Wookey Hole has been a popular tourist attraction for decades, but there’s so much more to explore than the caves

Located in Wells, Somerset, the world famous Wookey Hole caves are only a short drive from our own Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. The famous caves are a popular tourist attraction in the area, with the new caves being discovered and new attractions always added to entertain and excite the whole family.

about the caves

Over 50,000 years ago the earliest man lived in the Wookey Hole valley, and centuries later during the Iron Age, the Celtic people found the caves equally safe and comfortable to live in. But by the 15th Century, only broken pottery and legends inhabited the area. In 1914, Herbert Blach published his archaeological findings and people began to explore the caves, the legends and the stunning underground river that flows through the caverns.

There are a number of caves to explore at Wookey Hole, all with their own legends and unique attributes. The Witch’s Kitchen is home to ‘The Giant’ which is the largest stalagmite in all the caves. The tallest chamber stands at over 70 feet high, called The Great Hall has recently had witch markings discovered around it. The Witch’s Parlour is the largest natural dome in the UK and is over 200 feet below ground. And brand new for 2018, Chamber 20 offers beautiful and unique formations to marvel at. Visit the caves and learn the legends, before exploring the underground world.

the attractions

There are over 20 attractions for the whole family to enjoy at Wookey Hole, including the Pirate Adventure Golf, a Magical Mirror Maze which creates the illusion of a large colourfully-vaulted crypt, or visit the elves, fairies and dragons in the Mystic Fairy Garden. Take a stroll around the prehistoric landscape of the Valley of the Dinosaurs and step back in time to join the amazing creatures that inhabit it. The Wookey Hole Circus offers a jaw-dropping show of talented people flying through the air, and with 2 shows a day every weekend, you’ll never miss a show. And don’t forget to visit the amazing 4D Cinema where you’ll go on an adventure before watching the movie.

Wookey Hole also boasts a full calendar of events throughout the year to enjoy, with the Halloween spectaculars a popular attraction as every year includes a child-friendly option, plus an adult only scarefest to enjoy!

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Just a 20 minute drive from Wookey Hole is our beautiful Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa location. Surrounded by the picturesque Mendip Hills in Somerset, Cheddar Woods offers beautiful scenery and 5 star facilities, including an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a Bistro Restaurant serving mouth-watering dishes.

There is no shortage of entertainment at Cheddar Woods, with a full Go Active + programme including a large climbing wall, water walkerz and body zorbs, as well as laser clay shooting and archery available. And if the weather isn’t on your side, head over to the indoor entertainments area, complete with a two-lane bowling alley and golf simulator to enjoy.

After all that entertainment head for the Eden Spa to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatment, and truly enjoy some ‘me time’ in our Relaxation Room.

So why not book your holiday escape at Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, explore the legends of the local area and get away from it all?

ownership at Cheddar

If you don’t want to leave us, then you’re in luck. Cheddar Woods offers holiday home ownership in Somerset, meaning you can discover all the that the local area has to offer at your own pace, as well as taking advantage of all the amazing 5 star facilities available onsite too.

We have a wide range of holiday homes and holiday lodges available to purchase, so we are sure to have something to fit all needs, budgets and tastes at Cheddar Woods. And becoming an owner is easier than you think, with our team being able to introduce you to a financial advisor who can help you spread the cost of your holiday home, if you choose to.

To find out more about joining our friendly community of owners at Cheddar Woods, call our Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today and start your ownership journey.

If you’re spending time in Bath, then this list is for you. We’ve chosen our top 5 places to visit. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is only 2 miles from Bath city centre, offering the ultimate luxurious city break in beautiful accommodation. Making it the ideal destination to base yourself to explore all that the city has to offer, from the famous Roman Baths to the delicious afternoon tea at The Pump Room. Below we’ve listed our top 5 favourite places to visit in Bath.

Green Park Station

This was once one of Bath’s main rail hubs, and it is still full of life today and is home to artisan and quirky shops. Regular market days see stalls selling antiques, independent art, vintage clothing and delicious locally produced food and drink. A real taste of the city of Bath.

Sally Lunn’s House

Bath’s oldest surviving house, Sally Lunn’s dates as far back as 1482, but it could be even older with artefacts in the cellar show early Roman inhabitants. The house is the birth place of Sally Lunn, who is the creator of a local delicacy Sally Lunn Bun which is a definite must-try for all visitors to Bath.

The Assembly Rooms

Once an exclusive place for high society, The Assembly Rooms were forever immortalised by Jane Austen herself. Today the rooms are open to everyone, but little else has changed, with the beautiful décor and stunning Georgian chandelier’s still hanging from the ceilings. You can even enjoy ta at the onsite café.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Immaculately designed and kept, this 18th Century garden is just a stone’s throw from the bustling city centre. Home to the famous Palladian Bridge, which is one of only 3 in the UK, you can relax in this peaceful escape, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey has been an important place of worship for more than 1000 years, with the very first King of England being crowned in the Abbey in 973AD. Additions and improvements were made to the Abbey between 1864 and 1874, including the vaulted stone ceiling and much of the striking Victorian Gothic interior.

So why not book your holiday to Bath Mill Lodge Retreat today and start exploring this breathtakingly beautiful city? Our lodges cater to parties of all sizes, from a romantic weekend break in our studio-style Norland Lodges, to family holiday breaks in our larger accommodation.

Book your Bath Mill city getaway today!

Conwy Castle is steeped in the history of the country, playing a role in key moments throughout the centuries. Our own Aberconwy Resort & Spa is a short drive or just a 20 minute walk to the beautiful Conwy Castle. This 5 star holiday home owners’ exclusive destination is located on the Conwy Morfa beach and boasts a breath-taking backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range. Our owners love being so close to the castle and enjoy learning all about the heritage of the local area.

the history of conwy castle

Built for King Edward’s ‘Iron Ring’ of castles in North Wales the castle was constructed between 1283 and 1289. Conwy Castle has played an important role in several wars over the centuries, including being a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and it was also held by forces loyal to Owain Glyndwr in 1401. The castle played a part in the English Civil War, being held by King Charles I loyalists from 1642 to 1646. After the war, the castle was particularly disliked by Parliament and as such, was sent into ruin to prevent any revolt happening, with its lead and iron being stripped and sold off.

Conwy Castle really is one of the most spectacular surviving Medieval fortresses in Britain, and it also has the largest sum of money spent on any of King Edward I’s castles, totalling up to £15,000. When you’re strolling through the beautiful castle, you’ll notice the 2 fortified gateways, a large bow-shaped Great Hall and 8 imposing towers, you’ll realise it was money well spent. Conwy Castle doesn’t have the ‘walls within walls’ defensive design which was characteristic of King Edward, this is because it is located on a rock base, which provides the natural security it needed.

The castle has been a popular visitor attraction for centuries, after suffering in ruin for years painters began to visit and it quickly became an infamous beauty spot for painters and tourists alike. Due to visitor numbers increasing in the 19th Century, restoration work on the castle was undertaken, creating the stunning castle you see today. The castle is so well preserved if it easy to see how life would have been lived back in Medieval times, with the Great Hall, chambers and kitchen all preserved in the outer ward, as well as private chambers and a Royal Chapel in the inner ward waiting to be explored. The most outstanding views come from atop the towers, where you can see across the mountains and marina.

Conwy Castle was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1986, with UNESCO stating it is “one of the finest examples of later 13th and early 14th Century military architecture”. Visiting this piece of history along the North Wales coast means taking a step back in time to see how people lived in Medieval Wales.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is only a short distance away from the historic Conwy Castle, making this owners exclusive destination the ideal base to explore all the area’s historic attractions.

Becoming an owner at Aberconwy Resort & Spa means being able to take full advantage of the onsite 5 star facilities, including the indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, as well as the state of the art Langley’s Country Club gym, with a fabulous new HIIT room. Or relax with a luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the Aberconwy Spa, before having a refresh with a new look from Mali’s Hair Salon. Dine out in style at the multi-award winning Signatures Restaurant, which recently received the Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Award.

To learn more about ownership at Aberconwy Resort & Spa, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service today.

North Wales is teeming with historical sites just waiting to be explored, from sticking slate mines and picturesque stately gardens to endless castles. With 4 unique locations to choose from, Darwin Escapes will have the perfect destination for you to explore the beautiful and historic North Wales region.

Note: settle in with a cuppa for this post, you’ll get sucked in reading all about these 13 historical attractions

conwy castle

Where: LL32 8AY / Open: 9.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £9.50. Child £5.70

Built by King Edward I between 1283 – 1289, Conwy Castle is a stunning Medieval fortification along the North Wales Coastline. It has been classed as a World Heritage Site and has been described as the “finest examples of late 13th Century military architecture in Europe” by UNESCO. Conwy Castle is truly a breath-taking castle to stroll through with beautiful views across the town and picturesque marina.

caernarfon castle

Where: LL55 2AY / Open: 9.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £9.50. Child £5.70

Another beautiful World Heritage Site along the North Wales Coastline, this impressive castle would have made any enemies of King Edward I think twice. The first English Prince of Wales was actually born at the castle in 1284, helping King Edward stamp his supremacy on the native rebellion. In 1969, Prince Charles’s investiture was held in this historic and picturesque castle.

bodnant gardens

Where: LL28 5RE / Open: 9am – 4.30pm / Prices: Adult £14.60. Child £7.30

In 1792 Colonel Forbes built a beautiful Italianate mansion and developed the surrounding parkland, it was then passed on to William Hamer in 1820 who added to the current Old Mill and extended the upper garden. In 1874, Victorian industrialist Henry Davis Pochin bought Bodnant at auction and, with the help of his head gardener Edward Milner, shaped the gardens to the stunning state they are in today.

llechwedd slate caverns

Where: LL41 3NB / Open: 9am – 5.30pm / Prices vary on tour choice

Learn all about the fascinating hidden slate story buried deep beneath the Snowdonia Mountain Range. You’ll explore a fabulous way of life which paved the way for generations of North Wales families, with over 17,000 men employed by the Welsh slate industry. There are 3 tours to choose from, explore the far reaches and rich history on the Quarry Explorer Tour, or learn about the impressive skill of the Llechwedd Story, or you can go along on the thrilling and emotional journey of the Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour.

smallest house in great britain

Where: LL32 8BE / Open: 10am – 4pm / Prices: Adult £1. Child 50p

Built in the 16th Century, this tiny dwelling is only 72 inches wide and 122 inches high. It was occupied as a home until May of 1900, which was by a local 6foot 3inch fisherman! Although small, the house is very practical with room for a bed and fire, and it really is a must-see when you visit North Wales.

bodelwyddan castle

Where: LL18 5YA / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £16. Child £9.50

Bodelwyddan Castle is older than it appears, with timber samples in the attic dating back to the 15th Century, it is beautifully preserved museum where you’ll hear many interesting tales about various owners and the grounds. Owned by the Williams family in 1690, the house became hugely extravagant, but it was then scaled back and was eventually requisitioned by the army during World War I for training and a recuperation hospital.

great orme mines

Where: LL30 2XG / Open: 9:30am – 4:30pm / Prices: Adult £7. Child £5

The Great Orme Copper Mines were discovered in 1987 and date as far back as 4000 years to the Bronze Age! Over the last 30 years archaeologists have been excavating a network of tunnels and larger caverns, revealing what is thought to be the largest Prehistoric mine discovered in the world. The self-guided tour takes around 45 minutes and you’ll get the chance to explore one of the most outstanding archaeological discoveries in recent years.

penrhyn castle

Where: LL57 4HT / Open: 12noon – 5pm / Prices: Adult £13.50. Child £6.75

Built between 1820 and 1833 by famous architect Thomas Hopper, Penrhyn Castle is known for its unique neo-Norman style. Hopper was very hands-on as an architect and even made sure the interior furniture would suit the design of the castle, using local Welsh craftsmen to create many of the pieces.

plas cadnant hidden gardens

Where: LL59 5NH / Open: 12noon – 5pm / Prices: Adult £7.50. Child £2

This one requires a bit of travel, but you won’t be disappointed in the beautiful hidden gardens on the Isle of Anglesey. Known as the best kept secret garden in North Wales, the gardens began life in 1804, with the picturesque walled garden being used as the kitchen gardens for John Price’s grand Georgian house. The on-going restoration work has discovered an upper woodland garden and a picturesque, secret valley garden with a river and 3 waterfalls.

st winefride’s well

Where: CH8 7PN / Open: 10am – 4pm / Prices: Adults £1. Child 40p

A pilgrimage to St Winefride’s Well has taken place for over 1,300 years, visiting the site where St Winefride was brought back to life. Around the year 630AD, Caradoc who was a chieftain from Hawarden, tried to seduce Winefride, she then fled to the church where Caradoc cut off her head. Her uncle, St Beuno, came from the church and placed her head back on her body and prayed over her body, St Winefride was resurrected with a thin white scar as a reminder of the miracle. A spring of water erupted from the ground where her head fell to the ground, and to this day people visit in hopes of healing health ailments and swim in the spring water.

flint castle

Where: CH6 5PF / Open: 10am – 4pm / Free

Famously featuring in Shakespere’s Richard II, Flint Castle is a striking ruin along the North Wales Coastline. The first castle to be constructed in King Edward’s ‘Iron Ring’ across North Wales was built in 1277. With a unique design of a solitary ‘Donjon’ tower, Flint Castle is steeped in history as the place where Richard II met his cousin, and rival to the throne, Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV.

plas newydd – ladies of llangollen

Where: LL20 8AW / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £6. Child £5

Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler captured the Regency imagination by shunning society norms and living together in this beautiful Welsh cottage. Over the years they put their personal stamp on the little cottage, transforming it into a Gothic fantasy of expertly carved oak and picturesque stained glass windows. Explore the cottage and gardens while discovering everything about these two wonderfully interesting ladies, and their many famous guests.

plas newydd – anglesey

Where: LL61 6DQ / Open: 10.30am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £12.76 Child £6.38

A beautiful house and grounds with a rich history, including being built by Henry William, the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. Henry William is best known for playing a key role in the historic Battle of Waterloo, when he returned he was renowned in the country as a hero, he lost his leg in the battle and was the first person to have a fully articulated leg replacement. The house has had many lives, previously being a Victorian ‘party house’ due to the 5th Marquess’ extravagant behaviour, but it is now known as a wonderful family home with a colourful history.

With so much history all across the North Wales region and more being discovered every day, it’s easy to see why it has been such a popular holiday destination for centuries. Why not book your holiday to North Wales with Darwin Escapes today?

Take your time and go at your own pace to explore all that North Wales has to offer when you own your own holiday home with Darwin Escapes. We offer holiday home ownership at all our North Wales locations, so why not call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service for more information about ownership in North Wales.

With a fantastic entertainments programme all year around, the summer offers endless days of fun with Charlie Bear and his Rangers at Talacre. Talacre Beach Resort is home to Charlie Bear and his Rangers, who create a fabulous entertainment programme for our guests every week. With daily activities and evening entertainment available in the North Star lounge, it’s easy to see why Talacre Beach has been a popular holiday destination for over 50 years.

Along with the regular daily entertainments programme, Talacre Beach’s fabulous entertainments team help to organise event days and themed parties all year around. See below for what our fun days this Summer are at Talacre…

mars attacks theme night – 27th july

full fun day event – 4th august

full fun day event – 25th august

So make sure you’re ready for a summer of fun and sun with Charlie Bear and our talented team of Rangers at Talacre Beach Resort!

about Talacre Beach Resort

Talacre Beach is perfectly placed to springboard you into the North Wales region, being only a 10 minute drive to the bustling retail town of Prestatyn and only a 15 minute drive from the traditional seaside resort of Rhyl. Our 5 star holiday location is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy Talacre beach itself, which is home to the historic 17th Century Lighthouse and the protected Gronant Dunes.

Talacre Beach’s fabulous facilities include an indoor tropically heated swimming pool, sauna and stream room to relax in, as well as a state of the art gym lodge available. We also have a great Go Active programme, which includes panna soccer, water walkerz, mini jet skis and archery! Along with our beautiful Bistro Restaurant offering mouth-watering dishes and a fully stocked bar to relax in.

ownership options

Offering holiday home ownership means you can explore the region, take full advantage of the facilities and enjoy the diary of events and daily activities from the Rangers, all at your own pace. Owning a holiday home at Talacre Beach is much easier than you think, with a wide range of holiday homes and holiday lodges available, we are sure to have the perfect option for your needs.

If you’d like some more information about holiday home ownership at Talacre Beach, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service.

North Wales is home to endless family attractions, but we’ve listed the top 8 you need to visit when you’re in the region. Darwin Escapes has 4 destinations along the North Wales Coastline, from our luxurious Aberconwy Resort & Spa, with spa and award-winning restaurant onsite, and Seaview Holiday Home Park, which lives up to its name with unrivalled views of the coastline. Our family focused destinations offer entertainment, fabulous facilities and brilliant locations, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy beach and New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in the Denbighshire countryside.

A popular region to holiday for centuries, the family attractions in North Wales draw thousands of visitors, so we’ve created a list of the top 8 attractions for you to visit.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Where: LL28 5UY / Open: 9.30am – 6pm / Prices: Adult £13.35, Child £10.05

First opened on 18th May 1963, the zoo covers 37 acres and overlooks the beautiful Colwyn Bay area. Home to variety of animals, including brown bears, alligators, lemurs, red pandas and a colony of Humblot Penguins, who you’ll see going for their daily walk.

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Where: LL61 6TQ / Open: 10am – 5pm / Prices: Adult £8.25, Child £7.25

The sea zoo is not only a unique aquarium, but it’s also a marine educational centre and conducts independent research. You’ll be delighted with over 40 tanks displaying beautiful British marine life, including octopus, lobsters, cuttlefish, catsharks and seahorses! Learn all about the habitats on the Welsh Coastline and about the conservation work.

Greenwood Forest Park

Where: LL56 4QN / Open: 10am – 5.30pm / Prices: Adult £14.95, Child £14.40

Greenwood was voted the Best Family Day Out in North Wales, and is a true family fun day in the stunning Welsh countryside. There are endless activities to get stuck into, including the Enchanted Wood Barn with indoor play and soft play for under 3’s, as well as the giant jumper, which offers giggles on a 1500 square foot bouncing pillow. Take a sensory trek on the Barefoot Trail and experience different terrains, including straw, water, timber and sand.

Foel Farm Park

Where: LL61 6TQ / Open: 10am – 4.30pm / Prices: Adult £7.50, Child £6.50

There are endless family attractions to enjoy at Foel Farm Park, including a mini-trailer ride with quad bike, a tractor and farm tour, as well as being able to help feed the adorable farm animals! As well as enjoying the Giant Jumper Pillow to burn some energy!

Zip World Fforest

Where: LL24 0HX / Open: 9am – 5pm / Prices: vary on ride

Zip World Fforest offers amazing views and exhilarating thrills in the treetops of North Wales. Try the Fforest Coaster for Zip Safari and challenge yourself with 22 zip lines! Get involved in the adventure playground on the Treetop Nets, or brave Europe’s highest 5 seater Skyride Giant Swing.

Bounce Below

Where: LL41 3NB / Open: 9am – 6pm / Prices: Adult £25. Child £20

The perfect place for thrill seekers of all ages (from 7 years and up), with spectacular underground scenery, which is breathtakingly lit to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The former slate mine offers an amazing time where you can jump, slide and bounce from net to net in the underground cavern.

Surf Snowdonia

Where: LL32 8QE / Open: 8am – 11pm / Prices: Vary on Activity

The world’s first inland surf lagoon in the heart of beautiful North Wales, with the magical backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range. You can book tutoring lessons, join a camp or opt for the splash lagoon or have some fun in the soft play shack. They also have a variety of events and festivals on throughout the year to join in on too.

Greenfield Valley Heritage Park

Where: CH8 7GH / Open: 10am – 4:30pm / Prices: Adult £6.70. Child £3.90

The most comprehensive museum about the Industrial Revolution in all of North Wales, learn all about the stories of children, women and men who helped to pave the way to the modern world. A fun day out for the children who will have a blast exploring things to do, including the indoor soft play area, the adventure tree house, toddler tractor heaven, the mega tower maze and the tunnel maze.

So if you’re staying at one of our beautiful North Wales locations you can explore the region from an ideally placed base in the region. And with all our North Wales parks offering holiday home ownership, you can explore the region at your own pace while returning back to your beautiful home from home in one of our luxurious locations.

To find out more about ownership in North Wales, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to an advisor today via our Live Chat service.

Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is located on the outskirts of the Lake District, there are so many places to visit we thought we would give you a hand deciding!

Surrounded by unrivalled views of Cumbria, Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is perfectly placed to explore the region, from the famous lakes to the village renowned eateries. Thanet Well is the ideal escape for those looking for peace and tranquillity in the English countryside, with the Lake District now officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore this natural beauty spot while returning back to your luxurious lodge accommodation, complete with outdoor private hot tub! Booking your holiday with us at Thanet Well means you can explore the region at your own pace and relax in complete luxury in one of the worlds most popular holiday destinations.

Finding places to visit can be overwhelming in the Lake District, so we thought we would put together a little list to help you know where the best places to visit are near Penrith…

wordsworth house & gardens

CA13 9RX / 40 minutes away / 11am – 5pm / Adult £7.90. Child £3.95

Take a trip back in time to the 1770’s at William Wordsworth’s childhood home. This beautiful home was the birthplace and home to famous poet William Wordsworth, and as you walk through the townhouse you’ll see it is presented as it would have been back in the 1700’s, when William and his family lived at the house. Take a stroll through the stunning Georgian townhouse and listen to the knowledgeable guides to learn all about Wordsworth’s Lakeland legacy and his role in the founding of the National Trust.

whinlatter forest

CA12 5TW / 35 minutes away / 10am – 5pm / £8 All Day Parking

Whinlatter is the only truly forest mountain in England, with the mountain rising to 1000ft above sea level, there are a range of activities for everyone to enjoy at Whinlatter. Visit the Information Centre, where you’ll learn all about the activities and wildlife in the surrounding beauty. Children will love the Whinlatter Wildplay Trail, with 9 different play zones to explore along the 600 meter trail, including a climbing wall, giant timber climbing frame and you can even find a secret path in the Fairy Kingdom! Perfect for walking or mountain biking, you’ll see some spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

force crag mine

CA12 5TL / 50 minutes away / Check website for opening days

Open on certain days of the year, visit Force Crag and see where, for over 200 years, men have mined for lead, barites and zinc. Force Crag is also a stunning walk for those looking for breath-taking views of Braithwaite village and marvel at the striking sheer dark face of the Force Crag Mine. Witness the views and fall in love with the Lake District in a whole new way.

lowther castle & gardens

CA10 2HH / 30 minutes away / 10am – 4pm

See the stunning Lowther Castle ruins, which was commissioned by the first Earl of Lonsdale in 1806 and enjoyed a fabulous Victorian heyday. However due to Edwardian extravagance, family deaths and war-time requisition the family was brought into finical ruins and in 1957 the castle roof was removed. But 60 years later Lowther Castle is one of the Lake District’s most dynamic attractions, with breath-taking gardens and wonderful exhibitions to interest all.

the bridge house

LA22 9AN / 45 minutes away / 11.30am – 4pm

Possibly the most photographed building in Cumbria, this tiny building was originally an apple store built over the river to avoid land tax. But it is said that once a family with 6 children lived within the two tiny rooms, however by 1926 the house was bought by a group of local people and passed on to the National Trust. Visiting the sparsely furnished rooms of the house is free of charge and is a popular tourist destination.

larch cottage nurseries

CA10 2DR / 30 minutes away / 9am – 5pm

One of the country’s greatest horticultural hidden gems, Larch Cottage was founded in 1984, originally growing plants for a landscaping business, it eventually grew into the stunning nursery it is today. Wander around the stunning gardens to see the Romanesque walls acting as a backdrop to the peaceful gardens in the Eden Valley. Visit the Red Barn Gallery to view the beautiful artwork spread over 2 floors, and on specific days you can visit the magical private gardens and meandering paths to the stunning Red Chapel, which was lovingly built for the owner’s wedding in 2014.

lucy’s on a plate

LA22 0BU / 50 minutes away / Weekdays: 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Weekends: 11am – 9:30pm

One of the best places to eat in the Lake District for over 25 years, Lucy’s on a Plate offers a daily personalised menu in a lovely welcoming restaurant. There are a number of different areas to dine inside Lucy’s on a Plate, from the magical wall garden area and conservatory, to the comfy seating bar area, complete with window seats. Lucy’s dessert menu is extraordinarily popular, so make sure you leave room for Lucy’s Queen of Desserts.

brougham castle

CA10 2AA / 20 minutes away / 10am – 6pm / Adult £5.40. Child £3.20

In a beautiful picturesque setting, next to the River Eamont, the castle was founded in the early 13th Century. The majestic keep largely survives, enabling you to stroll through and picture what life was really like back then, as well as some later constructions surviving, including the striking double gatehouse and the impressive ‘Tower of League’. Climb to the top of the keep for breathtaking panoramic views of the Eden Valley, then discover hidden passageways and explore the many spiral staircases. The beautiful setting means you can enjoy a stunning day out and a wonderful picnic on the riverside.

With so much to explore in Penrith, there really is no wonder why Thanet Well Lodge Retreat is one of our most popular locations to visit in the UK, offering showstopping views and complete tranquillity, you can really relax with us in the heart of the Lake District.

We also offer a wide range of pet friendly accommodation at Thanet Well, so no-one gets left behind on your explorations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is only a short distance from our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat! Our retreat is located in the heart of Surrey, perfectly placed to explore all the picturesque region has to offer, and Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that we are only 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from the studio tour! So why not make a weekend of your Harry Potter trip and explore all that Surrey has to offer too? If you want to know all there is to know about the studio tour, then settle in with a cuppa and read on…

visit the sets

Various sound stages and sets were created throughout the Harry Potter movie series, including The Great Hall, which was built in 2000 and was used for the next 6 movies. The set includes handmade costumes and two large tables set ready for dinner, as well as breath-taking props like Professor Dumbledore’s lectern and the House Points Counter. A newer addition to the tour is the Forbidden Forest, with 19 handcrafted trees, each 12 feet in diameter.

Other sets include Platform 9 3/4, which was built for the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie, with previous scenes shot at Kings Cross Station in London, however the set was constructed for the final movie, complete with tracks and the iconic Hogwarts Express train. You’ll also get to walk the magnificent Diagon Alley set, lined with store fronts such as Gringotts Bank, Flourish & Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and of course, dusty old Ollivander’s, which was home to over 17,000 individually labelled boxes of wands during shooting.

marvel at the spectacular props

The extraordinary talented Propmasters on the Harry Potter series created beautiful items to bring the wizarding world to life, they even created over 950 potions jars to line the classroom, all with something unique inside them, including herbs and shrunken heads. They also created 900 memory labels for Professor Dumbledore’s Memory Cabinet, with the labels including names such as Professor McGonogall and Argus Filch.

The unsettling pink room of Professor Umbridge’s office was expertly decorated by the art department, with over 130 plates of cute kittens, which meant the department actually filmed kittens with witches hats and balls of wool (sounds like heaven to me!). But nothing is as striking as the 20 foot mannequin above the entrance to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezers store front. Except maybe the funny and equally disgusting Pucking Pastilles dispenser on the store front, outstanding work by Head Propmaster, Pierre Bohanna.

stunning handmade costumes

Costume Designer, Jany Termime, really helped bring the wizarding fashion alive throughout the series, from the Quidditch uniforms which evolved from heavy robes to lighter, sportier robes with names and numbers on the back. She also created breathtaking wizard formal wear for The Yule Ball, putting the boys in wizard tuxedo-style robes, and also made Hermione’s showstopping layered, Chiffron gown. Ron’s wizards robes were actually made from acres of lace and old carpet fabric (he pulled the look off well considering!).

details of the art department

The Art Department created everything for the movies, but the true jewel in the crown is the Hogwarts Castle Model. It was built for the very first movie and every turret, tower and courtyard was filmed, the makers installed more than 2,500 fibre optic lights which simulates torches and lanterns, and giving the illusion of students wandering the halls. The Art Department created thousands of props to bring the wizarding world to life, they made sweet packaging, fantastic textbooks and even issues of the Quibbler. By the end of the Harry Potter saga, over 40 editions of The Daily Prophet were designed.

the magical beasts

There were many magical creatures created on the Harry Potter films, from the huge Basilisk mouth that was made for the final battle scene in Chamber of Secrets, which was 30ft long and had 3ft deep jaws. There were 3 Buckbeak’s, created for the movies including one laying down, another rearing and one standing, with each Buckbeak having every individual feather inserted and glued into place, as well as designers talking to physiologists and vets about the proportions of the mythical creature. Aragog was also physically created for the movies, he actually had a leg span of 18 feet, and the model was able to crawl out of his hole and even deliver dialogue (Ron was right to be squeakily terrified!). Each hair was individually inserted by hand and the hairs varied from pieces of coconut, to the centre of feathers and even broom bristles.

mind-boggling special & visual effects

The Art Department worked tirelessly to create everything from the wizard world they could, even creating the amazing Chamber of Secrets Door. The door is often thought to be CGI, but it’s actually a fully operational door, which includes articulated snakes and motor to make sure they all move at the correct time. The temperamental Whomping Willow tree is iconic of the Harry Potter series, the full sized tree trunk and mechanically operated ‘whomping’ branches were created, with other branches being added in via CGI.

This is just the tip of the magical wonders awaiting you at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some Butterbeer or hop on a broomstick and fly over London via the spectacular green screen experience too!

After your Harry Potter filled day, you can return to the tranquillity of Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat and explore all the beauty that Surrey has on offer. We offer stunning accommodation, which includes hot tubs and private saunas, with some lodges including views of a peaceful lake to top it all off, when you holiday with us at Tilford Woods you really will have a magical weekend worthy of Hogwarts (too cheesy? I’m not even sorry…).

Get your art on at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and celebrate art week by creating your own piece of art!

Locate a short drive away from the stunning Lyme Regis, art has always been at the heart of Hawkchurch Resort & Spa. So what better way to celebrate art week than to partner with two talented artists and offer fabulous workshops to create your own! Art week is from June 4th – June 9th, and we will be holding multiple workshops throughout the week.

paint your day away with anne

Artwrok by Anne Townsend

The lovely Anne Townsend from Broomgate Studio will be at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa on Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th June, from 10am to 4pm. Booking is essential as this is sure to be a popular workshop.

Anne will be tutoring you to paint your own masterpiece and once you have realised your fabulous creation, you’ll be able to take it home too! All materials and tutoring will be included in the booking.

To book your workshop, call Anne direct on 07746 758 370.

create a beautiful necklace with wendy

Jewelry by Wendy Lowis Bates

Wendy Lowis Bates is a talented, local jewellry artist, who will be helping you to create a stunning gemstone necklace, that you’ll be able to take home.

Wendy will be available for bookings at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa on Monday 4th, Wednesday 6th and Friday 9th June, between 10am and 1pm. Booking is essential for this popular workshop and all materials and tuition will be included in your booking.

To book your workshop with Wendy, call her direct on 07956 914 018.

Contact the artists direct for workshop prices

So celebrate art week from 4th – 9th June at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and create some beautiful art to take home with you!

Why not make an evening out of it too? Treat yourself and book your table at our onsite restaurant and indulge in some mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts. Then sit back with a refreshing drink from our fully stocked bar and admire the views of the magical Axe Valley.

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at the largest zoo in the South West! Set in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (which is themed on the biblical story!) offers a packed day of family fun with an opportunity to see over 100 different species of animals at the zoo including Giraffes, Lions, Pigs, Chickens and Elephants!

If you’re looking for a hands-on zoo experience then Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the perfect option. Not only are there animal keeper talks which take place every half hour, so you can hear what it’s like to look after these beautiful animals, but you can also book your own one-on-one ‘Keeper Experience’, where you can spend time with a qualified zoo keeper and help them with their daily routine. If you’re an animal lover or an aspiring zoo keeper this will be a great treat as you can get up close and personal with the animals.

Choose from a range of experiences such as the Big Cat Experience, Elephant Experience, Junior Zoo Keeper Experience and more, all of which can be booked in advance via the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website.

There are a wide range of animals to see at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, which is bound to keep little ones entertained for hours as well as 15 different exciting play areas that are just waiting to be explored. Visitors will also find a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy on-site such as the Mega Monster & Mini Maze, a Tractor Ride and an Elephant Playzone.

If you’ve not had chance to pack a picnic then don’t worry because Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has an on-site Food Barn café, which serves hot and cold food options as well as drinks and tasty treats throughout the day. For those who’d rather grab a bite to eat on the go then there are 3 smaller eateries which can be found around the zoo.

where is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm?

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is based in North Somerset in Wraxall near Bristol. It’s a 45 minute car drive from our Bath Mill Lodge Retreat and roughly 35 minutes from our Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa. It’s also accessible via bus and further details on transport links can be found on the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website.

Postcode for Sat Nav: BS48 1PG

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Bristol prices and opening times

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is open Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm throughout the year except for a short break over Christmas.

Prices are seasonal and range from £15 to £20 for an adult and £10 to £14 for a child. A 10% discount is available when you buy your tickets online via their website.

The zoo farm also runs a range of exciting events throughout the year, check out their What’s On page for the latest information.