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.

 

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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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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!

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stunning sunsets

A post shared by Chris Nevard (@nevardmedia) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

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exploring ruins

A post shared by Lexi Theron (@lexiaroundlondon) on Jun 21, 2018 at 12:14am PDT

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colourful strolling

A post shared by BBC Springwatch (@bbcspringwatch) on Jul 24, 2017 at 12:48am PDT

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beautiful countryside

A post shared by Dermot Charleson (@dermot.charleson) on Jul 25, 2017 at 1:00am PDT

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endless fields

A post shared by Steve Marks (@steve.through.the.lens) on Jul 25, 2017 at 12:12am PDT

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hidden beauty

A post shared by Hevostöissä Euroopassa (@hevostoissaeuroopassa) on Jul 24, 2017 at 11:21pm PDT

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peaceful lakes

A post shared by Sfox2003 (@sfox2003) on May 28, 2016 at 7:30am PDT

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relaxing woodland walks

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

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family wanderings

A post shared by Farnham al fresco (@farnham_al_fresco) on Jul 25, 2017 at 12:13am PDT

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puppy exploring

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

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fascinating findings

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

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exploring history – waverley abbey

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

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beautiful storms

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

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forest findings – the devils punch bowl

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

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magical woodlands

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

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riverside walks

A post shared by Rachael Robinson (@gloryiscalling) on Jun 16, 2017 at 8:05am PDT

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woodland wildlife

A post shared by Richard Overton (@brummieoverlord) on Jul 23, 2017 at 1:31am PDT

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beautiful ruins

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

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secret garden finds

A post shared by Catherine Llewellyn (@catherinellewellyn43) on Jul 21, 2017 at 9:31am PDT

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stunning accommodation at tilford woods

A post shared by Jamez Farbrother (@farmer_jamez) on Jan 7, 2017 at 4:56am PST

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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!

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!

 

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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.

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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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.

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variety of seabirds

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, afternoon tea or a delicious main meal, we have the top 5 places you need to visit in York. The KP Resort is Darwin Escapes’ brand new, luxurious location in Yorkshire, surrounded by 180 acres of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds, home to a championship golf course and top class wedding venue. The facilities at The KP, including The Box Gym and Nordic Spa, are second to none, along with the dining facilities. But if you’re wondering where to eat in York, here are the top 5 places not to miss!

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melton’s

 

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Opening the 1990’s, Meton’s is a fine dining restaurant that serves modern British food for all, so even the pickiest of eaters will find something here. One of York’s leading restaurants, the winner of two AA Rosette awards, you can indulge in a high quality food in a relaxing atmosphere. 3 courses of locally sauced produced will cost you £30, from starters of roast beetroot salad and goats cheese, mains of lamb loin, shoulder and bacon, to delectable desserts of back cheesecakes, raspberry soufflé and a choice of cheese and biscuits.

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the rattle owl

 

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This place is worth a visit just for the name alone really, even before finding out the independent 42 seating restaurant is a listed building with an intriguing history. The 17th Century building has been lovingly renovated from the former Blakehead Bookshop & Café into The Rattle Owl. During the renovation the remains of a Roman building was found in the basement, which is now one of York’s most interesting wine cellars. Oozing Yorkshire history and offering fine dining with a range of choices, including lunch, diner, delicious Sunday lunch and decadent desserts, along with a tasty high tea menu!

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shambles kitchen

 

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A small kitchen diner offering first class lunches on the go in the city. Health fast food is a big draw and Shambles sell out of their freshly made sandwiches fast, head there for 11:30am to be within a chance to try everything! Everything on offer is prepared from scratch, including pulled pork, beef pastrami, Cajun halloumi and even mouth-watering burritos and soups. Shambles Kitchen also does corporate events if you’re looking for a fabulous dinner in your work event.

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the glasshouse

 

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Located at Darwin Escapes’ new destination, The KP Resort, The Glasshouse serves traditionally British dishes, including a popular Sunday Roast. Enjoy a light lunch or a main meal on the outside decking, surrounding yourself with over 100 acres of the most beautiful Yorkshire Wolds scenery. Indulge in a spot of afternoon tea and relax next to our serene water feature outside. With a wide range of choices on the menu you are sure to find something to tickle your taste-buds in one of the top places to eat in York. Delve into a friendly atmosphere and a mouth-watering meal.

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countess of york

One of the most interesting places to eat in York is the Countess of York carriage-cart. A beautiful and lovingly restored railway carriage that offers group booked evening meals and wonderful afternoon tea. The carriage is situated between the Great Hall and Station Hall of the National Railway Museum of York. This hidden gen in the city is a unique place to indulge in beautiful food and an amazing atmosphere.

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So if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in York make sure to visit these wonderful places first! Indulge in a 3 course meal, delicious lunch or decadent afternoon tea… whatever your taste, there will be something to grab your attention in this beautiful and historic city!

Check out The KP’s own Glasshouse menu here…

Happy Eating Ladies & Gents!

Teenagers are hard to please, but Talacre Beach is surrounded by fun activities to keep them busy on your holiday! If you’re thinking about visiting or owning at Talacre Beach Resort and wondering what your teenagers will get up to, we’ve found the perfect 6 things in the local area and on park to keep them busy!

Talacre is perfectly located to explore the local area, just 2 minutes’ walk to the beach and a five minute drive to the bustling town of Prestatyn. Whether you choose to stay on park or venture to the local area, there is something for all teenagers in and around Talacre Beach.

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let’s paint pottery

A local business in Prestatyn high street, Let’s Paint Pottery is fabulous fun for all! Choose your ceramic masterpiece to paint from their extensive and ever changing collection. Spend a few hours here painting and enjoying a delicious afternoon tea too! If you’re on holiday and can’t return to pick up your ceramic wonder, don’t panic, the shop will ship your creation straight to your home. Read more about Let’s Paint Pottery in our review here.

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gyg go karting

GYG Go Karting is one of the best karting circuits in the UK, hosting a range of professional go karting championship events, some are even shown on Sky Sports TV! Just an hour’s drive from Talacre Beach to GYG, your teenagers could have the most thrilling day of their holiday! And better yet, Talacre Beach guests receive 10% off a booking, pick up your voucher from reception or use the unique code “darwin” when booking online. See how our resident petrol heads got on during their visit to GYG in our previous post.

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scala cinema & arts centre

The Scala was Wales’ first fully digital cinema and offers a fun experience for all the family from the latest blockbusters to showings of live theatre and ballet performances, there will be something to grasp any teenager’s attention!

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talacre beach & lighthouse

Who doesn’t love the beach? Talacre Beach is only a 5 minute walk from the park, with the Lighthouse a little further along the beach. The Lighthouse offers an interesting landmark to visit, with ghost stories galore to keep any teenagers imagination going.

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shopping in prestatyn

Prestatyn is fast becoming the go to place for brand names and boutique stores alike. The high street is lined with local shops, cafés and bars, with the shopping park at the bottom boasting brand names like Next, River Island and Marks & Spencer. Grab a Costa Coffee for some shopping fuel!

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go active programme

Talacre Beach offers a fabulous Go Active programme onsite, including activities like water walkerz, body zorbs, archery, panna soccer and jet skis in the pool. Perfect for a thrill seeker teenager who is looking to fill their days with fun activities on park!

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Talacre Beach also has a dedicated area, The Loft, which is just for teenagers with games consoles and a seating area to relax in. There is something for everyone here at Talacre Beach Resort, so whatever age your children are, there will be the perfect activity to keep them busy!

Talacre Beach has been a popular holiday destination for over 50 years, with generations of families choosing to own their own luxurious holiday home along the beautiful North Wales Coastline. If you’re thinking about ownership at Talacre Beach call our dedicated and friendly Ownership Team on 01745858010 or talk to an adviser via our live chat service to find out more today!

Have a fun holiday in North Wales at Talacre Beach no matter what age you are!

Tilfords Woods Lodge Retreat is a family favourite, so we’ve put together a special list of things to do in Surrey. Our etreat is surrounded by beautiful scenery, only a short walk from one of the best places to eat in the area, The Duke of Wellington Bar & Restaurant, as well as being only a 50 minute train journey from London city center. But what if you didn’t want to enter the hustle and bustle of the big city, and still wanted family friendly things to do with your little ones?

Well here at HQ we’ve come up with 9 things to do with the kids in Surrey that is fun for everyone! Each place has the opening times, prices, postcode and length of time to drive from our retreat, so you can plan your holiday before you get to us!

It’s a bit of long one, so settle in with a cuppa and read our top 9 things to do with the kids in Surrey…

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1. hampton court palace

Opening Times: 10am – 6pm
Prices: Adult £18.40. Child £9.20
Postcode: KT8 9AU (50 minutes away)

Wander the corridors of royal power and pleasure of the Hampton Court Palace. A full programme of activities, from Tudor jousting to exploring 300 year old chocolate kitchens! Visit the Magic Garden and let the adventure begin, a place where the little ones will come face to face with mythical beats, help to storm the battlements and explore the secret grotto, a brand new and unique way to explore the past. Venture into the world famous maze, designed by George London and Henry Wise and was commissioned in 1700, take a leisurely stroll but try not to get lost!

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2. thorpe park

Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm off peak. Until 10 pm during Summer holidays.
Prices: (vary, based on online prices) 1 day ticket £29.99, Day ticket + fast track £36.99. Annual pass £119
Postcode: KT16 8PN (45 minutes away)

Endless family fun at this hugely popular theme park, with two categories of rides to choose from, the family friendly rides and the thrill rides for those extra adventurous folks! There are over 30 rides, attractions and live events, with 5 of the UK’s top roller coasters at the theme park, along with Darren Brown’s brand new Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon ride now open, for those who dare! There is also the fun Angry Birds 4D Experience, among other family fun things to do for the kids too!

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3. birdworld

Opening Times: 10am – 6pm (BST) and 10am – 4.30pm (GMT) (last admissions are an hour before closing)
Prices: (vary, based on peak times) Adult £18.95, Child 3-15 £14.95
Postcode: GU10 4LD (15 minutes away)

Birdworld is one of the most popular things to do with the kids in Surrey, a place where you can have the ultimate family fun. Visit the penguins at feeding time, help to feed the birds and learn all about their colourful characters. Don’t miss the stunning Flamingo Cove & Seashore Walk, as well as the fabulous Park Pet Shop, were you can cuddle and purchase your very own fluffy bundle of joy! Also don’t miss the exciting Owl Parliament, in honour of the brilliant fantasy author, this satellite exhibit aims to educate and raise awareness of these stunning and wise animals!

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4. watts gallery & artists village

Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm weekdays, 10 am – 5 pm weekends
Prices: Adult £9.50, Student £4.75, Under 16’s go free
Postcode: GU3 1DQ (20 minutes away)

There is something for all ages at Watt’s Gallery & Artists Village, with a full programme of workshops to join in on, creating crafts and learning new skills, while having lots of fun! You can explore the beautiful Artists Village with one of the family trail packs, including the brand new Activity Backpack, which is full of quizzes, activities, games and multi-sensory objects to explore. There is also the Family Explorer Trail, where you discover the entire Artists Village and the collection through drawing activities and challenges. Discover the history behind the centre and view some beautiful art at the Watts Gallery.

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5. hatchlands park

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm (House opens at 2 pm)
Prices: Adult £11, Child £5.50, Family £27.50 (whole property prices)
Postcode: GU4 7RT (40 minutes away)

Over 400 acres of beautiful parkland is open all year round at the Hatchlands Park. You can find the perfect picnic spot while exploring the magical tree-lined paths and plenty of picnic benches if you don’t fancy sitting on the grass. Visit the children’s adventure area, a place to let them run free and climb the frames! Discover the Parterre Garden, a peaceful spot where you can soak up the surrounding beauty in a place bursting with colour. This stunning suntrap is home to water features, palm tree and benches for you to sit back and take in the tranquillity, while watching the little ones explore the flower beds. Dogs are welcome in the walking paths, and wider gardens, but not in the Hatchlands House. The Georgian house was built in 1756, and you can explore all 6 of the beautifully restored rooms, and if you’re lucky you can even discover the hidden spaces beneath the house.

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6. british wildlife centre

Opening Times: 10 am – 5pm (during school holidays)
Prices: Adult £11.50, Child £8.50, Family £37
Postcode: RH7 6LF (1 hour away)

Spend a day visiting the British Wildlife Centre and learn thing about the wildlife on your doorstep. There are over 40 animals on display at the wildlife centre, including little owls, otters, foxes, snowy owls and many more. There are fantastic keeper talks every half an hour, so you and your little ones can learn more about the animals in your back garden at home! Visit the wildlife themed activity area, Pip’s Childrens Corner, where the little ones can run wild and take part in activities such as building a heron’s nest, explore an underground badger sett and slide down the otter bank, among many other activities! You and your family can enjoy a full day at the wildlife centre, take your own picnic and relax at the picnic areas, or grab a hot drink and warm meal at the onsite coffee shop, before off exploring some more of our wonderful wildlife!

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7. godstone farm

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm everyday
Prices: Adult & Child £8.90, Child (1 year old) £3.40 (based on peak times)
Postcode: RH9 8LX (55 minutes away)

Perfect for a family fun day out in Surrey! Visit a variety of animals, the farmyard section offers pigs, cows, sheep and goats to cuddle! Meet the ponies and horses grazing in the fields, along with an array of colourful birds living all around the farm to see on your stroll. Cuddle the fluffy and furry bunnies, guinea pigs, degus and even cute chinchillas, as well as visiting the very friendly llamas and alpacas! At the top of the farm you can find one of the biggest adventure playgrounds you have ever seen, full of sandpits, slides, climbing walls and even a zip lines! If the weather starts to take a turn for the worse, never fear, head straight for the indoor Playbarn, a wonderful soft play area for all ages! Godstone Farm is truly one of the best things to do with the kids in Surrey no matter the weather.

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8. tulley’s farm: maze fun park

Opening Times: seasonal, 22nd July – 3rd September
Prices: Adult £9, Child £10, Family £32
Postcode: RH10 4PE (1 hour away)

Tulley’s Farm is an events venue known for its spectacular seasonal events every year, especially their live-scare Halloween events. During the summer holidays take your little ones to the Summer Maize Fun Park, with over 25 attractions there will be something to entertain all ages! The attractions include logic puzzles, giant games, illusions and a giant adventure play area with trampolines, tractor rides, Frisbee golf and much more! The maize maze is created from 8 acres of corn and is one of the best ways to have a leisurely walk in the summer sun. During the summer nights you can experience the maze in a while new way with the Torchlight Maze Nights, a truly enlightening experience, where you can create your own light show!

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9. waverley abbey

Opening Times: Accessible during day light hours
Prices: Free
Postcode: GU9 0JA (10 minutes away)

Waverley Abbey is located in a peaceful loop of the River Wey, and still shows the impression of solitude experienced by the monks who founded the Abbey 900 years ago. The Waverley Abbey ruins are a fantastic day out for the family, a nature walk to the ruins mean you can soak up as much of the summer sun as possible. A unique way for the children to learn about the history of Surrey, they can marvel at the 13th Century vaulted dining hall, and visit the ruins of the monks sleeping quarters. Take a picnic with you for a peaceful day out at the ruins, where you can sit back and relax to the beautiful River Wey.

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Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ideal place to base yourself if you’re a nature-loving family, where you can venture into the local area on foot, or explore further to the family friendly things to do in Surrey. Book your holiday now and start planning your family holiday to Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat!

Have a Fabulous Family Holiday!