Recently we’ve all been stepping outside more and exploring the stunning UK landscape, so now is the time to discover your holiday alter ego and find the perfect outdoors holiday break for you!

Whether you’re looking to sunbathe on every beach in Cornwall, wander the Yorkshire Wolds, or explore the legends and mountains in North Wales, we have the perfect resort waiting for you. In this post we’ve grouped together the types of outdoor getaways you may be looking for and have picked our top destinations where you can enjoy that type of holiday. Read below and find out your holiday alter ego is…

hiking your way

Is walking the countryside and climbing mountains your kind of thing? We have the best resorts to base yourself from where you can see some of the most spectacular sights in the UK.

The Lake District

our resorts: Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat & Thanet Well Lodge Retreat

The Peak District

our resort: Rivendale Lodge Retreat

North Wales

our resorts: Talacre Beach Resort & New Pines Holiday Home Park

surfing around

Spread your toes in the sand, chase the summer sun and spend endless days surfing in the sea. Explore the home of UK surfing in Cornwall or find secret beaches in Devon when you discover surfing is the way forward!

Cornwall

our resorts: Piran Meadows Resort, Sandymouth Holiday Resort & Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

Devon

our resorts: Hawkchurch Resort & Spa & Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Dorset

our resort: Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat

woodland wanderings

Lose yourself on woodland walks and explore long-lost trails. British woodlands are places of mystery and legends, find your favourite area and discover the hidden history.

Norfolk

our resort: Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa

Yorkshire

our resort: Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club

Somerset

our resorts: Bath Mill Lodge Retreat & Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Isle of Wight

our resorts: Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat & Woodside Coastal Retreat

Have you found your outdoorsy alter ego? Find your holiday inspiration and explore the UK like never before!

search for your holiday getaway

Start planning your 2021 staycations with Darwin Escapes and discover all that Britain has to offer, your way.

2020 is almost over (sigh of relief anyone?), they year threw us all a lot of curve balls, but we really can’t wait to make 2021 your year. Although we know restrictions are tightening for the start of the year, that doesn’t mean you can plan your Easter or Summer breaks away now and have a fabulous UK getaway to look forward to!

We’ve listed a few of the top UK destinations that you can visit in the New Year, from beachside breaks to woodland getaways, here at Darwin Escapes, we’ve got your 2021 holiday.

*please note, all of the below destinations are open to visitors at the time of writing. We hope at they are at the time of reading too, but please check our Coronavirus page for the latest information and always follow your local restrictions.

time to visit Cornwall

Always a popular holiday location, our Cornish resorts are the perfect getaway and some of the top destinations for families in the UK.

Head to Newquay for our fabulous Piran Meadows Resort, where you and your family can take a full advantage of the miles of golden sands. Venture to Fistral Beach, the home of UK surfing, and catch the best waves in the country. You’ll find your next adventure or your sunbathing hot spot when you holiday at Piran Meadows.

Our beautiful Sandymouth Holiday Resort is the place to be for stunning views of the Cornish coastline. Our family resort has everything you need for a self-catering break away in one of the top UK destinations for families. Explore Bude and find your perfect escape to the coastline, whether you’re looking to venture out coasteering or follow the coastal path for a wander along the stunning British seaside.

Holiday at our Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat and spend summer weeks in the Lizard Peninsula where you can enjoy spectacular coastal views. This sleepy resort offers the perfect place to getaway and relax in Cornwall, our holiday accommodation have everything you need for a break away and you can explore Mullion, the harbour and the southernmost point of the UK, your way.

discover Devon

A wonderful region filled with history, countryside and sandy beaches waiting for you to discover, our resorts in Devon are really the top destinations for couples in the UK.
Escape to the coast with our Beach Cove Coastal Retreat and our stunning beach huts. Ilfracombe is one of the UK’s top destinations waiting for you to explore, from the beautiful Hele Bay only seconds away from your doorstep to the surrounding mountains and footpaths. Whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure or a romantic, peaceful break away, our Beach Cove retreat is the perfect destination for you.

Truly relax and find your peaceful escape at our Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in South Devon, offering spa facilities and stunning countryside views of the Axe Valley. Learn all about the history of the local area, which can date itself back to the Doomsday Book, as well as the famous Axminster Carpets Corporation. Hawkchurch offers you the best of both worlds, where you can lose yourself in magical woodland or spend hours discover fossils along the stunning Jurassic Coastline. A self-catering holiday to Hawkchurch in 2021 is the ultimate relaxing getaway.

lose yourself in the Lake District

Wander woodland trails and find yourself on endless footpaths when you explore the Lake District with Darwin Escapes and our stunning resorts waiting for you.
Take in the spectacular views of our beautiful Thanet Well Lodge Retreat when you holiday with us in Greystoke, Cumbria. Cosy up in your holiday lodge and see views stretching across the World Heritage Site of the Lake District, explore the countryside and see the Spring flowers bloom. Walk up mountains on sunny days and discover charming English villages, or take a boat out on the Great Lakes, your next holiday at Thanet Well is waiting for you.

Explore the beautiful countryside with a holiday break at our Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat in the Lake District. Spend hours discovering the sleepy Keswick town or visit the Beatrix Potter museum and see Peter Rabbit’s famous garden, there are so many things to do here. Walk miles of woodlands and countryside, sail across the lakes and ramble the days away when you book your holiday to our stunning Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat.

Have you found your 2021 holiday break? Here at Darwin Escapes, we have so many locations for you to discover and we think they’re all the top UK destinations you need to visit! (not that we’re biased…) Take a look here for more destinations and find your own top destination to visit in 2021, we can’t wait to see you!

There are so many places to visit in the UK we thought we would narrow down the list to start your journey off!

Start planning your post-lockdown getaway and book a holiday break with us here at Darwin Escapes, we can’t wait to see you again and help you discover what staycationing is all about!

Yorkshire

From the countryside to city life, Yorkshire is everything you need to be home. A recent Mecca for Harry Potter fans in the Shambles, history buffs love the city’s stories and wanders have endless woodlands and countryside to walk.

Devon

Devon is much more diverse than you might think! You can enjoy the famous Devon beaches and the stunning Jurassic Coastline or you can relax surrounded by rolling meadows and forests – the choice is yours.

The Lake District

The greenest countryside in the UK, the national park covers 885 square miles! The Lake District is a place where you can truly get out to the great outdoors and explore on wandering walks, exhilarating hikes, and a leisurely boat ride.

Cornwall

If you’re looking for sandy beaches, Cornwall is the place to be. Known as the home of UK surfing, you can catch a wave any time of the year or you can explore secret islands, like St Michael’s Mount. Cornwall is perfect for adventure seekers!

Bath

Enjoy city life with a twist in Bath. Discover a taste of the high life in the Pump Room and Thermae Spa or take a step back in history and marvel at the stunning Roman Baths and Minerva Temple.

Glastonbury

The town is more than just the festival! This quirky and interesting town has so much to offer, from wonderful local shops to sites filled with legends and myths. Head to the Tor and feel the spirits or visit the Chalice Well, where you can drink the water to heal, as many have done for the past 2000 years.

Britain has so many beautiful regions and cities waiting to be discovered, where will you choose to holiday next?

search your holiday break here

Explore North Wales and search out these beauty spots on your holiday break here with us!

With four locations, two offering holiday home ownership only, you will find your perfect destination in North Wales with us here at Darwin Escapes. We’ve searched through all the Instagram posts in North Wales and came up tops with the below, explore the area through the images and start planning your journey through the region today.

• about our North Wales holiday resorts 
• about ownership at our North Wales resorts

 

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A post shared by Ramona (@monalogue) on Nov 1, 2020 at 6:38am PST

 

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A post shared by HIKS SUP (@hiks_paddleboards) on Nov 2, 2020 at 11:00am PST

 

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A post shared by Mark Mcmillan (@maccabackpacca) on Oct 29, 2020 at 12:02pm PDT

 

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A post shared by Robin (@snowdonia.stile) on Nov 4, 2020 at 7:49am PST

 

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A post shared by 北威爾斯貴婦Mary (@northwales.mary) on Nov 4, 2020 at 8:28am PST

 

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A post shared by Hannah Arndt (@dippymwww) on Nov 4, 2020 at 4:53am PST

 

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A post shared by The Imperial Hotel, Llandudno (@the_imperial_hotel_llandudno) on Nov 4, 2020 at 4:00am PST

 

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A post shared by Things To Do North Wales (@thingstodonorthwales) on Nov 4, 2020 at 3:30am PST

 

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A post shared by Alessandra Barilla (@arielinblue) on Nov 3, 2020 at 12:30pm PST

Find your perfect Instagram photo in Wales’ wild nature and outstanding beauty when you explore with us

Now is the time to discover North Wales! Explore more of this magical part of the country, filled with legends, mountains, and golden sandy beaches.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday home by the beach or a holiday break away to the countryside, our North Wales destinations are waiting for you. Start planning now with our list below!

Great Orme Copper Mines

In Llandudno
Jump on the famous tramway and ride to the top of the Great Orme, take in the beautiful views before heading into the underground Copper Mines. The mines actually date back over 4000 years to the Bronze Age and are the largest in the world! They were hidden away for thousands of years until they found in 1987.

Nant Gertheyrn

In the Llyn Peninsula, Snowdonia
Drive down to this former granite quarry and take in the spectacular views on your journey. Once you reach the bottom you’ll find fully restored quarryman’s cottages, a bar, and restaurant, as well as a café where you can grab a bite to eat. The site is now the Welsh Language Learning Centre.

Point of Ayr Lighthouse

In Talacre Beach
Built to warn ships entering the Dee and Mersey Estuary, the lighthouse was constructed in 1776 and is now a Grade II listed building. Although it has not been used as a lighthouse since 1884, the Lighthouse has an interesting history and has even featured on a 2011 Dulux TV advert!

Roman Fort & Bathhouse

In Prestatyn
Discover the remains of a 1st Century fort, a bathhouse, and even a metalsmith’s shop at these ruins. They were first found in the 1930’s but were then covered up for unknown reasons, but they were eventually rediscovered in 1984 during a housing development build. The Roman ruins were built around 70AD and were on top of an early settlement from the Iron Age, dating back to the 2nd and 1st Centuries.

Erddig

In Wrexham
Wander the beautiful kept 18th Century garden before exploring the much-loved home of Erddig. You can learn stories of family and servants from 250 years of history in the house, with portraits and preserved rooms showcasing their lives. A great day out for all ages.

Find all these hidden gems and more when you discover what North Wales has to offer you!

Whether you’re looking to explore the area you live in or are starting to plan your post-lockdown getaway, this post has the top eight hidden gems of the UK waiting for you to discover them!

Minack Theatre

In Portricurno, South Cornwall, Near Land’s End

Known as one of the world’s most spectacular theatres, Minack Theatre has more than 80,000 theatre goer’s every year and double that number just to marvel at the structure! The outdoor stone theatre is a beautiful and offers breathtaking views over the Cornish sea.

Nearest accommodation: Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

St Michael’s Mount

In Mount Bay, Cornwall

A unique tidal island in Cornwall that visitors can walk to during low tide! The view of the walkway appearing is truly magical. The island is also the home of the fairy tale story ‘Jack and the Giant Killer’, find out more on your trip to St Michael’s Mount.

Nearest accommodation: Piran Meadows Resort

Gaping Gill Cave

In the Yorkshire Dales

Accessible only via a winch, you can stand under a naturally formed gaping hole in one of the most beautiful caves. Explore the underground and see what secrets the Gaping Gill Cave holds.

Nearest accommodation: Kilnwick Percy Resort

The Shell Grotto

In Margate, Kent

Hidden beneath the streets of Margate are rooms and hallways entirely covered with mosaics made from seashells! This one-of-a-kind attraction is worth exploring and perfect for photos, visit The Shell Grotto on your travels.

Nearest accommodation: Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat

Over Owler Tor

In the Peak District

There are so many reasons to visit the Peak District, the charming towns, the amazing cycle paths and of course the beautiful mountains and views in the region. Over Owler Tor really offers the best views over the Peak District, with eroded gritstone capping the hill, which is beautifully covered in colourful heather or tipped with snow.

Nearest accommodation: Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Rievaulx Ruins

In North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire

Visit the stunning 18 Century landscaped gardens, find your way through the woodland, and explore the land around on endless walks. There are two temples to explore too, which offer art exhibitions and historic portraits waiting for you to discover, visit the Tuscan and Ionic Temples on your visit to the Rievaulx Ruins.

Nearest accommodation: Kilnwick Percy Resort

Kynance Cove

In South Cornwall

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Kynance Cove is truly breathtaking. The TV show Poldark uses the beach as its famous ‘Nampora Cove’ during shooting season.

Nearest accommodation: Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

Heddon’s Mouth

In South Devon

A stunning private cove, where you can relax in the sun and take in the views of the sea. Heddon’s Mouth is a former smuggler haunt and may still have some hidden buried treasure if you’re willing to look…

Nearest accommodation: Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Are you ready to explore the UK like never before? Start planning your getaway today and discover what Britain really has to offer you! And if you don’t want to leave? We have a number of destinations offering holiday home ownership too!

• our holiday destinations
• our ownership destinations

Whether you’re looking to holiday in your country or planning for a post-lockdown break away, North Wales is filled with legends, mountains, and beaches for you to discover!

Book your holiday break in wales or find your holiday-ever-after and search for your North Wales holiday home with us at Darwin Escapes. We have four resorts in the area, each offering its own unique personality, so you’ll find the perfect destination for you. Read more below to see the places you can explore!

• about our North Wales holiday resorts 
• about ownership at our North Wales resorts

Betws-Y-Coed

A beautiful village in the Conwy valley, perfect for outdoorsy people. There are endless walking trails, hills to hike and adventures to be had. The village has been popular since Victorian times and is home to stunning waterfalls and lots of local shops to see.

Conwy Castle & Town

Explore the historic castle, built between 1283 and 1289 by King Edward I. Don’t miss the beautiful quay or the smallest house in the UK. There are so many historic houses to visit in Conwy you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

Bodnant Gardens

Created and landscaped over 150 years ago, the gardens are colourful all year round and have the most outstanding backdrop of the Snowdonia Carneddau mountains. Find the secret gardens, hidden corners, manicured lawns, and magical woodland in the gardens.

The Great Orme

Drive to the top or get the famous tramway and take in the views of Llandudno town below. Thought to be over 350 million years old, you can take in the wildlife on the headland – the goats were recently made famous as they traveled to the town during the summer lockdown period.

Rhyl

Enjoy a traditional seaside getaway when you visit Rhyl promenade. Have fun in the arcades, stop for candy floss and a stick of rock at the sweet shops, get scared in the small horror walkthrough attraction, and test your skills at the mini-golf station! The perfect traditional British seaside day out on the North Wales coastline.

Talacre Beach

Relax on golden sands all year round, explore the sand dunes, and the protected wildlife in them. Grab some fish and chips for a traditional chippy tea by the sea, before you wander over to find the centuries-old Lighthouse.

There are our top five things to do in North Wales, there are so many things other places to explore that we can’t wait for you to visit and start planning your getaway with us!

North Wales is waiting for you to explore all it has to offer, below are just a small selection of the local attractions open in the area. With 4 resorts in North Wales, Darwin Escapes has the place for you to create your holiday your way along the coastline. We can’t wait to welcome you back when reopening our doors on 13th July, and we want to you discover all the exciting places in the local area.

Read below and start planning your holiday…

the best zoos

Chester Zoo

Pre-book your tickets to the UK’s favourite zoo. There are over 35,000 animals and 128 acres to explore at Chester Zoo, some of which you will have seen on Channel 4’s documentary Secret Life of the Zoo.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Booking is essential for entry, the zoo also asks you to follow the new one-way system put in place. Welsh Mountain Zoo is one of the oldest and most established zoos in Wales, first starting in 1963 as a family run business. There are 140 species of animals to visit at the zoo, which is set in one of the most picturesque locations along the coast.

castles and gardens

Flint Castle

The first castle built in Wales by King Edward I, the ruins of the castle still stand today and you can explore the history of the country and sea views across to the Wirral.

Bodnant Garden

A National Trust property, you will need to book tickets in advance but we promise you it’s worth it. Bodnant Gardens is wildly known as the most beautiful outdoor gardens in the UK, and with 80 acres to discover, from terraced gardens, magical wild gardens to informal lawns, you’ll have a fabulous day out here.

proms, piers and towns

Rhyl Promenade

A wonderful walk along the seafront, with arcades, sweet shops and seating areas to enjoy. Plenty of open lawn area for games and bike rides.

Llandudno Pier & Town

Any trip to Llandudno is well worth it, the shops may start opening up and the coastline is second-to-none. The Victorian-style builds add to the seaside feel of the town and make sure to stroll down the pier and take in the sights.

Beddgelert

Although fairly far out (over an hour and a half’s drive), the town of Beddgelert offers legend, myth, and magic in the Snowdonia region. Visit the gravesite of Wales’ most famous, and most beloved, dogs in this quaint Welsh village.

beaches open all year round

Conwy Beach
Rhyl Beach
Prestatyn Beach
Talacre Beach

Wales is reopening and we can’t wait to welcome you back to explore all that’s on offer!

Surrey is an area rich with woodland walks and fun attractions for all interests. We’ve managed to collate a list of some of the best local attractions near Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat. All are currently open and following government guidance, you can also explore Farnham on foot with the range of walks in the area, and enjoy the English countryside. Enjoy a fabulous day out with the family or as a couple at the number of attractions below…

food & drink

Duke of Cambridge Pub

Pre-book your table to enjoy some pub-grub at the Duke of Cambridge Pub, which is only a two-minute walk from the resort itself. Find out more about booking on their website.

The Barley Mow Pub

Enjoy delicious food when you pre-book your table at The Barley Mow. Find out more about their safety measures and booking process online.

visit the animals

Birdworld

Pre-book your tickets to Birdworld today and visit this amazing attraction. With other 1,200 birds and other animals to visit, including penguins, Birdworld is a family fun place to visit. Ready to open its doors and offer a great day out for everyone.

family fun

Legoland

Legoland is fully open and ready to take visitors to all their fantastic rides and showcase their spectacular builds. Pre-booking is essential, make sure to visit their website for more information.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington has a whole host of adventures for you to enjoy! The zoo is open and waiting for your arrival to visit all the animals, and for those thrill-seekers out there, the theme park is also open for full enjoyment! Pre-booking your ticket is essential and tickets do sell out quickly here, so make sure you plan ahead.

Thorpe Park

Pre-book your tickets to Thorpe Park now and have a fantastic day out at one of the UK’s top theme parks. All attractions are open, so those tickets book out fast, make sure you don’t miss out!

estates and gardens

Hampton Court Palace

Currently, only the gardens are open at Hampton Court Palace, but throughout July they will be opening more of the interior of the Palace for you to explore. Explore Henry VIII’s home and gardens by booking your start time via their website.

Squires Garden Centre, Hersham

Although the café and pet area is closed, the garden centre itself is open for you to admire all the colorful flowers and plants on offer, while following the social distancing measure put in place. Squires only allow 2 people per household to enter at one time.

Frensham Great Pond

The common greens and ponds are open to the public, with social distancing measures in place, following the current government guidance. Managed by the National Trust, it’s free to visit the ponds and offers a brilliant day out on a sunny day in the countryside.

Book your holiday to Tilford Woods and start exploring the local area and enjoy all that the local attractions have to offer.

With two unique resorts in Somerset to visit, we can’t wait to welcome you and help you explore the English countryside. Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa rests in the Mendip Hills and waits for you to explore the stunning countryside surrounding it. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is located in a secret oasis just two miles from the city centre of Bath, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Read below for attractions open around Cheddar Woods and scroll further down for information about Bath Mill.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions

Reopening its doors on 11th July, you can pre-book tickets via their website for your visit. The caves and tunnels will be open and ready to explore, as well as a number of fun attractions including the animatronic dinosaur valley, the fairy gardens, pirate island and adventure golf.

Brean Theme Park

heir number of visitors throughout the day, although you don’t have to pre-book, all visitors must buy a wristband or a minimum of 5 theme park tokens. There are rides open for all ages to enjoy and have a fantastic day out, from the wipeout and sky diver, to the carousel and farm train.

Longleat Safari Park

All tickets must be pre-booked via their website. The drive through safari has been open for a little while and is still hugely popular. Other areas are now reopening, including the animal adventure area, family farmyard, hedge maze, the longleat railway and rockin rhino.

The Bishop’s Palace

With a one-way system in place and a limited number of visitors, all tickets are to be pre-purchased via their website. The beautiful gardens, historic chapel and café are now open. With 14 acres to explore, including the moat which is home to the famous bell-ringing swans of Bishop’s Palace, you’ll have a fantastic day out here.

Glastonbury Town

A wonderful and fascinating town full of myths and legends to learn more about. Explore the quirky shops, where you can find high street names next to occult stores, handmade vegan candles and, of course, the historic Abbey.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Roman Baths

The historic baths have reopened and are waiting to welcome you. Pre-purchasing your ticket and timeslot is essential, there is also a one-way route in place throughout the baths. 2000 years of history is waiting for you to discover and walk in the paths of the Ancient Romans themselves.

Stonehenge

Pre-booking your visit is essential as your confirmation is needed for entry. Visit the best known prehistoric monument and take in the magical atmosphere at the World Heritage Site.

Castle Combe

Please follow government guidance and social distancing when visiting this charming village. Located in the Cotswold’s Area of Natural Beauty, Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England, where people come from far and wide to see the beautiful homes and quaint stores.

Royal Crescent

Take some time out on the green in front of the Crescent, but please follow government guidance while you take in the 30 terraced houses of the sweeping Crescent. Designed and built in the 1700’s, the Crescent is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture.

Enjoy a wonderful holiday away, your way, at either of our resorts in Somerset and explore all that the local area has to offer.