Enjoy a peaceful escape to Cumbria at Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and learn all about the local history of Brougham Castle. This striking castle is only a 20 minute journey from Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and offers a unique look into the history of Penrith. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the Lake District, you can enjoy a picnic and take in the scenic setting of the River Eamont.

Brougham Castle was originally built in the early 13th Century and has been added to and resorted over the centuries. Currently, the Great Keep survives, along with the ‘Tower of League’ and the unusual double gatehouse, you can explore it all!

the history of Brougham Castle

The castle was founded by Robert de Viexpont in the early 13th Century, who was one of the only lords in the area to be loyal to King John, during a time when he was most unpopular in the kingdom.

The Viexpont family were well known and well connected, they owned land all over the North West of England and has spectacular castles in both Brough and Appleby. Robert de Viexpont built the original great keep out of stone and an enclosure out of wood.

However, his grandson lot the castle in 1264, being declared a traitor and having all the family’s property confiscated by King Henry III. The property was eventually returned and stayed within the family until 1269, when it passed through marriage to the Clifford family.

In 1269 the War of Scottish Independence broke out and Brougham Castle was known as a formidable barrier against the invasion and was an important military base for Richard Clifford, the First Baron de Clifford.

During this time, the Baron made impressive fortifications to the castle, including stone walls as an outer defence, and adding a large, stone gatehouse.

Brougham through time

Over the centuries, Brougham intermittently served as a family residence before falling into disrepair. Restoration began at the castle in 1643, when Lady Ann Clifford inherited the property, however after Lady Ann’s death, the 6th Earl of Thanet inherited the castle and he eventually sold all the furnishings, leaving the castle completely empty by 1714.

As the castle was too costly to maintain, it was left to decay until the English Heritage Society took over care of the property. The castle is now listed as a ‘scheduled monument’, which means it is a ‘nationally important’ historic building and archaeological site and it is protected against any and all unauthorised change.

Brougham Castle’s beauty has inspired many creatives over the years, including a painting by JMW Turner and it was even mentioned in The Prelude, a famous poem by William Wordsworth.

opening times & prices

Brougham Castle is located a 20 minute drive from Thanet Well Lodge Retreat, at Moor Lane, Penrith, CA10 2AA

The castle is open every day, 10am – 6pm

Prices for 2019

Spend the day exploring Brougham Castle and discover the maze of complex passages and spiral staircases within the stone keep.

The stunning setting, next to the crossing for the River Eamont, allows for the perfect place for a picturesque picnic (I do love alliteration!).

You can also enjoy views over the Eden Valley from atop the tower, as well as views of the ruins of the old Roman fort, Brocavum adjacent to the castle.

Enjoy beautiful lodge-style accommodation boasting unrivalled views of the Lake District at our Thanet Well Lodge Retreat, where our self-catering holiday lodges offer everything you could need. Including fully equipped kitchens, large living spaces with comfortable sofas and flat screen TVs, sumptuous beds with plenty of storage and beautiful bathrooms. Some of our holiday lodges also boast hot tubs, so you can soak up the surrounding nature in style.

Book your holiday to Thanet Well Lodge Retreat today and explore Penrith’s rich history.

There’s something for everyone at Bournemouth Pier, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll in the sun or an adventure filled day out

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat offers luxury self-catering holidays in Dorset and is only 30 minutes away from the historic Bournemouth Pier where you can enjoy a day strolling the 1000ft stretch and taking in the views. Or you can get stuck in at the RockReef and join other adrenaline junkies on the climbing walls or vertical slide. The pier also boasts the Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire, the world’s first pier to coast zip line!

Learn more about the pier and the activities below:

the history of bournemouth pier

Bournemouth’s very first pier was just a short wooden jetty, it was built in 1856, but as the area became more popular it was replaced by an 800ft wooden pier.

Around 1866 the pier was damaged by a number of storms, with the landing stage being completely blown away, which resulted in cast iron replacements. However, even these were damaged in a particularly strong storm in 1876, which caused the partial collapse and closure of the pier.

The Lord Mayor of London opened a new Bournemouth Pier in August 1880, which is most like the one that stands today. Over the next 70 years few additions were made, but some changes included a bandstand and covered shelters, as well as increasing the size of the pier to 1000ft.

In July 1940 almost all the piers in the country were demolished by the Royal Engineers as a precaution against German invasion, it was repaired and reopened in 1946, after the war ended.

A new substructure and the Bournemouth Theatre were added in 1960. The theatre held all the best shows from around the country before eventually closing its doors in 2011.

The adventure activity zone RockReef was opened in 2014, with the world’s first pier to shore zip line, Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire opening later in the same year.

rockreef indoor activity centre

RockReef is an all-weather attraction located on Bournemouth Pier, where all ages can get stuck in with a variety of adventure activities on offer.

Rock climbers will be in heaven with 28 clip and climb indoor climbing walls, all offering different themes and a wide range of difficulty levels, so there will be challenges for all ages and abilities.

Try the Pier Cave activity, a 65 metre cave experience with three different routes which allows for varied ranges of difficulty and comfort.

The Vertical Drop Slide is sure to get even the biggest adrenaline junkie’s heart racing. All participants wear a body suit and start at the bottom of the slide, holding on to the handlebars as they are winched higher up the 25ft slide. How high can you hold on until? You decide when you let go and let gravity take over, set yourself a new target on each go and you’ll be surprised how high you go!

Have a go at one of the most challenging activities on the Bournemouth Pier activity centre, the Leap of Faith. An activity ideal for all the daredevils out there, start by climbing the 20ft pole to the platform, walk the plank to the edge, count to three and jump! Reach for the punch bag and see how far you can jump, you’ll be wearing a harness and helmet for safety. The punch bag can be moved close to further away, to help create your own challenges!

bournemouth pier zip wire

The 250 dual zip wire is the first pier to shore zip line in the world! Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bournemouth beach from a platform 25 meters above the sea. Ride the dual zip wire with friends or family for a completely unforgettable experience on the Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire.

food & shops

Bournemouth Pier has everything you could want for a fun day out at the coast, from activities and beautiful views, to 3 unique food offerings and classic seaside shops.

The Bournemouth Pier Key West Bar & Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere at the end of the pier, with both outdoor and indoor seating. Key West serves delicious meals from a varied menu, while showcasing the most breath-taking sea views.

Bournemouth’s Sandy Beaches is the perfect place for a coffee shop stop, located on the pier approach you can watch the hustle and bustle, while enjoying their famous Puro Coffee. The Proper Cornish Pasty Shop is ideal for a snack on the go, with freshly baked pasty’s every day and a selection of sandwiches and other hot snacks.

There are 3 classic seaside shops on Bournemouth Pier, visit the Rock Shop for a stick of traditional Bournemouth Rock and other sweets, or pop to the gift shop for some handmade presents for your loved ones. Head to the Beach Shop for everything you’ll need for a day at the beach, from buckets & spades to beachwear.

Bournemouth Pier offers a fun day out for all the family, no matter the weather. The pier holds a number of events throughout the year, including the Bournemouth Air Show, firework displays, Halloween and Christmas themed events.

Our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is only a 30 minute drive away from the beautiful Bournemouth beach and pier, so you can have the best of both worlds. Soak up the peaceful countryside surrounding your luxury lodge-style accommodation, before relaxing in the sun at the seaside.

Our fully equipped self-catered accommodation offers a truly relaxing holiday experience in Dorset, with a large open plan living space that includes fully fitted kitchens, charming dining areas, comfortable sofas and flat screen TVs. The bedrooms offer sumptuous bedding, walk-in wardrobes and the best nights’ sleep you could want, as well as a select number of lodges offering hot tubs for the ultimate in relaxation on your holiday escape.

Book your holiday away to Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat today

Talacre Beach Resort has been a popular holiday destination for nearly 60 years, with the village, beach and lighthouse consistently drawing new fans…

Talacre village has a population of just under 400, with only around 100 residents actually being born in Wales (2011 Census), this helps to show how popular a holiday home destination Talacre really is. It is embedded into the pop culture conscious as a ‘typically British’ seaside holiday resort, however guests are blown away by the luxury that greets them when they stay with us at Talacre Beach Resort.

Talacre Beach itself, was used for evacuees and Spitfire training during World War II, this lead to a number of evacuees becoming permanent residents or later on, holiday home owners.

The beach is now known for the beautiful golden sands, world famous sand dunes, as well as being an RSPB nature reserve and a Special Area of Scientific Interest, with the population of protected newts and natter jack toads living in the dunes.

Talacre Beach Resort first opened in the 1960’s, known then as Morfa Camp, and some of our first holiday home owners originally used to holiday on the Warren in the ‘bungalows’, which were self-contained shacks along the beach.

Our beautiful resort grew in popularity and by the 70’s, there was a 44 acre holiday resort filled with all the luxuries of the time, and is has continued to develop and grow with the times since, having recently undergone a one million pound renovation of the five star facilities.

Have a scroll below of some of the older images of Talacre, these include images of the village, the Warren bungalows and the start of Talacre Beach Resort.

Images are from the Talacre Community Centre Facebook page and Francis Frith website

the lighthouse

The iconic lighthouse was built in 1776 and is only around a 15 minute walk from our Talacre Beach Resort.

The lighthouse is arguably one of the most photographed in the UK and has featured in a Dulux TV advert, as well as an episode of the popular E4 drama, Skins.

It is also known for its supernatural stories, with many ghost sightings over the years reported, with people most commonly seeing a figure wearing old fashioned lighthouse keeper clothes near the lighthouse and a figure standing in front of the glass dome, the lighthouse has been abandoned for a long time.

So popular were these stories there was an art installation placed in front of the glass down, in respect of the legend of the lighthouse keeper. The metal figure had holes cut into it to create a ‘moaning’ tone when the wind blew through it.

Scroll below for older and more recent photos of the lighthouse…

With so much history in this little village, it is easy to see why people are drawn back to the Welsh coast time and again. Learn more about the history of the town and the community determined to keep it alive, in our Talacre: Now & Then post.

Talacre Beach Resort offers first class holidays and outstanding holiday home ownership options, with a wide range of lodges and holiday homes for sale in North Wales, as well as our stunning, five star and recently renovated, facilities, which includes an indoor heated swimming pool, beautifully decorated restaurant and bar, new arcade and a fantastic daily children’s entertainment programme, along with a family evening entertainment programme.

To learn more about joining our friendly ownership community, book a park tour to meet our team and see the resort with your own eyes, talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service, or call our dedicated team on 01745 858010.

Lighthouse Photo Credit: Steve Wilson

Talacre Beach Resort has been a popular holiday home owners destination for over 50 years, but the local village has such a fascinating history, and you can learn all about it at the Now & Then exhibition. The Talacre Now & Then project will be running throughout 2019 and will be showcasing the history of our quaint village, from the Spitfire’s World War 2 training days, to today’s 5 star holiday resort and everything in between.

The exhibition was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, an education grant from Outdoor Learning Wales and a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to focus on the fascinating World War II elements of the village’s history. Altogether the project has received around £50,000 in funding to bring Talacre’s history to life – and they have the best plans!

Talacre during WWII

Our sleepy coastal village was a completely different place during World War II, with many people escaping the bombing from Liverpool and being evacuated into simple huts, which were actually built on the sand dunes.

Photo from Talacre Community Centre Facebook

The golden sands of Talacre Beach were also used for Spitfire training, as well as what must have seemed like endless air battles (known as dog fights) in the skies above. Generations of people have been delighted to find spent ammunition from the testing and the dog fights over the years, and there are still many to find today! There are also still rows of larch posts and the remains of pill boxes that can be seen along the beach, these were placed to deter invasion from enemy forces.

Some of the evacuees stayed in their huts after the war and made Talacre their home, while many continued to return with their children and grandchildren, creating an eclectic culture mixture of English and Welsh.

To showcase what life was like during World War II, there will be a trail created through the dunes, and a CGI film showing how the Spitfires trained along the beach.

On 27th & 28th July there will be a fabulous World War II Extravaganza in Talacre village and along the beach, with the weekend’s events including a replica Spitfire, guided walks, re-enactments and plenty of family activities to get involved in! Make sure to check out our blog about the weekend here!

after the war

Once the war ended, Talacre quickly became a favourite tourist destination and has thousands of visitors from Manchester and Liverpool.

Photo from Talacre Community Centre Facebook

Early holiday guests enjoy a unique experience of staying in charming wooden shacks on the beach, a few old buses and even a railway carriage. (Our own beautiful accommodation is definitely more of the luxury style!)

But summer wasn’t just for the tourists, the local residents enjoyed (and still do!) the wonderful, jubilant atmosphere created by holidaymakers. As well as entrepreneurial youngsters, who were keen to earn some pocket money, would help to take luggage from the, now long closed, train station to the holiday homes.

Because of the popularity Talacre created and many of these early guests returning regularly, holiday home ownership at Talacre Beach was a huge hit! And it is still is today, have you read our ownership information page yet?

The Talacre Now & Then project will be running throughout 2019 and will grow over time as people add their own memories to it. All materials added to the exhibition will be used to create a fantastic memories booklet and digital trail.

Help to celebrate the fascinating history of Talacre, the beautiful little coastal village which holds a special place in the memories of thousands across North Wales and North West England!

Talacre Beach Resort has been a popular holiday home owners destination for over 50 years, and with our fantastic 5 star facilities, proximity to the beach and wide range of holiday homes and lodges for sale, it’s easy to see why.

Book a park tour to see our newly renovated facilities with one of our team members.

Or for more information call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010, alternatively you can speak to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

holiday homes have come a long way, here’s one of ours…

We’ve got the perfect eggciting treat for the Easter holidays… oh yes we have! For the panto lovers amongst us, we know the wait till Christmas can feel like forever! But thanks to our friends over at Rhyl Pavilion, you won’t have to wait another 8 months.

We’re able to offer you a family ticket to see the ultimate Easter treat, The Easter Panto Spectacular Beauty and the Beast pantomime!

So if you’re looking for the ultimate feel good show that the whole family can enjoy this Easter, then you’ll love this themed pantomime which will be taking to the stage at Rhyl Pavilion for two days only over the Easter holidays.

Get ready to travel to a land far far away, where Belle lives with her Father until one day he crosses a terrifying beast and Belle is taken captive.

It’s up to the Atomic Fairy, the village idiot Wally and his mother Dame Dolly to rescue her from where she is being held captive bringing plenty of laughs, singing and dancing to the fun filled panto land.

The Easter Pantomime which is on at Rhyl Pavilion on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th April will star Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona, the one and only Basil Brush, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice star Gemma Bissix and CBBC presenter Lauren Platt.

You’ll also be left cracking up with laughter thanks to Easter Panto Tour favourites comic Ryan Greave and dame Phylip Harries.

So if you want a bit of magic added to your Easter weekend then head over to the New Pines Facebook page to enter for the chance to win the family ticket available!

You can get tickets to see The Easter Panto Spectacular – Beauty and the Beast on Thursday 18th April at 7pm or Friday 19th April at 2pm or 7pm.

Book your tickets over on the Rhyl Pavilion website or by phoning the Box Office on 01745 330000.

terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment with their favourite Easter emoji and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Friday 5th April and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Friday 5th April
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates New Pines Holiday Home Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is for a family ticket (2 adult tickets and 2 child tickets) to see The Easter Panto Spectacular Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the Rhyl Pavilion
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Friday 5th April
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Performance dates are Thursday 18th April at 7pm and Friday 19th April at 2pm and 7pm (subject to availability)
– Tickets cannot be applied retrospectively
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our New Pines Holiday Home Park a like on Facebook too!

The Castle Bude offers an interesting day out where you can learn about the local history, view local art in the galleries and bask in the sun while admiring the stunning coastal views

Running alongside the Bude canal, this Grade II listed building will delight all with a fascinating day out. The Castle Bude is only a 15 minute car journey from our wonderful Sandymouth Holiday Resort, where you can holiday in our luxurious holiday homes and take advantage of our first class facilities.

The Castle Bude is open every day from 10am until 5pm, and is a free attraction to visit, where you can see local artists display their work in the gallery, learn local history in the Heritage Centre and enjoy delicious meals and outstanding views in Café Limelight.

the heritage centre

The centre is home to a number of artefacts, which would help to bring the varied and rich history of Bude to life for all. There are a wide range of exhibitions available to view, where you can discover more about the world famous Cornish geology, or view the amazing collection of Bude railway memorabilia and nostalgia. There are also fun interactive displays to entertain the children, as well as exhibitions on local naval and military history.

exhibitions

The Heritage Centre is divided into themed exhibitions, which represent certain key elements of the cultural heritage in Bude’s history. We’ve listed only a few of the exhibitions below, with a brief overview of what they focus on.

• Sir Goldsworthy Gurney – Sir Gurney built The Castle Bude in 1830 and is often referred to as Cornwall’s ‘forgotten genius’. Although he was a trained surgeon, Gurney actually excelled as an inventor, scientist and engineer, he invented a completely new system of lighting in the 1800’s. He injected a stream of oxygen into an oil flame, this method was known as ‘Bude Light’ and was used in Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and even the Houses of Parliament. Learn more about this extraordinary man in the exhibition.
• Shipwrecks – Cornwall has a history of shipwrecks over the decades, this exhibitions focuses on Bude’s coast and includes its most famous wreck, the Bencoolen, which wrecked in 1862 on Summerleaze Beach. Try your hand at navigating the treacherous waters of Bude by using the interactive model
• The English Civil War – Learn how Bude played a key role in Cornwall’s history during the Civil War, and see the copied and beautifully coloured costumes from that time period. You’ll also learn more about the ‘Cornish Giant’, a man named Anthony Payne, who was crucial in the 1643 Battle of Stamford Hill. The battle lasted an incredible 10 hours, with the Royalists defeating the much larger Parliamentarians, this win secured Cornwall for the King during the war.

Visit The Castle Bude for a wonderful day out filled with interesting facts, outstanding exhibitions and beautiful artwork in the galleries to view. Head to the Café Limelight in the conservatory, where you can enjoy some warming food and drinks, as well as some breathtaking views of Summerleaze Beach.

Holiday breaks at Sandymouth Holiday Resort are ideal for exploring the local area of Bude, and further into North Cornwall. You can enjoy the wonderful accommodation on offer, the outstanding coastal views and take full advantage of the first class facilities. Our facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a wonderful entertainments programme and a full Go Active programme, including archery, body zorbing, mini jet skis and waterwalkerz.

There is so much more to explore at Sandymouth, so why not book your holiday getaway now and start planning?

Newquay Zoo offers a fantastic day out for all ages, with fascinating animals, adventure play areas and so much more to learn about

Our 5 star Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is only a 15 minute car journey from the wonderful Newquay Zoo, where you can visit over a thousand endangered and rare animals. The zoo is located in 13 acres of tropical gardens in Cornwall, where you can watch the lions devour their lunch or head into the Tropical House to visit the adorable sloth! There’s more than animals to entertain at the zoo, from fun family activity trails and adventure play areas, to the fantastic Dragon Maze. This post is all about what Newquay Zoo can offer you, read below for more.

the animals

Newquay Zoo is home to 130 different species all spread over various exhibits, such as the African Savanna Exhibit, which is home to a roaming, mixed herd including zebras, nayala antelope and black wildebeest.

The zoo has all the family favourites, including a manic mob of meerkats, strikingly beautiful red pandas and cheeky otters playing in the river. But as a designated conservation charity, Newquay Zoo is home to a range of endangered species and takes part in the breeding programmes worldwide, helping to save species from extinction. We’ve listed some of the beautiful and endangered species you’ll see at the zoo, with a nice fun fact about them too!

• Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque – a critically endangered species, who have a large cheek pouch, which can hold the same amount of food as their tummies!
• Yellow-Breasted Capuchin Monkey – a highly intelligent and critically endangered species, who have been known to use rocks and sticks as tools. There is only 2% of their natural Brazilian rainforest habitat left in the world.
• Hoffman’s Sloth – visit the endangered two toed sloth, whose fingers and toes have grown into one, which makes them lose their function. But sloths are not to be messed with, those claws make formidable weapons

explore & experience

Explore further into the zoo’s grounds for some extra fun, including face painting, activity trails for the whole family to follow, woodland walks to discover, children’s play areas and the great Dragon Maze, which will keep all ages entertained.

Head to the Village Farm for familiar farmyard animals, including pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, pygmy goats and more! The children can enjoy some time in the run with the wonderful pygmy goats and being able to feed the farm animals.

Newquay Zoo offers experience days for all ages, including the Junior Zoo Keeper for 8 to 14 years old, where the children will get first-hand experience of what it’s like to work with animals. The Penguin Encounter is ideal for penguin lovers of 8 years old and above, as they’ll help to feed the colony of Humbolt Penguins and get within touching distance of them! Over 15’s can opt for the Zoo Keeper Experience, which starts at 10:30am and ends at 4:30pm, throughout the day you will visit different sections of the zoo, help to prepare feed and meet the primates, birds, carnivores and the unusual species in the Tropical House.

You can also make your own contribution to conservation by adopting one of the adorable animals, you’ll even get an Animal Adaption Gift Pack.

opening times & prices

Opening times at the zoo depend on the time of year, but last admission is always an hour before closing
Winter: 29th Oct – 31st March, 10am to 4:30pm (last admission at 3:30pm)
Summer: 1st April – 27th Oct, 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)

Prices:

Enjoy a family day out at Newquay Zoo and explore the different exhibits to meet the many animals who call the zoo home. Learn about the conservation efforts of the zoo and how they help critically endangered species in the wild by taking part in the International Breeding Programme.

Book your holiday at Piran Meadows Resort & Spa and start planning your escape to Cornwall now

Rhyl Beach offers a beautiful place to relax, have a walk and enjoy endless water sports all year round in North Wales. Rhyl Beach is only a 5 minute drive away from New Pines Holiday Home Park, our 5 star destination nestled in the Denbighshire countryside, where you can enjoy luxurious facilities and holiday home ownership. Take a look at our beautiful Rhyl Beach images below

about new pines holiday home park

Our 5 star luxurious location in North Wales offers endless family fun in a beautiful countryside setting. New Pines Holiday Home Park offers both holidays and holiday home ownership, which means you can enjoy holidays all year round, without booking, queuing or fuss, just get up and go to your home away from home where you can take advantage of all the home comforts.

New Pines is home to fantastic facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, a spa pool to relax in, as well as a sauna and steam room to soak up the heat and feel rejuvenated. Indulge in a delicious meal from our Bistro Restaurant & Bar, which serves mouth-watering main meals during the evening and delicious light lunches to keep you fuelled in the day, as well as offering a lovely children’s menu, which will have something for even the pickiest of eaters. The children will love the daily activity programme available, which is organised by cheeky Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers and it includes face painting parties, quizzes, talent shows and scavenger hunts, the team also co-ordinate family fun days throughout the year where everyone gets together and enjoys the live music and inflatables on offer. The Rangers also provide the family evening entertainment, where all the family can join in on the fun and games, as well as enjoy the Rangers’ talent shows and range of cabaret acts.

Holiday homeowners can also enjoy a fantastic social life by joining the many societies run by owners, from the bowls society to the golf society, as well as getting involved with the allotments, where owners can grow their own fruit and veg to use in their holiday homes. Why not book your park tour to meet our friendly Sales Team and visit New Pines for yourself? Our professional Sales Advisers will show you around the park, into the facilities and showcase a range of luxury lodges and holiday homes for sale at New Pines Holiday Home Park. For more information about ownership, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

With our brand new destination in Norfolk becoming a hugely popular holiday location for families, we thought we’d share our favourite things to do in Norfolk. Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa offers a first class, family friendly holiday destination and is perfectly located to explore the local area, which is teeming with fun places to explore. We’ve listed our favourite things to do in Norfolk with your family in this post, so when you book your holiday with us, you can start planning your getaway in the countryside.

Church Farm Stow Bardolph

Where: PE34 3HT / 20 mins drive away / Open: 10am – 5pm everyday

This Rare Breeds Centre is ideal for meeting a wide range of animals in the farm where you can get close and personal with them, you can enjoy feeding time and meet all the baby animals too! The children will love the adventure playground area, as well as the range of activities on offer, including tractor rides, the indoor treehouse play area and ride-on pedal tractors. Church Farm is also home to a wonderful Tea Room, which offers delicious lunches from a menu of hot and cold, as well as a range of home-made cakes, scones and biscuits to indulge in.

Sealife Hunstanton

Where: PE36 5BH / 35 mins drive away / Open: 10am – 4pm everyday

Visit Sealife for a fabulous day out filled with beautiful sea animals and educational talks and feeding sessions. Discover all the different experiences available, where you can visit all sorts of sea creatures including magnificent sharks, beautiful clownfish, friendly otters and wonderful sea turtles. Waddle your way to Penguin Beach where you can meet the resident Humbolt Penguin colony, where you’ll see them having a blast in their deep-dive pool, beach and waterfall. Sealife is also a fantastic Conservation Centre, who campaign to help the creatures who live below and above the surface, helping to better understand different species and protect our oceans. One of the most popular places and things to do in Norfolk.

Norwich Aviation Museum

Where: NR10 3JF / 50 mins drive away / Open: 10am – 4pm (check website)

Experience a day filled with a fantastic collection of aircrafts at a museum run by dedicated volunteers. The aircraft includes a Vulcan Bomber, a Sea Vixen and a Vampire, plus so much more, with a range of noses and cockpits, which the general public can sit in! The museum hosts a range of events throughout the year and also has a shop where you can buy merchandise and souvenirs. A fabulous day out for all aviation enthusiasts.

Oxburgh Hall

Where: PE33 9PS / 20 mins drive away / Open: 11am – 5pm

Explore the 500 years of history of Oxburgh Hall and the Bedingfeld family in Norfolk. You’ll fall in love with the beautiful Manor House and peaceful moat built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 to show their status and power in society. You’ll be able to learn all about the turbulent history of Oxburgh from religious persecution and Civil War devastation to near dereliction. Discover the beautiful Victorian Gothic interior and explore the many exhibitions which includes needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots. The garden’s outside are beautifully kept for all to wander and enjoy, they include a walled garden, woodland walks and strolls along the River Gadder, where you may see some adorable otters!

Bishop’s Boats

Where: NR25 2NQ / 55 mins drive away / Book a tour 01263 740753

Take a trip to Blakeney Point and see Seal’s in their natural environment, soaking up the sun and basking on the National Nature Reserve of Blakeney Point, which offers the perfect protection and habitat for a wide range of wildlife. You’re guaranteed to see seal’s on a Bishop’s Boats trip, along with other wildlife, creating an unforgettable experience for you.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds

Where: NR12 8QJ / 1 hour drive away / Open: 10am – 5pm

Visit the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK in Norfolk at Wroxham Miniature Worlds. Spread over 10,000 square feet you’ll love exploring the fascinating miniature world with a number of different zones to discover, including a European layout, the Japanese layout, the Great British layout and the Little Bricks world where there is a whole city made from Lego bricks. There’s so much to see at Wroxham the whole family will enjoy a day out, visiting the Doll’s World exhibition, interactive flight simulators and train simulators. Enjoy a light lunch at the onsite café to refuel ready for the more miniature world fun!

Are you planning your holiday with us now and ready to explore these fabulous things to do in Norfolk? Book your holiday with us at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa and start planning your getaway.

did you know Norfolk Woods offers holiday home ownership?

Owning your own luxurious lodge or holiday home means being able to explore the local area and all the activities it offers at your own pace, from escaping to the nearby seaside and enjoy boat trips and seal watching, to exploring endless stately homes and animal centres in Norfolk.

Book a park tour with our friendly Sale’s Team, who will be on-hand to answer any questions you may have about our purchasing process, as well as showcasing a range of beautiful and affordable holiday homes for sale. Our team will also take you around the park and show you our outstanding facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as The Spa at Norfolk Woods, which offers relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatments from fully trained therapists. The children will love the outdoor playground and the Go Active programme, offering archery, panna soccer, waterwalkers and body zorbs, plus so much more! Don’t forget to indulge in a delicious meal at the Bistro Restaurant and a drink from the fully stocked bar.

There really is something for the whole family to enjoy at Norfolk Woods and owning your own holiday home means being able to holiday whenever you wish.

For more information about ownership at Norfolk Woods, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service

The Bishop’s Palace has been the home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years in this beautiful part of the country. Located only a 30 minute car journey from our 5 star Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa in Somerset, is the picturesque Bishop’s Palace and gardens, which is open to the public to explore. The Palace is surrounded by the beautiful moat, which is home to the famous swans and the flagstone drawbridge, spend the day exploring a true hidden gem in the heart of the city of Wells.

about The Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop’s Palace dates back to the early 13th Century, and is still used by the Bishop of Bath and Wells today, however it is an interesting example of the way buildings demonstrating the political power of the Medieval Bishops. Even though the Palace is still home to the current Bishop and his family, you can still explore a large number of spectacular rooms within the Palace.

Being home to countless Bishops over 800 years, most have managed to leave their own mark on the décor of Palace, but you can visit the Large Room with its original vaulted undercroft, before heading up the staircase to the first Bishop of Bath and Wells, Jocelin Trotman to the room where he entertained, worked, dined and slept. Take a stroll down the Long Gallery for insight and information on past Bishops and their portraits.

the chapel & great hall

Bishop Burnell, the Chancellor of the Exchequer under King Edward I, built the grandiose chapel between 1275 and 1292, and it has been used by the Bishops of Bath and Wells for their private prayers since.

The chapel is the ideal place to relax and reflect, while admiring the beautiful stone tracery and wonderful medieval carving details of the vaulted ceiling. Soak up the light spilling through the stunning stained glass windows, which were rescued from France after the 1789 Revolution, taken from damaged and abandoned churches.

Visit the ruins of the Great Hall, which was built in 1290 to entertain high society, all that remains today are two walls and 4 corner turrets. However, you can still appreciate the impressive size of a medieval hall used to entertain the Lords and Ladies of the day.

the wells & swans

The city of Wells was named after the number of flowing wells in the city, with many to be found around the picturesque gardens of The Bishop’s Palace. The wells have long held a sacred significance for the local people for over a thousand years, with the St Andrews holy well a particularly popular and religious well to visit. The ancient Well House, built in 1451, still stands today, it was set up Bishop Beckynton to provide fresh water to the townsfolk of Wells.

In the 1870’s a daughter of one of the Bishop’s first taught the swans, on the moat to ring a bell for food, and this has been a tradition ever since. There is a bell beneath the window of the Gatehouse, and when a member of staff is there a rope is attached to the bell, which the resident swans ring for food, new generations of swans are shown how to use the bell by their parents. The resident swans happily swim around the moat at their leisure, enjoying The Bishop’s Palace in their own way.

In May 2019, the Bishop’s Palace welcomed a new breeding pair of swans, as Wynn was left widowed when her mate sadly passed away in 2018, this made Wynn leave to find a colony of older birds to live with. However staff and the public alike are excited to welcome the new pair of swans, who have been introduced to the Palace and Moat by the Swan Rescue South Wales charity.

Training will be taking place for the swans to learn how to use the bell, and there will be a new bell added on the opposite side of the Gatehouse so visitors can enjoy better visibility of the swans all year round. The staff are very excited to start training the new pair in the bell-ringing ways of the previous Bishop’s Palace swans, and are hoping to see fluffy cygnets on the Moat with their parents later on in the year. Now is the time to visit and meet the new beautiful pair of swans!

Bishop’s table & what’s on

Enjoy some home cooked comfort food and spectacular views over the gardens and The Bishop’s Palace itself. The Bishop’s Table serves delicious homemade food, using locally sourced produce, the friendly café is known in Wells for a fabulous place to relax with a coffee and a slice of cake.

The Bishop’s Palace enjoys a full calendar of events all year round, from a wide range of theatre shows and exhibitions, to holding various festivals, including the Bath Film Festival. There are also family and community garden activity days, historical re-enactments, concerts, talks, workshops and demonstrations, there really is something for everyone. Keep an eye on the website for the latest events being held at The Bishop’s Palace.

opening times & prices

There are different opening times depending on the time of year, but last admission is always 30 minutes before closing time.

Summer Times (31st March – 26th Oct) : 10am – 6pm every day
Winter Times (27th Oct – 28th March) : 10am – 4pm every day

Enjoy a fun day out at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, where you can learn about the history of the Palace, the church and the country, all while enjoying outstanding views of the gardens and countryside.

Book your holiday at Cheddar Woods today to start exploring Somerset.

ownership at Cheddar Woods

Becoming an owner at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa means being able to explore the local area at your own pace, and spending endless summer days in the picturesque gardens of The Bishop’s Palace.

Our community of owners enjoy use of our 5 star facilities, including the indoor heated swimming pool, with a separate shallow area for the little ones to enjoy. For those looking for relaxation, head to the Eden Spa where you can book a luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatment from our fully trained therapists, or indulge in a Jessica Nails mani-pedi. After your treatment, take some time out in our Relaxation Room, where you can also enjoy our spa facilities, including the mood shower, sauna and steam room.

The whole family will love the Go Active programme, which includes activities from archery, waterwalkerz and body zorbing, to mini jet skis and a rock climbing wall. There are also fun workshops for the little ones, including Robin Hood Juniors, Wild Wild West and the Wizard Workshop, so there really is something for all ages to get stuck into and enjoy. Head inside for the Indoor Entertainments Area, which includes pool tables, a fabulous golf simulator and a 2 lane bowling alley, where the family can get their competitive juices flowing!

The Bistro Bar & Restaurant serves mouth-watering evening meals all the family will love, and light lunches to keep you going while you’re enjoying the activities or exploring the local area. The fully stocked bar offers the ideal place to enjoy a tipple while you soak up the surrounding countryside.

Our wide range of luxury holiday homes and holiday lodges, mean we are sure to have the ideal home away for you, with large open plan living spaces to enjoy, fully fitted kitchens, beautiful bathrooms and sumptuous bedrooms, and with a range of plots available, you can enjoy views reaching to the Cheddar Reservoir.

For more information about holiday home ownership at Cheddar Woods, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service