There’s more to Cornwall than beaches, Falmouth is full of fun, family friendly attractions for you to explore and discover at your own pace

Located on the southernmost part of mainland UK, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat offers beautiful surroundings to explore and is ideally placed on the Lizard Peninsula to discover all things to do in South Cornwall. There are endless activities on offer in and around Mullion Cove, here we have listed our top 6 things to do in Cornwall, all are family friendly and fun!

Each attraction has the postcode for your Sat Nav, and the distance in minutes away from Mullion Cove

flambards theme park

Where: TR13 0QA / 20 minutes’ drive

A great family day out no matter the weather, with fantastic theme park rides and fun indoor activities to discover, Flambards is one of the top activities in Cornwall. The adventurous among your group can brave the skies with the fast paced theme park rides, including the Sky-Force, Hornet Rollercoaster or the Skyraker, as well as a whole range of rides to make you scream with laughter. Explore the award-winning indoor attractions at Flambards and travel back in time, where you’ll discover what life was like way back when. In the Victorian Village attraction you can take a trip down memory lane, or learn all about the fascinating Pioneers of Flight, before exploring the fantastic Britain in the Blitz exhibition and learn about the home heroes of World War II. Flambards has everything you could want and is always at the top of the things to do in Cornwall list for all ages!

the chocolate factory & craft centre

Where: TR12 7HB / 8 minute walk
This is a fabulous craft centre to explore for free! Visit The Chocolate Factory and marvel at the skilled chocolatiers tempering the delicious Belgian chocolate, while creating wondrous and mouth-watering chocolate bars, chocolate eggs and chocolate filled truffles, which you can purchase in the shop! You can also purchase skin care products made from local Cornish Honey, the beautiful and natural range is called Honey Cosmetics and has gained a local cult following. The craft enthusiasts in your family will love the Rock, Paper, Scissors Shop, which stocks something for everyone, from stationary and games, to mugs and greeting cards. As well as offering a Make & Take table where customers can create cards, scrapbooks and a whole host of craft activities! Visit the Aladdin’s cave of Cornwall at the Serendipity Shop, where you can find a treasure trove of item’s, including crystals, shells & fossils, jewellery, handmade cards and Tintagel Pottery. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshing drink at the Coffee Shop, before heading out to meet the local resident Llamas. The family of Llamas were born in 2010, in Truro, then moved to the centre to help guard the flock of chickens from the local foxes, they are very friendly and inquisitive animals, who will follow you along your walk and will happily pose for a picture!

paradise park wild sanctuary

Where: TR27 4HB / 35 minutes’ drive
Enjoy a family day out at Paradise Park, which boasts a total of over 650 birds, with 140 different species, from parrots to penguins! You can get up close and personal with the majestic winged friends, by attending the fantastic Eagle Paradise Display show or the Free Flying Bird Show, and don’t miss the fun Penguin Feeding show where you many get the chance to feed them! The littles ones will adore the indoor Jungle Barn Play Centre, with giant slides, a fun soft play area and even a special toddler’s zone, with an adorable ball fountain for the little’s to enjoy! A fantastic family day out in Mullion for all age ranges and interests.

trebah gardens & amphitheatre

Where: TR11 5JZ / 35 minutes’ drive
A stunning Cornish valley garden, with over 4 miles of footpath to explore. Spend the day with your family and friends surrounding yourself with nature, including any fur-babies you may have as Trebah Gardens is dog friendly! Visit the picturesque bridge from the world famous Monet painting before exploring the stunning colourful array of this award-winning landscape. Enjoy a light lunch at the Trebah Kitchen café before discovering the shop. Head into the garden to seek out the Amphitheatre, which hosts a full programme of shows for all ages, including classics such as Punch & Judy and Dr Dolittle, as well as educational plays like Myths and Monsters, or fun stories including The Reluctant Dragon. Trebah Gardens & Amphitheatre is a nature filled, fun thing to do in Cornwall!

lizard lighthouse & heritage centre

Where: TR12 7NT / 17 minutes’ drive
The twin towers of the Lizard Lighthouse mark the most southerly point of mainland UK (and it’s only 20 minutes from Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat). You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the breathtaking views from the top and enjoy a host of interactive displays available. Including, being able to build a foam lighthouse, learn Morse Code and learn all about what it was like working and living as a lighthouse keeper way back when. Built in 1752, the Lizard Lighthouse has been guiding sailors for over 250 years! Enjoy a fun and educations day out, with the added bonus of breathtaking scenery.

pendennis castle

Where: TR11 4NQ / 45 minutes’ drive
Pendennis Castle was built from 1539 to 1545 by King Henry VIII, it was to protect Englad from invasion and it has done its job and protected our shores for over 400 years, with the area seeing action during World War II. Visitors embark on a beautiful and fascinating walk through a complicated history of conflict in Cornwall, with breathtaking and panoramic views to Falmouth and out to open sea.

so many things to do in cornwall

With so much to explore and discover around Falmouth, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is the ideal place to base yourself and your family to explore the local area. With 5 star accommodation, our luxurious lodges offer everything you could want from a holiday home and more.

Explore the beautiful North Wales region from your base at Talacre Beach Resort. A popular holiday destination for over 50 years, Talacre Beach Resort is the ideal place to base yourself when looking to discover all that North Wales has to offer. We’ve listed the top 5 attractions to visit in the region, all within close reach of Talacre Beach…

1. Talacre beach dunes & lighthouse

Only a 5 minute walk from the resort, Talacre Beach has miles of golden sand and is backed by beautiful dunes. The dunes are protected ground and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare species of Natterjack Toads, so keep your eyes peeled on your walk!

Take a stroll along the beach to the historic Point of Ayr Lighthouse, which was built in 1776 and rises 18 meters into the sky. Decommissioned in 1884, the lighthouse is a popular attraction with a whole host of ghost stories to keep you entertained.

2. Britain’s smallest house

The walled town of Conwy offers lots to do, but the absolutely must visit attraction is Britain’s Smallest House. A wonderful photo opportunity the 6 foot wide house has only two rooms, can only hold 4 people at any one time, but it was amazingly once a family home and was also home to a 6ft 3inch fisherman! Learn about the history of this popular attraction.

3. take a walk on the wild side

Recently announced as the UK’s officially most visited zoo, Chester Zoo is also the subject of Channel 4’s popular Secret Life of the Zoo programme. Spread over 125 acres, Chester Zoo is home to over 21,000 animals, with everything from reptiles to Gorillas calling the zoo home! Explore the zoo and fabulous habitats of these stunning, and much loved animals.

Alternatively visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, which boasts stunning scenery and panoramic views of the area. Stroll around the wooded pathways and learn all about the endangered and rescued animals and enjoy the daily Penguin walk through the zoo.

4. coastal walks & cycling

The North Wales region has a wonderful mix of golden sandy beaches and some of the tallest mountains in the country. Offering up to 60 miles of sea views along the stunning coastal path, as well as Prestatyn’s coastal path joining Offa’s Dyke which is Britain’s longest and most ancient National Trail.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, Mount Snowdon stands at 1085 meters above sea level, towering over the picturesque village of Llanberis with the summit offering spectacular views reaching to Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and even Ireland. There are a few different walks to take to the top of the mountain or you can opt for the train to the top and enjoy the breath-taking scenery on your ride.

5. Talacre Beach Resort

For family fun activities you don’t need to travel far from your holiday home! Talacre Beach offers a full children’s entertainment programme organised by cheeky Charlie Bear and his team of Rangers, with family fun day events, movie nights, face painting, games and talent shows. The Rangers also organise fantastic evening entertainment from family games, karaoke and bingo, to local and national cabaret acts, as well as wonderful shows from our home grown talent the Rangers themselves.

Our 5 star facilities include a tropically heated swimming pool, relaxing Jacuzzi pool, as well as a sauna, steam room and air conditioned gym lodge. The whole family will love our Go Active programme, which includes water walkerz, panna soccer and archery! After a fun day you can enjoy a delicious lunch or evening meal at the Bistro at Talacre Beach, before kicking back with a refreshing drink from the fully stocked bar.

So whether you’re looking to explore the region by foot and climb the mountains, or wanting to have a fun-filled family holiday, Talacre Beach is the ideal place to base yourself while discovering these top attractions in North Wales.

If you’d like some information about ownership at Talacre Beach, and how you can explore the North Wales Coastline at your own pace, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 or talk to one of our advisers via our Live Chat service.

Take a look at the pictures below and see how Aberconwy Resort & Spa has grown into the luxurious seaside Owners destination it is today. Starting life as a family run business in 1993, Aberconwy Resort & Spa grew to one of the most popular and luxurious holiday home owner’s destinations in North Wales. Aberconwy joined the Darwin Escapes family in 2015, and we have managed to keep the family values while continuing to grow the facilities on park and being able to offer breathtakingly beautiful accommodation to our owners (check out The Lookout Lodge to see what I’m talking about).

We’ve recently trawled through the archives and found the below images from the building process of the main complex to aerial shots of what the resort looked like in the early 1990’s (there’s no early 90’s fashion in the photos though, disappointing I know).

aerial photos

You can see the resort taking shape as more owners settle into stunning coastal scenery, I’ve also added the latest aerial shot at the bottom of the images for you to compare!

the pool

main complex building

Our beautiful main building houses our fabulous five-star facilities (a bit of alliteration there…), from Mali’s Hair Salon and the Aberconwy Spa, to the newly refurbished Langley’s Country Club Gym. It is also home to the multi-award winning Signature’s Restaurant, which recently won Best Restaurant in Wales 2017!
Below are images of the construction of the complex building along with the most recent images of the reception area and facilities available.

It’s so nice to see the history of one of our most loved holiday home owner’s destinations. And when you see the five-star facilities available, the beautiful scenery which includes the majestic Snowdonia Mountain Range backdrop, as well as being a stone’s throw from the golden sands of the Conwy Morfa Beach, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the region (I know I am!).

If these images inspired you to learn more about ownership at Aberconwy Resort & Spa, feel free to give our dedicated Ownership Team a call on 01745 858010 for more information, or book a park tour and visit the stunning resort yourself!

North Wales is a hub of activity all year around, and if you’re visiting the region this Spring then you’re in luck…

Darwin Escapes has 4 unique destinations along the North Wales Coastline, from family favourites Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park in Flintshire and New Pines Holiday Home Park in Denbighshire, with both offering entertainment programmes and on-park activities. To Seaview Holiday Home Park, which is tucked away on the top of a mountain with breathtaking views, and our owners exclusive Abercowny Resort & Spa offering a luxurious base with five-star facilities and an award winning restaurant on park. With so much choice and a wide variety of events in North Wales this Spring you’re sure to find something perfect for your needs.

North Wales has an endless stream of events, activities and historical sites to offer all ages, and this spring there is an abundance of events for all ages to get stuck into…

sci-fi weekender

Where: Pwllheli // When: 22nd – 25th March

Enjoy 3 whole days of fantasy fun at this annual festival. In its 9th year, the weekender hosts fantastical attractions, including board game tournaments, memorabilia, stalls and film props. Discover how comic books are made and have discussions with your favourite author. You could be the first to see exclusive screenings of new and old films or TV shows. There will be photo opportunities and autograph booths available for a list of stars. Make sure to dress up and enter the fabulous cosplay competition!

brainiac live!

Where: Venue Cymru // When: 6th April

The daredevil science show is back at Venue Cymru by popular demand! This hit live tour show is more mischievous than ever, and it’s the perfect family afternoon out at Venue Cymru. The Brainiac’s will be combusting microwaves, exploding bins and various daring stunts on stage, all while you sit safely in your seats egging them on! You can book tickets to this much-loved show on the Venue Cymru website.

argon real ale trail

Where: Carnarfon, Gwynedd // When: 14th April

This a little of out the way for some, but it’s definitely well worth the travel effort for delicious ale! This is a bus based festival, and the bus will take you to 9 of the best real ale pubs, and even a special microbrewery, where you can enjoy sampling all the locally brewed real ales, all in picturesque rural pubs along the North Wales Coastline. Tickets for the bus festival are £15.

soundwaves music festival

Where: Surf Snowdonia // When: 14th April // Over 18’s Event

This over 18’s event takes place at the beautiful Surf Snowdonia, the world’s first inland surf lagoon! The Soundwaves Festival will be hosting two of Europe’s biggest dance brands, Kaluki Musik and Café Mambo, it will be the first time the two huge labels will be together in North Wales. Enjoy the festival at the edge of the lagoon, with state of the art sound and light shows!

Llandudno transport festival 2018

Where: Llanduno // When: 5th – 7th May

The annual event is run in conjunction with the Victorian Extravaganza, and is the largest transport festival in Wales, as well as being one of the UK’s most loved events. The Victorian Extravaganza is filled with stalls and fun fair rides, there you can jump on the free shuttle bus service and visit the fabulous Transport Festival, which will be hosting various cars, motorbikes, tractors, commercial vehicles and lots of steam engine machines too! Take a wander the around the festival and visit the Field Area for some delightful farm animals, including sheep herding demonstrations. A fun, family event.

victorian extravaganza

Where: Llandudno // When: 5th – 7th May

The annual Victorian Extravaganza in Llandudno town centre draws thousands of visitors every year, with a large steam fair including wagons and lorries from the 1920’s. The fun fair is a huge hit with all ages, with classic entertainment rides including a sky swing, carousel and Ferris wheel, as well as Victorian entertainment available such as Punch & Judy shows. Enjoy all the stalls on offer selling handmade gifts and delicious locally produced food, don the Victorian era style and join in on the fancy dress competition, and marvel at the daily parade! The perfect, traditional North Wales Spring event for all the family to enjoy!

camp Penrhyn

Where: Penryhn Castle // When: 7th May

This fabulous free event is fun for all the family! A wonderful Bank Holiday Monday event in a stunning North Wales castle setting. There will be plenty of activities to get stuck into, including navigational skills, nature trails, marshmallow toasting and even archery! Have a blast in the breahtaking scenery of Penrhyn Castle, explore all the history of this beautiful place, while learning how to shoot a bow and arrow!

focus Wales

Where: Wrexham Town Centre // When: 10th – 12th May

This 3 day multi-venue festival is Wales’ biggest music industry festival. In its 7th year, the aim of the festival is to showcase the fabulous new and upcoming tlent that Wales has to offer. Over 200 stages, around 1000 artists and a number of interactive sessions will be available for all music lovers, the festival usually drawers around 10,000 visitors. There’s a brand new comedy showcase of 2018 call Tudur Owen’s Comedy Marathon to check out too!

prom xtra

Where: Promenade, Colwyn Bay // When: 12th May

A family fun annual event that stretches across the beautiful Colwyn Bay Promenade, with a whole host of free things to do throughout the day. Explore the zones, from Prom Live showcasing all the best local talent in the region, explore the Beach Zone for endless fun in the sand and surf, including helicopter pleasure rides to see a birds eye view of the Bay for only £35! Or try your hand at kayaking and get stuck into the quadbike and Segway course, all of which is free! Head to the Adventure Zone for some free activities and see The Vander Brothers’ Wheel of Death show, with their death defying, acrobatic stunts! There is also a fabulous Creative Zone with a host of creative workshops to get stuck into. Don’t forget your thrills at the Knightly Fun Fair Zone with a range of entertainment and rides, as well a wide range of stalls to shop from locally made food and homemade gifts. An annual Spring event in North Wales perfect for the whole family.

all types vw show

Where: Bodelwyddan Castle // When: 20th May

Surrounded by the picturesque grounds of Bodelwyddan Castle, take a day to enjoy the only VW show in North Wales, and is also one of the largest shows in the North West. The All Types VW Show attracts thousands of visitors every year, with over 80 trade stalls selling everything from parts to accessories. There will also be a Show Arena filled with modified, classic and custom VW’s, as well as Audi and Seat show vehicles to marvel at. This show is a must for all petrol heads in the region.

antique, collectors & vintage fair

Where: Betws – y – Coed // When: 31st May

A hugely popular fair in the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, whatever your interest or hobby there will be a stall perfect for you! Offering everything from glass, china, linen, prints and paintings, to jewellery, books and even postcards! With such a huge variety of goods to browse and buy, you’re sure to find something to peak your interest.

So if you’re looking for family events in North Wales this Spring, hopefully this list helped you out and with so much going on, it’s easy to see why people love coming to explore this historic and picturesque part of the UK! If you’re looking for a UK holiday this Spring Darwin Escapes is sure to have the perfect resort and accommodation for you, click the link below to see what we have on offer.

Don’t want to leave North Wales once you’re here? No problem! All our destinations offer holiday home ownership in North Wales, so you can enjoy and explore the region at your own pace, while taking advantage of your very own holiday lodge along the North Wales Coastline. Call one of our dedicated Ownership Team members on 01745 858010 for more information, or talk to an advisor via our Live Chat service for any questions you may have.

The KP Resort is perfectly placed to explore Pocklington and wider Yorkshire, we have the ultimate list of things to do in the local area. Kilnwick Percy Resort is one of Darwin Escapes’ latest luxurious locations, surrounded by 180 acres of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds and offering beautiful two-storey lodge accommodation. The magical woodland around The KP Resort is home to a nature trail where you can spot the local wildlife and take long strolls around the land and onsite golf course, enjoying the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere.

Ideally placed to enjoy the local area, The KP Resort is the gateway to exploring all the Pocklington and Yorkshire have to offer. Settle in with a cuppa and scroll through our ultimate guide for things to do in Yorkshire…

burnby hall gardens & museum

Situated in Pocklington town, the unique Yorkshire gardens have been described as ‘a jewel in Yorkshire’s crown’ and have been awarded the Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award for 7 consecutive years. There are upper and lower lakes offer different views throughout the gardens, also including rockery, formal beds, natural shrubbery, as well as a Victorian Garden and a beautiful secret garden for you to find! Don’t forget to visit the Stewart Museum within the gardens, it’s dedicated to Major Percy Marlborough Stewart and his travels around the world.

great givendale

A beautiful hamlet (a small village, not the play. Learn something new every day!) is just waiting to be explored, discover the church which is dedicated to St Ethelburga and is a Grade II listed building. In 1823 Great Givendale was a civil parish and village, with the church patron being the Duke of York and the population at 60 people. Located only 3 miles north of Pocklington, you can visit this unique and stunning place for a slice of Yorkshire history.

madhyamaka kadampa meditation centre

Only a short walk from The KP Resort, the meditation centre offers teachings on modern Buddhism and is open all year round. With endless retreats, classes and courses, there is something for all levels of experience and interests into the practice of meditation. Kilnwick Percy Hall has been home to the centre for over 25 years, and is surrounded by 47 acres of stunning grounds, which adds to the peaceful experience. The centre does offer drop in sessions and day courses, as well as intensive full week courses, with something for everyone to be interested in!

burnby equestrian centre

A friendly and welcoming riding school based at the foot of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds. Only 3 miles from Pocklington and The KP Resort, the centre offers private and group lessons for all ages, in a safe and friendly environment. If you didn’t want to have a go in the arena, the centre offers trails around the local area, starting with a mini-adventure around the Equestrian Centre’s land and ponds which is perfect for beginners, the centre also has access to their own private hack ride through farmland and woodland. Or for a more experienced rider, you can take a trip onto the stunning Yorkshire Wolds, featuring spectacular views across Yorkshire.

yorkshire air museum

A registered charity, the museum is a not-for-profit organisation and receives no local or government funding, so you know your money is going to a good cause when you visit! The museum is a living memorial to allied air forces personnel, especially those from World War 2, aiming to be relevant and realistic when explaining the sacrifice and a typical wartime bombers station, while showing the history of aviation. You can explore back to the 1850’s and all the way up to present day at the Yorkshire Air Museum.

make ‘n’ take ceramics

Discover a family run ceramics studio on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, which offers endless inspiration. There is a huge variety of hand-cast pieces to paint, everything from kitchenware to ornaments and planters. You can also create your very own either using moulds or try some hand building with clay, creating new shapes or be adventurous and have a go at the spinning potter’s wheel. There will be home baking, hot cups of tea and lots of laughter on offer at this creative studio.

castle howard

For over 300 years the Howard family have welcomed guests to Castle Howard. You can explore the beautiful house at your leisure between 10am and 3pm, with guided tours at 3:30 and 4pm. The gardens are full of exciting parkland and woodlands just waiting to be discovered, with beautiful lakes and an amazing adventure playground. Explore the stunning 18th Century house and marvel at the lavish interiors and fantastic works of art inside. With 1000 acres of land along with a number of shops and cafes, you can spend a day exploring that Castle Howard has on offer.

piglet’s adventure farm

A day filled with family fun is to be had at the wonderful Piglet’s Adventure Farm. With activities including ride-on tractors, the giant sandpit, pedal go-karts, water wars, a giant foam party, as well as a fantastic Olympics obstacle course, fabulous bouncing pillows and the brand new indoor animal barn play area. Don’t forget to follow the fairy tale trail or the farm yard trail to explore more around the park. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even see some cute piglets in the maternity ward. With plenty of picnic areas, an onsite ice cream parlour and coffee house, you can have a full day at this fabulous and family friendly adventure farm in Yorkshire.

flamingo land

A theme park and conservation zoo, with endless fun for the family! With extreme rides including the mumbo jumbo, adrenaline including cliff hanger and brand new Hero ride, as well as family favourites and children friendly rides including the Peter Rabbit Adventure, there will be a ride to fit all ages. Visit the zoo full of beautiful birds, friendly farm animals and exciting reptiles, amphibians and larger mammals. Learn more about flamingo conservations during the daily educational talks too.

york’s chocolate story

Discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate! Learn the secrets to becoming a master chocolatier and try your hand at the many interactive exhibitions. York’s fame and fortune was made in 300 years of chocolate and remains the UK’s home of chocolate today. Try handmade, fresh chocolate and take a city guided tour to celebrate 250 years of Terry, and learn how the brand helped to shape the historic city. A chocolate filled day out for all the family.

jorvik viking centre

One of the most popular visitor attractions in York, welcoming over 18 million visitors over the last 30 years. Explore the site of one of the most famous and astounding discoveries of modern archaeology, the York Archaeological Trust revealed the houses, workshops and backyards of York’s Vikings from over 1000 years ago. Take a journey through the reconstructed streets and really experience life as it would have been in the 10th Century York. An updated ride experience and collection of artefacts allows you to discover the fascinating history of York’s Vikings.

the fun run goole

A massive 4 tier netted, indoor play area for those serious about fun! Have fun on the ginormous 2 lane wave slide, or try out the spiral side, have a blast in the inflatable ball area, as well as a grassed area for football or basketball games. There is also a large WOW play area, including messy play days and craft activities. Along with a fabulous sensory room for children with special sensory needs, including sensory equipment. There is also a five star rated café onsite to relax and grab a bite to fuel more play!

york dungeon

Take a 75 minute journey into more than 200 years of York’s history, brought to life by an amazing cast of actors, special effects and a completely unique walkthrough experience! You will have a belly-laugh inducing time, with a little fear thrown in for good measure too. You will come face-to-face with true life versions of York’s most sinister characters, portrayed by talented actors and you can follow their stories though the fabulous laugh-out-loud shows!

The KP Resort is perfectly placed to explore all that Yorkshire has to offer and we hope we have given you the ultimate guide on things to do in Yorkshire. You can discover all the hidden secrets the local area has to offer, while retiring back to your luxurious lodge accommodation at The KP Resort, indulge in a mouth-watering meal at the onsite Glasshouse Restaurant and soak up the peaceful atmosphere from the surrounding woodland.

Visit The KP Resort and explore all the things to do in Yorkshire!

Enjoy a Harry Potter Weekend in Beautiful York. The beautiful walled city of York boasts a number of world famous attractions. These include historic buildings such as York Minster, St. Mary’s Abbey, the beautiful city walls and a range of World Class museums & exhibitions that provide hours of entertainment & intrigue for all of the family. More recently however, York has started to become a major attraction for Harry Potter fans (AKA “Potterheads”) from around the world. York has embraced the Harry Potter theme that is growing amongst the city – which all seems to have begun thanks to the iconic medieval street that can be found there – The Shambles. Read on to find out what other treats are in store for fans of the J.K. Rowling books…

experience diagon alley in York

Often referred to as “Harry Potter Street”; the Shambles is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley – the iconic alley that appears in a number of the books & movies. Once packed with butchers and meathooks; the beautiful street has been preserved over the centuries; maintaining a range of historic features and its original character.
It appears that Harry Potter is having an increasingly strong influence upon the street, thanks no doubt to the power of the hordes of fans who visit the Shambles each year. The café at The Flax for example has reportedly developed a number of unique Harry Potter items on their mouth-watering menu – including a delicious ice cream!
The street is a must-visit for any true Potterheads, thanks not only to its uncanny resemblance to Diagon Valley; but for the 2 Harry Potter shops that currently reside there…

Enjoy The Wizard Walk of York, a magical walking tour that leaves from The Shambles and is heavily inspired by Harry Potter and the wizarding world!

harry potter gift shops

Boasting a range of amazing Harry Potter merchandise and gifts, The Shambles is becoming the go-to-place in the UK to satisfy all of your Harry Potter needs. The street currently has 2 shops dedicated to the book & movie series, with a third at the planning stage…

The Shop That Must Not Be Named

Located at the 30 The Shambles, York – The Shop That Must Not Be Named is a real treat for Harry Potter fans young and old. The shop sells everything a wizard could need, including cloaks, wands and official merchandise. Opened in May 2017, the staff have already developed a reputation for being extremely enthusiastic when it comes to anything Harry Potter related and equally helpful when it comes to choosing a trusty wand or an attractive wizard’s hat.

The World of Wizardry

Just a short stroll down the street is another treat for Harry Potter fans – The World of Wizardy. Brimming with more Harry Potter merchandise than you can shake a stick/wand at, the shop opened in late 2017 with hundreds of fans queuing to get inside and there was even a Harry Potter lookalike on hand for photographs! Stocking wands, mugs, scarves and everything in between, the shop is Harry Potter heaven.

The Boy Wizard

The third Harry Potter shop is due to open at numbers 22 and 23 on The Shambles according to planning documents. Two shops are being combined into one large Harry Potter merchandise store!

York train station

Shying away somewhat from the Harry Potter limelight, York Railway Station is an interesting place to visit for Potterheads. Set at King’s Cross station, the bridge that Harry and Hagrid walk over in The Philosopher’s Stone is actually the one found at York Railway station.

It might be best to visit the train station away from rush hour!

Enjoy a Harry Potter Weekend with a Stay at the KP Club in Pocklington.

Watch award-winning Blood Brothers in North Wales at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre…

I absolutely love musicals, but somehow I had never seen Blood Brothers before. Despite people raving about it, I’d just never gotten around to it. In fact, I didn’t know even what it was about, but since its fantastic reputation preceded it, when I saw it was coming to Rhyl, I knew I had to get tickets!

Affectionately known as the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’ it had a lot of hype to live up to. So, did it meet the high expectations? Absolutely!

you need to get tickets to see blood brothers in rhyl

After wowing audiences in the West End, Bill Kenwright’s production of the Willy Russell classic is touring the UK in 2018 and I for one can say that you have to see it!

Belting out classic songs, delivering polished acting performances and exuding finesse with effortlessly precise dance routines, the company work superbly together to tell this captivating, funny, and sometimes gritty, tale.

musicals not for you?

If musicals aren’t really your thing, do not disregard this particular show. It’s not the same as all the others. It isn’t all jazz hands and sequins; its foot-tapping, soul-stirring brilliance, with a story that will both warm and break your heart.

The staging is fantastic, and Lyn Paul (of New Seekers fame) is phenomenal, heading a highly talented ensemble, who tell the story of twins separated at birth. Yes, there are lots of songs and plenty dancing, but I defy anyone to watch this and not thoroughly enjoy it!

world-class entertainment…in rhyl?

Oh yes, seaside favourite Rhyl is currently undergoing a 21st Century face-lift and the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre is one of the first to benefit, enjoying a fresh new look. They’ve got the balance just right, staying true to its roots in the theatre itself, but with a beautiful modern facade and fantastic bar.

If you only see one show in 2018, watch Blood Brothers at Rhyl Pavilion.
Grab a ticket yourself – Blood Brothers is showing until Saturday 24th March and tickets are available on the Rhyl Pavilion website or by calling the Box Office on 01745 330000.

If you’re looking for things to do in Devon, put House of Marbles at the top of your list!

One of my favourite places to visit in Devon is House of Marbles. I’m not going to lie, I love a freebie and House of Marbles is free to visit and has free parking! Plus, there’s so much to do, you and the family could spend hours here

Read on to find out what’s on offer at House of Marbles in Devon

a family friendly attraction in Devon

There’s so much to see you won’t know where to start! Make sure you don’t miss the museum section, which not only explains the 4000 year history of glass (made very interesting, I promise) but also has a huge collection of toys and games from yesteryear; some that you may remember from your childhood and others dating back as far as 1600!

things to see in the house of marbles

There’s also a huge number of captivating marble runs, including ‘Snooki 2000’ a massive construction which is located on the first floor and had me absolutely spellbound. Oh, and don’t miss the Glass Making section, where you can see the masters at work, creating the most wonderful marbles and gifts. Speaking of gifts, this place has so much on offer and reasonably priced too! Lots of choice for children and adults alike, I managed to pick up lots of gifts for family and friends (and myself of course!)

So, if you’re looking for weather–proof low-cost family fun, this is the place to go. They even have a café, offering drinks, snacks and meals (A pot of tea for 1 is £1.80 – not bad at all)

Enjoy a Succulent Three Course Meal & Help Raise Money for Charity at the Same Time…

Join us on the 1st March for a fun charity evening at Signatures Restaurant in Conwy. We have officially been voted as being the best restaurant in Wales for 2017, and this is your opportunity to have a taste of what we are all about whilst also raising money for a worthwhile charity.

For just £35 per person, you will enjoy a three course meal prepared by our Award Winning Team led by Head Chef Jimmy Williams with £10 of your ticket price being donated towards the fantastic “Beauty with a Purpose” charity which aims to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world.

In addition to this, you will also be treated to entertainment on the evening featuring leading local vocalist and Signatures Restaurant Matty Roberts. You may also want to get involved in our Charity Raffle which will take place at 9.30pm, all proceeds for which will be donated to our chosen charity.

get behind our very own beth williams…

This year our very own Beth Williams will be taking part in the annual Miss Wales Competition having been chosen to be one of the competitions finalists. Beth is a much valued member of the Signatures Restaurant team, serving as a member of our Front of House staff.

We are immensely proud of Beth who hails from Conwy but has spent her past couple of summers educating children in the United States. Serving as Culinary Arts Counsellor in the Camp Zeke summer camp, Beth has spent her own time educating children as to the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Whilst in her homeland, Beth is still proactive in her work with children, working with a local children’s netball team alongside her work at Signatures Restaurant.

Beth isn’t just a pretty face and immensely generous in the giving of her time to help others; she is a smart cookie as well having studied Nutrition in Cardiff.

join us on march 1st

Get hold of one of the few remaining tickets for our charity evening which will be taking place on 1st March at Signatures Restaurant which is located on the grounds of our 5 star Aberconwy Resort & Spa.

There is very much a Welsh theme to our evening, to mark the fact that the event will obviously be taking place on St. David’s Day. Many of the ingredients you will enjoy on the night will have been sourced from our heartland as we aim to showcase the best that Wales has to offer.

You can view the menu for our three course charity evening meal online and take advantage of one of the few remaining tickets by filling out the enquiry form on our Signatures Restaurant Entertainment page or by calling us on 01492 583 513.

Panto season is upon us and this year Sleeping Beauty will take to the stage in Rhyl’s theatre…

Panto season is well underway and this year audiences can expect to see Rhyl Pavilion bring plenty of glitter and magic to the theatre stage as it welcomes some of the biggest soap stars and one of Wales’ own home-grown talents to take to the stage and bring that all-important Christmas Magic.

This year’s panto is the magical princess fairytale story, Sleeping Beauty. For those unsure of the storyline, it follows a beautiful princess in a land far away. She is cursed by a wicked fairy and is destined to spend her life as a Sleeping Beauty until she is awakened by her true love’s kiss.

The production promises to provide the perfect festive entertainment for the whole family, promising to bring plenty of laughter, sparkle and sequins. Jam packed with smash hit songs, stunning sets and outrageous costumes it has everything you would expect from a Christmas Pantomime.

The 2017 pantomime cast is headed by Vicky Entwistle, best known as Coronation Streeet’s Janice Batterby who plays the Bad Fairy Cararabosse. She will be joined on stage by Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter, Amy Thompson as Sleeping Beauty, Princess Briar Rose; Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jane Buckley, as the Good Fairy and the Queen of pantomime dames, Charles Burden, plays Nanny Glucose and last but by no means least, back by popular demand is Wales’ very own Sean Jones as Silly Billy, returning for his 6th consecutive pantomime at the Pavilion.

Last year was said to be a record breaking panto for Rhyl Pavilion and this year they’re hoping Sleeping Beauty will follow in those footsteps. The theatre are once again hosting a fun-filled pantomime in association with Martin Dodd of UK Productions.

Two local dance schools will also be making up the cast. The Gay Harris Dancers and The North Wales School of Dance will also be adding that extra sparkle to the performance.

As usual there will be plenty of time to shout, boo and hiss at the panto baddies, sing along to your favourite songs and don’t forget the costumes! Every year costumes play an important part of the Dame role and this year is no exception. There will be a brand new wardrobe for this production of Sleeping Beauty ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous! You have been warned!

Tickets are priced from just £9.50, so what are you waiting for? If you’re staying with us at Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park or at any of our other North Wales Holiday Parks during the festive season, take the family down to Rhyl Pavilion and get yourselves in the Christmas mood.

You can see Sleeping Beauty at the Rhyl Pavilion until Saturday, January 6. To book your tickets visit the Rhyl Pavilion website or phone their Box Office on 01745 330000.