As any of our UK-based readers will know, the Lake District has long been heralded as one of the most beautiful and scenic regions that the country (perhaps even Europe!) has to offer.

England’s largest national park, the Lake District is one of Britain’s true natural wonders set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, sweeping lakes and dramatic moors, and home to bustling market towns and picturesque villages.

It probably comes as no surprise, then, that Lake District holidays offer incredible, tranquil breaks, in some of the best retreats that the country has to offer. Darwin Escapes is proud to have two beautiful resorts in the Lake District region; both our Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat offer guests peace and stillness, in the UK’s most sought-after holiday destination.

Home to England’s highest mountain and deepest lake, the Lake District is the perfect breath of fresh air: relax, unwind and recharge your batteries in a Darwin Escapes retreat. For the best retreats in the Lake District, look no further than our holiday resort in Keswick, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat – ‘the best holiday park In Britain’.

Our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat has been named the ‘Best Holiday Park in Britain’ for two consecutive years – and it isn’t hard to see why.

Set in the heart of Keswick, within driving distance from the region’s iconic lake, Derwentwater, Keswick Reach Retreat is nestled between dramatic fells and among outstanding natural woodland. Lodges in The Lakes For guests looking to take a restful break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Keswick and the surrounding region offer a truly tranquil escape.

With Catbells Lakeland Walk and Whinlatter Forest Park mere moments away, the opportunities to recharge your batteries with walks through England’s countryside are truly endless. We think there’s truly no better way to shake off the working week than by losing yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes, which is why the region attracts almost 16 million visitors per year, from home or further afield. Spark your curiosity with visits to the region’s National Trust properties, like the 18th-century Derwent Island House, as well as national historic monuments such as Keswick Railway Path, Keswick Museum and Honister Slate Mine. Perfect in spring and summer, there’s also plenty to do all year round, with truly spectacular Christmas markets on offer in the festive season.

It’s at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, however, that you’ll have the opportunity to truly relax. Set amongst the outstanding natural beauty of Keswick, our resort offers a peaceful escape, with truly awe-inspiring views across open moorland, towards Carrock Fell. With our bright, modern lodges and our full range of facilities, your retreat here can begin as soon as you wake up.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is, of course, fully stocked with complete amenities for anything you might need. Soak in your hot tub and drink in the views, build strength in our well-equipped gym, or for complete peace of mind and body you can make full use of our Ammara spa.

Grab a glass of fizz and a bite to eat at our Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie, ready to cater to your every need. With endless places to visit and a whole host of activities, including our Jacuzzi and sauna, there’s truly something for everyone at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Go on – what are you waiting for? Find your escape, at our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Thanet Well Lodge Retreat

We are also lucky enough to have a second resort open to guests in the Lake District; namely Thanet Well Lodge Retreat. Located at the edge of Greystoke Forest, with ideal proximity to the region’s stunning locations of Grasmere and Coniston Lake, Thanet Well Lodge Retreat offers total immersion in both Cumbria and the Lake District.

Designed for guests who simply want to relax in the stunning natural scenery, Thanet Well offers access to the unparalleled Lake District towns of Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Penrith, Keswick and beyond; with awe-inspiring walks and views to entertain for days on end.

For those who prefer the options of resort-based activities, facilities and amenities, our sister park, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, is simply a stone’s throw away.

If you would like to learn more about Keswick Reach, Thanet Well or any of our other retreats and parks, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Darwin Escapes, and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to help. We look forward to your stay with us!

The annual Hoseasons Awards were held in Brighton last night and Darwin Escapes came home with 9 Diamond Awards for 2019!

The Hoseasons Awards are a prestigious event and it is the most anticipated evening of the year for UK holiday companies. Here at Darwin Escapes, we have a wonderful history of being multiple Diamond Award winners, including Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat being the first location to ever win the Best in Britain Award two years in a row!

This year was no exception as Darwin Escapes brought home 6 Diamond Award winning locations and 3 Diamond Award winning restaurants!

Scroll for a full list of our Diamond Award winners…

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in Devon, Somerset & Dorset Small Parks

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in Cornwall

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in Devon, Somerset & Dorset

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in Devon, Somerset & Dorset

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa – Best Relax & Explore Lodges in the East of England

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in the South of England

Three of our fantastic restaurants were also Food Diamond Award winners this year. The F&B Awards are a brand new category and we are absolutely delighted to have been nominated and won. These are a recognition of all the hard work that our wonderful teams put into creating the menus and serving delicious meals!

• Sandymouth Holiday Resort, Bistro Restaurant – Best F&B in Cornwall
• Best F&B in North England and Best in Britain Food Award 2019 – Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, Copper Fells Bar & Restaurant

Darwin Escapes also had 6 destinations in the finalists of each of their categories, with Keswick Reach also a finalist in the Best in Britain Award category, which is highly impressive to be recognised for the third year in a row!

Here at Darwin Escapes HQ we would love to say a massive congratulations to whole Darwin Escapes team for another fantastic year at the Hoseasons Awards! All of our colleagues work hard to help you create lasting memories of wonderful holidays at each of our fabulous destinations.

And of course, we would love to say a massive Thank You to you, our truly wonderful guests!

Adults like to be spooked on Halloween just as much as children right? Well here is the ultimate list of adult fright nights 2021 to get your adrenaline going…

If you’re interested in an adult fright night experience the DE HQ have braved the perils of searching the web for the ultimate live scare events in the UK. We searched through endless clowns, monsters and zombies to find these frightful events near our locations – so you can book your event and accommodation all in one go!

Read on to find the best live scare adult attraction near you this Halloween…

Fright Nights

At: Thorpe Park / When: 15th – 31st October / Open times vary / Prices: £55 day pass

Thorpe Park is back with its award-winning adult fright night event. Hold your nerve at the 20 minute, utterly frightening, Terror at Amity High show, where you’re invited to the prom but will you survive the brutal vampires who are out for your blood? Or maybe Creak Freak Massacre is more your speed, where you’ll enter the abandoned Creek Woods Saw Mill and get around the unhinged resident family of lumberjacks. Other live scare attractions include Platform 15, Do or Die and Screamplexx, with so many more to give you the fright of your life this Halloween!

Nearest Location: Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat

book now

FEAR Scream Park

At: Avon Valley / When: 15th – 31st October / Times: 6pm – 11pm / Prices from £13.50

FEAR was voted the UK’s Best Scream Park 2019 and is one of the most popular fright night events. There are 4 returning scare attractions for FEAR fans which are X4, Anarchy Live, Phobia: Rebirth and House of Clowns. But a new terrifying scare maze will be live this year and enter at your own peril! As well as the attractions, soak up the screams from the Halloween Festival of Freakalicious, which has immersive street theatre, fire dancers, an escape room, stilt walkers and fairground rides.

Nearest Location: Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

book now

Hallowscream

At: York Maze / When: 8th – 31st October / Times: 6.30pm – 11.30pm / Ticket prices vary

Back with a bang, Hallowscream has over 100 actors and 5 separate live action haunted houses, as well as stage shows and creepy characters roaming around the maze. Based on a farm, legend tells us there was an awful tragedy 1873 and every year on Halloween the restless souls return to find who’s responsible. Head to the live scare attraction 2073 and get thrown into a ‘post Trump’ nuclear apocalypse, where zombies are running free and society has broken down. Corny’s Carnival has had a terrifying update, including shrinking rooms, rooms that spin and defy gravity, all filled with demonic clowns and mind blowing illusions!

Nearest Location: Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club

book now

Terror Island

At: Blackgang Chine / When: 22nd – 31st October / Times: 6pm – 10pm / Prices: from £18 per person

Terror Island lets you explore one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions in a fantastically frightful way! This adult fright night includes 3 terrifying attractions, The Blood Shed is a serial killers secret hideaway of rotting cabins and half human incumbents. The ancient spirits of the sea are angry with St Catherine’s Lighthouse and are out for vengeance and blood. A Pagan deity has invoked a hex on mankind in Hexcavation after being unearthed during an archaeological excavation. As well as the live scare attractions making you scream, there are two rides available, Cliff Hanger and Waterforce, along with tarot card readings, street food, entertainment and a DJ.

Nearest Location: Woodside Coastal Retreat

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Ffear Fforest

At: Zip World / When: 22nd – 31st October / Times: 7.30pm – 10.30pm / Prices: £30 per person

Head to the famous Zip World for a fantastic fright night in the wild! There will be scary characters hiding all over the woods, go for a ride on the Cursed Coaster and twist through the forest with a spooky surprise trying to steal your soul at every corner. Your ticket also gives you access to The Nets where you’ll bounce your way through the jungle while trying to survive an attack of the clowns in Europe’s longest net walkway. Are you brave enough to try Nightfall? A killer clown will be waiting at the bottom of a trapdoor just for you…

Nearest Location: New Pines Holiday Home Park

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Farmageddon

At: Ormskirk / When: 21st – 31st October / Times: 7pm – 11pm / Prices vary depending on date

A terrifying and very popular adult fright night is waiting for you this Halloween. Where you can go after the live scare attractions to slow your heart rate and enjoy the entertainment, including fire dancers, stage shows, music and high rise silk displays. The Zombie Outlaw attraction is a fantastic paintball experience where you’ll shoot anything that moves and stay away from the zombies. The Meat Locker will leave you running from Malachi’s slaughterhouse, as he’s found a way to be immortal by the consumption of human flesh, and it’s yours he wants next. Contagion will play with your mind as the insane clowns and freakish ghouls look to catch you and devour you. Welcome to Farmageddon!

Nearest Location: Talacre Beach Resort

book now

Alton Towers Scarefest

At: Staffordshire / When: 15th-31st October / Times: 10am – 9pm / Prices: from £34 per person

Give yourselves the adrenaline thrill you need whilst you get the spooks, frights and thrills of the Scarefest. Throughout the park you will have ghools, ghosts and creepy scares wherever you go so you will always need to be on guard. You can also book into the different scare mazes like Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard, The Attic: Terror of the Towers, Altonville Mine Tours or Darkest Depths. All of which will definitely scare even the bravest of people. Alton Towers now also has The Alton Towers Dungeon which you can also add into your Scarefest experience if you want to learn a little more about the hideously horrible history.

Nearest Location: Rivendale Lodge Retreat

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So have you found your live scare event for Halloween from our ultimate guide to the top 7 adult fright night attractions in the UK? Let us know which one you visit…and good luck!

Enjoy a 10% off voucher to Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele, North Wales if you’re an owner or holiday with us at New Pines or Talacre Beach. Manorafon Farm Park is a fabulous family attraction in Abergele, where you can visit a wonderful range of animals and feed them too! As well as there being both an indoor and outdoor play area for the children to enjoy and a daily programme of activities to get stuck into.

New Pines Holiday Home Park is perfectly placed to explore the local area and is only a 30 minute drive away from Manorafon Farm Park. Known as the gateway to North Wales, Talacre Beach Resort offers a wonderful escape along the coastline, and is only a 35 minute journey from Manoragon Farm Park too.

 

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10% off admission voucher

Darwin Escapes has partnered with Manorafon Farm Park to help promote local businesses in our destinations. All holiday guests and owners at two of our locations will get a 10% off admission voucher to Manorafon Farm Park, where you can feed the farm animals and meet the other animals and reptiles in residence.

New Pines Holiday Home Park and Talacre Beach Resort owners can visit reception to request their 10% off admission voucher.

Holiday guests of New Pines and Talacre Beach will receive their 10% off admission vouchers as part of their check-in welcome pack.

coming soon to New Pines!

Manorafam Farm Park will also be visiting New Pines Holiday Home Park offering a fantastic small handling animal experience. They will also be visiting with their wonderful mobile farm trailer, so keep an eye out for more information about these sure-to-be fun filled events!

We’re sure you already follow our amazing New Pines Holiday Home Park social channels, but if you’re not, now is the time to click that follow button! We will be doing a ticket giveaway for Manorafon Farm Park, so don’t miss out and keep an eye our page!

Manorafon Farm Park

 

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A post shared by Manorafon Farm Park, Abergele (@manorafonfarmpark) on May 25, 2019 at 10:31am PDT

Manorafon is a wonderful family attraction for all ages to enjoy, with a number of farm animals to visit and feed, including adorable pigs, friendly goats and small horses. But there is so much more here, including meerkats and a fantastically fascinating Reptile Hut to explore.

The outdoor play areas are ideal for little ones to run around and burn off some energy, or try their hand at the Quacking Quads racetrack! If the weather isn’t on your side head to the Silly Sheep Play Barn for a wonderful soft play adventure.

Don’t worry if you get a bit peckish on your day out, The Greedy Goat Snack Hut will be on hand to dole out the goodies!

So, whether you’re a holiday guest or part of our ownership communities at New Pines and Talacre Beach, you can take advantage of the great 10% off admission voucher to Manorafon Farm Park.

Take a sneak peek inside Bath Mill Lodge Retreat’s luxury lodge accommodation, which is the ideal alternative to a city hotel. Located only a 30 minute walk from the bustling city centre of Bath, our beautiful Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is the perfect escape to the city, while staying away from the hustle and bustle. A peaceful oasis with a wide range of accommodation to choose from, including a one bedroom, studio-style lodge and a 4 bedroom lodge. Take a sneak peek inside our luxurious lodge style accommodation below.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat – a city escape like no other

Along with a wide range of self-catered lodge accommodation, Bath Mill offers a wonderful place to holiday away in a historic city. All our accommodation comes with open plan living spaces, fitted kitchens, sumptuous bedding and beautiful bathrooms, including our Norland Lodges which offer the ideal city escape self-catering accommodation.

If you fancy eating out one night, you won’t have to look far as The Brook Bar & Bistro is right on your doorstep and is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Located inside the 350 years old renovated mill house, adding to the atmosphere, but also boasts a beautiful terrace where you can relax and listen to the soothing sounds of the babbling Newton Brook flowing through the retreat. Indulge in a 3 course meal of mouth-watering meals, and relax with a drink from our fully stocked bar. Bath Mill also boasts a gym lodge, which is fully equipped for all your workout needs, including cardio machines and free weights.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll into the historic city for afternoon tea at The Pump Room, just like Jane Austen used to. Or visit the famous Roman Baths and learn about the history of the city and see how they used to live during the Roman times. Visit the famous Victoria Park which has acres of greenery to explore, as well as a variety of activities including hot air balloon rides. There really is an endless stream of activities to do and places to see in Bath, you’ll never be bored.

Why not start planning how you’ll explore this beautiful and historic city today and book your Bath Mill holiday?

Ever wondered what a holiday at the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire, would be like? Well, we asked Instagram sensation Cockapoo Marley to help show you what it’s like to be on holiday with us at The KP Resort, from the start of your day to the activities you can get up to on park. Marley covered everything, and we’re sure she had a blast doing it too! Follow her holiday from start to finish in these heart-stoppingly adorable photos below.

Settle in with a cuppa to scroll this post, the pictures are worth it, we promise!

Start your day by popping into the Pro Shop to book your tee time and get all your golfing goodies. Then jump into a golf buggie and head out for a round of golf on our championship course (Marley is loving the golf buggie so much!)

After playing a morning of golf, head inside our Reception area to meet our friendly staff and enjoy a meal, with a refreshing drink from The Glasshouse Restaurant

Or maybe you’d like to start your day off in The Box Gym, which offers everything you could need for a full body workout

After all that activity on your holiday, you are fully deserving of a relaxing trip to our Tranquility Spa Lodge and outdoor Nordic Spa facilities (just look how relaxed Marley is!)

Retreat to the peacefulness of your holiday lodge, change into your swimming costume and jump straight in the hot tub (goggles and sunglasses optional, but Marley looks fantastic!)

Or spend your holiday lounging around in our wonderful two storey lodges, with full self-catering facilities, unrivalled views of the surrounding Yorkshire Wolds and king size beds (look at that view!)

At the end of each day you’re on holiday with us, relax in our comfortable beds and have a truly refreshing sleep, ready to go again the next day!

So as you can see from our photos, Marley had the time of her life at the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire, from relaxing in the spa and enjoying a drink at The Glasshouse, to working out in our gym and venturing out on to the golf course!

There really is so much to do on park at The KP, and as it’s only 30 minutes away from the historic city of York, there is so much to explore too! You will never run out of things to do and new places to discover.

Book your holiday to the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire today and start enjoying your holiday now!

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa has some brand new lodges ready from 20th April, all offering luxurious self-catering holidays in Somerset, take a sneak peek inside some of them and browse our images below.

Book your holiday at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa and enjoy your escape to Somerset, our brand new lodges are available to book now for your Easter holiday!

We offer luxurious self-catering holidays, with fantastic 5 star facilities for all the family to enjoy, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Eden Spa offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments.

The children will love the Go Active+ programme, with activities such as archery, body zorbing, water walkerz, mini jet skis and even a rock climbing wall. The whole family will love the indoor entertainment area, complete with pool tables, a golf simulator and two lane bowling alley.

Indulge in a delicious meal from the Bistro Restaurant, which serves family favourites for all ages to get stuck in to! Then relax in our outdoor sitting area with a drink from our fully stocked bar, or opt for a delicious Costa Coffee while soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning views over the Mendip Hills and down to the Cheddar Reservoir.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa also offers holiday home ownership, so you can enjoy these spectacular views and fantastic facilities all year round, to find out more information call our dedicated team on 01745 858010, or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

Gem Beeston is the fabulous lady behind the Instagram account @athomewithgem, and after recently staying with her friends at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa we asked Gem some quick fire questions! Gem and her fiance, Dougie, run a property developing business together and document the process, along with her own beautiful home, over on Instagram. They have also recently launched a wonderful candle subscription service called Iggy Box Candles, which sends ethically made and natural candles to your door every month! They are definitely a talented duo!

Darwin Escapes have had a wonderful partnership with Gem over a couple of years, and we wanted to send her to Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa as one of the first people to stay in our beautiful 5 bed Sandringham lodges.

Gem, Dougie and a group of friends stayed with us in these popular lodges, took advantage of the on-park facilities and explored the local area during her weekend stay with us, have a read below about Gem’s thoughts…

• Describe your holiday in 5 words:
  Amazing, fun, exciting, relaxing, stress-free!
• What stood out to you most about your lodge?
  It was huge, so spacious and comfortable!! There were 8 of us staying in there and it didn’t feel like we were all in there at all… so much room and the lodge is so well equipped. It is also styled beautifully.
• What are your hints and tips for the local area? Norwich is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a drive too. There is lots to see and do there. There is also some great local villages and walks. Plus lots of brilliant pubs and places to eat.
• What memory would you put on a postcard home?
  Absolutely our spa day! It was so relaxing and our massages were a real treat. The spa is beautiful.
• Rate our facilities on a scale of 1 to super-duper-fan-dabby-dosy:
  Super-super-fan-dabby-dosy. There is honestly so much to do on site, it’s brilliant. There were activities to do every day – archery, zorb balls, you name it, you can do it. The bar and the restaurant are fab. There is also a brilliant swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room! The lodge itself was really gorgeous, the interior is amazing and the hot tub was a real bonus!

Check out Gem’s Instagram page over at @athomewithgem, you will not be disappointed, she has a beautiful house and lots of knowledge about property developing, as well as Noah the gorgeous Havaneese dog, who will steal your heart with his cheeky, smiley face!

Why not book your holiday at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa today to come and visit our brand new resort today!

At Darwin Escapes, we know and understand that dogs are part of the family

Without our canine-chums, there tends to be significantly less fun, affection and excitement! With this in mind, we have catered for dog owners across a number of our luxury holiday parks & lodge retreats by providing a range of pet-friendly accommodation. You can enjoy all the scenery and relaxation on offer, knowing that your best friend is also having a great time!

pet friendly holidays in Dorset

Anyone looking for pet friendly holidays in Dorset has plenty to choose from with Darwin Escapes thanks to our destination just outside Poole – Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat.

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is also in Dorset and offers a number of pet-friendly lodges. Opened at the end of 2016, the retreat boasts luxury self catering accommodation with ovens, fridge freezers and all the utilities you would find at home. Set within the beautiful scenery of Holton Heath, the retreat is located within tranquil countryside – with many walks and adventures waiting for you and furry friend.  The park is surrounded by nature reserves, including the Morden Bog National Nature Reserve, the Holton Heath Nature Reserve, the Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve and of course – Wareham Forest which has a popular circular walk popular with dog owners.

The Doggy Do Code

We’ve recently teamed up with Dorset Dogs, an organisation founded by local animal lovers who promote responsible dog ownership and dog friendly accommodation.

We encourage our holiday guests to adhere to their Doggy Do Code when exploring Dorset:

1. Do respect other visitors and keep your dog in sight
2. Do protect nesting birds on heaths, downs and wetlands. Keep to the paths and use a short lead from February to August
3. Do follow requests on signs
4. Do prevent your dog from chasing wildlife and farm animals
5. Do bag it and bin it (dog mess)
6. Do enjoy Dorset with your dog

We would like to emphasise point 6 – Do enjoy Dorset with your dog and make some memories that will last a lifetime!

Have a puppy-filled holiday with Darwin Escapes!

Talacre Beach Resort’s facilities have recently undergone a fabulous £1 million renovation, settle in with a cuppa and have a sneak peek below at the images of our brand new 5 star facilities

How fantastic does that all look? Talacre Beach Resort offers a wonderful place to holiday along the North Wales coastline, so book your holiday now!

did you know that talacre beach resort offers holiday home ownership too?

Talacre Beach Resort has been a popular holiday home owners destination for over 50 years, and with such fantastic 5 star facilities and an ideal location, being just a 5 minute walk from the beach, it’s easy to see why!

Owning your own holiday home at Talacre Beach Resort is much easier than you think, our Sales Advisors are always on hand to answer any questions and to talk you through the process, as well as being able to introduce you to independent financial advisor’s who can help you spread the cost of your dream holiday home.

Why not book your park tour today to come and visit our team, have a look around our wide variety of holiday homes and lodges for sale in North Wales and see our newly renovated facilities for yourself!

You can also find out more about ownership at Talacre Beach from our dedicated Ownership Team, give them a call on 01745 858010.