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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Oxfordshire we have our stunning resort with a Tudor-style house from 1893.

• explore The Springs Resort & Golf Club

Let’s test your knowledge on UK and Abroad destinations.

Below we have 10 different images that are either from places in the UK or places Abroad, all you need to do is take your guesses and see if you got them right from the answers below…

questions:

image one – UK or Abroad?

answer – UK (Holywell Bay Beach in Cornwall UK)

our nearest resort: Piran Meadows Resort

image two – UK or Abroad?

answer – Abroad (Giles Baths in Australia)

image three – UK or Abroad?

answer – Abroad (Provence in France)

image four – UK or Abroad?

answer – UK (Durdle Door in Dorset)

our nearest resort: Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat

image five – UK or Abroad?

answer – Abroad (Himalayas Mountain Range in Asia)

image six – UK or Abroad?

answer – UK (Henrhyd Falls in Wales)

our nearest resort: Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

image seven – UK or Abroad?

answer – Abroad (Ganh Da Dia in Vietnam)

image eight – UK or Abroad?

answer – UK (Royal Pavilion in Brighton)

our nearest resort: Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat

image nine – UK or Abroad?

answer – UK (The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland)

our nearest resort: Dundonald Links Resort

image ten – UK or Abroad?

answer – Abroad (Black Forest in Germany)

We have some amazing resorts across the UK that can provide you with a staycation or holiday home ownership, have a browse below.

• explore our holiday resorts
• explore our ownership resorts

So you are staying at the Beach Cove Coastal Retreat? We’ve put together the ultimate North Devon circular ale trail for you.

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is located in Ilfracombe, North Devon and it is only a short bus trip to get into Ilfracombe town centre which is where you will find lots of choices for your circular ale trail. To keep things as easy as they can be we have given you a list below of how to get there and where to go when you’re there along with where to finish your ale trail when you get back to Beach Cove!

first things first

Start your North Devon circular ale trail by heading left out of Beach Cove and walking up to the top of Beach Road. There you will see the Hele Bay Hotel bus stop where you can catch the bus to Ilfracombe.

Catch the 301 (which comes every hour) to Ilfracombe (get off at the Scarlett Pimpernel Garage stop) duration: 3-5mins

here you’ll find plenty of choice, here are our favourites…

The Admiral Collingwood

Wilder Rd, Ilfracombe, EX34 9AP

This Wetherspoon pub used to be called the Collingwood Hotel and had been open for over 130 years accommodating visitors from all over. Named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, The Admiral Collingwood is now a well-known pub right on the seafront of Ilfracombe. Here you can find plenty of well-kept ales like Exmoor Stag and other locally known ales all on draught. And when the weather is nice you can enjoy sitting outside in there amazing outdoor seating area.

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George and Dragon

Fore St, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED

Dating back to 1360, George & Dragon is the oldest pub in Ilfracombe! Set in the harbor area, you will be able to enjoy everything that comes with a traditional English pub along with the views of the area. There are three real ales on offer inside the George & Dragon and you can enjoy being cosy inside with wooden beams and large fireplaces. As well as being good for real ales it also makes a great stop for some lunch.

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The Sandpiper Inn

The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ

Whether you are local to the area or not expect a warm welcome as you make your way inside of The Sandpiper Inn. Located just up the road from the Ilfracombe Harbour this B&B and pub has everything you could ever want as the bar is well-kept all year round. You will find local ales like Sharp’s Doom Bar. For the summer months you will find a spacious terrace where you can soak up the sun as well as karaoke for everyone to use.

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Prince of Wales

2 Fore St, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED

At the Prince of Wales pub you can enjoy the perfect blend of old and new with the low beamed bar and modern continental style outdoor seating. It’s one of the only two pubs on Fore Street and dates back to over 700 years ago! The pub is pretty close to the Harbour like the rest and you can see the Damien Hirst’s Verity statue where you are sat outside. The bar always stocks Sharp’s Doom Bar and Timothy Taylor Landlord so you always have a choice of cask ales.

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The Pier Brewery Tap

The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ

The Pier Brewery Tap is in an amazing location, right next door to the harbour and the pier on the Quay. You will find it’s an extremely popular venue with a garden, traditional pub games, live music occasionally, a real fire, a restaurant and a bar area. The bar itself is always well stocked and you will always find a drink you are wanting there. It’s the perfect place to stop off at along your North Devon circular ale trail.

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once you are ready to head back

Make your way back to the Scarlett Pimpernel Garage stop which will take you back into Hele. Don’t get off at Hele Bay Hotel bus stop, instead get off a couple of stops earlier as you can continue the real ale circular trail from here.

Catch the 301 (last bus is around 6.30pm) back towards Hele (get off at the Old Thatched Inn stop) duration: 1-2mins

add these to your way home

Thatched Inn

Hillsborough Rd, Ilfracombe, EX34 9PG

The bus stop is just outside the pub so you don’t have far to go when you jump off the bus. This 17^th Century family run pub will provide you with an inviting authentic pub atmosphere. And you will find that there is a great selection of real ales and fine wine depending on what you are wanting to drink. They also have a spacious garden where you can take in the views down the valley which is the perfect place to go during a summers day.

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Madrigal Brewery Shop & Tap Room

Witheridge Pl, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9RA

Madridal is a small-batch artisan brewery that is located inside of a former Edwardian gas works in Hele. They have a brewery shop and tap room on site where you can enjoy trying the beer that is made at the brewery. They make a range of beers, all vegan friendly and they go from vibrantly juicy pale ales through to liquorice porters and lemongrass saisons! All of these are available to buy which makes them a great addition to your ale trail as you can pick some up to take home with you.

finally, finish off at

Hele Bay Pub

39 Beach Rd, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9QZ

After a long day of drinking we bet you will be ready for some delicious pub grub which is why we’ve added Hele Bay Pub to the end of your ale trail. You will receive the warmest of welcomes along with plenty more real ale if you are wanting to continue drinking. But the most important thing on offer here is the food. This award-winning pub has plenty of choice on the menu – we recommend trying their homemade pies! Once you are finished here you are only a few steps away from Beach Cove or wherever else you are staying in Hele.

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Our Beach Cove Coastal Retreat really is a unique and breath-taking escape where you can enjoy unbeatable views and relax and unwind together in one of our beach huts.

• explore Beach Cove

Photo by Pete Le May © RSC

Find out more about the cast of The Comedy of Errors as they answer this holiday related questionnaire.

We have been partners with the Royal Shakespeare Company for a couple of years now and have sponsored various shows and events that they have hosted. (Read more about our partnerships) Which is why we thought it would be a great idea to learn a little more about the cast and their preferences when it comes to holidays. So we sent them over a few questions for them to answer which you can find below. But before we get into the questions here is a quick rundown of what The Comedy of Errors is about:

These are strange times. Confusion and uncertainty everywhere.

A father ends up in the wrong country on the wrong day as a government makes hasty proclamations about travel. A lonely son, while searching for his brother, loses himself. Across town a wife starts to realise her husband is not the man she thought he was (but rather likes it). Will anything ever be the same again?

Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, a fairytale farce of everyday miracles, mistaken identity and double vision, is directed by comedy master Phillip Breen (The Provoked Wife 2019, The Hypocrite 2017).

more information & book tickets to watch the show here

Avita’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Piran Meadows Resort

Jonathan’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Hedydd’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa

Zoe’s ideal Darwin Escapes resort is…

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

If you like the sound of our Darwin Escapes resorts based on what the cast had been matched to why not have a browse at all the destinations we have available for both holidays and ownership.

• our holiday resorts
• own a holiday home

We’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches for you and your four-legged pal when you’re on your pet-friendly holiday to our Piran Meadows Resort in Newquay

Whether you’re searching for the best dog-walking areas with stunning scenery or looking for a full family day out with your pooch, these sandy beaches are the perfect place for you. Enjoy the summer sun and surf the waters of the Cornish coast with your dog when you visit these beaches on your pet-friendly holiday to Cornwall.

Fistral Beach

Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR17 1HY | Dogs allowed all year round

One of Cornwall’s most popular beaches, with a surf centre, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire company – there’s so much to do here. With such a vast expanse of golden sands waiting for you, you’ll love a dog walk or a day sunning yourself at Fistral Beach.

Crantock Beach

Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 5RN | Dogs allowed all year round

A large, golden sandy beach that’s perfect for getting away from the busy summer crowds. Explore Piper’s Hole cave towards the western end of the beach, which has carvings dating back over 100 years.

Holywell Bay

Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 5DD | Dogs allowed all year round

This a beautifully deceptive cove, hidden behind large sand dunes you’ll find a mile stretch of white sandy beach waiting for you. Holywell Bay takes it’s name from the hidden cave in the northern side of the cliffs, which you can explore during the low tide.

Watergate Bay

Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: TR8 4AD | Dogs allowed all year round

Ideal for long walks along a sandy beach during low tide. The Extreme Academy calls this beach home, offering surfing, kitesurfing, and kite buggying, you can also enjoy delicious food with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant on the beach front.

Take a look at our list of top five dog-friendly beaches near Bude, Cornwall below, and enjoy a stroll with your four-legged best friend!

When you’ve found our perfect pet-friendly Cornish holiday spot at our beautiful Sandymouth Holiday Resort, the next step is to find the right sandy beach for you and your dog to explore. We’ve found all the nearest dog-friendly beaches near Bude for you and put them in one handy list, so you can explore the stunning Cornish coastline on your getaway.

Sandymouth Bay

Distance from resort: 5 min walk or 5 min drive | Postcode: EX23 9HW | Dogs allowed all year round

Super close to our resort, this beautiful sandy beach is only a five-minute walk away from your holiday home. The walk to the beach is quite steep and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchair users. Around two miles long, the beach is mostly pebbles during high tide but stretches out to golden sands during low tide.

Summerleaze Beach

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 8HN | Dogs allowed all year round

A very popular beach with it being only a five-minute walk away from Bude town centre, but because of the vast size of this beautiful beach, it very rarely feels crowded. Popular with surfers, in particular, there are quite powerful waves here, so please take care if swimming. You’ll also find a fabulous sea-water bathing pool, which is protected from the swells and perfect for all weathers. You could also enjoy the Bude Tidal Pool, which provides sheltered swimming all year round! A fabulous family day out can be had at Summerleaze Beach. (N.B: dogs on leads between 10am and 6pm from 21st May to 30th September)

Breakwater Beach

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 8HN | Dogs allowed all year round

Across the town from Summerleaze Beach, behind the breakwater (hence the name), is this pretty, quiet, shingle beach. Surrounded by grassy cliffs and open to the Atlantic Ocean, the waves are very powerful here. But you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll with your fur buddy.

Northcott Mouth Beach

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: EX23 9EL | Dogs allowed all year round

A fabulous expanse of sandy beach waiting for you to explore.

Widemouth Bay

Distance from resort: 20 min drive | Postcode: EX23 0AH | Dogs allowed all year on Black Rock & South Beach. Restrictions on the main beach: no dogs from 15th May to 30th Sept, between 10am and 6pm

Two miles of open sand to explore, Widemouth Bay was recently awarded the Blue Flag Award. Known for the fascinating rock formations, called ‘The Bude Formation’, this beach is not to be missed. Popular with surfers as it is exposed to the Atlantic swells, the beach also has a range of cafes, public toilet facilities and free parking!

Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach dog walk or a full family day out with your best four-legged friend, we’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches in South Cornwall for you

When you book a holiday to Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in South Cornwall with your pooch, walking on the golden sandy beaches is surely at the top of your list! All Cornwall’s beaches are dog friendly, although some do have certain restrictions during the summer months. We’ve put together our top four choices for you in this list, so you’ve got your pick of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Cornwall.

Caerthillian Cove

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7JX | Dogs allowed all year round

A pretty rocky inlet behind Lizard Point, this little cove is popular with bird watchers all year round and has an abundance of wildlife and perfect picnic areas.

Housel Bay

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7NU | Dog restrictions: no dogs from 1st July – 31st August, between 10am and 6pm

A beautiful hidden cove at the bottom of craggy cliffs. A wonderful place for a wander with white sand and turquoise water. Be careful, as you can become cut off during high tide.

Polpeor Cove

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7NU | Dogs allowed all year round

Very close to Lizard Point and the above Housel Bay. This stunning cove is dominated by the Old Lizard Lifeguard Station, with dark grey sand and beautiful blue water – a truly picturesque place for a stroll with your dog.

Kennack Sands Beach

Distance from resort: 15 min drive | Postcode: TR12 7LT | Dogs allowed all year on the Eastside. Restrictions on the main beach: no dogs from 1st July to 31st August between 10am and 6pm.

A popular family beach, Kennack Sands is sheltered from the wind by being on the eastern side of Lizard Point. It’s also popular with surfers and has some interesting World War II defenses still standing along the east side of the beach.

find out more about Mullion Cove

Are you looking to catch some waves in Dorset? Well, worry not, as we’ve done the legwork to highlight the top 5 places to surf in Dorset, so you don’t have to!

Whilst surf in the UK is far from consistent, it more than makes up for it in diversity! With five surfing schools and lots of places to hire boards dotted along the coast, Dorset is a great place to learn. Locations in Dorset may not be considered the best, or most reliable surf spots in the UK, but the county’s natural offshore reef means that waves form well even without a great deal of groundswell. Dorset can therefore offer great surfing in the right conditions that can cater to both experienced and novice surfers.

did you know? our Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is in Dorset so you can book a holiday and try out the top surfing locations

1. Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay is something of a legendary place on the south coast. It is home to some of the best waves in the country and is nestled amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Jurassic Coast. It is well known as both a surfing venue and a windsurfing hotspot and is also where the renowned custom board shaping and repairs company, K-Bay, derived its name. To get to Kimmeridge Bay you need to pay a small toll, and then you can park just a minute’s walk from the slipway (you may have to pay for parking).

The wave itself is a very consistent long mellow reef break that favors left-handers. The surf is usually best in the winter months, and it works best in offshore winds from the north. It is worth noting, however, that the beach shares a border with a military firing range, and there have been reports of shells landing out to sea. Therefore remember to take heed of the red flag, as you could encounter a lot worse than rough seas!

2. Bournemouth Beach – the pier, and at Southbourne

A popular spot due to its close location to the town, Bournemouth Beach has fun, beach-break peaks with sandbars anchored by the pier. The Eastside is the most popular spot, with left-handers heading back into the pier and faster rights leading down the beach. There are more peaks on the west side without the SW wind protection. On a solid SW groundswell and N wind, there are decent barrels for the taking. There are also a number of surf schools on the beach, making Bournemouth Beach a perfect place for beginners. In the summer months it can often be crowded, and competition for waves can be tough. On sunny summer days where the beach is heaving, you are probably better off visiting another of the places on this list!

3. Highcliffe Beach

With views facing out across Christchurch Bay and the Isle of Wight, Highcliffe Beach is a popular resort beach as well as a surfing destination.

The surfing itself is pretty variable, as it is a fairly exposed beach break that only works when conditions are just right – it can often be a bit slow and crumbly. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here, and northerly winds are favorable. The wave itself tends to receive a relatively even mix of groundswells and wind swells and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. The beach break provides good left and right handers on its day, although Kimmeridge and Bournemouth beach is arguably more consistent.

4. Durlston Point

Perfect to visit if you are staying at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, Durlston Point is a variable point break located in the shelter of some imposing limestone cliffs off Durlston Head. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here, and ideal winds are from the west, although there is some shelter here from southwest winds. Wind swells and groundswells are in equal measure, and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. The best time to surf is around low tide.

Although the site is a bit hit and miss, when conditions are right, Durlston Point can provide some of the best point break waves that the UK has to offer, however, these days are extremely rare, and there are many more consistent places in the vicinity. There are relatively few surfers here, even on good days, however, beware of rocks and rips, if you are inexperienced I would recommend Bournemouth Beach as a better spot to build your confidence.

5. Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Habour Wall in the South Coast of England is a quite exposed point break that has unreliable waves, which are best during winter months. Despite not being renowned as a surf destination, Lyme Regis does offer up some decent surfing conditions. Plenty of reefs make for predictable breaking sets and easy paddle-outs. There are safe sand-bottomed smaller waves close to the harbour in the bay right through to the punchy reef wedge, thus there is something for everyone. Whilst Lyme Regis isn’t on the map for the serious surfer, as long as you are willing to get out there and enjoy it, you can still have plenty of fun!

2021 is the year of staycations, so whether you’re planning for an adventure family-friendly break, or a relaxing getaway you’re in the right place!

With travel abroad a little more complicated these days, there’s never been a better time to start exploring the UK. Britain is home to an amazingly diverse landscape just waiting for you to explore. You can enjoy sandy beaches, discover hidden woodlands and hike up mountains all in one day (if you’re really keen!). You really can discover so many things to do for all the family, perfect adventures for couples, or a pet-friendly getaway all with our stunning range of UK resorts.

Whether you’re looking where to go for a staycation or you want to start planning and trying to find the type of best staycation you can find, we’re here to help! With holiday locations all over the country, you can create your perfect staycation anywhere in the UK, below we have listed the most common types of getaways with resorts we think would be fit for you.

family staycation ideas

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family getaway with little ones our North Wales resorts are the perfect place for you. Offering day and night-time entertainment, your little ones will love spending time learning party dances and playing in the indoor heated swimming pool. Our Sandymouth Holiday Resort in Bude, Cornwall, is also perfect for little ones, with a fantastic pirate ship play area, outdoor splash zone, and an indoor soft play area coming soon, your little ones will never struggle for things to do in this kid-friendly staycation resort!

For older children, our beautiful Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa in Somerset, Piran Meadows Resort in Newquay, Cornwall, or Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa in Norfolk, are perfect. With fun adventure activities on the resort to enjoy, there will always be something for them to get stuck into, as well as fabulous local areas to discover.

All these resorts are full of family-friendly activities to enjoy, as well as the perfect family staycation location with a swimming pool, so you can relax and take a dip with your little ones, or watch them play while relaxing on the beds. All our locations are surrounded by beautiful local areas, from woodlands and countryside to explore to golden sandy beaches waiting for sandcastles to be built.

the perfect couples staycation

If you’re looking for a couples getaway, we have you covered! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break in the countryside or a beach getaway, our resorts have one-bed accommodation perfect for the ultimate holiday with your better half.

For the perfect rural romantic staycation take a look at our new breathtaking Rivendale Lodge Retreat, in the Peak District. Explore the local area, enjoy endless cycle rides or walks through the truly outstanding landscape, with high peaks and winding paths waiting for you. Truly relax and unwind in your own hot tub, while enjoying a delivery meal from our beautiful restaurant. A country escape is on the cards for you at Rivendale.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway, Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is the ultimate romantic staycation, with all accommodation being one-bed beach huts and only a step away from the beach it’s a stunning location for a holiday. Our pastel-coloured beach huts have everything you need for a romantic break, luxurious beds, bathrooms, stunning views, and a selection of hot tubs – you’ll love exploring North Devon, with endless beaches, watersports, sunbathing, or walks to discover.

For a romantic city break, our Bath Mill Lodge Retreat or brand-new Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat is the perfect destination for you. Bath Mill is only a 20/30 minute walk from the bustling city centre where you can explore the Roman history and see the thermal baths in the middle of the city, enjoy high tea at the famous Pump Room, and visit the fabulous Victoria Park. Our brand new Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat will be opening its doors later this year but is sure to be a favourite for city fans, located only a short drive from the city center where you can discover all things, Shakespeare. Book tickets at the RSC to see some of the world-famous Bard’s most famous plays, learn more about his life and how he lived by visiting the historic sites of his home. There is also endless countryside to explore if you holiday here.

your hot tub staycation

For a truly relaxing time on your getaway, there really is nothing better than a staycation with a hot tub. Most of our locations have a hot tub range which can choose from, when booking look for our ‘premier’ range to make sure you book a hot tub.

Imagine coming back to your lodge after a long day wandering the woodlands or climbing mountains and slipping into your hot tub. Letting your muscle soak in the bubbles and heat while taking in the peaceful atmosphere and nature around you. There really is nothing better.

Or, spend your whole holiday break in the hot tub (in short bursts, of course, remember to be safe, they do get hot!). Wake up every morning and enjoy a dip, take lunch out on your decking, wait for an hour or so and jump back in! A hot tub staycation is an ultimate way to relax and unwind.

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discover with your best fur-buddy

All of our Darwin Escapes locations are pet-friendly, meaning the whole family can enjoy a holiday break away!

Staycations with dogs are a brilliant way to discover new areas, going on endless wanderings, searching out hidden forests and lost lakes in the country or running along the beach and jumping in the sea…you’ll have unlimited fun!

Our own Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat has a dedicated dog wash area – so you can explore the stunning Lake District with your buddy and not have to worry about those muddy paws! Keswick Reach also has a spa for you to relax in after a day of exploring, the Copper Fells Restaurant & Bar, with delicious food and locally distilled spirits. You’ll love spending your staycation in Cumbria and discovering everything the UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer!

No matter the type of staycation you’re searching for, here at Darwin Escapes we have the location to suit your needs, and we can’t wait to see where you’ll go!

find out more about our locations

We all know that British weather is a little unpredictable, you can go out with your biggest coat on and it’ll be 15 degrees, or pop out to the shop in a jumper and it feels like it’s -20 degrees! But there is nothing worse than being stuck inside on a rainy day with nothing to do…well we’re here to help!

We can guarantee you most things your Darwin Escapes break away, fantastic facilities, glorious accommodation, super-friendly service and more, but we can’t guarantee the weather for you. So whether you’re relaxing on the south coast or searching for adventure up north, we thought we would put together the ultimate list of things to do on a rainy day with your children!

All our resorts are the perfect escape away, with stunning accommodation waiting for you and lots of family fun to be had, even on those rainy days. Our list can be done anywhere, if you’re struggling for things to go at home or searching for ideas while on holiday, our accommodation has everything you need for a self-catering break away in the UK and comes ready for all occasions – even bored children on rainy days.

Start planning your activities with our ideas below:

1. get out the board games

So this isn’t ground-breaking we know, but you can’t beat an old-faithful! Board games have been entertaining families and children of all ages for thousands of years (maybe don’t quote us on this).

Whether you’re looking for brain teasers like Scrabble, Boggle, or Articulate, where you can sneak in a little education for those little ones. Or if you’re looking for something thrilling like Buckaroo (yes, we really get thrills when that donkey bucks!). Test your detective skills with Clue, get old school with Connect 4, see what happens with the Game of Life or you could settle in for a lengthy game of Monopoly and try not to have an argument.

The choices of board games are endless these days, so this is a great choice a rainy day activity that gets everyone away from the screens!

2. get baking

This one will require a little clean-up, but there will be so much fun had you won’t mind!

Little hands love baking and the list of tasty treats you can create is truly unlimited. Start with the ever-popular fairy cake (we dare you to try and not lick the bowl!), or be a touch more adventurous and maybe try your hands at homemade pizzas! Just Google some pizza recipes and see how easy it really is, pick your favourite toppings and make your perfect pizza each! Or opt for some easy biscuit recipes and cook up some chocolate chip cookies to taste. Or for something with little fuss, you can do the always popular corn flake cake, where all you need is chocolate, and cornflakes!

If you’re on holiday with us here at Darwin Escapes, you’ll find your fully-fitted kitchen (oo-la-la) in your holiday accommodation fully stocked with everything you need for a baking session with your little one, from pots and pans to chopping boards.

3. make a den

A really clever and simple idea for endless fun with imagination on a rainy day.

Another old faithful, you can make your den as simple or extravagant as you wish. Go old school with pillows on the floor, a sheet over the table, and snacks. Up your game a little with a tablet or some books for a cosy little getaway inside your living area, or go all out and drape some fairy lights over, put all the cushions and blankets on the floor, create a door out of sheets and set up your tablet and tasty treats for the ultimate movie time!

If you don’t want movie time, you can get the imagination going with endless games. Pretend your in Neverland with Peter Pan and hiding from the Pirates, or pretend your the Pirates looking for Peter. You could be in a castle waiting for your knight in shining armour, or you could be getting ready to kick your own way out of the fairytale tower and rescue yourself! There are so many possibilities waiting for you!

4. drawing games

All you need is a pen and paper for hours of fun for this underrated rainy day activity!

Children and adults of all ages love colouring and creating, whether you’re 8 or 58, put a pot of colouring pencils and a fresh sheet of paper in-front you and you’ll spend hours creating your very own little scene! Challenge yourselves to create the best house or castle, let little ones create their favourite scenes and then spend the next hour guessing what it is (is it a dog or a heart? it’s beautiful either way!).

You can also try some great games including an old school game of noughts & crosses (how many rounds can you win in a row?) create your own battleships grid and place your ships for a bit of strategic playing, or even have your own version of Pictionary!

You’ll have hours of laughter with each game, and for the little ones, a good educational game like hangman will help with spelling. Plenty of opportunity for sneaky teaching with fun with this rainy day activity for kids.

5. dance off

Burn off all that extra energy and dance like no one is watching (because no one is!)

Put on your favourite upbeat tunes and start boogying (is that what they say nowadays?). Create a playlist or for the ultimate thrill put your music on random and see what hidden songs you’ve forgotten you had (is there some NSync hidden in there?).

Challenge yourself to see who can dance the longest, or play a good old game of musical chairs or musical statues. Make it more challenging with an obstacle course of pillows and blankets, or simply just have a really good dance off and pick a judge, and don’t forget to up the game with some epic lip sync battles!

6. make a scrapbook

You don’t need a lot for this one!

Although this sounds like a lot of work, you actually don’t need a lot at all. You can use magazines, newspapers or photographs (if you have them handy) and sellotape to create a fabulous scrapbook! Use coloring pens and pencils, colourful paper or toilet rolls and put all the pieces of paper together to make your own scrapbook.

You can choose themes and create a scrapbook for each one such as pets, holidays, favourite books or movies. Choose your own theme and create a fantastic scrapbook with your little one.

7. have a fashion show

Loads of laughs to be had with a fantastic fashion show.

Stretch a sheet out on the floor, set some chairs alongside it, if you have fairy lights dangle them across the chairs and you have yourself a very cosy-looking catwalk! Put on some music for ambience and strut your stuff.

The children can dress up in their fanciest clothes, or dress up in your clothing, or create your best superhero outfits out of bedsheets and make logos on sheets of paper.

8. toilet roll crafts

Now the panic buying of toilet rolls is over, you may have a lot of empty toilet rolls hanging around the house ready for some fun crafts!

All you need for this is colouring pens or pencils and toilet rolls, if you really want to go fancy you can use glitter and glue! There are limitless little characters you can create with empty toilet rolls. Try your hand creating a little farm filled with animals, make cows and pigs and even make the farmer!

If you really wanted a challenge, why not create a fairy house? Google toilet roll fairy houses and make your own adorable abode for Tinkerbell and her pals, this really is one of the most fun and creative rainy day activities.

Those are our top picks for rainy day activities with your children. Hopefully, we have helped to brighten up those cloudy skies and have given you some inspiration for fun activities you can do whether you’re at home or with us at one of our stunning resorts.