquay! If you find any hidden treasures or have any ideas to add to our list let us know!

Happy adventuring & family frolicking!

Want to keep up to date with all the latest information? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all things Darwin Escapes!