The Kilnwick Percy Resort has welcomed a visit from chart-topping Irish singers Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy.

The duo stayed at the Pocklington holiday resort owned by Darwin Escapes last weekend whilst playing gigs in Hull, Manchester and Derby as part of their new Boyzlife 2019 tour.

Whilst staying at the resort the pair took full use of the facilities, including the gym, spa and restaurant. They also took to the golf course which was recently used for the Yorkshire leg of the amateur golf tournament, the William Hunt Trilby Tour.

Ashley Pheasant, Head of Golf for Darwin Escapes said: “I met Brian and Keith a few months back at The Scottish Open golf pro-am with one of our brand ambassadors Max
Evans.

“I knew they were playing in Hull at The Welly Club so thought it would be perfect to welcome them to The Kilnwick Percy Resort, knowing they loved their golf and have a
chance for a few relaxing nights away whilst on tour!”

Last month the resort was also visited by television presenter George Clarke and the production team of Channel 4’s Old House, New Home as they were filming a property in
Pocklington.

They used the countryside backdrop of The Kilnwick Percy Resort for one of their filming shots which will be shown in the fifth series of the programme.

Boyzlife will be on tour until the end of September. For more details on the Kilnwick Percy Resort holiday offering visit the Darwin Escapes website

A charity golf day is being held at The Springs Golf Club in Wallingford this October to raise money for Dogs for Good.

The fundraising event which is being organised by Sky Sports golf reporter and Darwin Escapes Ambassador, Sarah Stirk, will take place on Thursday 31st October.

The day will include coffee and bacon rolls followed by a full round of golf with shotgun start and then a two course lunch, all taking place at the Darwin Escapes owned, The Springs Golf Club, and featuring some special guests.

Sarah, who has been an ambassador for Dogs for Good for over two years said: “I can’t wait to host this golf event for such a great cause. The day will be packed full of fun, prizes and a special Q&A.

“The course at The Springs Golf Club is running fantastically well and it’s certainly more challenging off the tee, so this day promises to be perfect for any golfing fan. It is incredibly inspiring to hear how Dogs for Good changes lives and helps those facing enormous challenges to become more independent and develop that special bond with a dog.

“I’m hoping this charity golf event will raise money for Dogs for Good to help them continue the brilliant work they are currently doing.”

The golf day will also include an auction and raffle with some prizes up for grabs and there will also be an exclusive Q&A session with English professional golfer Eddie Pepperell, who won the Qatar Masters in 2018.

Stephanie Lawless, Fundraising Manager for Dogs for Good said: “By attending our Golf Day you will help us to train more life-changing dogs. There are just a couple of team places left at this year’s event so please get in touch ASAP if you’re interested. If you’re a dog lover as well as a golfer, then this is the perfect event for you!”

The Banbury-based charity has been running since 1988 by supporting people with a range of needs including physical disabilities, autism, dementia and learning disabilities enabling them to lead more independent lives through the help of trained dogs.

To book your team of four a place at the Dogs for Good event please email events@dogsforgood.org or call 01295 759 838. General individual entry is also available subject to availability.

This is an exclusive event and places are limited. More details can be found on the Dog’s for Good website.

One keen golfer had the unique opportunity to play a round of golf with Sky Sports golf reporter Sarah Stirk.

Scott Peggie from Lambert near Falkirk in Scotland won a competition run by the UK holiday resort company to go head to head on the tees at Darwin Escapes’ The Springs Golf Club in Wallingford, Oxford with the television presenter who is also a Darwin Escapes ambassador.

Mr Peggie explained how he was ‘excited’ and ‘surprised’ that he’d been the lucky winner of the social media competition.

The 52-year-old said: “I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work on Sky Sports and thought (entering the competition) would be great chance to play golf with her.

“I was really surprised to hear that I’d won! I was excited at the thought of meeting Sarah and was immediately checking accommodation for my trip down to Oxfordshire.”

Mr Peggie regularly plays golf, whether it be with friends or to compete at his local golf clubs, Falkirk Golf Club and The St Andrews Golf Club.

He said: “It was a fantastic experience and everyone made me feel very welcome. I was a little nervous prior to meeting with Sarah but she was so easy going and down to earth that it felt like I was playing with a lifelong friend!”

This was the first time Mr Peggie had played on the Oxfordshire golf course and only Sarah Stirk’s second time competing on the course. They were joined on the course by The Springs Golf Manager, Matthew Kimber.

He added: “There were a number of good holes but my favourite was the 8th hole, which is a short par 3 with a lake to the left of green. I didn’t play the hole as well as Sarah but it’s one I would like to play again!”

Sarah Stirk won the spoils on the day, having a really strong back 9 holes. The pair were tied after 9 holes with 18pts and Sarah eventually won the day with 39 points and Scott and Matt on 35 points.

Ambassador for Darwin Escapes and Sky Sports television presenter, Sarah Stirk said: “Scott played really well. He’s a lovely guy and an unbelievable putter. He couldn’t miss!

“I didn’t manage to lose any balls in the water but did lose a lot to bunkers! My favourite hole is 18 because visually it’s stunning with the trees splitting the fairway and it’s a real tough driving test.”

Keep an eye on the Darwin Escapes social media page for your chance to win a round of golf with Sarah Stirk at The Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club in Pocklington, Yorkshire.

Find out what Alison Hammond thought of her stay at our luxury Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa…

Alison Hammond first visited our Darwin Escapes resorts when she was filming for the holiday home giveaway for This Morning Live. She is now the voice of Darwin Escapes and if you phone to speak to a member of our reception, spa or restaurant team on most of our resorts* you will firstly be greeted by This Morning television personality Alison on our phone lines.

In August, she returned to Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa (after filming there with the This Morning team earlier this year) with her family and we thought we’d take the opportunity to ask her a couple of questions about her stay and her thoughts on our facilities. From spa treatments, to food, trips to the local area and much more.

To find out what Alison Hammond thought of our very own Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa just keep reading…

Enjoying family time with my son and Godsons in @NorfolkWoods @DarwinEscapes thanks to all the staff for making our time special. #Holidays2019 #familytime pic.twitter.com/wrpln9d7GT

— Alison Hammond (@AlisonHammond) August 11, 2019

What made you choose a holiday escape at our Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa over our other Darwin Escapes resorts?

I have been to the Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa with This Morning, as we gave away a holiday lodge, and as soon I stepped foot on the park I just loved it and all I kept saying to myself was my son would love it here, I’m going to come back.

Did you visit the local area whilst staying with us? If so where would you recommend?

We went to the local go-karting track, as my son just loves karting. We also went to Norfolk and rented a boat to go around but apart from that we really enjoyed the facilities at the park.

How did you find your spa experience and which treatment did you choose?

I had a luxury pedicure and my friend went for an age defying facial treatment which she just couldn’t stop talking about from the moment she left the spa. She said it was so good, she almost cried. My therapist cried at the amount of hard skin that was on my feet, lol. I did find it very relaxing, so much so, I came back the next day for some reflexology. I love my feet being played with. I actually fell asleep for the whole treatment.

Which facility did you use the most whilst staying on the resort?

Our jacuzzi was well used in our lodge, we used it morning and night and I loved the fact that someone was always checking the Ph of the tub

How did you find the Go Active facilities on-resort?

We just loved the archery, it was so much fun. The kids loved it as well as the adults, I think one of the games we actually won too.

What’s your top tip/bit of advice for anyone wanting to stay at a Darwin Escapes resort but has not yet taken the plunge?

Just go for it! It’s so much fun, the staff are lovely and everything is new. The lodges are beautiful and so spacious.

Would you stay with us again and is there any particular reason you’d like to return?

I would definitely return as I loved the fact that we could stay on site, make new friends and have so much to do. The restaurant food was fabulous too!!

Are there any other Darwin Escapes resorts you’re eager to visit?

I want to go to all of them! But would I love to visit somewhere in Devon maybe.

If you could only describe your Darwin Escapes experience in just three words what three words would you use?

Fun, Clean, Value for money

How does it feel to be the voice of Darwin Escapes?

I love it! The fact that I actually love this place is a bonus. I am so proud to represent Darwin Escapes, I just love making memories with my family and totally think Darwin Escapes know exactly what’s needed to do that.

The prestigious amateur golf tournament is returning to The Springs Golf Club next week as part of the Oxfordshire leg of the tour.

The event will be teeing off at the Darwin Escapes owned Wallingford golf club for the second year on Tuesday 30th July.

The Trilby Tour, which has been running since 2007, has once again been hosting a series of regional championships across the UK with an aim to find the top 10 amateur players for the International Grand Final, where one winner will be crowned the official Trilby Tour World Champion.

Last year saw Rob Perry of Bletchingley Golf Club take the title of 2018 Champion of Oxfordshire with a score of 37pts.

Head of Golf, Ashley Pheasant said: “The William Hunt Trilby Tour Championship of Oxfordshire returns to The Springs for the second consecutive year and the competitors are going to see a course which has developed leaps and bounds since the event was played last year.

“With more continued investment, new tees and the new second hole in play, this year’s Oxfordshire event promises to be one that all Trilby Tourians will remember for a long time!”

As part of the tour, the tournament has already visited Norfolk, Lancashire, Cumbria, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and Darwin Escapes’ holiday resort and golf club The Kilnwick Percy in Yorkshire.
The Trilby Tour will also be visiting Sussex before the International Grand Final taking place at Hull Golf Club on Tuesday 29th August.

Trilby Tour Director, Toby Morgan said: “After fantastic events last year we are thoroughly looking forward to returning to The Springs to find our 8th Regional Champion in 2019.

“We started the tournament with the intention of putting the ordinary amateur golfer at the heart of the action – as far as we’re concerned everyone who enters isn’t ordinary, but extra-ordinary.

“It’s about keeping the game modern, without losing the heart of what makes golf the fantastic game that it is. It’s going to be an experience to remember. Good luck to all those taking part.”

The golf tournament at The Springs Golf Club will be open to spectators and the first tee-off is at 6.51am.

The Championship golf course in Scotland has joined the growing Darwin Escapes family, and this is our first location in stunning Scotland

Dundonald Links has become the latest in the Darwin Escapes golf portfolio, which currently includes The Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club in Yorkshire and The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire. We have recently made an investment to The Springs, upgrading both the course and clubhouse facilities, creating a fabulous environment for our members to enjoy.

About Dundonald Links

Dundonald Links has hosted a number of international tournaments, including the Ladies Scottish Open in 2015, 2016 and 2017, along with the Gents Scottish Open in 2017, and is considered to be among the top 100 golf courses in the UK. The Championship course is located in the heart of the Ayrshire’s golf coast and was designed by Kyle Phillips to be a traditional links challenge for it’s members.

In 2003 Loch Lomond Golf Club purchased Southern Gailes and renamed it Dundonald Links, in respect of the area’s rich history and nearby 500 BC fortifications. The golfing community soon took notice of the stunning course, allowing it to host its first international tournament in 2011 and has had the pleasure of hosting tournaments ever since. In 2017 Dundonald was home to the prestigious Scottish Open tournament, raising its profile and showcasing the outstanding champion course on the world stage.

Darwin Escapes are proud to welcome Dundonald Links to our growing portfolio, with investment plans including luxurious self-catering accommodation, subject to planning permission, and 5 star offerings you have come to expect from a Darwin Escapes location.

As the Managing Director has said “We are delighted to have acquired our first resort in Scotland and for it to be the prestigious Dundonald Links, which is much loved by golfers around the world. We plan to make a significant investment to ensure that the clubhouse facilities are worthy of this wonderful course. We are looking forward to welcoming both golfers and non-golfers to holiday in this beautiful setting.”

Darwin Escapes HQ would like to offer a big, warm welcome to Dundonald Links in joining the Darwin Escapes family!

The prestigious Hoseasons 2018 Awards were hosted last night, with Darwin Escapes taking home 12 awards! The annual Hoseasons Awards is the most anticipated event of the year, with staff from UK holiday companies donning beautiful ball gowns and handsome tuxedos for the travel industries most prestigious event.

With a history of success at the awards, Darwin Escapes are always excitedly nervous for the ceremony and results! We have 4 previous Best in Britain winners, with Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa winning in 2014, Piran Meadows Resort & Spa then stole the crown in 2015 and our beautiful Beach Cove Coastal Retreat won Best in Britain 2016 for Small Parks & Lodge. We continued the trend last year, with our beautiful Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat location winning Best Large Park in Britain 2017, which was a fantastic result as it had only opened its doors the previous December. And last night we had the fantastic news that Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat held on to its crown for another year, as the winner of Best Large Park in Britain 2018!

Overall Darwin Escapes took home 12 awards, with 5 being Diamond Award Winners and 7 Diamond Award holders, as well as a Best in Britain park, a hugely successful night!

Take a look at our full list of Diamond Award winners below…

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

Sandymouth Holiday Resort – Best Relax & Explore in Cornwall Big Parks

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

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in North of England

Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat – Best Lodge Escape in South of England

Best Large Park in Britain 2018 – Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat opened its doors in December 2016, surrounded by the haunting beauty of the Lake District, you can really get away from it all in these breathtaking lodges. The Copper Fells Bar & Bistro offers mouth-watering meals, a large selection of locally brewed beverages and a programme of local musical guests to delight you during your stay.  We also have a fabulous state of the art gym to enjoy, should you wish to keep up with your fitness regime on holiday, which boasts fantastic views over the Fells. The jewel in the crown really is the stunning Ammara Spa, where you can indulge in an Aromatherapy Associates treatment from fully trained therapists, before visiting our Relaxation Suite, which includes a steam room, Jacuzzi and sauna, with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. You’ll feel all your daily stress and worries slip away while you enjoy your holiday at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, why not book your stay at the Best Large Park in Britain today?

Our Diamond Award Locations…

Diamond Award Winners are the locations that top their categories, however all top 3 finalists in the categories are awarded a Diamond Award. So although we have 5 Diamond Award Winners who topped their chosen categories, we also have another 7 beautiful locations which were awarded Diamond Awards at the Hoseasons 2018 Awards!

• Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat
• Hawkchurch Resort & Spa
• Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat
• Talacre Beach Resort
• Thanet Well Lodge Retreat
• Piran Meadows Resort
• Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat was on a roll this year and was also a finalist in the delicious Customer Choice Food Awards category! If you’ve never tried the delectable delights on offer at The Copper Fells Bar & Bistro, now is the time to book your holiday at this multi-award winning destination and sample some mouth-watering dishes during your stay with us!

We would like to say a huge congratulations to the whole of Darwin Escapes for yet another fantastic year at the Hoseasons 2018 Awards, all our park staff work so hard to keep the parks looking beautiful and running smoothly so our guests can sit back and enjoy their holiday.

We would also like to say a massive Thank You to you, our lovely guests! You are the reason we all work so hard. Let’s Create Memories to Last a Lifetime at Award-Winning Locations!

Get up to 20% off your dream holiday home when you buy with Darwin Escapes before 30th April

Darwin Escapes is a leading holiday home ownership company, with 8 luxurious destinations around the UK, from North Wales to Cornwall. With each location offering unique experiences and facilities in beautiful surroundings, you’re sure to find your ideal ownership destination with Darwin Escapes.

Don’t wait for the summer! Spring into action now and buy your dream holiday home before 30th April and you could get up to 20% off selected models at every destination. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing countryside retreat or a fun-filled family seaside destination, or you could be looking for both? Darwin Escapes will have the ideal location for you, with 20% off selected models too!

Abercowny Resort & Spa

Location: Conwy, North Wales
Near: Llandudno, Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy
Facilities: Aberconwy Spa, indoor heated swimming pool, state of the art gym, award-winning Signatures Restaurant

Just a stone’s throw from the Conwy Morfa Beach, Aberconwy offers luxurious holiday home ownership with a breath-taking backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range. With these guaranteed beautiful views, you’ll also be able to take full advantage of the state of the art Langley’s Country Club gym, with a separate HIIT room and main gym. Take a dip in the tropically heated swimming pool or soothing Jacuzzi, before refreshing in either the sauna or steam room. Enjoy an Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the onsite Aberconwy Spa, which has just undergone an exciting renovation! Visit Mali’s Hair Salon for a soothing hair treatment before your mouth-watering meal at the multi-award winning Signatures Restaurant, recently winning the Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 award.

Purchase your holiday home at Aberconwy before April 8th and you can choose between a £1250 decking or £500 in Darwin Escapes holiday vouchers and a 55 inch TV, plus having 20% off selected models until 30th April.

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Location: </strong> Axminster, Devon
Near: </strong> Lyme Regis, Honinton
Facilities: </strong> Hydrotherapy Pool, onsite Ezina Spa, state of the art gym, The Beeches restaurant & bar

Located in the magical Axe Valley, Hawkchurch Resort &amp; Spa is all about relaxation and luxury, with beautiful scenery and surroundings. Take a dip in the stunning Hydrotherapy Pool, which is scientifically proven to improve muscle tension and increase blood slow, before soaking up the heat from the Hammam-style sauna or steam room, then take some ‘me time’ in the Relaxation Room or admire the views from the private patio area. The state of the art gym is fitness fanatics dream, with a host of cardio machines boasting virtual video, free weights and a separate Yoga/Pilates room to take advantage of. Then relax and enjoy a drink from our fully stocked bar before indulging in delicious meals or lunches.

Now is the time to buy your dream holiday home, with £1000 in Thomas Cook vouchers available before 8th April, plus there is 20% off selected models until 30th April

Talacre Beach Resort

Location: Flintshire, North Wales
Near: Prestatyn, Rhyl, Chester
Facilities: Children entertainments club, Charlie Bear, Go Active, indoor heated swimming pool, restaurant & bar, gym lodge

A popular holiday home owners destination for over 50 years, Talacre Beach is perfectly placed to explore the North Wales coast, while only a 5 minute walk from the sandy shores of the beach and its famous lighthouse. The family friendly destination offers a children entertainments programme during the and a family focused evening entertainment programme all year round, with the arcade a popular hangout spot. Take a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool, before relaxing in the sauna or steam room. The kids will love the Go Active programme, including archery, panna soccer and water walkerz. Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing drink in the Bistro at Talacre Beach before returning to your very own luxurious holiday home.

If you buy your dream holiday home before 8th April, you can choose between £500 in Darwin Escapes holiday vouchers and a 55inch TV, or a £1250 decking. Plus there will be up to 20% off selected models until 30th April.

Piran Meadows Resort

Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Near: Newquay, Truro
Facilities: Indoor heated swimming pool, onsite Serenity Spa, Go Active + programme, restaurant &amp; bar, indoor entertainment area, splash zone

Surrounded by the understated Cornish countryside, you can relax and enjoy the rolling meadows around you, while being only a 10 minute drive from the golden sandy beaches of Newquay. Piran Meadows offers spectacular five star facilities, which includes an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room to help you relax. Indulge in an Aromatherapy Associates treatment at our peaceful Serenity Spa, where you can take some much needed ‘me time’ in the Relaxation Room and feel your stresses slip away. The children will love the Go Active + programme, with activities from all the family including a large climbing wall, water walkerz, body zorbs and archery, as well as the fabulous outdoor Splash Zone for the warmer days. If the weather isn’t on your side, never fear, head over to the indoor entertainments area with two lane bowling alley, pool tables and a gold simulator! Grab a delicious bite to eat, or enjoy an evening meal at the onsite Bistro at Piran Meadows, with a refreshing drink from our fully stocked bar.

Now is the ideal time to buy your dream holiday home in Cornwall, if you purchase before 8th April you’ll get £1000 in Thomas Cook vouchers! Along with selected models having 20% off until 30th April!

New Pines Holiday Home Park

Location: Denbighshire, North Wales
Near: Rhyl, Prestatyn, Abergele
Facilities: children’s entertainment club, Charlie Bear, indoor swimming pool, restaurant &amp; bar, separate family & teens room, over 18’s bar

Nestled in the Denbighshire countryside, New Pines Holiday Home Park is a family focused location in relaxing surroundings. This gated community offers 5 star facilities, including an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and state of the art gym. The little ones will love the fun packed entertainments programme, organised by Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, which includes fun day events, movie nights, face painting parties, street dance classes and art attack workshops. The sports field is filled with games in the summer and is home to the new outdoor play area, with the enclosed dog fields a popular pastime for those with fur-babies who like to run. The community of owners also spend time at the allotments, growing flowers and vegetables to enjoy together, before enjoying the evening entertainment from the Rangers in the clubhouse.

If you purchase your dream holiday home at New Pines before 8th April, you can choose between a 55inch TV with £500 in Darwin Escapes holiday vouchers or £1250 of decking for your new holiday home. As well as 20% off selected models at New Pines until 30th April

Seaview Holiday Home Park

Location: Flintshire, North Wales
Near: Rhyl, Holywell, Prestatyn
Facilities: Library, community garden, unlimited access to Talacre Beach facilities (1 mile away)

Located atop Gwysper mountain, Seaview Holiday Home Park boasts breath-taking views of the sandy beaches and even across to Merseyside on a clear day. On-park facilities are limited, with focus on serenity and peace, however there is a wonderful library and an outdoor community garden with fishing pond to relax and soak up the atmosphere, as well as a beautiful nature walk surrounding the park to explore. Owners at Seaview also have unlimited access to Talacre Beach’s five star facilities, only a mile down the road, which includes a tropically heated, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi pool, steam room, sauna and gym lodge. As well as the Bistro at Talacre Beach offering mouth-watering meals, day and evening entertainment programmes from Charlie Bear and his Rangers, and a fabulous Go Active programme. You can enjoy unlimited access at Talacre Beach, then escape all the hustle and bustle to your private oasis at Seaview.

There has never been a better time to purchase your dream holiday home, with 20% off selected models until 30th April. And if you buy before 8th April you can choose from £1250 of decking for your holiday home, or a 55inch TV and £500 of Darwin Escapes holiday vouchers.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Near: Glastonbury, Bath, Cheddar
Facilities: onsite Eden Spa, indoor heated swimming pool, Go Active + programme, indoor entertainment area, onsite Bistro restaurant

Our award-winning, five-star Cheddar Woods Resort &amp; Spa offers a stunning countryside setting for our owners. With stunning facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, state of the art gym, sauna and steam room, along with an indoor entertainment area with pool tables, golf simulator and two lane bowling alley! Enjoy an Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the Eden Spa, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the Relaxation Room. Grab a light lunch or a delicious evening meal at the Bistro at Cheddar Woods and relax with a drink from the fully stocked bar. The whole family can enjoy the Go Active + programme, getting stuck into the activities including archery, a large climbing wall, water walkerz and body zorbs, there is also a full mutli-purpose enclosed field for tennis or football to take advantage of.

With 20% off selected meals until 30th April, there has never been a better time to buy your dream holiday home. And if you purchase before 8th April, you’ll get £1000 in Thomas Cook vouchers too!

With these fantastic deals available, there really has never been a better time to buy your dream holiday home with Darwin Escapes at one of our beautiful destinations. For more information call our dedicated Ownership Team 01745 858010, you can book your park tour or order a brochure, alternatively you can ask any questions you may have via our Live Chat service.

Each offer is subject to terms and conditions. Offer for new customers only, for new and ex-demo models. Offer on selected models only. For full terms and conditions contact our Ownership Team on 0800 717 707.