Base yourself at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa and explore the local area this Easter for egg-citing Easter activities to enjoy. Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is our brand new destination, offering first class facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, a luxurious spa offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments, a fully equipped gym and a fabulous programme of Go Active activities to enjoy. The local area is teeming with family fun activities to enjoy, with Norfolk Woods being the ideal place to base yourself and get involved.

easter egg hunt

When: 19th April / Where: Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden

Discover the beauty of the Water Garden while hunting for colourful eggs, collect enough and you can get a chocolate prize. There will also be Easter crafts to enjoy and face painting fun to be had.

easter treasure hunt

When: 19th – 22nd April / Where: Hoveton Hall Gardens

Follow the clues along the treasure hunt to travel on an adventure through the gardens, find all you need for an Easter prize at the end. The little ones can head to the walled gardens, where the Hoveton bunny rabbits will help them find their own Easter hunt treats.

hopping mad easter fun

When: 19th – 21st April / Where: Holkham Hall

Head inside the Hall for all the Easter activities you can handle, while the walled garden holds a mystery just waiting for you to solve it and claim your Easter prize as a family.

egg-cellent easter

When: 8th – 22nd April / Where: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Roarr! is a popular place for all ages to visit and offers endless fun and activities to get stuck into, Easter comes filled with fun and entertainment and Dippy the Dino waiting for you all to join him in Wonderland.

go wild at easter

When: 6th – 22nd April / Where: RSPB Stumpshaw Fen Nature Reserve

Explore the beautiful RSPB Strumpshaw Fen with hands-on activities and the ever-popular Easter trail through the Discovery Zone. Learn more about the local wildlife with interactive stations to help at this family fun nature reserve.

easter eggstravaganza

When: 6th – 22nd April / Where: Pensthorpe Natural Park

Follow the fun Easter egg treasure hunt throughout the reserve and marvel at the surrounding beauty and wildlife, the whole family can also get stuck in with the Easter craft activities available, as well as trying to find the elusive Golden Egg by working together to complete the puzzle. The Golden Egg will hidden in a different spot every day.

cedric’s bunny burrow eggs-pedition

When: 5th – 22nd April / Where: BeWILDerwood

Cedric the Easter Bunny is inviting you to his colourful burrow, which is filled with chocolate delights for you to join in with the Easter activities from Boogle Bunny Ears and fun face paint from Bouncing Bunny too! Sit at the Storytelling Stage where you’ll hear the tale of the Pesky Bunnies and meet all the fun characters. A wonderful Easter day for the little ones.

Explore Pentney and the surrounding areas of Norfolk for Easter themed fun, before retreating back to our beautiful destination offering luxurious lodges and first class facilities for all the family to enjoy at Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa. Book your Easter break away with us today.

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

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.