Conwy’s biggest food, music & art festival is returning to provide another exciting programme of events. What better way to spend your weekend than trying out a variety of cuisines, experiencing great live music and enjoying a range of craft activities in the stunning location of the North Wales medieval town, Conwy.

From October 27 to 29, Conwy’s streets will be filled with foodies, art enthusiasts and music fans as the Conwy Feast returns for 2017 to provide the perfect weekend of family entertainment!

The festival gives you the chance to taste for yourself some of the amazing local Welsh produce on offer and also experience Worldwide delicacies courtesy of Street Food Vendors based on the Quayside and Food Halls which are set up across the typically quaint Welsh town.

food lovers will have an eclectic mix of events and food halls to choose from…

One of the many highlights taking place over the weekend are the live kitchen shows. Chef Bryn Williams will be taking centre stage cooking in the Seafood Kitchen on Conwy Quayside from 11am on Saturday 28th October to put together two delicious dishes, Roast Prawns & Seaweed Mayonnaise and Pan-Fried Sea Bream, Crushed Potato & Smoked Cream Sauce.

The Denbigh-born chef first participated in the Feast festival in 2006 before going on to represent Wales in The Great British Menu, which saw him cook for the Queen as part of a winning team of four chefs.

A live session, called Kitchen Theatre, will also see some of North Wales’ best chefs show off their skills and let audience members taste the mouth-watering dishes they put together.

Make sure you grab your shopping bags and head down to the Food Halls where a range of local and European foods will be on display for you to pick up and take home. Street Food Vendors will be offering tasty treats throughout the weekend too from wood fired pizzas, to chocolate treats and hog roasts!

For those who fancy a tipple, then wine tasting sessions will be running on the Saturday evening. The first session promises to bring the taste of Spain to North Wales, from 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall and then from 7.30pm experience a taste of Wales with a Welsh wine and cheese tasting session at the same venue.

take part in the variety of crafts on offer…

If wine tasting isn’t your thing then why not take advantage of the abundance of craft workshops taking place over the weekend. Try your hand at Lantern Making, Origami, Abstract Sculpture, Relief Printing and more on both Saturday and Sunday.

All tickets for these sessions can be booked in advance from the Gwledd Conwy Feast website to avoid disappointment. Prices are £7 for adults and £5 for young people over the age of 12.

For those under 12 why not head to the Apple Making Workshops outside St Mary’s Church Hall on Rosehill St from 10am to 4pm, or go and take part in your own Great Pottery Throwdown at the Tabernacl from 11.30am – 1.30pm or 2pm – 4.30pm on either weekend day!

a jam packed line-up of live music will leaving you dancing for days…

If you’re not a big food lover or not into arts and crafts, the tent on the Quay is where you need to go! For just £10 you can enjoy a weekend array of live music as this year Conwy Feast have offered out the option to buy a ticket, which will only cover the weekend’s music performances.

Kicking off the live set at the festival on Friday night is Welsh band Pinc Ffloyd, who will be followed by bands Wilbur Milton, The Storyville Mob and Bad Dog.

Saturday and Sunday will see a wide mix of music from choirs to Jazz and even a bit of Rock … so you’re bound to find a tune that suits your taste!

how to get involved in the conwy feast event…

Either choose a Wristband to cover the whole weekend or just one day… whatever you choose it is up to you! A Weekend Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 3 Children is £28 …

Full details on wristbands and how to buy them are available from the Gwledd Conwy Feast website.

If you’re looking for a more permanent holiday destination to enjoy the events North Wales offers, such as the Conwy Feast, then why not consider holiday home ownership at New Pines Holiday Home Park or either of our sister parks, Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park or Aberconwy Resort & Spa? Contact our friendly team on 01745 858010 if you’d like more information!

Enjoy yourselves fellow foodies!

Written by Sarah Twist • 12th October 2017
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Struggling for last minute presents this Christmas? We’ve got you covered at Aberconwy Spa! If you’re a late shopper, stressing about Christmas presents can sneak up on you, and what do you get that person who seem to have everything? Well here at DE HQ we’ve put our little Santa hats on and realised that everyone’s looking to relax after Christmas and the perfect way to do that is a spa treatment! So why not get someone a spa voucher this Christmas?

why a spa voucher? I hear you ask…

Well, they are versatile little presents! A spa voucher can fit any gift giving situation, from Secret Santa in work, that one friend who has anything and everything they need, to a partner in need of a relaxing time after the busy festive period. An Aberconwy Spa voucher can be ideal for anyone, with a wide range of treatments available, as well as being able to purchase one for either cash value, a spa pamper day or a specific treatment. Which means you don’t have worry about choosing the wrong treatment for your giftee (is that a word?), you buy them a cash value and they book the treatment they want!

A spa voucher is perfect if you just aren’t sure what to buy that person who has everything (there is always one). They are also ideal for treating a new mum, or any mum, as well those ladies who are pregnant as we have a range of Pregnancy Treatments to choose from too! And spa treatments are not just for women, Aberconwy Spa have a variety of Men’s Treatments available, as men feel the need to relax just as much as women.

Photo of a spa voucher you can buy from Aberconwy Spa

but what’s actually at Aberconwy Spa?

Well, along with a wide variety of Aromatherapy Associates treatments, the five star facilities will also be available during your time at the spa. Including a sumptuous Relaxation Room to… well, relax in, as well as a soothing sauna and steam room to help rejuvenate and open up those pores. Sit back and soak up the bubbles in the Jacuzzi, or pay a little extra and take a dip in our stunning, tropically heated swimming pool.

At Aberconwy Spa, we partner with the prestigious Aromatherapy Associates, who have over 30 years’ experience in the health and beauty industry. Expertly using essential oils throughout their treatments allows you to feel fully relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed through 3 main levels, of inhalation, sense of smell and absorption through skin. Abercowny Spa offer a wide range of treatments, including an Immune Recovery treatment designed to keep your sinuses clear and your immune system stronger, using inhalation and pressure points to open up air waves. Ideal for those suffering from a Christmas cold! We also offer shorter treatments, including an Instant Eye Repair to refresh and brighten your eyes, as well as a range of Gentleman’s Treatments and Pregnancy Treatments too!

We also offer a range of Jessica Nails treatments, under our ‘Finishing Touches’ range, this includes a Prescriptive Manicure, file and polish as well as GELeration Nails. Along with hand and feet treatments, we also have a range of waxing and tinting treatments available. So whatever the need, we have the treatment to suit!

An Aberconwy Spa voucher could be brought for a specific treatment, spa pamper day or cash value if you didn’t want to choose for your giftee (I’m stick with it, it’s now a word).

Drop into the Aberconwy Spa today or call on 01492 572002 to find out more about buying a spa voucher for your giftee this Christmas!

Written by Sarah Knight • 15th September 2017
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Are you and your fur-baby visiting us and looking for dog friendly attractions in Kent? We’ve got you covered. There is nothing more exciting than taking your little fur balls out for a wander around a new place, exploring and discovering as you go. Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat offers stunning lodge style accommodation, with beautiful countryside surroundings and perfectly placed to explore all that the area has to offer, humans and puppers! If you’re looking for the best dog friendly attractions in Kent, you’ve come to the right place…

Eynsford Castle

Surrounded by a picturesque village, he castle is a rare example of an early Norman’s ‘enclosed castle’. Instead of the usual motte to protect itself, the Eynsford Castle broke tradition and was actually protected by a curtain wall, with parts even surviving to their full height today. Built by the Eynsford family, the beautiful castle was at the centre of an inheritance dispute, was vandalised and left abandoned from 1312 onwards. Explore the grounds and the ruins of this tradition breaking castle with your puppy!

Faversham Stone Chapel

This is the only Christian building in England to include the remains of a 4th Century Romano-British pagan mausoleum (what a mouth-full!). Explore the remains of this beautiful Medieval Chapel, your puppies will love running around the greenery while you marvel at the history around you.

Kent & East Sussex Historical Railway

Proposals began for this railway in 1850, with the plans finally being confirmed in 1896 (a very long wait). The railway is host to lots of events throughout the year including HopFest, which is a family fun and nostalgic weekend with Punch & Judy Shows. The children will love a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as Halloween and Santa themed events, dogs are welcome to certain events also and there are endless railway walks to explore too!

Kit’s Coty & Little Kit’s Coty House

Visit these stunning remains of two megalithic ‘dolmen’ burial chambers with your dog and discover long-forgotten history. These beautiful monuments are located in the picturesque Kent countryside, surrounded by the rolling hills, your puppies will just love exploring right along with you. The origins of Kit’s Coty and Little Kit’s Coty are unknown, what is known is that barrows similar to these were used in the early Neolithic period to act as communal burial ground sites, making the site even more interesting!

Knights Templar Church

This is an interesting site of stone foundations of a small, circular chapel which has links to the Knights Templar. The military and religious organisation was founded in the 12th Century to defend the holy places and protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The Order became increasingly unpopular and were finally suppressed in 1312, the links to Kent are tenuous and they are said to have fled the country in 1185. The buried foundations were uncovered in the 19th Century during construction of military defences, make sure to visit this dog friendly attractions in Kent and marvel at these historic ruins.

Mount Ephraim Gardens

The gardens are 10 acres of Edwardian beauty to explore! Visit the topiary garden and marvel at the rock and water garden’s peaceful atmosphere, as well as the beautiful rose garden on offer too. There is a wonderful tea room to explore if you would like refreshments during your walk around the breathtaking grounds. Dogs are welcome to explore and discover these beautiful Edwardian gardens with you.

Reculver Towers & Roman Fort

Visit this striking 12th Century church tower that still guides ships on their travels today. 2000 years ago the Monastic Church helped sailors pin-point their direction along the coastline. Originally built as an Anglo-Saxon monastery in 669, it was then added to, repurposed and changed until it was turned into the Parish Church in the 10th Century. You can walk around the stunning towers and enjoy the awe-inspiring views from the Cliffside.

St Augustine’s Abbey

Founded around 597AD by St Augustine, the abbey was originally built for a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent. It was one of the most important monasteries in Medieval England. For almost 1000 years, the abbey was used as a centre of learning and spirituality and was reduced to ruins during Henry VIII’s Suppression of the Monasteries. The ruins of the abbey are quite well preserved, you are able to take a stroll through the rooms and really understand the importance that his abbey once had.

Sutton Valence Castle

Built in the later years of the 12th Century, the ruins were once a strongly defended castle and was owned by Simon de Montfort, who was the leader of the rebellion against Henry III. De Monfort was killed in the Battle of Evesham in 1265, Henry III then gave the beautiful castle to his half-brother William de Valence. The ruins of the castle still stand, and boast a dramatically stunning and panoramic view over the Weald of Kent.

Canterbury ghost tour

Take part in a 90 minute tour around Canterbury and learn all about the dark side of this historic city! Hosted by award-winning author and local historian John Hippisley, he will seamlessly blend history, entertainment, spooky hauntings and humour throughout the tour. Explore the hidden parts of Canterbury and learn all about the historic city in a totally unique way, dogs are welcome on the tour too!

Dover Castle & Secret Wartime Tunnels

Dover Castle is one of the most iconic fortresses in England, you can roam through centuries of history and enjoy an action packed day out! Climb the famous Great Tower, marvel at the medieval interiors or delve underground to the Secret Wartime Tunnels. These amazing tunnels were the place where Operation Dynamo was masterminded, you will see, hear and feel the danger that those who evacuated from Dunkirk felt. The special effects, real film footage and projects throughout the tunnel show you the amazing events of May 1940.

During your stay with us at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat make sure to visit all these amazing and dog friendly attractions in Canterbury. If you’re looking for the top class pet friendly accommodation, Canterbury Reach has an abundance of luxurious lodges to choose from, with sumptuous beds, fully equipped kitchens and beautiful bathrooms to make you feel at home.

Enjoy exploring all the dog friendly attractions in Kent during your holiday with your fur-baby at Canterbury Reach!

Written by Sarah Twist • 15th September 2017
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Devon is famous for its beaches, and we have the top picks close to Beach Cove for you to discover!

 

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is nestled on the Cliffside of Hele Bay, overlooking the stunning beach and ocean. During the warmer months you can enjoy a relaxing day spent on the beautiful shingle beach, or relax in your beach hut style accommodation and marvel at the breathtaking views during the colder seasons.
Devon is infamous for stunning beaches, so here at Darwin Escapes HQ, we thought we would compile a list of the best beaches in North Devon you can explore during your stay with at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat…

 

combe martin beach

Located less than 10 minutes from Beach Cove, Combe Martin Beach is set in a beautiful location, being surrounded by the highest sea cliffs in England and is a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A mixture of shingle and pebbles, the beach turns into sandy-goodness the closer to the water you travel, it is a popular place for a wild-water swim as the cove is protected from very strong currents or waves. For those who like to keep their feet on dry land, there are an abundance of rock pools to explore around the beach too.

 

woolacombe beach

At 20 minutes away from Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, Woolacombe Beach is one of the best beaches in Devon with several miles of golden sand, and is again an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is very popular with the surfing community, so if you’re looking to catch a wave, Woolacombe is perfect for you.

 

hartland quay beach

A little further afield, at just over an hour away from Beach Cove, Hartland Quay is well worth the trip. A small pebble and rock beach along the stunning Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, and is known for the spectacular surrounding scenery. The picturesque beach is famous for the stinking and imposing cliffs towering over the beach, these Cliffside’s are not only awe-inspiring but are interesting to the geological community, with jagged shapes and layered forms. On the beach you can discover rock pools, waterfalls and wildlife in the area. Visit the nearby Hartland Quay Museum and learn all about the legends and history of shipwrecks and even smuggling in Devon!

 

woody bay

Just over half an hour away from Beach Cove, the walk down to this visually stunning cove is just as delightful as the beach itself, during the walk you will zig-zag through the beautiful woods and pass some very humorous signage along the way. This stunningly imposing cove is along the rugged Exmoor coastline, and is backed by heavily wooded and breathtakingly beautiful cliffs.

 

hele bay

Hele Bay is only a two minute walk from your beautiful beach hut style accommodation, and is a sand and shingle beach waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Located next to the picturesque Hillsborough Nature Reserve, you can enjoy the beautiful walk to the top of the cliff to overlook the cove and the whole of Beach Cove Coastal Retreat.

 

Beach Cove has one of the best beaches in Devon right on its doorstep, and located close to many more, making your holiday in Devon as beach – filled as you’d like! If you’re looking for a romantic holiday in Devon, Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is the perfect destination for you, with our beach hut style accommodation housing everything you could need under one roof, including sumptuous king size beds and luxurious hot tubs.

Book your holiday at Beach Cove today and start exploring Devon’s beach beaches

Written by Jess Hawley • 10th September 2017
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Think of exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and you probably think of trips to the beach and cliff-top walks to see the famous arch of Durdle Door. However, for the more adventurous, there is another way to explore.

 

For a real bucket-list experience you can join a kayak tour of the Jurassic Coast and paddle right from Lulworth Cove along the coastline to Man O’War Bay, and through the arch of Durdle Door.

Kayaking through Durdle Door had been on my ‘to-do’ list for quite a while, and that eagerness showed when I arrived at Lulworth Cove at 8:15am, a full 30 minutes before the arranged meeting time. It seemed that the entire village was still asleep at this time and despite walking up and down the main streets for a while on the lookout for a cafe or coffee shop, nothing was yet open and I would have to wait until after the trip for a proper cup of coffee. I sat near the beach to kill some time before my trip began, it was beautifully peaceful with not another person around in the picturesque cove.

Man kayaking alongside durdle door in Dorset

At 8:45 I made my way to the meeting point at the Jurassic Coast Activities HQ near the main town car park. I was told that today was a quiet day for the kayak tour and only three other people would be joining the tour. I was quite pleased about that, a smaller group can move further and faster and hopefully see more of the coast. I was given a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket and was pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. As I was getting changed I could hear that the other three people had arrived as well. We would soon be on our way.

After the typical formalities of introductions and safety briefings we followed our guide outside and picked up our kayaks. As there were four of us we would be using two-man kayaks for the trip. We wheeled them down to the beach and were in the water within minutes.

In the protection of the cove the water was calm and the paddling easy, but the weather was on the turn and as we reached open water the wind was strong and the swell seemed to lift us and drop us every few seconds.

Shot of a man kayaking in the ocean taken from behind

My initial excitement turned to nervousness for a few minutes as some sizeable waves hit the kayak and rocked us from side to side. I wondered how big these waves would need to be to flip our kayak over and dump us in the sea but our guide seemed unconcerned so I soon settled down. We made good progress along the coast and the opening into Lulworth Cove was soon out of sight. The paddling felt like hard work at times, most of my kayaking experience came from lakes where there are no waves, swells or currents to contend with.

Within a few minutes our guide signalled to a small hole in the cliff face, known as Stair Hole, we paddled through the hole and found a small cove on the other side, almost hidden from the sea. We stopped for a few minutes while our guide pointed out the Lulworth Crumple, layers and layers of limestone that made up the edges of the cove and made this area so geologically important. It was a great experience to be able to paddle right into this cove and get so close to these limestone features.

On the way out of the cove we paddled into a small cave that extended a few metres into the rock. It was dark and narrow, just wide enough for a kayak. We had to hold our paddles parallel to the kayak and use our hands to push ourselves deeper and then use the same method of pushing off the rock overhead to get back out. You would never know this cave was there unless you were on a kayak, it was hidden from land and far too small for any other kind of boat to venture in.

Group kayaking by durdle door in Dorset

We continued along the coastline, heading towards Man O’War Bay. The weather had really changed by this point and the clear skies of the morning were being replaced with thick cloud. The wind had picked up and the paddling was hard work. We knew that Durdle Door wasn’t too far away though and for all of us, that was going to be the highlight of the trip.

We stopped in Man O’War bay for a quick rest, we pulled the kayaks up onto the beach and drank water and ate a chocolate biscuit each for energy. As we sat and rested we watched a Peregrine Falcon flying high above us, they nest on the cliff tops here and explain why there aren’t too many seabirds to be spotted in this location.

Reenergised and raring to go, we jumped back in our kayaks and paddled hard to get out of the cove against the waves, our hard work was rewarded almost instantly and Durdle Door was within sight. We paddled closer and stopped to take photos and turn on our GoPros. This was what we were here for.

There are many ways to explore Dorset, there are dozens of clifftop walks and coastal trails you can follow, but if you’re feeling adventurous paddling through Durdle Door and exploring the caves and geological features of the area is highly recommended. If you’ve got a bucket list, you should be adding this to it and making plans to tick it off.

For more information on booking a kayak tour visit

By Rob Haggan

We like to say a huge thank you to Rob for his wonderful guest post about the Jurassic Coast! If you’d like to book your own adventure and stay in luxurious accommodation, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is waiting for you!

Happy Adventuring!

Photo Credits: Jurassic Coast Activities

Written by Jess Hawley • 5th September 2017
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Enjoy a packed year of exhibitions and events all over the country, and near her home in Surrey. Our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is located in Farnham, Surrey. While being only a 50-minute train ride away from the capital city of London, you can have a fun-filled holiday break with us, and this year is extra special. 2017 is the 200-year anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, one of Britain’s most-loved authors, Surrey was Austen’s home, with her house turned into a museum and a plethora of events and exhibitions on throughout the year to enjoy too!

Surrey provided the inspiration to many of her amazing novels, the Hampshire Cultural Trust will be holding activities and events, including talks, walks, live performances and even writing competitions, throughout the year at different sites, including the Jane Austen’s House Museum. The museum also has fantastic Jane Austen Picnic Packs, the packs include Regency recipes you can cook at home, a Jane Austen quiz, riddles and period games to play, as well as lots of ideas on how to hold a Jane Austen themed picnic for your friends and family.

events & exhibitions

Exhibitions and events will be taking place at various locations throughout Surrey and will include debuting permanent exhibitions such as The Jane Austen Story at the Winchester Cathedral. Where you can read all about her birth, childhood, and life, as well as being able to visit her gravesite. Also visit the Port of Gosport, where you will find The Navy at the Time of Austen: Fighting, Flirting & Fortune exhibition on display. This exhibition is all about the inspiration behind her hero’s in her later novels, her brothers, you will learn through Austen’s novels, letters and contemporary accounts about the dangers, dramas, entertainment and social life aboard ship in the Navy during that era.

Visit the Retail & Romance exhibition at the Willis Museum in Basingstoke. Austen knew Basingstoke very well, she often attended many balls and dances at the Assembly Rooms in the area. Jane Austen always wrote about the world she knew, including how someone should behave at a ball, what they would wear and eat at these high-flying social events. The exhibition covers the gentry, gossip and breathtaking gowns, Austen was an avid consumer of the gowns of the day, evident from her letters and the descriptions of what she was wearing at balls and dances.

Take a Jane Austen Tour & Tea at Winchester Cathedral, where you will stand next to the grave of Austen and reflect on her life in a very moving experience. The tour is conducted by a specialised cathedral guides, who will include insights into Austen’s life and her connections with Hampshire, along with a tour of Cathedral Close down to the house where she died on Cottage Street. The tour ends at The Refectory and your ticket price includes tea and a slice of cake here, where the conversation will surely continue on about the fascinating life of Jane Austen.

Enjoy a live comedic performance from the Ausentatious group at The Haymarket in Hampshire, who will be putting on an improvised comedy play. Every show the talented cast of comedians conjure up a brand new ‘lost’ Austen novel, always based on nothing more than an audience suggested title. Previous hilarious plays include Sixth Sense & Sensibility and Double O’Darcy, all plays are performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, a fun night out for everyone.

jane austen’s house museum

Along with all the normal fascinating goings-on at the museum, there are lots of extra exhibitions and events throughout the year to mark the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. Visit the Jane Austen in 41 Objects exhibition, Austen was only 41 years old when she passed away in 1817 and the exhibition tells the story of her life and legacy through 41 different objects. An evolving exhibition that runs alongside a series of online posts by guest writers. Each object comes with accompanying text and explores a different aspect of Austen’s life and work. The exhibition finishes on 15th December, one day before her birthday.

Writing Lives with Lucinda Hawksley is a writing workshop that will be taking place at the Jane Austen’ House Museum on 16th September. Visit and learn how to write your memoirs or a biographer, learn from top biographer Lucinda Hawksley, who will teach you where to start, how to extend your research and how to structure your work, as well as giving a valuable insight into the publishing industry. Join in on the workshop and let your creative juices flow!

2017 is the year to visit Tilford Woods and explore all the Jane Austen happenings around Surrey, you can help to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of one of Britain’s most-loved authors.

Book your holiday at Tilford Woods today and start exploring the local area and history!

Written by Sarah Twist • 23rd August 2017
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Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is surrounded by beautiful Surrey countryside, where you can find some wonderful hidden gems and perfect woodland walks. If you’re looking for a place to really get away from it all, relax in the countryside and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. A true instagrammers dream, the surrounding countryside offers many photo opportunities for you and your family, along with woodland and country walks ideal for roaming with your fur-babies. See our top picks of instagram posts from in and around Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat and maybe pick up some ideas of where to go on your Surrey countryside holiday!

stunning sunsets

A post shared by Chris Nevard (@nevardmedia) on

exploring ruins

A post shared by Lexi Theron (@lexiaroundlondon) on

colourful strolling
beautiful countryside
endless fields
hidden beauty
peaceful lakes

A post shared by Sfox2003 (@sfox2003) on

relaxing woodland walks

A post shared by Michael Legge (@michaellegge) on Dec 8, 2016 at 1:38am PST

family wanderings
puppy exploring

A post shared by Nik Darlington (@nikdarlington) on Jul 24, 2017 at 10:40pm PDT

fascinating findings

A post shared by Julie Roberts (@julierob60) on Jul 23, 2017 at 1:33pm PDT

exploring history – waverley abbey

A post shared by Andy Kelly (@andykelly87) on Jul 23, 2017 at 8:23am PDT

beautiful storms

A post shared by Jonny G (@dontforgetchaos) on Jul 23, 2017 at 4:44am PDT

forest findings – the devils punch bowl

A post shared by Robert Pettitt (@robbpettitt) on Jul 25, 2017 at 12:47am PDT

magical woodlands

A post shared by Sarah Louise (@sarah_louise_33) on Jun 26, 2017 at 7:30am PDT

riverside walks
woodland wildlife
beautiful ruins

A post shared by @lj_rocks76 on Jul 20, 2017 at 7:48am PDT

secret garden finds
stunning accommodation at tilford woods

Our beautiful Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the Surrey countryside, while being only 50 minutes away from the capital city of London. The luxurious lodge-style accommodation are perfectly placed to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and the various wildlife around the park, including the family of resident ducks who have their own lodge on the lake. Some of our accommodation host private saunas, hot tubs and lake-side views, with king size and four-posted beds also available for that added luxury during your countryside holiday.

Thank you to everyone who checked in at Tildford Woods or tagged Darwin Escapes. Make sure to check in at Tilford Woods on Instagram or #tilfordwoods for us to find your beautiful images, and maybe you’ll be in the next instagram post!

Enjoy the countryside with a Tilford Woods holiday!

Written by Sarah Twist • 28th July 2017
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A Fantastic Way to See the Local Area & Great Fun for All the Family

Treasure Trail booklets provide a fun way to explore areas across the UK with self-guided tours which take on a different theme and character depending on the location. Booklets are available for areas all around Cumbria, with Penrith’s trail taking the guise of a Spy Mission! Taking approximately an hour and a half to complete, the trail covers a circular route of 2 miles and is suitable for adults and children aged over 6 – there is even a free text service to receive clues if you get a bit stuck…

 

what is a treasure trail exactly?

Treasure Trails booklets can be purchased from treasuretrails.co.uk and provide a great way to learn about the local area, with booklets available for dozens of locations all around the UK. They provide an ideal way to explore either the areas nearby to where you live or places that you are visiting on holiday. You can start and finish your adventure whenever you like too – although waiting for daylight is recommended. You can order a printed book, or download an electronic version and print it off yourself…then go out and do some good old-fashioned exploring!

 

explore as you enjoy themed adventures

Take on the character of a spy, a detective or a treasure-hunter and create your own story as you follow the trail and solve a series of clues whilst taking in the best of the local sights and scenery. Great fun for children and adults.

 

explore on foot, get on your bike or in your car

Most of the trails – including Penrith’s,  are designed to be explored with a leisurely walk. However, there are also a number of trails that cover larger areas and are designed to be undertaken on a bike or in a car. The bike and car trails consist of a number of stops, where you get off your bike or out of your car to read the next clue. The driving trails consist of both walking and driving, with around 2 miles of walking at each stop; creating a longer day of exploring which will usually take 4 to 5 hours to complete. The cycling trails are plotted along established cycle paths and again consist of stop-offs where you will explore on foot.

 

see penrith from a different perspective

If you think you’ll enjoy this creative and quirky way to explore Penrith then download your map and clues from the TreasureTrails website. There are a huge number of trails available, including dog friendly adventures!

 

You can purchase your copy of the Penrith Spy Mission Treasure Trail from the website here. The booklet costs £6.99 at the time of writing.

Book your stay at Thanet Well Lodge Retreat and look forward to exploring the stunning local area.

Written by Sarah Knight • 19th July 2017
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Are you visiting New Pines Holiday Home Park in North Wales? Here are 10 things that you may not have known about this pretty seaside town!

New Pines Holiday Home Park offers luxurious holidays and holiday home ownership in the beautiful Denbighshire countryside, just a short drive from the traditional seaside town of Rhyl. Rhyl offers a beautiful sandy beach, a modern promenade, a bustling high street and brand-new developments creating a town filled with family fun attractions!

Here are 10 things you may not have known about Rhyl…

new water park in planning

 

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This brand new £15 million development has been given the go-ahead, creating an all year-round attraction with indoor and outdoor flume rides. Along with the all the water-based fun, there will be dry activities at the centre, including a climbing wall, outdoor activity zone and party rooms to hire out too. This new attraction is due to open in 2019.

olympic pro kitesurfing village

The plans for this wonderful Kitesurfing village would be the first of its kind in the UK and only 20 meters from the beach! The village will offer hot showers, a member lounge and video facilities, all so close to the beautiful beach. The pro kitesurfing schools owner Simon Jones aims to have the first flagship Olympic Kitesurfing in the UK, with a fun for all outdoor activity centre, the village will help to develop the sport in the UK.

retail park development at marina quay

Currently under construction, this large retail park is due to open its doors this summer. With big brand names signing on, including The Range and Poundworld, along with eateries such as Burger King and Greggs all confirmed, the retail park is sure to be a hub of activity. Located along the seafront, the retail park offers a shopping trip just meters from the beautiful harbour.

pavilion theatre rejuvenation

 

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The historic Pavilion Theatre is being lovingly refurbished, from the outside make-over to the new indoor seats. There will be four new zones in and around the theatre, including a new hotel, a family pub with separate restaurant and retail area, along with fun leisure outdoor activities and family entertainment area near the cinema and sky tower further along the promenade.

an award-winning beach

Rhyl’s east stretch beach has been given the prestigious Seaside Award, which marks water quality, good health and safety, as well as local facilities. The beautiful sandy beach is a popular destination in Rhyl and has been voted one of the top things to do on Tripadvisor.

point y ddraig’s bustling cycling community

The multi-million pound bridge closes the gap of the coastal walking path across Conwy and Denbighshire, facilities around the bridge include a popular café, which is highly rated and has beautiful views overlooking the harbour. As well as public toilets, a meeting room and an office for the harbour estate. The bike hub has a bustling community who enjoy meets and rides outs around the local area. The bridge itself is just as beautiful by night with a striking lighting scheme drawing people to the local area.

national standard bmx circuit

 

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Marsh Tracks is Rhyl’s National Standard BMX Circuit, the award-winning track was designed by Clark & Kent, who created a replica of the 2012 London Olympic Track. The gated track offers qualified coaches to help you make the best of your abilities, and a hire out offering which is perfect for any holiday guests in the area. The track is a technically challenging layout helping riders to improve and adopt as they develop. There is also a road cycling track and a fantastic mountain bike track, with something for all cycle-lovers at this wonderful track on Marsh Road in Rhyl.

drift park

The Drift Park is located on the beautiful promenade, and is a pretty landscaped space joining the seafront to the town centre. The Drift Park includes an outdoor water park, paddling pool and water fountains, along with the fun outdoor playground and mini golf course for family fun days out by the seaside.

rhyl miniature Railway

Take a peaceful ride around the beautiful Marine Lake on a stunning miniature steam train. Choose between Billy, Clara, The Lister and The Railway Queen to enjoy a family fun ride on the miniature railway in Rhyl, with regular steam train departures you will be sure to have a fun ride at Marine Lake.

bridlewood riding centre

 

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Bridlewood offers a fantastic new way to see the North Wales Coastline, stroll the beach on horseback, or enjoy a gentle trot and head into the hills for breathtaking views of the region. Bridlewood has a wide range of activities and rides designed for everyone, from complete novices to experience riders.

With so many exciting new developments in Rhyl, now is the time to book your holiday with us at New Pines Holiday Home Park and explore this beautiful seaside town!

New Pines Holiday Home Park is a family fun location, with a fantastic entertainments programme from cheeky Charlie Bear and his Rangers, there is a full day activity programme for the little ones to enjoy and family fun evening entertainment, including cabaret acts and home-grown talent from our Rangers. With an onsite restaurant offering mouth-watering meals and a fully stocked bar you can enjoy a delicious meal and a drink from the bar before strolling back to your luxurious accommodation.

New Pines Holiday Home Park also offers holiday home ownership, meaning you can escape to the North Wales countryside whenever the mood strikes! To own your very own dream holiday home in North Wales call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858 010 for more information, or talk to an adviser via our live chat service now.

Book your holiday and explore all the new developments in the local area.

Written by Sarah Twist • 18th July 2017
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Teeming with wildlife, both common and rare, visiting Seaview can bring you new discoveries! Seaview Holiday Home Park offers luxurious holiday home ownership along the North Wales Coastline, surrounded by utter beauty. With a peaceful nature walk following around the perimeter and only 1 miles drive to the beach, you can discover rare wildlife right on your doorstep. Or venture a bit further and see what the whole region has to explore, Seaview is perfectly located for wildlife adventures in North Wales!

Here are our top 13 wildlife critters to keep an eye out for in North Wales…

bottle-nose dolphin

The most familiar of all the dolphins and most likely to be seen from British shorelines. They are social animals found in pods of around 15 and are very acrobatic, often seem jumping out of the water or even doing somersaults.

common dolphins

They live up to their name, being seen all over the UK, leaping out of the water or slapping their flippers on the surface. Entire pods have been known to follow boats, bow-riding in their wake. Often found off the shore of Rhyl beach and known to follow boats around Bangor area.

Common dolphins in their natural habitat swimming in the ocean

grey seal

A large mammal that spends most of the time out to sea feeding on fish. Can be found on rocky shores where they breed where you will see pups from October to December before they are sea-ready. Found in coastal areas, including sightings at both Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches, and breeding grounds along the shores of Anglesey.

Photo of a grey seal lying down

cuttlefish

Relatives of the squid and octopus, the Cuttlefish is a predator that feeds on young fish and crabs. Living in waters up to 200 meters deep, but coming to shallow water to breed. They vary in colour, but are usually blackish-brown and are found around the coasts of England and Wales.

red squirrels

Angelsey is the only place in Wales where you can see them. Red Squirrels are native to the UK, and are being brought back through conservation efforts. You can follow their journey on The Red Squirrels Trust Angelsey website, where there is a website to see the adorable critters in the wild when you want!

Red squirrel peeking his head over a dead tree trunk

black grouse

These very rare birds can be found on the forest fringes in The Berwyns is the best place outside of Scotland to find these elusive birds. Most noticeable by their black feathers and lyre shaped tail during flight.

hen harrier

North Wales is currently one of the only places where Hen Harriers are doing well in the country, so venture out in the local area and see if you can spot them!

Photo of a Hen Harrier flying

pine marten

There has been no confirmed sightings of this elusive animal, as they are normally found further north, however there have been rumoured sightings in the Snowdonia Mountain Range – can you spot this beautiful yellow-bibbed animal?

brown hare

Found throughout Wales in farmland and fields, often grazing on vegetation and nibbling bark from young trees. They can be seen bouncing across fields in a zigzag pattern and are distinguishable from wild rabbits by their large hind legs and large ears with black tips.

Photo of a brown hare sat in a field

basking shark

The beautiful sea creatures are found all around the UK’s coasts, and most frequently sighted in south-west England and Wales. They are the second largest fish in the ocean, second only to the Great White Shark. The Basking Shark, however, only eats plankton by opening its large mouth and slowly swimming back and forth filtering the water.

variety of seabirds

You can see a whole variety of seabirds around the North Wales Coastline, including puffins, black guillemots, gannets and eider ducks.

A puffin stood on a rock surrounded by large daisy flowers

common wildlife

Seaview has a beautiful nature walk surrounding the park teeming with wildlife to discover, including dormice, badgers, hedgehogs, vowels, wild rabbits and a resident pheasant who can be seen wandering the park daily.

natterjack toads

This very rare species of toad only breeds in the warm, shallow pools in sand dunes. They are mainly nocturnal and in the spring you can hear the males sing to attract females, they can be found in the sand dunes of Talacre Beach just a mile away from Seaview.

Venture out and explore North Wales, how many of the fascinating wildlife critters can you discover?

Seaview Holiday Home Park offers you the chance to own your very own home away from home along the North Wales Coastline. With a nature walk surrounding the park filled with wildlife, being only a mile from Talacre Beach and the very rare Natter Jack Toads, along with being only a 45 minute drive to the Snowdonia Mountain Range, it’s ideally placed to explore the region. With so much wildlife to discover in North Wales you will never tire of things to see and do.

Contact our dedicated Ownership Team today on 01745858010, or talk to an adviser via our live chat service now.

Find your epic wildlife adventure at Seaview!

Written by Sammy Davies • 12th July 2017
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