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.

North Wales is teeming with dog friendly walks, just waiting to be explored by you and your pup! No one gets left behind on a Darwin Escapes holiday! Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park offers pet friendly holidays in North Wales, so your furbaby can explore the region with you! Discover panoramic views of the majestic Snowdonia Mountain Range and breath-taking vistas of the infamous seaside. Read through our list below and discover a new and exciting way to explore with your dog in North Wales.

Llyn Elsi

2.5 miles / low walking level / 2 hours

Enjoy a pleasant walk to the Llyn Elsi lake, surrounded by the forest above Betws-y-Coed. When you reach the lake you’ll be greeted by a clearing with the most beautiful views stretching across to Moel Siabad.

Llanberis path up mount Snowdon

9 miles / high-moderate walking level / 5 – 6 hours

This is known as the ‘tourist path’ to reach Snowdon’s summit. It is the longest route, but offers breath-taking views all the way. It’s the most popular path, so you’ll be sure to meet lots of people and pups along the way! See our post here for more routes up the famous mountain.

Llyn Padarn

5 miles / low level / 2 hours

Take a circular walk around the picturesque lake in Llaberis and marvel at the views of the surrounding Snowdonia Mountains. You’ll see the history of the area along your walk, even encountering the Gilfach Ddu, National Slate Museum.

Talacre beach to Gronant

4.3 miles / low level / 2 hours

The beach is only a 5 minute walk from Talacre Beach park. This walk takes you past the famous, Grade II listed Lighthouse, which was built in 1776 and is rumoured to be haunted. You’ll then walk through the rich habitat of the Gronant Dunes, which is home to the rare Natterjack Toads.

Llangollen history trail

6 miles / low level / 3 hours

Follow the historic landmark trail around Llangollen and you’ll see some beautiful monuments, including the Horseshoe Falls and the Llantysilio Church, which was originally built in 1254.

Coed – y – Gopa

7 miles / moderate level / 3 hours, 30 minutes

A wonderful woodland walk through the ancient forests in the outskirts of Abergele. Following the trail, you’ll see one of the country’s largest hibernation bat sites in the limestone caves, when you reach the clearing you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the vale, and why not try climbing the Iron Age hillfort on the summit? *Note: be very careful – no broken paws please!

Gwydyr forest

6 miles / moderate level / 3 hours

Follow the trail from Betws – y – Coed village into the forest. The trail will take you to the water’s edge of the Llyn river, which you can follow all through the forest. Reach the end of the trail to be rewarded with unbeatable views of the valley and Snowdonia Mountain Range.

Nercwys forest

5 miles / moderate level / 2 hours, 30 minutes

A beautiful woodland walk in Flintshire, follow the forest track and reach two viewpoints, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding area.

bird’s eye Bodnant garden walk

2 miles / low level / 2 hours

With 80 acres to explore, there is a walk for everyone to enjoy at the beautiful Bodnant Gardens. Take the Bird’s Eye walk through the Furnace Wood and Meadow for breath-taking and panoramic views of the gardens.

Before embarking (ha!) on any walk, please make sure you’re properly prepared with the right clothing and walking boots, that you have enough water and food supplies for all in your party (including plenty of tasty treats for the pups) and make sure to don the sunscreen on those hot days! During your walk stay together and take your time enjoying the Welsh scenery.

And these are only a small number of dog friendly walks in North Wales, you and your pupper could discover Roman forts, endless castles and breath-taking views all over the region! With tails wagging and smiles beaming, you will have the time of your lives (too cheesy?).

North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, and it’s easy to see why when you take a walk around the region and witness the beauty and peace for yourself, you can really let go of the daily grind and any stresses or strains when surrounded by so much nature. Talacre Beach is the perfect base to explore North Wales, while also offering fabulous accommodation and fantastic facilities to come back to. Our facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, children’s day entertainment and family evening entertainment, as well as a wonderful onsite Bistro Restaurant and fully stocked bar, plus so much more!

and if at the end of your holiday, you don’t want to leave?

Well, you’re in luck! Talacre Beach offers holiday home ownership, so you could call this little slice of North Wales home and explore all it all has to offer at your own pace. And it’s much easier than you think it is, our professional team are on hand to walk you step by step through the process, and we are able to introduce you to a finical advisor who can help you spread the cost should you need to, so it’s cheaper than you thought too!

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

North Wales is a spectacular region, filled with amazing outdoor attractions to explore, and we’ve listed them all here…

Darwin Escapes is lucky enough to have 4 luxurious locations along the North wales Coastline, from Aberconwy Resort & Spa, our stunning ownership exclusive destination, to Seaview Holiday Home Park being situated atop Gwespyr Mountain with breathtaking views across the sea over to the Wirral. Our family friendly destinations include, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park is only a 5 minute walk from the sandy beach and a 10 minute drive to the bustling retail park in Prestatyn. Our New Pines Holiday Home Park is nestled in the Welsh countryside, but is only a 10 minute drive to the traditional seaside town of Rhyl.
North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for centuries and with the region littered with fascinating sites, adventurous attractions and endless things to do, it’s easy to see why. In this post, we’ve listed all the must-see outdoor attractions to visit while you’re in the area.

snowdonia

Scale Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon and explore the many trails, lakes and craggy peaks within the Snowdonia region. See the best paths to take up the mountain in our post here.

snowdon mountain railway

The historic railway climbs to the top of Mount Snowdon, where you can enjoy beautiful views across the ocean, all the way to Ireland.

great orme

The name comes from Viking times and means Sea Serpent. You can climb the stunning limestone headland and marvel at the views across the Llandudno bay from the top.

great orme tramway

A unique experience which show cases Llandudno’s spectacular views when you travel via Britain’s only cable-hauled street Tramway.

little orme

Another beautiful limestone headland, standing 141 metres in height and stands at the end of Llandudno Bay.

north wales coastal path

The region itself was made for walking, with trails ranging from short strolls to longer hikes for more experienced walkers.

llandudno pier

A beautiful attraction in the Victorian seaside town. Explore the boutique shops, which include a Harry Potter shop and pancake place.

aber falls

A stunning 120 foot waterfall, just south of Abergwyngregyn. A popular attraction and wonderful walk.

portmeirion

A stunning Italian style village on the coast, with cafes and shops. It was also the set of the popular cult 60’s TV show, Prisoner.

pontcysyllte aqueduct

Taking 10 years to design and build, construction was finally completed in 1805. The Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What attraction will you visit first? With such a wide range of attractions in the region, there will be something for everyone and all interests in North Wales.

holiday home ownership in north wales

If you love North Wales as much as we do, you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to leave! Buy a holiday home at any of our 4 parks and you can explore the region at your own pace.
Purchasing a holiday home is easier than you think, with our friendly and professional Ownership Team to walk you through the process. As well as being able to introduce you to financial experts who will help you spread the cost, meaning your dream holiday home is closer than you think!

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

The Lake District has officially been declared a UNSECO World Heritage Site, with Prince Charles unveiling a plaque in Crow Park, Keswick!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is located in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District, Cumbria. The county has recently unveiled a plaque in Crow Park, Keswick confirming its UNESCO World Heritage Site status! The picturesque area has always been a popular tourist destination in the UK with over 18 million people visiting every year.

Prince Charles who is a regular visitor to Cumbria, attended the ceremony at Crow Park, to unveil the large plaque. Giving a short speech during the unveiling, the Prince of Wales said “Whenever I come here… I feel my spirits rise and I know the same is true of countless others.” The plaque sits in a stunning park of the Lake District, and Crow Park is actually only a 20 minute drive from our award-winning location, Keswick Reach.

The Lake District has previously been named the most photogenic landscape in Britain, with stunning stretches of open water, lush green scenery, endless forests and some of the tallest mountains in the UK! Joining the World Heritage Site list means being in the company of the world’s most beautiful destinations, including Stonehenge, the Grand Canyon and the Taj Mahal. The Lake District also have many sites of historical importance, including King Arthur’s Round Table, which is around a 40 minute drive from Keswick Reach and is thought to be a Neolithic earthwork henge and the legendary King’s jousting area.

The UK now has 31 World Heritage Sites across the country, from the Giant’s Causeway in North Ireland, as well as the Tower of London which is only a 50 minute train journey from our Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat. The historic city of Bath is also on the list and our own Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is about 2 miles from the city centre, along with our Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat being a short distance from the World Heritage Site of the stunning Canterbury Cathedral.

Being in the heart of the Lake District, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is a popular and luxurious location, which was presented with the Best in Britain 2017 Award at the prestigious Hoseasons Awards in November 2017.

Our five-star, Diamond Award winning destination includes sumptuous accommodation, catering to an intimate weekend getaway with our one-bed lodges or a full family holiday with our larger lodges. We also offer a number of hot tubs, where you can enjoy a soak in the warm water while taking in the atmosphere, and a number of our lodges are also pet friendly, with gates on the outdoor decking for your furbaby to enjoy the surroundings as much as you!

Our stunning facilities include The Copper Fells Restaurant & Bar, which serves mouth-watering main meals and delicious light lunches, as well as stocking the locally produced Lakes’ Gin brand, and offering a programme of live evening entertainment in the bar area. The onsite Ammara Spa offers luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments, including everything from a full body massage and scrub to a relaxing head massage, as well as soothing Jessica Nails hand treatments. Make sure to take some ‘me time’ in the Relaxation Room, which includes a sauna and Jacuzzi  to relax in, and if you’re looking to get fit, try out our state of the art gym, which will have everything you need, including an unrivalled view of your surroundings.

If you’re looking for a holiday break in the World Heritage Site, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is the perfect, luxurious destination for you!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat guests receive a fabulous 10% off at the popular Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

Nestled in the heart of the newly announced UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stunning Lake District, Keswick Reach enjoys beautiful scenery, outstanding accommodation and five-star facilities. Our award-winning destination is a popular place to base yourself while exploring Cumbria, and one of the best ways to see the Lake District is by old-fashioned steam engine! And our guests get an exclusive 10% off tickets until 31st December 2018

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

The popular railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in England, with unrivalled views of the stunning Lake District. Known in the old Cumbrian dialect as La’al Ratty, which means “little railway”, Ravenglass & Eskdale was opened over 100 years ago in 1915, to the delight of many!

The current train journey takes passengers from Ravenglass through the World Heritage Site, to Dalegarth for Boot, which is around 210ft above sea level and offers breathtaking views. There are a few request stops during the 40 minute journey, the stops are ideally located for experienced walkers (only attempt these trails if you’ve has experience extreme rambling or in similar situations – you could get stuck out there!). You can choose between cosy covered carriages or open top carriages for your trip, where you can soak up the weather and beautiful views around you, while keeping an eye open for the local wildlife, including Greylog Geese and Buzzards, as well as Curlew’s, Shelduck’s and even Red Squirrels. When you get back to Ravenglass & Eskdale station, make sure to treat yourself to some delicious homemade snacks and warming hot drink from the café. There are also plenty of gifts to browse and mementoes to purchase in the gift shop, as well as information about fantastic trails and walks to explore this corner of the Lake District.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway also offers a full programme of events and themed journeys all year round. From a fish and chip supper trip and teddy bears ride free journeys, to magical station gardens, which includes fancy dress and magical crafts! Along with annual seasonal events, including the spooky Ghost Train and the ever-popular Santa Express!

10% off vouchers available at reception

Here at Keswick Reach, we are lucky enough to have 10% off vouchers available in our reception area!
The voucher applies to a full line return for adult and child tickets, as well as full family fares, each ticket has a maximum of 4 adults and 4 children per vouchers, this fabulous offer is valid until 31st December 2018!

So on your next trip to Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat make sure to visit our reception and pick up your 10% off voucher and explore the Lake District and all its wonders in a completely unique way!

North Wales is the perfect romantic destination for those after a break away with that special someone. If you’re looking for an idyllic romantic getaway then we can’t recommend North Wales enough. With an abundance of historical castles to explore, fine dining restaurants to enjoy and beautiful scenic views and coastlines, it’s hard not to fall in love with North Wales.

Wales is a nation full of love. We even have our own Patron Saint of Lovers, Saint Dwynwen, who was a 4th Century Welsh Princess who lived in what is now known as the Brecon Beacons National Park. The tale is the Princess was unlucky in love so became a nun where she continued to pray that others were to be lucky enough to find their one true love. On January 25th every year people across Wales celebrate ‘St Dwynwen’s Day’ and similarly to Valentine’s Day, cards and gifts are exchanged between couples.

Darwin Escapes has four holiday parks in North Wales. So whether you’re looking for a seaside escape, a park close to a medieval town or just somewhere to stay cuddled up and enjoy the stunning views, we will have a park to suit all your needs!

So if you’re planning a trip for a romantic occasion or just a surprise getaway for the person you love in your life – we’ve put together our Top 7 Romantic Destinations for you to visit whilst you’re in North Wales…

1. Portmeirion

Set in Gwynedd on the North Wales coast, the tourist village of Portmeirion is a must-see if you’re visiting the area. The Italian style village was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 and is now owned by a trust. It has been home to numerous film and TV sets and was best known for appearing in the 1960’s show The Prisoner. Portmeirion is not only the perfect setting for a romantic walk but with a spa on site you can unwind and relax during a special spa day or explore what the village has to offer from shops to numerous restaurants and cafes. The village is also beautiful to see during a Summers evening and you may even feel like you’re on the Italian coast!

2. Llanddwyn Island

Said to be one of the most romantic spots in North Wales, Llanddwyn Island will not disappoint! With stunning views of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula, it’s hard not to love the setting of this stunning location set in Anglesey just off Newborough Beach. The island is best known to many for its association to Wales’ Patron Saint of Lovers, Saint Dwynwyn, a day celebrated by many Welsh people in a similar way to Valentine’s Day.

3. Signatures

Although there are many spectacular restaurants across North Wales, Signatures Restaurant is somewhere you must try if you’re visiting the area with that special someone. The restaurant, which serves a wide range of delicious dishes, won the coveted Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Award and is known across the coast for its excellent reputation. Based on Darwin Escapes’ Aberconwy Resort & Spa, Signatures is ideally located just a short distance from Conwy Marina and is also just a short walk from the beach. So book a table and enjoy a romantic meal for two before taking a stroll to visit the sites on offer.

4. Erddig Hall

If you’d prefer to explore more of North Wales’ history then why not take a trip to Erddig Hall? This stunning stately home has plenty of stories to tell. Now owned by the National Trust Erddig Hall was originally built for Josiah Edisbury, the High Sheriff of Denbighshire between 1684–1687. There’s plenty to see from gardens to parkland and they’re always running events during key points in the year.

5. North Wales’ seaside piers

Is there anything more romantic and nostalgic than taking a stroll down a seaside pier? Here in North Wales we’re lucky to have a few to choose from. So why not take a walk down Bangor Pier or Llandudno Pier, grab some candyfloss and get involved with all the fun attractions they have available.

6. beach walks

You’ll be spoilt for choice for beaches to stroll along if you came to stay with us in North Wales. From Anglesey to Talacre there are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. Enjoy watching the sunset or watching the waves roll in. For those looking to experience all the North Wales coast has to offer then our beaches are the ultimate gateway.

7. Bodnant Garden

This world-famous garden offers an idyllic romantic setting. For the horticulturist’s among us, Bodnant Garden is flower heaven. So pack up a picnic and head down to see the flawless sweeping lawns, woodlands and gardens with a beautiful backdrop of Snowdonia too.

Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat is perfectly placed to explore the local area and restaurants in the historic city. Opening its doors in 2017, Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat has fast become a popular holiday destination in Kent. And if you’re looking for places to eat in Canterbury, we are ideally placed to explore all the delicious restaurants on offer. We’ve put together this fantastic and varied list of the top restaurants in Canterbury.

kathton house

 

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Where: 6 High Street, CT2 0BD / 20 minutes’ drive / Open: Tues – Sat, 12 – 2pm / 7pm – 9pm

Visit this beautiful and quaint restaurant along the high street for a wonderfully relaxed and intimate meal of delicious fine dining, including starts such as smoked salmon or goats cheese and toasted pecan nut salad, mouth-watering mains such as braised beef in ginger or a three bean chilli, as well as delicious deserts such as crème brulee or vanilla panna cotta with strawberries! Your tastebuds will be tickles with every dish at Kathton House, while enjoying the fabulous atmosphere.

the corner house

Where: 1 Dover Street, CT1 3HD / 20 minutes’ drive / Open: Mon – Fri, 12 – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 9:30pm / Sat, 12 – 9:30pm / Sun, 12 – 3:30pm

Visit The Corner House for homemade, award winning food! The local restaurant recently received the Restaurant of the Year in the Taste of Kent Awards in 2015 and 2017, along with being recommended in the Michelin Guide for both 2015 and 2016. The Corner House offers mouth-watering dishes from locally sauced produce, in outstanding surroundings of a 16th Century former coach house, which retains much of its original character after undergoing its recent refurbishment.

saint smokey’s bbq house

 

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Where: 17 – 18 Borough, CT1 2DR / 20 minutes’ drive / Open: Mon – Wed, 12 – 10pm / Thurs – Sat, 12 – 11pm

You’ve never had chicken like Saint Smokey’s, there is a whole range of BBQ chicken, as well as chicken wings, strips, wraps and burgers, all smothered in the mouth-watering Saint Smokey’s BBQ sauce. The father and son team also have a special lunch time offer, which is popular with foodies all over Kent. Inspired by old family recipes from 4 generations of talented Caribbean family members, they’ve spent years perfecting their knowledge together to create the delicious BBQ Saint Smokey’s sauce.

il posticino restaurant

Where: 61 Dover Street, CT1 3HD / 10 minutes’ drive / Open: Sun – Sat, 12 – 3pm / Tues – Thurs, 6pm – 9:30pm / Fri – Sat, 6pm – 10pm

Visit this authentic Italian Restaurant for a slice of Italy in the heart of Canterbury. With a wide selection of pasta, homemade dumplings, creamy wild mushroom sauce and salmon, as well as a delicious selection of Tuscan cured meats and cheese to tickle your taste buds. This family run business also serves mouth-watering main meals, including duck breast, chicken breast and even T-bone steaks, along with a range of decadent desserts to choose from. Delight your palate with traditional Italian flavours at this wonderful rustic restaurant for a truly unforgettable experience at this tip Canterbury restaurant.

the lady luck

 

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Where: 18 St. Peters Street, CT1 2BQ / 20 minutes’ drive / Open: Mon – Sat, 12 – 7pm / Sun, 12 – 3pm

Enjoy delicious fresh homemade food, locally sauced produce including locally produced cheese and British raised meat from local butchers, plus a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes available. A friendly rock and roll pub in the heart of Canterbury, with a fantastic Jukebox playing the best metal, punk and rock bands from 1950’s to present day! The bar is fully stocked with a range of real ales and ciders, as well as specialist rums to sample, while enjoying a range of live music events. The ever changing menu offers dishes including Hunters Chicken and delectable homemade pies.

the ambrette

Where: 14 – 15 Beer Cart Lane, CT1 2NY / 15 minutes’ drive / Open: Sun, 12 – 2:30pm / Mon – Sat, 11am – 4:30pm / Mon – Thurs, 6pm – 9:30pm / Fri – Sun, 5:30pm – 10pm

A favourite eatery to both visitors and locals in Canterbury, since opening its doors in 2014. With Head Chef and founder, Dev Biswal creating a fresh and unique menu for the whole family to enjoy. Dev has combined traditional Indian dishes with influences from France and South East Asia, creating global cuisine but using locally sauced ingredients. Located close to the famous Canterbury Cathedral, you can enjoy a day of exploring historical architecture before tickling your tastebuds at the ever popular Ambrette restaurant.

the moat tea rooms

 

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Where: 67 Burgate, CT1 2HJ / 15 minutes’ drive / Open: Mon – Sun, 9am – 5pm

The best place in Canterbury for a mouth-watering afternoon tea, nestled in a stunning 16th Century building offering homemade sandwiches and cake, as well as 47 loose leaf tea options. Enter this wonderful haven away from the hustle and bustle of Canterbury’s high street. Bought back in 1998, Nimmy Sandhu realised his dreams of creating a beautiful and cosy, traditional English tea room, with his two nephew’s joining the business. The Moat Tea Room has grown a reputation of impeccable service, delicious food and a wide variety of tea’s over the past 10 years, serving traditional High Tea, a mouth-watering Cream Tea and even a wonderful Champagne Cream Tea for a special occasions. Visit the delightful Secret Garden, a brand new addition to The Moat Tea Rooms, where you can enjoy the bloom of flowers and soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and if the weather isn’t on your side, never fear, the garden comes equipped with shelter and heaters to keep you warm!

So if you’re looking for the best restaurant in Canterbury we’ve got you covered! Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat offers the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the top restaurants in Canterbury, taking your tastebuds on a trip through the historical city.