Visit this award winning family attraction near our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat in Dorset

The beautiful Beaulieu Estate is steeped in local history, houses the National Motor Museum and offers endless fun for all the family to enjoy. Located only an hour away from our luxurious Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, making our destination the ideal place to base yourself while exploring the picturesque Jurassic Coastline.

Beaulieu’s history

The Beaulieu Estate has been in the Montagu family for 4 centuries, with a rich history of Britain’s elite, however, there are over 800 years of heritage to be explored at Beaulieu.

The land was originally a royal hunting ground and was owned by the crown, but in 1204 King John gifted the land to the Monks of the Cistercian Order. The monks had Beaulieu Abbey built and it grew in popularity and status over the years, until the 1530’s when Henry VIII launched the now famous Dissolution of the Monasteries. The monks eventually surrendered the Abbey to the crown in 1538, it was then bought by Thomas Wriothersley, the first Earl of Southampton, who destroyed the Abbey on orders from the King.

Thomas Wriothesley is a direct ancestor of the current Montagu family of Beaulieu, with the Grand Palace House and 8000 acre estate being passed down the family line. The house itself was never a residence for the family until 1867, when Lord Henry Scott transformed the Palace House into the beautiful family home you can see today.

The Beaulieu Palace House and gardens were open to the public for the first time in 1952 and it was one of the first ‘stately homes’ in the UK to do so. For the grand opening day, Lord Edward Montagu displayed 5 Veteran cars in the entrance hall, this was the humble beginnings of the National Motor Museum, which grew to the large family attraction it is today via support from the British Motor Society and other enthusiasts.

The Beaulieu Estate is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK and is part of the Visit England tourism board too.

what you can do at Beaulieu

Visit the National Motor Museum to see over 250 cars, from vehicles of pioneering engineering to spectacular Formula 1 race cars and World Speed Record Breakers, all under one roof. Costumed guides will take you on a tour through the Palace House, where you’ll get to see the beautiful Montagu family home. Explore the tranquil grounds and picturesque gardens in the 8000 acres around the estate, where you can marvel at the manicured flower gardens and stroll through the wild Millpond Walk.

During World War II, Beaulieu was used as a finishing school for Special Operations Executive Agents, visit the Secret Army Exhibition and learn all about it (well almost…). Step back further into history as you stroll around the Beaulieu Abbey ruins and learn all about the monks who lived there over 800 years ago through the exhibition.

Top Gear fans will be in their element while wandering around the series’ iconic card from various challenges at the World of Top Gear exhibition, and you can even see the BBC studio in the Enormodrome. Don’t miss the On Screen Cars exhibition, with its ever changing cast of TV and film motors to marvel at.

Beaulieu offers a full calendar of activities all year round, including the Motor Museum Photo Ops, where you can dress up in costumes before jumping in a 1904 Pope-Tribune for a fun photo! The little ones will love the Dipstick Driving Circuit as they (safely) zoom around the small track in the mini motors. The Top Gear Test Track Challenge will test your driving skills with radio controlled cars around the scaled down version of the infamous Top Gear track.

Throughout the year Beaulieu hosts a wide range of events for all the family to enjoy, including the amazing International Autojumble, the F1 Cars: Engineering Challenge exhibition, spooky Paranormal Investigation nights, as well as bonfire and Christmas spectaculars to soak up the festive atmosphere.

The Brabazon Restaurant & Coffee Shop at Beaulieu serves delicious homemade cakes, a wide range of snacks, along with offering a selection of hot food, all to keep you fuelled on your day out.

opening times & prices

Summer Opening Times (26th May to 23rd Sept): 10am – 6pm
Winter Opening Times (24th Sept to 24th May): 10am – 5pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

the fees

Our 2018 annual fees are currently:

With so much on offer at Beaulieu it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular attractions in the UK. Don’t miss out, start planning your family friendly day out and take full advantage of all this historic estate has to offer.

luxurious holidays at wareham forest

Located just over an hour away from the Beaulieu Estate is our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, which focuses on tranquillity, beautiful surroundings and stunning lodge holidays in Dorset.

Our wonderful accommodation includes large open plan living spaces with dining areas, sumptuous sofas and flat screen TV’s, as well as fully fitted kitchens with everything you could need to cook up a storm, including oven, hob, fridge/freezer and even a dishwasher to clean up for you after. Sleep in luxurious comfort with our spectacular beds, then make sure to soak away the daily grind in our glorious bathtubs. We really have thought of everything you could want for a self-catering holiday along the Jurassic Coastline.

Book your holiday escape to Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat today

The Isle of Wight is home to endless activities and attractions, check out top choices for a family day out below. Our own Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is perfectly located in the Isle of Wight to make the most of exploring all the fantastic family attractions on the island. We’ve looked at animal parks, theme parks, historical gardens filled with fun and even more hidden gems around the Isle of Wight in our list, so sit down with a cuppa and scroll through to plan your family day out! So if you’re looking for a family day out in the Isle of Wight, we’ve got you covered…

Isle of Wight Zoo

P036 8QB / 10am – 5.30pm / Adult: £11.35 Child: £9.30 Family: £36.55

The zoo specialises in the care of lemurs and tigers, giving the older animals an enriching retirement home and those rescued animals a soothing home. There are various animals at the zoo, including 2 beautiful African lions, with Casper being the islands very first white lion. Visit the mob of meerkats or our friendly family of Wallabies, before meeting Darwin the Tawny Owl, who loves to meet new people in the falconry sessions.

Tapnell Farm Park

P041 0YJ / 10am – 5pm / Adult: £8.95 Child: £10.95 Family: £36.55

This fantastic family attraction was once a dairy farm, with the Farmyard Barn being home to a range of animals from sheep and goats to meerkats and alpacas. Pet’s Corner is home to the adorable rabbits and Guinea Pigs and don’t miss the Wallaby Walkabout where you can cuddle and wander around the friendly wallabies. There are also play areas to explore, with zip wires, pedal go karts and a straw bale pyramid in the Straw Bale Adventure Zone, and enjoy the all-weather soft play heaven in the Play Barn.

Amazon World

P036 0UX / 10am – 5.30pm / Adult: £11.95 Child: £9.95 Family: £41

Amazon World is the largest exotic animal attraction on the island and offers a great family day out in the Isle of Wight. Home to a wide range of animals, including exotic creatures such as giant anteaters and Tamandua. There is also a Jurassic themed playground to explore, as well as a gift shop and onsite café serving delicious meals and snacks.

Isle Jump

P036 9PH / 10am – 8pm / £8 per person. Family £30 / Booking is recommended

A new and fun day out with the family in the Isle of Wight, Isle Jump offers all weather activities for all ages. The main area houses 40 trampolines for general fun, with fitness classes and toddler time available. Isle Jump also offer dodgeball trampoline sessions (it’s exactly what you think it is) and they also have a brand new giant airbag, which is perfect for aerial tricks. You can also slam dunk like Michael Jordan with the basketball sessions.

Dinosaur Isle

PO36 8QA / 10am – 5pm / Adult: £5 Child: £4 Family: £16.50

The very first purpose built visitor attraction and dinosaur museum on the island, with over 1000 fossils on display. You can take a trip through time from as far back to the Cretaceous period, when the dinosaurs walked the earth, to our most recent Ice Age. This facility is open all year round and offers a fun family day out with dinosaur skeleton reconstructions and interactive displays to discover.

Blackgang Chine

PO38 2HN / 10am – 4.30pm / Peak Standard: £22.50 Off Peak Standard: £20

Let the kids’ imagination run wild with Blackgang Chine’s range of play areas, from fighting pirates aboard their own ship, discover life-sized animatronic dinosaurs or become a sheriff in their own town and lock up the outlaws, or become an outlaw and rob a bank! Explore a sunken shipwreck in the newest Underwater Kingdom attraction, which also has animatronic creatures! There really is no end to the adventures your family can have at Blackgang Chine.

Monkey Haven

 

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PO30 2NB / Open 10am. Call on bad weather days / Adult: £10.95 Child: £8.95 Family: £37

Monkey Haven is a happy home for rescued primates and birds of prey. The adorable animals are at the haven for various reasons, whether that be the illegal pet trade, or they are unsuitable for breeding programmes or having trouble with their original groups. There are a few birds who have been injured and wouldn’t be able to defend themselves in the wild, so they live enriching lives at the sanctuary. Explore Monkey Haven on your family day out to see the animals including gibbons, marmosets, barn owls, kookaburras, meerkats, tortoise and even boa constrictors!

the Lost World Adventure Golf

PO36 9JT / 9am – late / £4 per person

Adventure golf has long been a favourite family activity and The Lost World Adventure Golf is one of the best on the island. A round takes about 30 minutes to complete, you’ll enter the ancient Aztec ruins in order to start your challenge of mini crazy golf. On your adventure, you’ll go through rainforest ruins with monkeys and lions lurking nearby, as well as experiencing lightning, thunder and smoke effects to make the most of your journey.

Ryde canoe & boating lake

PO33 1JA / Call 01983 563656 for opening times / Canoe: £4 Swan 4 Seater: £10. 2 Seater £6

The picturesque lake is part of the Waterside Community and the lake is home to a number of swans and various other wildlife. In honour of beautiful birds, Swan pedalos are available to hire during the summer, so your family can take a gentle pedal around the lake and spot the wildlife around the area in the natural habitat.

Mattistone Gardens & Estate

PO30 4ED / 10.30am – 5pm / Adult: £7.50 Child: £3.75 Family: £18.75

Mottistone has had some form of residence for the past 1000 years and was mentioned in the Doomsday book in 1086, with the current manor house being built during the 15th and 16th Centuries. The adults will love the history and strolling around the picturesque gardens, while the kids will love walking the garden to find the 9 hidden flowerpot people, who have names including Nanny McPea, Captain Jack Marrow and Benedict Cucumberpatch. Once all 9 flowerpot people have been found, the children can draw and name their own flowerpot people!

Godshill Model Village

PO38 3HH / 10am – 5pm / Adult: £4.95 Child: £3.95 Family: £17

Robin Thwaites bought the model village in the late 60’s and it has remained a family business, with Robert’s daughter and son-in-law the current owners. Godshill’s aim is to give every visitor a wonderful nostalgic experience, with the model village being a timeless place to escape to with a unique 50’s feel to it, including cottages and beach huts. The All Saints Church sits atop the hill overlooking the cottages, exactly the same as the real All Saints Church does, and if you stand in just the right place you can see the life-size church and the model church at the same time.

Robin Hill Country Park

PO30 2NU / 10am – 5pm / Standard £19

Set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside, awaits endless fun and adventure at Robin Hill Country Park, making it the perfect place for family days out in the Isle of Wight. Explore the adventure play area and crawl through the tunnels and try the brand new jungle play with treetop nets. There is a wide range of activities and theme park rides to enjoy throughout the day and you can experience the falconry shows where you’ll see owls and hawks flying over the crowd and you’ll learn all about these fascinating creatures.

Sandown Park

PO36 9QQ / Always Open / Free

A wonderful large playground that’s perfect for all ages that includes a skate park for the little adventures, a football/basketball court to get the competitive juices flowing, as well as a great toddler play area for the littles to run wild! There is also a fabulous older children’s play area, which includes a zip wire! Head to Sandown Park for a fun and free family activity in the Isle of Wight.

Explore the Isle of Wight with your family and enjoy endless days of fun and activities on the island with our top picks of family attractions.

holiday at Woodside

Woodside Coastal Retreat offers the ideal place to base yourself while exploring the Isle of Wight, located in Wootton and only a 15 minute drive from both Ryde and Cowes, you can explore all the island has to offer.

Our luxurious lodge accommodation is ideal for a family getaway, with large open place living areas, with family dining tables, a fully equipped kitchen with ovens, hobs, dishwashers and sometimes wine coolers, as well as sumptuous sofas to relax on after a day of adventuring, with French doors leading on to a private decking, complete with furniture. We also have our Premier range of lodges which come with a personal hot tub, if you wanted to go all out on your island escape. Our beautiful bedrooms range from double rooms with king size beds to spacious twins, all with the softest of mattresses, to rest up ready for another family day out!

Our guests are able to take full advantage of our sister parks facilities. Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat boasts fabulous onsite facilities, including the Woodside Bay Spa Lodge, where our trained therapists offer Aromatherapy Associates treatments, as well as a range of Jessica Nails hand treatments, along with pregnancy and men specific treatments are also available. Enjoy a delicious evening meal or sumptuous lunch at The Bistro, which serves mouth-watering meals for the whole family to enjoy, as well as boasting a fully stocked bar to enjoy a refreshing drink from, or even a soothing Costa Coffee if you choose. Woodside Bay is also home to a fully equipped gym, so you don’t need to miss out on a work out during your holiday to the Isle of Wight.

Have a fabulous family day of adventure at Greenwood Family Park in North Wales, only one hour away from our luxury destination. You’ll find action and adventure everywhere at Greenwood Family Park, which has been voted the best family day out in North Wales for 7 years in a row, by the North Wales Cornicle and its readers. The perfect family day out is only a one hour drive from our own Seaview Holiday Home Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the peaceful atmosphere after a full day adventuring.

what’s at greenwood?

There are endless rides and activities to get stuck into at Greenwood, including the Wild Web which is a 6 metre tall double mast rope pyramid to explore, the Magic Chair will help the children shrink their parents in a fantastic optical illusion and the Giant Jumper, which is a 1500 square foot jumping pillow for all ages to enjoy!

The Enchanted Woodbarn is the perfect rainy day activity with all the latest indoor play activities available, and a separate area for the under 3’s to enjoy. In the warmer months follow the Barefoot Trail and take your socks and shoes off, then take a sensory journey through timber, straw, sand and water.

 

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Challenge the whole family with the Tree Top Towers adventure play area, where you can explore 4 tall timber towers, which are all connected by an array of netted walkways and tube slides to enjoy. For the under 7’s, head over to the Tunnel Warren for a smaller scale adventure of slides and rope bridges.

Take a 70 metre sledge run on the Great Green Run, which is the longest in North Wales and is one of the most popular attractions at Greenwood Family Park. Sit in your sledge, keep your arms and legs tucked in tightly and get ready for the ride of your life! The little ones won’t miss out on the fun with the Little Green Run which is ideal for tots!

 

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Jump on the world’s only people powered coaster, the Green Dragon Rollercoaster. A 20 person, 5 car train will race along a 250 metre track, which includes a 360 degree horizontal loop around the hill and through the woods! Or opt for the thrill ride of the Solar Splash, which is the only solar powered ride in the UK and includes a large water slide with two wave chutes, each 60 metres long.

Children ages between 6 – 11 years old can test their driving skills with the Woodland Rovers Driving Course. They will delight in navigating a 4×4 around the trees and along the course. Test your Robin Hood skills and learn how to shoot a traditional longbow, much like the Welsh hunters would have done centuries ago.

And that’s just the tip of the ice berg of all the adventures to be had at Greenwood Family Park, there are mazes to explore, dens to build, woodland walks to discover and craft areas to get stuck into! There really is something for everyone to enjoy!

Use Seaview Holiday Home Park as your base to explore the local area, discover all that North Wales has to offer before retreating back to the tranquillity and breahtaking views, which you can soak up from your private decking area.

And if you don’t want to leave at the end of your holiday? We also offer holiday home ownership at Seaview, which means you can wake up to that view any day you choose. Becoming an owner is easier than you might think and our friendly staff are on hand to take you through the whole process, from your first look to your moving in day and beyond!

For more information about ownership, please call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

Surf Snowdonia offers a fantastic day out for the family full of fun and beautiful scenery. New Pines Holiday Home Park offers the ideal place to base yourself to explore the beautiful North Wales region and it’s only a 45 minute drive from the fabulous Surf Snowdonia.

about surf snowdonia

Offering the only guaranteed surf in the whole of the UK, Surf Snowdonia is the world’s very first inland surfing lagoon and is located in the beautiful heart of North Wales, being surrounded by the forests and magical mountains of the Snowdonia Mountain Range.

Surf Snowdonia is ideal for all ages and abilities, with the lagoon being able to create a wide variety of wave sizes that everyone can enjoy, ensuring beginners can surf next to the pros in the amazing 300 metre lagoon.

learning & perfecting

The friendly and expert staff offer fantastic tuition during the Wave Sessions. There are 3 grades, from beginner and intermediate to advanced, with each session lasting around 55 minutes, these sessions are perfect if you have already had lessons and want to practice a little more.

There is a wide variety of start lessons for all ages to enjoy, as well as expert level training to help advanced and pro surfers perfect their skills with constructive feedback and fun lessons.

Surf Snowdonia offers training lessons to all ages and abilities.

activities

There is more than just surfing fun to be had here in the heart of the mountains!

Test your agility, determination and balance at the Splash & Crash Lagoon! You’ll jump onto the ‘catapult blob’ and fly through the air in an epic show of acrobatics, the Splash & Crash is ideal for the whole family to enjoy or perfect for a group of friends to their competitive edge flowing.

For some all-weather fun with the little ones, head to the Soft Play Shack, where the children can burn off some energy with all the latest toys in soft play heaven. There is a separate zone for toddlers to roam freely and get stuck into, while the adults can relax with a coffee and a light lunch at the Soft Play Café.

Surf Snowdonia is also home to Stand-up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and a wonderful Canoe Safari around the River Conwy.

The whole family can enjoy a day out at Surf Snowdonia, they all boast a full character of events for over 18’s all year round, ideal if you were looking for spectacular light shows and outstanding music from world renowned artists and DJ’s, all in a magical setting!

new pines holiday home Park

New Pines Holiday Home Park offers the ideal family destination in North Wales, surrounded by the beautiful Denbighshire countryside, with 5 star facilities including an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, over 21’s lounge and delicious meals from the Bistro Restaurant & Bar, where you can kick back and enjoy a refreshing drink, from the fully stocked bar.

There is also a full day entertainment programme organised by cheeky Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, which includes face painting, craft activities, tea parties and family fun days. The evening entertainment in the Clubhouse is also provided by the Rangers team, and offers family fun for all with games, karaoke, shows and performances from our home-grown talent, as well as wonderful cabaret acts gracing the stage.

Book your holiday at New Pines Holiday Home Park and enjoy a holiday in the Denbighshire countryside, and being only a 5 minute drive from the sandy beach and sunny seaside of Rhyl.

holiday home ownership at new pines

New Pines offers holiday home ownership in North Wales, imagine going on holiday whenever the mood strikes you, no booking, no queuing, no fuss, you can just get up and go! Everything is just as you left it the last time, waiting for you to relax and enjoy your escape to North Wales, only 10 minutes from the sandy beach. New Pines is a home away from home, with 5 star facilities on your doorstep.

Purchasing your dream holiday home is much easier than you may think, with our friendly team being able to introduce you to independent financial advisors who can help you spread the cost. We also have a wide range of ever changing holiday home and luxurious lodges available to buy at New Pines, so you are sure to find the perfect home away from home to suit your needs.

For more information about joining our ownership community at New Pines Holiday Home Park, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

Visit The Rheged Centre in Cumbria for a fabulous day out with delicious food, plenty of play areas, various shops to explore and movies to enjoy! Our own Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is just a 20 minute drive from The Rheged Centre, making it the ideal place to base yourself while you explore all that the Lake District has to offer.

about the centre

The centre itself is a marvel to look at, created to blend in with the countryside and as if it is located under a hill, the lush green grass roof is a spectacular sight.

The Rheged Centre is ideal for a date night with your better half or a family fun day out exploring all the activities available around the centre. These include a fabulous arts programme, which hosts children’s theatre shows, various workshops and family-friendly movies, as well as live streams of opera shows, spectacular ballet performances and theatre shows, and the gallery space hosts around 5 exhibitions a year to view.

Being owned by a family of farmers mean their passion for food shines through and is reflected in what they serve and sell at the foodhall, café and even the ice cream stand! Stroll around the shops, which host everything from beautiful clothes, health and beauty products, to wonderful handmade products from small local makers from Cumbria and even a range of children’s toys. There will be something to take your fancy at The Rheged Centre.

the spa

Follow the soothing scent of aromatherapy oils to the treatment rooms at The Rheged Centre Spa, where fully trained therapists offer a wide range of relaxing treatments, all with a personalised experience. Treatments available include:

• Clinical Reflexology
• Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage
• Holistic head, neck & face massage
• Chinese fire cupping

They also have a wide range of hand and nail treatments, including:

• Natural nail overlay
• Full set Calgel extensions
• Full set Acrylic nail extensions

There is also a range of waxing, tinting, brow and lash treatments available at The Rheged Centre Spa.

family fun

The whole family will enjoy the fabulous cinema shows on offer, from showcasing the latest hits, including The Greatest Showman, to reshowing classic family favourites such as Matilda. The cinema also has live streamed shows including theatre plays, ballet and opera.

The indoor soft play area is ideal for all weather fun, with bright colours, a fun ball pit, plenty of slides and tunnels to explore, as well as a separate area for the very little ones to enjoy freely. There is also a space where the adults can relax with a hot drink and a snack from the café.

Explore the outdoor play area, which is a favourite among many visitors as it’s designed to spark imagination in all ages! The wooden adventure area is modelled after a Roman Fort, with fun touches like a giant slide, a ropewalk, tunnels to discover and even a mini climbing wall!

Make sure to take part in the Create Pottery Painting Workshop (located next to the indoor play area), where there is a wide range of pottery just waiting for a splash of colour and some imagination. You can choose from a range of plates, mugs, bowls and figurines to let your personality shine through, and your pieces will even be ready to take home in an hour as they will be baked onsite, and as a bonus – they are dishwasher safe!

The Rheged Centre also hosts a variety of children’s activity workshops, where your little ones can learn fun new skills, including baking, bushcraft, science and even animation. There is always something new to try and discover during The Rheged Centre activity workshops.

relax with thanet well lodge retreat

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is Thanet Well Lodge Retreat, which offers the ideal base to explore Cumbria, while enjoying breathtaking views, peace and tranquillity, all with utter luxurious lodge accommodation to relax in.

Boasting unrivalled and panoramic views of the Lake District, Thane Well also has stunning accommodation, all of which includes fully fitted kitchens, large open plan living areas with sumptuous sofas and French doors that lead on to your private decking, where you can enjoy the glorious views around you. All our luxurious lodges offer the comfiest of beds, beautiful bedrooms to relax in, as well as large family sized bathrooms, with some accommodation having ensuites. If you’re looking to add something special to your Lake District holiday, opt for one of our hot tub lodges and soak up the surrounding peaceful nature in style.

Book your holiday to Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and have a fun day out The Rheged Centre on your escape to Cumbria!

Hatchland’s Park offers history, a beautiful country house and 400 acres of stunning parkland to explore, all in the English countryside. Located only a 40 minute drive away from our own beautiful Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat holiday destination, making it the perfect place to stay while you explore all that the Surrey countryside has to offer.

about the Hatchland’s Park

The stunning country house was built in the 1750’s at the request of naval hero, Admiral Edward Boscawen and his impressive wife, Frances who was also known as Fanny. Edward and Fanny were a highly respected couple in the 1700’s, with Edward playing a key role during a turbulent time in Britain’s naval history.

Fanny was an incredibly strong and intelligent woman, she was a founding member of the Blue Stockings Society, which gave women a public voice and cultural standing during a time when it was frowned upon to be an educated woman. The Blue Stockings Society is said to have paved the way for the famous Suffragette movement later on.

Since the Boscawen’s, the house has changed hands a number of times, being inhabited by a string of wealthy families, it was also once a finishing school for girls and it was even a printing press. It is currently owned and lived in by a family, however, there are 6 beautifully restored rooms you can view, where wonderful collections are also held.

things to do at Hatchland’s Park

With 400 acres of parkland explore, Hatchland’s is one of the largest country estates in Surrey, it also boasts a wide range of events and activities all year round. The activities include cellar tours, pony rides for children to enjoy and fun woodland trails to follow and discover all the hidden secrets around, as well as music in the garden during the summer, fun shows to watch at the outdoor theatre and 80’s classic movies at the outdoor cinema. There will be an activity or event for all ages and interests at Hatchland’s!

Head to the Kitchen Café for a hearty soup, a delicious light bite to eat, a wonderful cream tea or even just a simple coffee and mouth-watering slice of cake. With all the food freshly cooked on site every day, you’ll be spoiled for choice and are sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the gift shop with some hidden gems or mementoes of your day, you’ll find something cute or quirky for your garden, as well as a fabulous selection of music from the Cobbe Collection, which you can find out more about in the house. The shop also sells traditional items including preserves and postcards. Visit the pre-loved bookshop where you could find a hidden reading treasure, but you’re guaranteed to find some fantastic bargains, and your purchase will be helping to raise funds for the much needed conservation work on the Grade I listed organ in the music room.

wildlife & conservation at Hatchland’s

Stroll around the 400 acres and marvel at the fascinating wildlife who call the parkland home and learn all about the conservation work being carried out at Hatchland’s.
Wander over to the Sheepwash Pond, which is the largest pond in the parklands and has become a key part of the kingfisher conservation effort at the park. Staff are hoping to see an increase in the mesmerising flash of electric blue colour of these beautiful birds as they skim the top of the pond.

Hatchland’s Park is also undertaking a large project to provide safe and cosy homes to the dormouse population. They will be starting with 50 habitat boxes placed around the Century Wood, working with the Surrey Dormouse Trust, they will be conducting regular surveys to track population growth.

Hatchland’s staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the spectacular gardens and grounds are cared for, along with the wildlife who live there. They also work hard preserving the historic house and the various collections held inside, as well as offering space to the local community to grow their own fruit and veg in the Community Allotments.

opening times & prices

House: 2pm – 5pm / Garden: 10am – 5pm / Café: 10am – 5pm
Adult: £12.50 / Child £6.25 / Family: £31.25

get away from it all with Tilford Woods

Visit Hatchland’s Park for sheer beauty, interesting history and wonderful conservation work, then head to the Kitchen Café for a delicious afternoon ‘pick me up’ before more exploring of the 400 acres of grounds.

Base yourself at our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, which is only a 40 minute drive away from Hatchland’s, and you can explore all that picturesque Surrey has to offer, including all the charming villages around filled with beautiful boutique stores to discover. Or opt for a 50 minute train journey and head into London city centre for the ultimate sightseeing trip, see all the landmarks, catch a Broadway show or opt for Camden Market, then head away from the crowds to your peaceful escape less than an hour away.

Our luxurious lodge accommodation is the ideal retreat to get away from it all, a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. All our cabin-style accommodation offers open plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens, four-poster beds and all the mod-cons you could wish for. A selection of our lodges also boast private hot tubs and personal saunas, as well as offering perfectly peaceful waterside views, with the private decking overlooking the pond and adorable duck lodge, which houses our resident friendly (and cheeky) family of ducks.

Book your Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat escape today and get away from the daily grind

Travel back in time to the swinging 60’s with Cilla the Musical and you’ll never want to return! The smash hit musical oozes the character of Liverpool during the sixties, the iconic music, the culture and not forgetting to chuck in a bucketful of dry humour.

Cilla the Musical is a live adaptation of the popular 2014 ITV drama of the same name which starred Sheridan Smith. It shows the extraordinary life of teenager Priscilla White (stage name, Cilla Black) and her rise to fame in the early 60’s. The gripping and heart-warming TV show was written by BAFTA award-winning writer Jeff Pope, who adapted the television mini-series for the stage and honestly, it was the best decision because it’s an absolute smasher.

Leading lady Kara Lily Hayworth plays a superb role as Cilla, drawing you into the character and leaving you laughing, crying and smiling with joy all in one scene. She powered out some amazing vocals during songs such as Anyone Who Had a Heart and Alfie leaving audiences applauding for so long the cast had to delay their next lines to allow the audience to settle. She’s honestly wonderful and everything you would want from Cilla. Alexander Patmore portrays Bobby Willis, as a loveable cheeky chappy with a heart full of gold and a lot of ambition to not only win Cilla’s heart but to help her on her way to stardom. It truly is the most endearing love story tied in with the ups and downs of success.

It’s such a treat to hear the spellbinding talent of not just Kara & Alexander but the rest of the cast too. You’re shown a glimpse of Cilla Black’s teenage years which includes her friendship with The Beatles. Michael Hawkins (John Lennon), Bill Caple (Ringo Starr), Alex Harford (George Harrison) & Joe Etherington (Paul McCartney) perform a wide range of the early Beatles’ hits with complete ease.

Audiences also get to hear some great music from the Big Three, Gerry & The Pacemakers and Mamas and Papas whilst seamlessly tying in Cilla’s early years of performing and what it was like to grow up in such a defining decade!

The musical exudes a sense of excitement and ambition to achieve and strive for more. It’s amazing to see the 60’s rock and roll scene in Liverpool be brought back to life on the stage. The stage setting provided the perfect back drop of the Cavern in Liverpool and as an audience member you were made to feel like you were actually there and part of that buzz, when all of the new style of music was really coming to the forefront of the 60’s music industry, that today is a big part of Liverpool’s history and culture.

Cilla the Musical is the perfect long-lasting tribute to ‘Our Cilla’, one of Britain’s most loved singers and TV performers who always provided a ‘lorra lorra laughs’.

To catch a glimpse of the show-stopping musical, which is in North Wales until Saturday 25th August, visit the Rhyl Pavilion website or phone their Box Office on 01745 330 000.

North Wales is an area with a rich history filled with legendary figures and tales to stimulate the soul. This will be very much in evidence if you pay a visit to Denbigh Museum on your next trip up to the area. Located just 30 minutes from our Seaview Holiday Home Park, this little attraction only opens sporadically throughout the year due to limited funding. However, this doesn’t stop them putting on some fantastic exhibitions.

Read on to learn more about their latest exhibitions at this free to enter museum.

learn about the Denbigh area

A primary aim of the museum is to educate visitors about the local area and Denbigh itself. One of the highlights are items from the Trefnant Toy Industry which was one of the most significant employment providers during the First World War.

The largest employer in the town was the North Wales Hospital, originally known as ‘the Asylum’. There is an interesting exhibition of this and also on the town’s Infirmary which was founded over 200 years ago.

Another fascinating artefact on display is a model depicting the town of Denbigh during the year 1610. This has been created based on a map of the town completed by John Speed during the era. Speed was one of the most prominent mapmakers of the Stuart period, and seeing his works come to life in such a manner is a real treat for history buffs.

welsh legends

Denbigh Museum also aims to celebrate historic figures originating from the area. This includes the famous preacher and journalist Thomas Gee who was born in Denbigh in 1815. Gee was one of the leading figures of the nationalist movement in Wales during the 19th century and is perhaps most famous for his various Welsh language publications – examples of which are on show at the attraction and for his famous printing works.

Another famous figure who is being celebrated currently at Denbigh Museum is the Welsh Formula One driver Tom Pryce who to this day is still the only Welshman ever to win a race in Formula One machinery.

You will be afforded the opportunity to learn more about Pryce via the various news clippings as well as getting the opportunity to see some of the many trophies that he picked up during his all too short career. Also on show is the mould for the mural which was completed by local artist Neil Dalrymple and can be seen in Ruthin.

The Welshman was one of the historical figures which was chronicled as part of our Welsh Year of Legends feature last year. We recommend having a read of our blog post before visiting the museum so as to truly appreciate the impact that Pryce had on the motor racing community and why he is considered by many to be one of the sports lost champions. A racing car on loan from Cardiff University is currently on display – until the end of the exhibition in late October.

pay a visit to Denbigh museum

If you are looking for free attractions in North Wales and have a keen appreciation for history, then Denbigh museum is the ideal place to visit the next time you are staying at one of our North Wales holiday parks.
The museum is free to enter for guests with free parking also provided. However, donations are welcomed on account of the limited funding that they receive. Opening times are also limited to:

• Monday – 2pm – 4pm
• Thursday – 2pm – 4pm

Visits outside of these hours can be made by contacting 077932 15723 or by emailing gwyneth.kensler@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Whilst in Denbigh, why not take a tour around this quaint little market town and pay a visit to Denbigh Castle; a classic Edwardian castle where you can enjoy breath taking views of the surrounding countryside.

There are endless adventures to be had in the Isle of Wight, so we thought we’d give you the top 13 things not to miss out on. Our own Woodside Coastal Retreat is ideally placed to explore the island, with luxurious accommodation to enjoy, breathtaking views of The Solent and unlimited access to 5 star facilities from our sister park, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat. There is so much to explore on the island it can be hard to know where to start, so we created this list for that exact reason!

Happy Exploring!

Osborne House

PO32 6JX / 15 min drive / Adult £17.30 Child £10.30 / 10am – 6pm

Although it had a life beforehand, the Osborne House is most famous for being Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s summer home. The Royal couple bought the property in 1825 and it was a private home away from the court, being used for over 50 years. The rooms are still filled with the original furniture and works of art, with the planting in the gardens following Albert’s original designs, all of which you can see during a tour of the house and gardens on your trip.

Carisbrook castle

PO30 1XY / 22 min drive / Adult £10 Child £10.30 / 10am – 6pm

For over 1000 years Carisbrooke Castle has been a central place for defence and power on the island and has had many lives over the centuries, including being a Saxon fortress and a castle of the Norman conquest. It was eventually remodelled during the Middle Ages under instruction from Elizabeth I, and during the British Civil War the castle famously held Charles I prisoner shortly before his execution.

the Needles landmark & attraction

PO39 0JD / 45 min drive / Parking £5. Extra costs involved / 10am – 5pm

The Needles rocks are the most photographed group of rocks in the world, they are a row of 3 distinctive chalk rocks, with a lighthouse to help guide approaching ships. The name is believed to have come from a needle-shaped rock, which was around 120ft high and unfortunately collapsed into the sea in 1764. A chalk ridge continues all the way towards Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck and it’s commonly believed the ride was once connected to the Old Harry Rocks. They really are a truly unforgettable sight.

robin hill country park

PO30 2NU / 12 min drive / Adult & Child £19 / 10am – 6pm

Explore 88 acres of beautiful countryside, which has endless adventures for the whole family to enjoy. There are a whole host of rides to get stuck into, including the traditional toboggan run, a colossus swinging galleon, a fun 4D motion cinema for all the family, as well as the canopy skywalk and giant maze to get lost in. Robin Hill also have fantastic Falconry experiences along with intimate and exciting owl display shows every day. Discover the perfectly landscaped gardens with its untold secrets and make sure to watch out for the wonderful wildlife that call it home. Robin Hill boasts a full events calendar all year round, from summer family days to fabulous music festivals, which includes international bands headlining.

Isle of Wight steam railway

PO33 4DS / 15 min drive / Standard: Adult £11.50 Child £3.75 / timetable available on website

Your trip on the island’s Steam Railway takes you through 5 miles of beautiful and unspoiled countryside, inside the quaint wooden-bodied carriages, which were once a regular sight during the 1950’s. These perky little tank engines have been brought back to life, as back in the day the island operated on old locomotives sent over from the mainland. Because of this, the Isle of Wight has a magnificent collection of 19th and 20th Century steam locomotives, which have been skilfully restored so a number of them can be in service today!

the Needles Battery

PO39 0JH / 50 min drive / Adult £7.50 Child £3.75 / 10.30am – 5pm

Although the Battery is on the other side of the island to Woodside Coastal Retreat, it’s definitely worth the trip. You’ll get the chance to see one of the most unusual buildings in the Isle of Wight, being almost perched on top of the exposed and windswept headland. The Battery enjoys views overlooking the picturesque Needles rocks and remains a reminder of our concern over a French invasion from Napoleon III. It was constructed in the early 1860’s to protect the naval dockyards in Portsmouth, however, it did play a key role during both World Wars, which you can learn more about in the exhibition.

Shanklin Chine

PO37 6BW / 30 min drive / Adult £5.06 Child £3 / 10am – 10pm (times vary depending on season. Check website for latest information)

Chine is a word only used in the Isle of Wight and Dorset, it means a deep, narrow ravine with water running down to the sea, which gives you an idea of the beauty that awaits you. Celebrating over 200 years as a popular tourist attraction, however, over the centuries the chine was mainly used for smuggling and it was such a problem during the 18th Century the customs officers were stationed in the Old Village. You can visit the breathtaking, tree-lined gorge day or night, and marvel at the stunning surroundings of the chine in the illuminations.

Isle of Wight Zoo

PO36 8QB / 25 min drive / Adult £11.35 Child £9.30 / 10am – 5.30pm

A well established and very popular wildlife centre on the island, which has been a family owned business for over 40 years. As the original zoo on the island, the centre is much loved by residents and tourists alike and has recently joined The Wildlife Trust, which is a charity that helps to secure a long term future for the zoo. The Isle of Wight Zoo is dedicated to providing a life-long and loving home to rescued big cats and other animals, making sure they all have an enriching and meaningful life. The zoo is locally famous for walking their tiger cubs along the beach, but their main focus is now looking after older tigers and giving them a happy retirement.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

PO38 1UL / 35 min drive / Adult £9.50 Child £6 / 10am – 5pm

These spectacular gardens are unrivalled for the collection of subtropical plants being grown unprotected outdoors. Ventnor Botanic Garden is located in its own remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff’ on the island, meaning the colourful plants are protected from the cold northerly winds by the picturesque chalk downs. Travel through the derelict mineshaft that opens into the Tropical House with a large pool of heated water showcasing the stunning Amazonian Giant Waterlily.

Dinosaur Isle

PO36 8QA / 30 min drive / Adult £5 Child £4 / 10am – 5pm

This purpose built interactive museum is the ideal place to display and conserve the fantastically rich geological collections. The building was designed by talented local architects Rainey Petrie Johns and they chose the shape of a giant pterodactyl, the building is home to over 1000 fossils. Take a trip through time with a range of exhibitions that will take you through the Ice Age and all the way back to the Cretaceous period, when the dinosaurs lived. The fantastic displays include a range of real fossils, skeletal re-constructions and two animatronic dinosaurs to delight all ages.

St Catherine’s lighthouse

PO38 2NF / 40 min drive / Adult £5 Child £3 / 1pm – 4.30pm

Located on the picturesque southern tip of the Isle of Wight and boasts the most beautiful views overlooking the channel, which can be seen from atop the lighthouse on your guided tour. The distinctive octagonal tower has provided a waymark for sailors since 1838 and you can take guided tours of the lighthouse and the adjoining visitor centre, which lasts around 40 minutes, and will show you the history of St Catherine’s Lighthouse. In 1997 the lighthouse was made fully automated and also became a weather station for the Met Office.

shipwreck centre

PO30 3AA / 20 min drive / Adult £5 Child £2.50 / 10am – 5pm

Founded in 1978, by Martin Woodward who had been diving shipwreck sites around the Isle of Wight since the 1960’s and created the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum to showcase his impressive collection of artefacts to the public! In 2017 the Maritime Archaeology Trust took over management of the museum, the trust have 25 years’ experience in research and study of maritime cultural heritage. Explore all the hidden treasures on display, from various spectacular finds to the interesting history of underwater exploration.

crave ice cream parlour

PO38 1PD / 30 min drive / 9.30am – 6pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Crave Ice Cream Parlour has been named the best ice cream parlour in Britain by Trip Advisor in 2018! This beautiful parlour is run by husband and wife team, Chris and Tracey, who make all their ice cream on the premises and create fantastic new flavours every day. Crave has a range of gluten free and vegan choices to choose from, along with dairy free options for those who are lactose intolerant. Flavours change daily, but popular flavours in the past include Turkish delight, blackcurrant Eton mess, Jammie Dodger, sticky caramel brownie and the very popular, Lego ice cream, which includes white chocolate ice cream with different flavoured chocolate chips in the shape of Lego pieces. Find them on Facebook here.

Book your Woodside Coastal Retreat holiday and explore all the island has to offer using our top 13 things to do list above!

Explore this beautiful inhabited island on selected days of the year and discover the 18th Century house on this little island

Derwent Island and House offers a beautiful day out for all ages and is only around a 30 minute drive away from our own, 5 star Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat. Meaning you can enjoy the beautiful luxury that Keswick Reach offers and it is ideally placed to explore the local area and all that the Lake District has to offer!

The Derwent House is lived in all year round, but is actually only open to the public 5 days a year, giving you the chance to see island living at its finest! The only date left for 2018 is Thursday 21st August, but make sure to keep an eye on the National Trust website for the 2019 release days.

the history

Derwent Island has been inhabited for centuries and was previously owned by monks and even at one time, Royalty. During the 16th Century a group of German miners, who were working in the area, lived on the island and built a camp for themselves, they grew vegetables, kept animals and even brewed beer!

The beautiful house currently on the island was built in the 18th Century by an eccentric named Joseph Pocklington, who also built a charming chapel and a small fort on the island. The fort has been used for mock battles during annual regattas on the lake. The house is currently lived in all year round.

about your trip

The most reliable way to travel to the island is by canoe, as the lake levels can be quite unpredictable and are affected by rainfall and drought in the area. Don’t worry if you have never canoed before, the trip is quick and easy for beginners and the canoes are rafted together to create extra stability. Although you will be paddling yourself, all trips are accompanied by two qualified canoe instructors from Keswick Canoe & Bushcraft. The journey takes around 5 minutes.

Only 18 people at one time can fit in the canoes, as such tickets are timed and you’ll get around 2 hours on the island itself. when you arrive you will have a 45 minute guided tour of all the main show rooms inside the 18th Century house, after the tour you can explore the island at your leisure until your time to canoe back.

Derwent Island and House is steeped in centuries of local history and offers a fantastic day out for all ages.

Located only a 30 minute drive away is our own 5 star holiday destination, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, where you can indulge in fabulous facilities including luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments at our onsite Ammara Spa. Or enjoy a delicious meal at The Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie, which is also home to a fully stocked bar with locally produced spirits and regular live music.

Retreat back to your stunning accommodation, which comes with sumptuous sofas, fully fitted kitchens and beautiful beds, as well as selected lodges having private hot tub facilities. We have a wide range of accommodation to cater to all party sizes, from large family gatherings to our beautiful one-bed lodges, which are ideal for a romantic getaway in the Lake District.

Book your holiday to Keswick Reach and explore the rich history of the Lake District, while staying in complete luxury