Enjoy beautiful landscape gardens, endless parkland and a wonderful Georgian family home at the Killerton House in Devon

The Killerton House is a National Trust property and is expertly kept, with over 6,000 acres of varying landscapes throughout the estate, including woodland, parkland, working farmland, orchards and hidden cottages. The beautiful 18th Century house was only meant to be a temporary home, while the Acland’s waited for their grand home to be built, but they fell in love with Georgian family home and it’s easy to see why.

the history of Killerton House

In 1778 Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, known as the 7th Baronet, commissioned architect John Johnson to build him a house, one which he would knock down once his ‘grand house’ was completed. That ‘grand house’ was never built, Killerton House was completed in 1779 and Sir Thomas loved Johnson’s creation he lived in it full-time.

Over the centuries there were various changes made to Killerton House, from turning the entrance hall into a large open space after a destructive fire, to changing the dining room into the music room. However, the Long Corridor, with its shallow domes, has been left untouched, along with the entrance on the south front, with its pediment supported by columns.
Sir Thomas wanted to build a house and garden, on an exceptional landscape at Killerton in Devon, which reflected his and his family’s position and importance in high society.

the chapel at Killerton House

Visit the picturesque chapel, where the grounds are beautifully kept and are the perfect place for those who seek comfort and quiet reflection.

The chapel was built in 1841, Sir Thomas enlisted architect CR Cockrell, who was known for his classical style, but reluctantly agreed to recreate the Norman-style St Joseph of Arimathea chapel of Glastonbury, with a few changes inside. Inside the pews face each other, rather than the altar at the front which was unusual for an English church, this meant the congregation could all see each other. As a very religious family, who were very devout in their beliefs, Sir Thomas was setting a seat of benign patriarch for himself. However, he was sometimes unorthodox, inviting the anti-slavery campaigner Samuel Crowther to speak at the chapel, Crowther later became the first black bishop.

Up until the 1960’s, the chapel bell would ring out to call the men to work every morning at Killerton House, Devon.

the bear’s hut

Out in the landscape, nestled between the trees, lays a curious structure at Killerton House, known as the Bear’s Hut. It was built in 1808 as a surprise gift for Sir Thomas’ wife Lydia. It was originally used as a summer house, the hut has a thatched roof and a breathtaking stained glass window, which was created from pieces collected by family members during their travels. During the 1860’s the hut gained its name by being used to have a black bear called Tom, brought from Canada to Killerton House by Gilbert, the 12th Baronet’s brother.

Killerton House events

As Killerton House is a National Trust property there is a whole calendar of events to enjoy and endless places to explore on the estate.

Discover the rooms inside the beautiful Killerton House, that exceed all Sir Thomas’ expectations for him to make it his family home in Exeter, Devon. Head to the second floor to see the impressive Fashion Collection, which is home to over 20,000 pieces, with items from the 18th and 19th Century, as well as high-end 20th Century items, including pieces from Chanel. The collection is also home to a beautiful sleeved waistcoat, which dates back to 1690.

Venture outside to follow the winding paths, take in the far-reaching views or find the wonderfully quirky features, such as the ice house.

Killerton House events are provided by the National Trust and therefore the estate is home to endless family fun, from chocolate egg hunts at Easter, to a whole range of arts and crafts workshops throughout the year.

opening times & prices

Killerton House and Estate is open every day: 10am – 5pm. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Enjoy an interesting and family fun day out at the beautiful Killerton House, where you can learn centuries of history about the picturesque landscape.

ownership at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Explore Killerton House and more attractions in Devon, at your own pace when you become an owner at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, our beautiful 5 star resort in Axminster, Devon.

Our first class facilities include our Hydrotherapy Pool, with jets causing a soothing wave motion and it’s heated to a higher temperature to help increase blood flow and release muscle tension. We also have a fantastic state of the art gym for all your workout needs, including cardio machines, free weights and a separate yoga room. Our Ezina Spa offers relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatments, from full body massages to rejuvenating facials, as well as Jessica Nails hand treatments. Relax and feel the daily stresses slip away as you take advantage of our spa facilities, including a steam room and Hammam-style sauna. After all that relaxing, indulge in a beautiful meal at our Bistro restaurant, which serves delicious light lunches and mouth-watering main meals and decadent desserts. Hawkchurch is home to a wide range of holiday homes for sale in Devon, all with large open plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens and sumptuous bedrooms.

For more information call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service

New Pines Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute drive away from the newly regenerated waterfront attractions of Rhyl, find out more in this post

Denbighshire Council have helped to regenerate the attractions and businesses offering a truly fantastic waterfront experience in Rhyl, all just a short distance from our own 5 star destination, New Pines Holiday Home Park. Our owners have a unique advantage of being able to explore all that’s on offer in their own time during our 10 ½ month season, as well as having unlimited access to the 5 star facilities on park. Why not book your park tour to visit our beautiful location and see the seafront regeneration too!

Read on below for more information about the changes to Rhyl’s picturesque waterfront.

vue cinema & sky tower

The Vue Cinema has been open in Rhyl for a number of years and is a popular pastime for all, from local residents to holiday home owners, showing all the latest blockbusters. However the cinema is still benefitting from Rhyl’s seafront regeneration, as the Sky Tower next to the cinema is currently undergoing refurbishment. The Tower will be an illuminated beacon, which will match the beautifully lit harbour bridge.

rhyl pavilion theatre

The ever popular Rhyl Pavilion Theatre has undergone an extensive external refurbishment, creating a strikingly modern structure along the landscape. The Council also created a new car park to help the flow of traffic during show nights.

Along with the external refurbishment, the creation of the new 1891 restaurant was added on. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and offers spectacular seaside views from the floor to ceiling windows, serving mouth-watering dishes for all. The name 1891 comes from the year the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre was first opened, honouring the history of this wonderful Theatre.

restaurants

There are two other new restaurants along the waterfront serving family favourites. The Sunverge Restaurant is part of the Marston’s chain and is proving quite popular, with delicious meals and a children’s playground to enjoy in the sun. Further along the seafront, you can enjoy delicious meals at The Cookhouse, which is perfectly placed to explore the town centre after, or pop to the cinema across the road.

retail park

The seafront is also home to the new retail park development, which will be home to brand name chains, such as The Range and a variety of smaller, independent businesses.

sc2

The true jewel of Rhyl’s seafront regeneration is the new active play and waterpark centre, the SC2 has been a £15 million pound development to replace the old Sun Centre. Development started in 2017 and is nearing completion, the SC2 will be open in Spring 2019 and is expected to bring an extra 350,000 people to the Rhyl waterfront every year.

The SC2 is home to Wales’ first TAGactive play zone, and includes a multi-level play zone for sessions of a timed activity. Tickets include 2 TAG games, each game lasting 20 minutes, or opt for the Cyber Tower for a 5 minute vertical timed challenge.

The waterpark inside includes a breathtaking array of activities for all ages, with beach style paddling for the little ones and large flume rides and slides for all ages, including the daring Boomerang. SC2 also has a fabulous outdoor waterpark, the Splash Pad will help you make the most of the sunshine and is an ideal paddling pool for younger children, as well as the Paradise play helping to bring lots of fun with water spraying and squirting to the delight of all!

With Rhyl’s extensive seafront regeneration, owners at New Pines Holiday Home Park can explore everything on offer, from the delicious meals at the restaurants and a variety of shows available at the Pavilion Theatre, to enjoying some retail therapy at the retail park and having a blast at the SC2 waterpark.

With so much on your doorstep, there’s never been a better time to purchase your holiday home at New Pines, why not book your park tour and meet our friendly Sales Team?

The professional Sales Advisors will be on-hand to talk you through the purchasing process, showing you our wide range of holiday homes and luxurious lodges for sale in North Wales. The team will showcase our 5 star facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a fully equipped gym. As well as, a fantastic children’s daily activity programme organised by cheeky Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, who also provide a wonderful evening entertainment for the whole family. And if you’re looking for a delicious meal on your doorstep, the Bistro at New Pines has everything you could need, serving family favourites, as well as being home to a fully stocked bar.

To find out more information about ownership at New Pines, call our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

The traditional tourist spot of Rhyl is currently undergoing an extensive regeneration project, which will help to transform the seaside town

Our own New Pines Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute drive away from Rhyl’s town centre and the picturesque waterfront, meaning our owners are in the unique position of being able to enjoy all that the local area has to offer in their own time and take full advantage of the regeneration as it’s happening! Denbighshire Council are working hard to create new investment opportunities and make Rhyl a true town centre ‘hub’ for all, including the local community, holiday makers and holiday home owners. Why not book a park tour to see our 5 star location and see the start of the development project in the town centre?

Rhyl town centre will be broken down into ‘quarters’ and this will help to represent name brand chairs, as well as independent businesses and entrepreneurs in the local area.

the gueens quarter

Centred around the Queens arcade, this quarter will bring fun and entertainment to the town, as well as a range of food and drink establishments, from chain names to local independent restaurants.

the queens market

The redevelopment of the large underground market will be the ‘flagship’ development of the town centre, which will hopefully offer a mix of leisure, food and drink, offices and retail options. Denbighshire Council is currently working with designers to create a concept for this quarter.

the town heart

The Rhyl regeneration is looking to create a shared community space in the heart of the town, with space for people to get together and celebrate with both inside and outside areas.

the enterprise quarter

This quarter will help to support local entrepreneurs and new businesses in the area by having an area of low cost shared or flexible working space available for hire.

the high street & indie quarters

With two quarters offering retail, there will be a good mix of brand name shops and independent boutiques, which will create a wonderful and unique town centre.

The Rhyl regeneration project is looking fantastic for the high street, as well as other aspects of the town, for example the Council are working on the infrastructure of the town for Rhyl to hold a wide range of events, including live music.

The waterfront regeneration is fully underway, with the popular Pavilion Theatre having an extensive external refurbishment and creating the opulent 1891 restaurant too. Another restaurant along the seafront has recently opened, The Sunverge is part of the Marston’s chain and is proving very popular! But the crowning jewel of the seafront regeneration is SC2, which has had a £15 million pound development to create a fabulous waterpark and active play area in Rhyl. Read more about the seafront regeneration in our post.

New Pines Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute drive to the town centre, where our owners can take full advantage of the regeneration and explore all that the new Rhyl has to offer, all at your own pace.

Ownership at New Pines means unlimited holidays along the North Wales coastline for 10 ½ months of the year, as well as being able to take full advantage of our 5 star facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a fully equipped gym. The children will love taking part in the daily activity programme, organised by Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, while the whole family can get together for the fabulous evening entertainment in the cabaret lounge. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Bistro restaurant, before relaxing with a drink from the bar. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at New Pines, with a bright and newly developed local area on your doorstep too!

Book your park tour today to meet our friendly team of Sales Advisor’s and see what our award-winning 5 star destination can offer you. Or for more information call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or opt to talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

The York Dungeon is one of the most popular attractions in the city, full of screams and laughter with stories of York’s dark past. The Kilnwick Percy Resort is only a 30 minute car journey from the York Dungeon, making it the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the city’s famous attractions. The York Dungeon offers a 75 minute time travelling journey through more than 2000 years of the hidden, dark and horrible past of York. You’ll feel like you’re right there with the Vikings, or in the old time Courtroom, thanks to the fantastic sets and walkthrough experiences to make all ages scream with freight and laughter!

the experiences

There are 10 live immersive, 360 experiences to enjoy along your horrible journey, a few of which include:

• Fear the Vikings – you’ll join the Saxon’s and scurry to a hidden chamber, where a monk might help you escape the wrath of the Vikings during their terrifying invasion
• The Plague Doctor – this time you’ll find yourself in a 1551 Doctor’s Surgery, where you’ll be shown, in full graphic detail, the effects of the plague. Done in a funny and theatrical way, this experience is the funniest and most popular at the dungeon
• Guy Fawkes – learn all about the life of the Yorkshireman who plotted to blow up Parliament, this experience is full of laughs and loud noises!
• The Highwayman – sit in the carriage and keep your valuables close! Learn how Dick Turpin tortured his victims and what happened when he didn’t get want he wanted from his victims

After the walkthrough experiences enjoy a drink at the authentic historic tavern experience, The Goose & Gallows, where you can enjoy a lively chat about what scared you and what made you laugh the most during your York Dungeon tour.

york dungeon opening times

The opening times of the York Dungeon can change by an hour on certain weeks, it’s always best to check the times on the website to avoid disappointment. The last tour of the day starts when the doors close, but they do get the full 75 minute tour.
General York Dungeon opening times are: 10am – 5pm every day.

york dungeon prices

There are a number of different ticket types available, with varying prices at the York Dungeon. Take a look at our table below to find out what each ticket type offers and the York Dungeon prices.

The York Dungeon also offers group and event bookings, please check the website for more details. For Late Night York Dungeon prices please check the website.

Enjoy an Adult’s Only Dungeon late night shows on selected dates throughout the year, where the 10 live shows become scarier and far ruder, as well as having a few more twists and turns than usual. But hurry, these nights are very popular and do book up quick!

The York Dungeon takes you through 2000 years of horrid history via fabulous immersive sets, a range of historical characters and great special effects! You’ll laugh and scream the whole 75 minutes in the 360 immersive set and exceptional storytelling.

Why not book your holiday at The KP Resort and head to York for a fabulous city getaway? The KP offers beautiful lodge accommodation to enjoy, all with large open plan living spaces, beautiful bedrooms with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the spectacular surroundings of the 180 acres of the Yorkshire Wolds. Some of our accommodation comes with a hot tub, so you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of the nature around you.

The first class facilities available at The KP Resort include the Spa which offers luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments and Jessica Nail treatments. As well as, The Box Gym being home to a whole range of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights and floor space for everything you could need for a full body workout. Then why not head over to The Glasshouse for a delicious light lunch or main meal, with beautiful views of our 120 acre golf course, which you can also use if you wish, visit the Pro Shop to find out how to book a tee-time.

Dorset is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful and historic beaches, so what are the hidden gems in the beautiful region?

Our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is ideally located in Dorset to explore all the big tourist traps and those hidden secrets not found in the guides, we’ve managed to list a few of these hidden gems for you in this post, explore this historic region and learn all about the history of the area!

Lulworth Castle & Park

Nestled in the heart of privately owned Lulworth Estate, this 17th Century Marvel stands in all its beauty. The current owners have had the Estate and Castle in the family since 1641, so 375 years, in which the exterior of the castle has hardly changed at all. With stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and under rated Dorset countryside, the surrounding grounds offer a magical and ancient woodland, family fun lawn games (giant Jenga!) and an activity room for the kids inside for the wetter days.

Mapperton House & Gardens

This stunning Tudor Manor house was re-modelled in 1660 and has remained unchanged since, with a charming café on the grounds to enjoy a spot of tea and cake while you survey the beautiful three tiered gardens. Including a lovely little croquet lawn, grottoes, ornamental birds and animals, water fountain, fish ponds and magical wild gardens, all ready for you to explore! The beautiful gardens have even featured in a few movies, including Jane Austin’s novel adaption Emma (1995), starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

the Globe Inn

A wonderful traditional local pub, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, even to the furbabies of your family, as dogs are welcomed with open arms too! The Globe Inn has a novel arrangement with talented Chef Ash, he rents the kitchen out to cater to customers on Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as weekends. Make sure to book a table in advance, Ash’s food is a hit with locals and tourists alike, you can have a drink and some grub while watching sports on TV or playing a game of pool.

Dover Castle is steeped in history and has played a key part in historical events throughout the centuries. Our own Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat is a short 30 minute drive to Dover Castle, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and learn more about the history of the castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels, which played a pivotal role during World War II.

the castle’s history

The construction of Dover Castle was ordered by King Henry II, and building completion was in the 1180’s. During Medieval times various Monarchs continuously added to the defences of the castle with building work carrying on throughout the era, in the 1740’s the Medieval banks were reshaped as the castle was adapted for a more modern artillery warfare.

During the 18th Century, England was under threat of invasion from Napoleonic France, it was then that the network of tunnels were dug in the cliff face in order to be used as barracks for the large number of troops needed to defend the shores.

the tunnels

The network of tunnels were left empty and unused until 1905, when technological advances allowed the coastal artillery in the harbour to be controlled by a Central Fire Command Post on the cliff edge.

During World War II the tunnels were brought back into service and this was when they made their most notable contribution to British history. The tunnels were used as the control centre for all naval operations in the channel, as well as being extended to house a hospital for troops. Acting as a nerve centre and combined headquarters for the Navy, Air Force and Army leaders, the tunnels helped the Nation’s forces prepare for the 1944 invasion of Europe.

Later, when the world was gripped by fear of the Cold War, the tunnels became the secret location of Britain’s Regional Seats of Government, who would organise events in the aftermath of a nuclear attack.

However, it was during May 1940, that the tunnels were made famous as the site where Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay organised and conducted Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk.

operation dynamo

In late May 1940, the Allied forces of French, Belgian and British troops were trapped by the invading German army on the coast of Dunkirk. Allied leaders soon realised that rescue by sea was the only option, Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay and his staff were tasked with the difficult evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo.

Ramsay planned and arranged for ships to be sent and evacuate the stranded troops, putting the plans into action on May 26th. It was a very difficult and slow evacuation, taking several days to rescue 338,226 troops in vulnerable situations.

Without Operation Dynamo and the rescue of the Allied Troops, the war would have likely been lost. Take the part guided tour around the tunnels, which contains special effects, original film footage and visit sets to bring this dramatic and legendary operation to life.

opening times & prices

Dover Castle and the Secret Tunnels are closed on Monday and Tuesday’s.
Wednesday to Sunday they are open between 10am and 4pm.

Enjoy a day out at Dover Castle and learn all about the history of this important castle, relax in the Secret Wartime Tunnels Café, which serves homemade sandwiches, hot stews and delicious afternoon teas.

Only a 30 minute drive away, our beautiful Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat offers a relaxing place to base yourself while exploring the local area. Our lodge style accommodation will have everything you could need for a self-catering break in Kent, including a fully fitted kitchen with fridge/freezers, ovens and microwaves, as well as a large open plan living space with sumptuous sofas, dining areas and floor to ceiling windows, bathing the rooms in natural light.

Book your holiday at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat and explore the local area at your own pace, while enjoying the luxury lodge style accommodation available.

The Victorian belief of bathing helping to heal ailments helped to create the wonderful Tunnels Beaches in 1820’s

The Tunnels Beaches are around a 30 minute walk (or a 10 minute drive) away from our beautiful Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, where you can enjoy a romantic getaway to Hele Bay, Ilfracombe in picturesque North Devon. The Tunnels are an award-winning and must-see tourist attraction in Ilfracombe, with subterranean tunnels carved in the 1820’s leading to bathing pools and fabulous coves.

The Tunnels’ history

Local entrepreneurs helped to transform Ilfracombe from a small fishing village in North Devon into an extremely popular seaside resort by employing a team of hundreds of Welsh miners to hand carve 6 tunnels, leading to 3 tidal bathing pools. Four tunnels are still in use today, with the coastline virtually unchanged from the 1800s, but it is now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and marine conservation area.

Before the tunnels were carved, the surrounding coves and caves were known to be used by smugglers, and one was even the site where famous Knight William De Tracey hid after the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170.

The Tunnels took two years to build, with 950 cubic metres of rock removed by the Welsh miners and you can still see the pickaxe marks today all throughout the tunnels.

The Bath House

The Victorian cities were home to beautiful bath houses, and with Ilfracombe now a favourite tourist spot of city dwellers, the local population saw the need for an indoor bathing house.
The Ilfracombe Sea Bathing Company commissioned and built a large and elegant Bath House in 1836. There was sea water sent from the Tunnels Beaches by a wood fuelled boiler that powered a pump, baths were taken inside a labyrinth of small enclosures beneath the house for privacy.

It is key to remember that during this time, bathing was seen as an aid to health and doctors often prescribed ‘bathing’ as acute to medical ailments, it was not seen as something that was done for pleasure at the time.

Bathing, either inside or outside, was segregated and tightly enforced with any man attempting to spy on the women promptly arrested. Mixed bathing was eventually allowed in 1905.

rock pooling

Ilfracombe was made world famous for rock pooling during the Victorian era by a renowned biologist called Philip Henry Gosse, who was a friend of Charles Darwin. Gosse discovered several new species of marine life at the Tunnels Beaches, which made thousands of tourists head to the area to enjoy the new fashionable hobby of rock pooling.

The Tunnels Beaches is still a very popular rock pooling destination and is rated the 3rd best beach for rock pooling in the UK by the BBC Wildlife Magazine. The unrivalled rock pools are perfectly placed to make the most of the rugged coastline and are always teaming with sea-life of rare species and even rare sea coral.

Victorian etiquette

The Victorians are known for their manners and importance on politeness, the Tunnels Beaches had ‘etiquette guides’ for boating, as well as boys and girls habits. We have collated a few lines from each below to see what life was a little bit like in the Victorian era…

Etiquette for Boating

• men who cannot swim should never take ladies upon the water
• Great care must be taken not to splash the ladies, either in first dipping the oars or subsequently
• Neither should anything be done to cause them fright

Etiquette for Boys

• Respect your father and mother, and give them their proper titles at all times
• Guard against a profusion of slang that would do credit to a pickpocket

Etiquette for Girls

• When you talk, keep your hands still
• Get up in time for breakfast
• Be natural: a pure diamond is better than a good imitation
• Be reticent: the world at large has no interest in your private affairs

opening times & prices

Always check the Tunnels Beaches website for the most up to date times and prices.

Prices

The Tunnels Beaches is a Blue Flag award-winning location, with a rich history in the local area. They are also a popular wedding venue located on the private beach of the Gentlemen’s Pool, there is an option of a beautiful thatched gazebo overlooking the sea or have your ceremony inside the stylish and bespoke venue building also with wonderful sea views.

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat offers a romantic getaway in our beautiful boutique Beach Hut accommodation, which only sleeps 2 for the ultimate break in Devon. Our Beach Huts have everything you could need for a self-catering holiday, including essential kitchen facilities, the comfiest of beds and wonderfully sumptuous sofas, as well as a range of hot tub accommodation to add a little extra to your holiday.

Chirk Castle was a symbol of King Edward I’s power over the Welsh people, showcasing his impressive medieval fortress along the board. Although Chirk Castle is a little over an hours’ drive from our 5 star, owners exclusive Aberconwy Resort & Spa, it is well worth the travel to learn about the castle’s impressive 700 year history.

Never meant as a family home, the castle did eventually become this with centuries of occupants leaving their mark with lavish interiors and striking collections to view. Visit the State Rooms for a grand 18th Century saloon, which is filled with beautiful tapestries, then venture to the East Range for the impressive library and the 1920’s Bow Room. Take a walk outside in the award winning gardens, which is filled with immaculately manicured lawns and over 5 acres of rose, shrub and rock gardens. There are also 480 acres of stunning parkland to explore, which is home to sheep and wild ponies and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a beautifully preserved section of Offa’s Dyke. The parkland is also a designated Site of Scientific Interest because it is an important habitat for rare bats, invertebrates and beautiful wildflowers.

Chirk Castle’s history

Kind Edward I built the magnificent castle on the border to keep the Welsh population under English rule, with construction completed in 1310. It was originally built as a military fortress and had the most up-to-date defences during Medieval times, with spectacular ‘drum’ style towers that gave the resident archers a wide firing field. These impressive towers are actually wider at ground level and were designed to make it difficult for siege and battering rams to get close, snow casing the defences of the castle at the time.

It is said that Chirk Castle was so important that King Edward I made personal visits to see the castle during the construction. He handpicked the location specifically for its sparse treeless landscape, which meant his lookouts had a strategic advantage to keep a closer eye on the surrounding Welsh hills and valleys. Chirk Castle was designed as a symbol of power and did its job of dominating the surrounding land.

becoming a family home

In 1595 Sir Thomas Myddelton purchased the castle with the intention of turning it into a family home. Myddelton was the son of the Governor of Denbigh Castle who made his own fortune in London by investing in the East India Company, he was also knighted, built a mansion in Essex and became Lord Mayor of London in 1613.

Myddelton spent large sums of funds on Chirk Castle, turning it into a family home but never lived there, however, the family ruled the estate for over 400 years. Visit the State Rooms for centuries of collections, including Civil War artefacts, wonderful 18th Century large decorated mirrors and a beautiful King Charles I Cabinet, which was gifted to Thomas Myddelton II, who was a Royalist during the Civil War with Oliver Cromwell.

Chirk Castle was brought into the 20th Century by the 8th Lord Howard de Walden, Thomas Scott-Ellis, who fell in love with the castle and managed to negotiate a lease with the Myddelton family from 1910 to 1946. Scott-Ellis updated the castle in order to throw lavish house parties for the high society of the time. He also had a love for all things Medieval and often staged jousts during his parties, he also kept large collections of arms and armour, as well as having a suit of armour designed by the famous armourer Joubert.

opening times & prices

Open every day: 10am to 4pm

There is also a shop and café, where you can enjoy delicious hot meals and drinks, or peruse the shop with handmade gifts from local artisan makers. Enjoy a full day out at the wonderful Chirk Castle.

owning at aberconwy resort & spa

Chirk Castle is just over an hour’s drive from Aberconwy Resort & Spa, and is definitely worth the drive for a fabulous day out, and as an owner at Aberconwy you can visit the castle as many times as you choose!

Our beautiful, 5 star resort is perfectly located on the Conwy Morfa Beach and boasts the stunning Snowdonia Mountain Range backdrop, ensuring wonderful views from all angles. Along with these breath-taking views, Aberconwy offers first class facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, the Aberconwy Spa is home to fully trained therapists and able to offer you luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments, as well as a range of Jessica Nail treatments too.

The Langley’s Country Club is a fully equipped gym, with everything you could want for a work out, including a separate room for HIIT workouts and a range of fitness classes and PT sessions to take advantage of. Mali’s Hair Salon will help you put a spring back in your step with a wonderful hair treatment and restyle from our talented hair artists. Enjoy a delicious meal from our award-winning Signature’s Restaurant, owned by husband and wife team, Jimmy and Louise, Signature’s has accumulated many awards over the years, and is a firm favourite dinner spot to our owners, and many across the North Wales coastline.

Book your park tour today to visit us and see what Aberconwy Resort & Spa can offer you, our friendly Sales Team will be able to showcase a selection of our stunning holiday homes for sale in North Wales, with beautiful beach views and all the amenities you could need for a holiday home.

For more information about ownership, call us our dedicated team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service on the website.

Take a relaxing stroll from our own Bath Mill Lodge Retreat and visit the beautiful and historic Royal Victoria Park. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is only a two mile walk from both the bustling city centre and the picturesque Royal Victoria Park, which offers 57 acres of beautiful parkland, with botanical gardens and family fun attractions to enjoy.

the history

The Royal Victoria Park was the first of its kind to carry the then Princess Victoria’s name, who came to officially open the park in 1830 at just 11 years old, she never returned to Bath in her life. It is rumoured that a Bath resident made a disparaging comment about the young Princess’ ankles, this was reported to the Princess, which then caused her to shun the historic city for her entire reign.

The beautiful parkland is registered as Grade I on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage.

the park, gardens & attractions

The parkland spans 57 acres and holds something of interest for all ages, from enjoying a picnic in front of the famous curving Royal Crescent, to watching the hypnotic hot air balloons rise above the city.

Head to the beautiful Botanical Gardens in the North-West of the park. They were first built in 1887, the gardens contain one of the finest collections in the West Country of plants on Limestone. Explore the gardens and visit the replica Roman Temple of Minerva, which was originally used at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924 and late moved to the gardens. You’ll also see magnificent tree carvings, beautiful flowers and, of course, the intricate iron gates.

There are a lot of attractions in the park for all ages to enjoy, including a large adventure playground for the children, with climbing frames, zip lines and a fun skateboard area. Enjoy a game of tennis or head to the bowling and putting green for something a little slower paced. The park is also home to a 12 and 18 hole mini golf course to try your hand at, there is also a lovely boating area to enjoy and a bandstand for open air concerts.

The Royal Victoria Park really does have something for everyone, with free admission and a calendar of events and things to do all year round, including the ever-popular open air ice rink that arrives in November and can be enjoyed through most of the winter. Make sure to relax, have a bite to eat and refreshing beverage all year round at the Pavillion Café.

holiday at Bath Mill

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat offers a peaceful oasis only a 20 minute walk from the bustling city centre, the perfect alternative to a city hotel.

Our beautiful and luxurious lodges are ideal for a self-catering city break, with fully fitted kitchen’s holding all the essentials you could need, including fridge/freezer, oven and dishwasher, to some added luxuries such as wine coolers. The large open plan living space’s offer sumptuous sofas, charming dining areas and floor to ceiling windows, with French doors leading out to a private decking. Our bedrooms will give you the best night’s sleep, with soft bedding and dreamy pillows.

Bath Mill is home to the popular Brook Bar & Bistro, which serves mouth-watering family favourites and boasts a fully stocked bar, where you are sure to enjoy your favourite tipple in a wonderful atmosphere next to the babbling Newton Brook.

Book your holiday and enjoy your city break to Bath!

We’ve found the best places in Bath to watch the Six Nations when you stay with us at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat. Located only 2 miles from the city centre, Bath Mill offers the ideal place to base yourself as you venture out to the best places to watch the Six Nations in Bath. Take a look below at our top choices of places to visit below.

The Pig & Fiddle

2 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR
A favourite stop among sports fans, with walls lined with sporting memorabilia, The Pig & Fiddle is home to a selection of local ciders and real ales, as well as a large menu to keep your hunger at bay.

The Boater

9 Argyle Street, Bath, BA2 4BQ
A popular place to watch the rugby with over 30 global craft beers available, ensuring there is something to tickle all taste buds! They will also have a menu of food to choose from, as well as ‘beer tapas’ for nibbles, and as an added bonus, they will be having 15% off drinks for 2 hours before every England match during the tournament.

The Westgate

38 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EL
Home to a variety of ales, ciders, craft beers and cocktails, everyone can enjoy a drink at one of the best places to watch the Six Nations in Bath. Enjoy something tasty from their extensive menu, while taking in the match.

The Cork

11 – 12 Westgate Buildings, Bath, BA1 1EB
A hugely popular pub among draught beer lovers, watch the tournament and try something new from their classic pub-grub menu.

your holiday lodge

The truly best place to watch the Six Nations in Bath is your luxurious lodge at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat! Relax in comfort, without all the hustle and bustle, and order a delicious pizza takeaway from our Brook Bistro & Bar. Have your own Six Nations celebration with a takeaway pizza, in your pjs on the comfy sofa of your holiday lodge!

Where’s your favourite place to watch the Six Nations? Bath Mill Lodge Retreat really is the best place to base yourself and explore the bustling city and all it has to offer.

Book your holiday at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, venture out to the city or kick back with a delicious takeaway pizza in your holiday lodge and enjoy the Six Nations!