Welcome to another hidden Britain post ladies and gentlemen, we are going to explore the Lake District

In late 2015 and early 2016 Cumbria was affected by devastating floods, our own Thanet Well Lodge Retreat was lucky enough not to be touched, but now Cumbria needs the tourism and support to get them back on their feet. So pay them a visit and cheer a few people up after a very tough start to the year…

the bridge house

This is literally a tiny house on a tiny bridge, you can step off the pavement and straight into the miniature downstairs room, with a cute tiny fire place! Walk around the back of the house to go up the outside spiral stone staircase and into the light and airy upstairs room, the house was originally built in the 17th Century as an apple storage building. Over the centuries the little house has been a tea room, a weaving shop, a cobblers, a chair makers and once even a home to a family of 8 (I have no idea how!). During the 1920’s Beatrix Potter’s husband helped to save and restore the charming house through conservation efforts, why not drop in to the see the quaint tiny house on a bridge.

larch cottage nurseries

The Larch Cottage Nurseries is a secret garden in the heart of the Eden Valley with Romanesque walls draped in greenery, providing a backdrop for the peaceful gardens bursting with mature and breathtaking plants. Hosting more than 15,000 varieties of plants the team specialise in rare and unusual shrubs and climbers including Japanese Acers and Dwarf Conifers. It is also home to a huge range of statues, many of which are for sale too, there is a statue to suit everyone taste, from animals and teddy bears to gargoyles and goblins, made out of iron, steal, bronze and even marble. A lovely afternoon out surrounded by colourful flowers and beautiful statues.

lucy’s on a plate

A wonderful restaurant offering delicious food, and owner Lucy Nicolson has made a name for herself in Cumbria, and rightly so! This very talented lady owns not only the restaurant, but also Lucy4 which is a popular wine bar in the area. She has also recently opened a cooking school called Lucy Cooks that offers something for every age, interest and ability, from beginners to advanced skills, helping you to create your own cooking masterpiece. Take a seat on the comfy sofas, or dine in the airy conservatory curled up in front of the cosy fireplace. If the sun is on your side, soak it up in the secluded walled garden too. There is somewhere to enjoy your food for all moods.

brougham castle

A striking historic castle in Penrith, with picturesque surroundings on the banks of the River Eamont, this 13th Century masterpiece is a wonder to behold. It was once a formidable barrier against Scottish invaders and was even home to King Edward I back in the 1300’s, it has lots of complex passages, hidden rooms and spiral staircases to explore on your travels through it too! The gift shop has lots on offer, with souvenirs from the English Heritage site, and the castle is also dog friendly and has picnic tables available to have some lunch too!

Also visit one of the best smoke houses in the region, The Wild Boar in Kendal, and for a beautiful lake away from the tourist path venture to Buttermere lake and marvel at the beautiful scenery! (maybe leave some bread crumbs to help you find your way back…)

Happy Adventuring Folks!

Take a trip back in time during your stay at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat when you pay a visit to Ravenglass & Esdkale Steam Railway

The Lake District is a truly stunning part of the country, with gorgeous scenery and tranquil surroundings. You can enjoy this in style when you visit Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway.

Jump on-board one of these iconic contraptions and take the seven mile journey up the line from Ravenglass, which is the Lake District’s only coastal village, all the way to Dalegarth near the bottom of the England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

travel in style

You can enjoy this breathtaking scenic route on-board one the stations four steam engines, the oldest of which is the River Irt locomotive, which was constructed in 1894 by Sir Arthur Heywood. It is now the oldest working 15 inch gauge locomotive in the world, having first arrived in Ravenglass in 1917, after first served at a munitions factory in Gretna.

Also almost a century old is the River Esk steam engine locomotive which was actually built for Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway by Davey, Paxman & Co of Colchester in 1923. It featured various design innovations at the time, some of which proved more successful than others. Many of the original questionable design innovations such as the steam powered tender have now been replaced, resulting in a locomotive which is surprisingly reliable for its age.

The Rivermite is another steam locomotive in service on the line, which was built by Clarkson’s of York in the year of the England World Cup win of 1966. It made headlines when it was first created, being delivered to the Lake District via traction engine and caught the public’s eye due to its stunning Indian Red colours.

The baby of the group is Northern Rock, which was built in the actual workshops at Ravenglass by an on-site team led by chief designer Ian Smith in 1976. This beautiful piece of engineering was used as the basis for two further locomotives which were designed for the Shuzenji Romney Railway in Izu, Shizuoka in Japan.

10% discount for Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat customers

With these fantastic contraptions available to view and ride on, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway really is a train enthusiast’s dream day out. However, it is not just train spotters that the railway will appeal to, with the stunning scenery and many additional attractions in the places around the stations making it a great day out for the entire family.

Between March and October you can pay a visit to the on-site museum located in the former Ravenglass railway station and signal box. This is completely free to enter and run by Eskdale Cumbria Trust, which has been set up to preserve the Railway collections. It features models, archive information and items showcasing the history of this fantastic railway.

There is even more reason for Darwin Escapes customers to pay a visit to Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway with guests staying at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat entitled to a 10% discount on the cost of tickets. Simply present the voucher you are given upon your arrival to our resort to the Railway reception when purchasing your tickets in order to redeem the offer.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is still under construction, with it currently on course to be opened to the public for the first time in December 2016. Keep up to date with the Darwin Escapes blog for more information on special offers that will be available to our guests upon their arrival in the coming months.

Always a popular UK holiday destination, Newquay along the Cornwall Coast has spectacular scenery…

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa has blown away everyone who has visited, opening in 2014 and winning the prestigious Hoeseasons Best in Britain Award in 2015, it has a proven record of family fun along the Cornish Coastline. Located a short drive away from Newquay, Piran Meadows and the local area have some breath taking sights…

11 images to make you visit newquay

Did these sway you to stay at Piran Meadows Resort & Spa? Book your next Newquay holiday here.

Happy Holidaying Ladies & Gents!

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Enjoy one of the world’s best collections of tanks and armoured vehicles at the Tank Museum in exhibitions consisting of the world’s very first tank and a modern day Challenger 2…

If you are looking for a great family day out during your stay at the soon to be opened Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, then why not head down to The Tank Museum in Bovington, which is a great location to learn about the history of our great nations’ armoured warfare over the past century.

The Tank Museum is located less than ten miles away from our brand new Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat near Poole. Find out what is on offer at this fantastic museum…

100 years of history

The museum consists of eight powerful exhibitions which are made up of close to 300 armoured vehicles from over the past century. It is generally regarded as the greatest collection in the world and includes the world’s first tank and the modern day Challenger 2.

The aim is to tell the story of the part that armoured vehicles have played in warfare over the past 100 years and the story of the people who fought in them. You can learn all about the vehicles, the part they played in conflicts and also how they have evolved over time. You can learn all about this in ‘The Tank Story’ exhibition, but those more interested in mechanics and the designs of these machines, will want to head down to the ‘Tank Factory’ exhibition which takes a look at how the tanks are made and the manufacturers behind them.

A very poignant exhibition given that it is the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Somme is ‘The Trench Experience’ exhibition where you are transported back in time to the trenches in 1916 during the First World War. You can also gain an insight into the lives of these brave men in the new ‘Tank Men: The Story of the First Crews’ exhibition.

For a slightly more modern experience of warfare, head to the ‘Battlegroup Afghanistan’ exhibition which benefits from accounts from today’s front line combat experts.

tanks in action this summer

Every weekday during the summer holidays between the 21st July and 2nd September 2016, the Tank Museum will be putting on an awesome display of tanks in action. Children and adults alike will no doubt relish the opportunity to see these fantastic machines in motion with their thunderous engines, but it is not for the faint hearted with life-like explosions to increase the atmosphere around the displays and simulate the feel of a real battle ground.

The commentary provided during the shows ensures that as well as being spectacular, the displays are also educational with experts explaining how the tanks work and their functions in battle.

The live action show takes place in the Kuwait Arena just outside of the museum. Guests are welcome to attend the shows at no extra cost other than what has already been paid for their admission to the museum, giving you an even better reason to head down to the Tank Museum during the summer holidays.

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Experience one of the finest holiday homes in the Lake District exactly how it was over 100 years ago

Many of us have dreamed about having our very own luxury holiday home in the Lake District, but the Holt family made this dream a reality in the late 19th century when they commissioned the stunning Blackwell House, which offers stunning views overlooking Coniston Fells and also Lake Windermere.

You can experience everything that the Holt family experienced over 100 years ago when you visit this fantastic historic house that has been preserved exactly how it was originally. At Blackwell you can also take in various arts and crafts exhibitions which are held throughout the year. Read more about everything that Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House has to offer as well as finding out about a special offer which is open to Darwin Escapes customers staying in the Lake District.

the perfect holiday home in windermere

The centre is based in Blackwell House, which was built between 1989 and 1900 by architect M. H. Baillie Scott for the wealthy Holt family, from Manchester, who wanted a luxury holiday home overlooking Lake Windermere with glorious views of Coniston Fells.

This is perhaps the finest example of Scott’s work, which took inspiration from Tudor designs as well as arts and crafts styles reminiscent of the work of Charles Voysey. The arts and crafts movement of the time was a response to the industrial revolution, with the aim being to recognise the skills of British craftsmen of the time.

This Grade 1 listed building remains fully intact, with many of the original decorative features and furnishings still in evidence. You’ll see things exactly the same way that the Holt family would have seen them over 100 years ago when the house was originally completed.

The period rooms are still furnished with the same styling and furnishings that were originally advocated by Scott. This includes various pieces made by leading arts and crafts designers such as Morris & Co and William de Morgan. When you visit the house, you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in front of the fireplace or stroll around the beautiful rooms without being restricted by roped off areas. This is a stately home with far more open access for visitors than is the norm.

The house was also designed to take full advantage of the tranquil atmosphere and surrounding natural wonders, with the gardens also following this philosophy. The surrounding gardens were designed by Thomas Mawson to take advantage of the stunning beauty of Coniston Fells.

exhibitions & events

Blackwell is more than just a beautiful building with stunning furnishings and surroundings; it also hosts various exhibitions, displays and events which will be heaven for art lovers.
Currently on display until the 9th October 2016 are the works of renowned potter Chris Keenan, in the ‘Houseplace’ exhibition. Keenan has an international reputation in his industry, and recently undertook a six week residency at the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art in Japan. Examples of his work are showcased far and wide including in the V&A Museum in London. Funded by the Headley Trust, this fantastic exhibition showcases his distinctive porcelain pot designs, which are designed as a response to this “mind-consuming house and the man behind its creation”.

On the 24th September, the house will be opening a new exhibition devoted to the textile designs of Annie Garnett who was a figurehead in the revival of weaving and hand spinning in Cumbria. The exhibition will describe the ethos behind Garnett’s workshops set up in Bowness-On-Windermere, which provided employment for over hundred women at the time. It will also show case examples of her work along with original paper designs.

2 for the price of 1 on tickets

There are plenty of reasons to head to Blackwell this year with its various exhibitions, but if you need another then Darwin Escapes customers staying in the Lake District are entitled to 2 for 1 adult admission until the 31st December 2016. All you need to do to redeem this offer is present your Thanet Well Lodge Retreat z-card to reception upon purchasing your ticket. You will be given this Z-card upon arrival at the resort, but if you don’t think you’ve been given one just ask a member of the Darwin Escapes team.

Tickets cost £8.50 each (£7.70 without Gift Aid donation), with all children and students entitled to completely free admission.

Welcome to Hidden Britain ladies and gents! We will be unearthing those little hidden gems off the beaten path around our glorious country! So lets kick it off with wondrous walks and scenic views in the breathtaking Surrey, and these five hidden secrets are very close our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, a peaceful place to use as your base. So lovely readers, read on and find some hidden gems to explore…

waverley abbey

Located on a very peaceful loop of the River Wey the ruins of Waverly Abbey are stunning. This Monastery was founded over 900 years ago, the resident monks farmed the land, provided shelter and even ran an infirmary. The ruins are so hauntingly beautiful that even Hollywood has come knocking, filming scenes from the cult classic Hot Fuzz (2007), the musical Into The Woods (2014) and brand new blockbuster The Huntsman (2016). So go and enjoy the history at this outstanding location.

godstone farm

A brilliant and interactive family fun day out, meet the llama’s, goats, ducks, pigs, ponies and bunny rabbits! Have blast at the animal handling, feeding the farmyard animals and petting the babies too (I love baby animals, so cute). Pick your favourite Hog and cheer them around the Hog’sticle course, follow the Dino Trail and dig up some bones and make sure to pose for a T-Rex toothtastic photo! Loads of climbing frames, indoor and outdoor available for all ages too! Family fun day out!

mother ludlam’s cave

This little hidden cave in the woods has beautiful and intricately made gates at the entrance, the little known spot has a charming walk in the woods before you reach the naturally formed cave. The cave is said to have been home to the White Witch of Waverly, also known as Mother Ludlam, and legend has it that the Devil, in disguise, came to borrow her cauldron one day but the witch recognised him as the Devil and refused. The witch then hid the cauldron in the nearby Frensham Church to keep it safe, the cauldron in question is still in the church to this day and was used to brew ale by the monks. See the local wildlife and the surrounding woods on a trip to the cave!

birdworld

Birdworld has over 100 species of birds to marvel at, including many unusual birds, penguins and even reindeer! You can pet the pair of reindeer, visit the Underwater World zone with over 30 exhibits to see, and watch the two species of penguins being fed. Learn about owls at the Owl Parliament and let the keepers take you on a feeding trail of the birds of prey – if you aren’t too squeamish! Explore the Outback Landing and see all the best species from the Australian Outback or head to Jenny Wren Farm and see all the best farmyard animals.

the watts gallery

The gallery was purpose built in 1904 to house the works of Victorian artist GF Watts, who was popularly adored in his home country as well as abroad and with over 100 paintings on permanent display it’s easy to see why! There is also a full programme of temporary exhibitions to watch out for too, as well as the Watts Studio that brings the process of making art in the Victoria era back to life for you to witness! Through displays and demonstrations you can see how it all happened, and join in the Learning Studio to create your own art through the workshops and relax in the tea room after your busy day!

So enjoy exploring these hidden gems whether it’s spending a fun filled day at Godstone Farm or a relaxing walk around Waverley Abbey.

Happy adventuring folks!

Create memories that will last a lifetime amongst the trees with Goodleaf. The Award winning Goodleaf Tree Climbing provides the perfect offbeat adventure for anyone looking for something a little bit different the next time they enjoy a holiday in the Isle of Wight.

No matter how old you are, the adrenalin created by tree climbing never goes away. So if you’ve got a nerve for heights, head to Appley Park and enjoy a great day out for the whole family.

an unrivalled experience

Goodleaf Tree Climbing advertises itself as being designed for the whole family, with ages eight and over welcome to the attraction. All that is required is a nerve for heights and a desire to get amongst the trees.

Located in the beautiful Appley Park in Ryde just behind the golden beach, you will enjoy a unique two hour recreational tree climbing experience like no other in a magnificent oak tree which is located in the centre of the park.

If you are willing, you can climb 15 metres high to a point where you will be able to enjoy stunning views over Appley Beach and the Solent. There is no pressure to reach the top though, you can go at your own pace and Goodleaf’s friendly staff are there before hand to show you the ropes and offering support where required.

There is also no need to be concerned about fatigue, with plenty of resting places during the ascent in the conveniently placed canopy hammocks. This is a no pressure environment which is designed entirely for family fun, so you won’t feel any pressure at any point.

a great family day out

Appleby Park is somewhat of a hidden gem of the region, and it’s not just popular with climbers. There are plenty of scenic walking routes to be enjoyed in the woodlands and also on Ryde beach which runs alongside the park. They will also be sure to have hours of fun in the children’s play area which sits between Goodleaf and the beach. This secure area features an exciting pirate ship climbing frame, so the adults can have a rest after all the climbing and simply enjoy the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for refreshments, you can enjoy tea, coffee or squash on the Goodleaf picnic blanket. We’d also recommend sampling one of their mouth watering Tree Climber’s Flapjacks!

Being located just less than six miles from Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, Goodleaf Tree Climbing is ideally located and a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun family day out on the Isle of Wight.

Enjoy a magical family day out at Pili Palas where you can get in touch with nature & friendly resident animals. Pili Palas is a relatively small zoo which is located in North Wales within driving range of our Aberconwy Resort & Spa. It is the perfect destination for a fun family day out.

Visitors will get the opportunity to get hands on with the resident animals at the zoo which includes meerkats, various bugs and also a butterfly enclosure. It is primarily aimed at children, who are also sure to have a great time in the indoor play zone.

Read more to find out what is on offer at this much under hyped local attraction.

meet the animals

One of the main attractions at Pili Palas are the butterflies with the zoo making a significant contribution to butterfly conservation efforts with an ethical butterfly farming policy in place. You van view the various breeds of butterfly in the on-site butterfly house where you will experience tropical breeds flying around you in a magical environment. You’ll also get the chance to meet Elvis when you head into the birdhouse, along with his fellow furry friends Del, Rudolph, Jake and Charlies.

Although these animals are slightly less hands on, you will get the chance to be up close and personal with the animals in the barn which include rabbits, sheep, guinea pigs and goats. There are also a selection of donkeys and pigs in what is the ultimate real life animal farm. Kids will love getting the opportunity to feed the sheep and pet the rabbits. You may even get the chance to catch a glimpse of the nosey meerkats.

Slightly less cute are the animals in the bug-zone where you will see terrifying tarantulas and scorpions as well as seeing ants, cockroaches and much more interacting with one another in their own natural environments.

something for all ages

This is a farm which is primarily aimed at helping you keep the kids entertained for the day, and they are sure to have hours of fun when you head to the indoor play area where you will find various activities for toddlers.

Older children will also be accommodated with the giant bouncy castle and also in the adventure playground which features its own zip-wire.

While the children are busy playing, the adults can head to the on-site café which serves a range of scrumptious home cooked meals and beverages. The tables in the conservatory area are ideally placed to allow you to watch the meerkats at work while you eat.

a magical experience for all

With so much to do and see, Pili Palas is a great place for a family day out particularly for the animal lovers amongst you.

It is located just a 20 minute drive away from Aberconwy Resort & Spa; ideally placed for countless fun family days out if you are a holiday home owners at our five star resort.

Have a great day out for the whole family the next time you are staying at Hawkchurch, when you pay a visit to Pecorama

Pecorama is one of the leading tourist attractions in East Devon, being situated in the historic fishing village of Beer on the Jurassic Coast, just over ten miles away from Hawkchurch Resort & Spa.

This is a great attraction for railway enthusiasts, with the name of park stemming from the PECO model railway equipment manufacturers whose headquarters are situated adjacent to Pecorama. Pecorama enjoys a close relationship with PECO, even displaying and selling many of their products on-site.

There is very much a railway theme here, with Pecorama being home to one of the country’s finest 7 ¼ inch gauge railways in the form of Beer Heights Light Railway. The hillside location of the railway means that you can enjoy breathtaking views over Lyme Bay and also the Jurassic Coast itself, which is of course one of the few World Heritage Sites in the UK, as you take a ride around this 1 mile track, which was first opened in 1975.

Starting off from near the garden entrance, the journey takes you over many bridges and also a lengthy tunnel in a beautifully recreated track.

something for everyone

This isn’t just a place for railway enthusiasts though, with Pecorama also being home to The Millennium Gardens which was first opened in July 2000 to help celebrate the millennium. Designer Naila Green has ensured that a celestial theme has been followed here, with the sun, moon and rainbow gardens reflecting this with their colour schemes.

You will also find the impressive Millennium Garden Grotto here which is constructed mainly from sea shells as part of the aim of creating a sea theme, with the grotto also featuring an impressive dolphin sculpture leaping out of the sea. It really is a must-see masterpiece.

There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained as well, with a 10 hole crazy golf course and the play station indoor soft play area. You can all grab a bite to eat in the Garden Room Restaurant or enjoy a cream tea in a 1951 ‘Orion’ Pullman Carriage.

If you are looking for a bit of tranquility, then why not head to the secret garden and take in the peace and quiet ensured by the wall herbaceous borders.

peco charity garden day – sunday 17th july

Pecorama puts on a number of special events throughout the year, the next being their annual Garden Day aiming to raise money for charity. This will be taking place on Sunday 17th July and is being put on for Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society.

Special £6 admission prices are available on this day, with £5 of this being given to the two chosen charities. Also on-site on the day. to add a little something extra. will be the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary with their miniature donkeys as well as the Sidmouth Steppers Morris Dancers.

If you happen to be planning on a trip to Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, make sure that you pay a visit.

Get the know the local wildlife & explore some of the most beautiful walking routes that North Wales has to offer. North Wales is famous for its scenic walking routes and beautiful countryside, and you can explore all of this at its very best when you visit Pensychnant Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve on the Sychnant Pass in Conwy. This is not just a great place to explore the countryside, but is also an area filled with glorious local wildlife which the Centre works hard to safeguard.

a history lesson

This is a hidden gem of the North Wales region, being based around the former home of the Stott family and covering 150 acres of land.

The original house built on the grounds was erected in 1690, but much of the architectural character of the estate stems from the Victorian era. It is beautiful relic of this time when the grounds were the home of the Stott family headed by Abraham Henthorn Stott who led one of the most prominent Victorian architectural firms. He was responsible for building a large number of the cotton mills in Oldham.

However, by 1937 the world had moved on and cotton was no longer the booming trade it had once been. This resulted in the Stott family being forced to give up their home; with Pensychnant and all of its grounds being sold.

The great grandson of Abraham Henthron Stott managed to buy the land back in 1967. In 1989, Brian Henthorn Stott set up the Pensychnant Foundation and it is for this that the centre is now most famous, with the aim of the foundation being to support local naturalists and wildlife, with countless conservation organisations counting on the support offered by the Centre.

wildlife conservation

The nature reserve is now open all year round and is firmly one of the best wildlife sites in North Wales.

There are countless rare and exotic wildlife in the region. Did you know that the Conwy Morfa region is home to a rare wingless Moth known as the Belted Beauty? These animals only exist in one of part of England as well as in the Hebrides. If you are a holiday home owner at Aberconwy Resort & Spa and happen to see some bright lights floating around the dunes late at night, then fear not because it is simply the team from Pensychnant looking to catch a glimpse of these rare creatures.

This is just one of the many animals who inhabit this nearby area, including the beautiful spotted Flycatcher whose numbers have declined by 77% over the past 25 years. The centre deserves praise for its efforts to help these rare creatures survive.

steeped in history

This isn’t just a great site for animal lovers, with Victorian woodlands on the estate where you can view relics of Welsh oakwoods which stood long before Conwy Castle was even constructed. The Stott family also planted many beautiful trees during the Victorian era, with Corsican pines, sycamore and much more which are still on the grounds of the estate.

Sychnant itself is classified as being a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS). This is awarded on account of the areas value to Earth science and heritage, with many of the stunning mountains around the Sychnant Pass a result of erosion caused by the melting of ice age waters. It is a wonderful geographic area where you can feel at one with nature and the history of the area.

You can take advantage of the guided walks which are on offer at Pensychnant to really gain an insight into the local wildlife and the environment.

pay a visit to pensychnant

While the nature reserve is open all year around, if you are looking to pay a visit to the house then you will need to go between the beginning of April and the end of September.

In the house you can take advantage of the Victorian Arts and Crafts exhibition where the work of some of North Wales best wildlife artists are put on display. Many of these works are available for sale so you have a great memory to take back with you to your holiday home or perhaps a gift for someone back home.