Located just 30 minutes away from our wonderful Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park it is the perfect place to visit during your North Wales holiday break. Ruthin is a sleepy Welsh town that is steeped in history and local culture, with a rock in the town centre claiming a connection to King Arthur and Nantclwyd Y Dre being a 15th Century house, Ruthin is like taking a step back in time!

Nantclwyd Y Dre is a 15th Century town house, just off the high street, with history and beautiful gardens, the house itself is known as Wales’ oldest dated timbered town house and was continually occupied for more than five centuries.

Since becoming a house in 1435 Nantclwyd Y Dre has been home to some colourful characters, and you can learn all about them during your tour around the lovingly refurbished house. Over the centuries the house was updated and upgraded, with the rooms having been beautifuly restored to demonstrate the ever changing fashions, so you can really see what life was like during the relevant periods.

One room has been left alone, due to current residents still living there. In the attic there lives a family of bats, you can take a sneak peek at these lovely creatures using the ‘bat cam’. The newly refurbished Lord’s Garden adds a whole new dimension to the house, and helps to show people what the original Nantclwyd Y Dre garden looked like.

A visit to Nantclwyd Y Dre is like taking a trip through time, a wonderful tour of the centuries through the house, and they even have an accompanying Interactive Tour App if you fancied more stories about the beautiful and fascinating house! For the opening times, please visit the Nantclwyd website.

Happy Exploring Ladies & Gents!

Ruthin Gaol is the only Pentonville style prison open to the public as a world heritage site, and is a fascinating day out for all the family. Located in a sleepy and traditional Welsh town, Ruthin Gaol (Jail) is a fascinating few hours out for all the family, and with it being so close to our wonderful New Pines Holiday Home Park, it’s the perfect place to visit while on holiday with us!

In 1886 the large Pentonville style wing was added to help improve conditions at the dark, overcrowded and unhygienic prison.

The wing was in contrast with the prison, with it’s clean and stark interior, it was originally designed to rehabilitate prisoners through hard labour and a strict regime.

While wandering around Ruthin Gaol you can learn what life was really like at the prison, the prisoners daily routines, what they ate and what punishments they suffered (and you can even try a few of these out if you want to!). Learn all about the man they called the Welsh Houdini and even about William Hughes, who was the last man to be hanged at the prison, and view his ‘condemned cell’.

During your tour around the prison you will hear tales of some its most colourful prisoners, there are fun ‘prisoner hunts’ to enjoy, as well as plenty of quizzes and activities for all ages to take part in too! Ruthin Gaol also have a calendar of special events that add more to the experience and history of your visit, including fun activities around Halloween half term!

For the opening times, please visit the Ruthin Gaol website.

A great family day out in a picturesque town, learning the local history and culture!

Enjoy a great day out for the entire family at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary

The Award Winning Paradise Park is a great location for a fun family day out for anyone who is staying at our 5 star Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in Cornwall.

This fantastic attraction features something for people of all ages, with a wide range of animals on show, bird shows and also an indoor play centre for the smaller children. Read on to find out everything that is on offer at this wonderful visitor attraction near Hayle in Cornwall.

fun filled daily events programme

There are over 140 different species inhabiting the Paradise Park which includes a grand total of 650 birds. Many of these animals are part of the conservation breeding schemes including the Red Pandas and otters which are a wonderful sight to behold.

The Park is involved in a number of schemes aimed at helping to protect these remarkable animals including the Cornwall Red Squirrel Project, with the aim being to establish more breeding groups in the park before eventually releasing them back into the wild in the future. It is always good to know that the money you pay to get into an attraction gets used for a good cause.

You will get to see these animals in a safe and loving environment on the park, with special shows put on throughout the day. This includes Penguin feeding sessions in the walled garden area where guests are occasionally asked to help the keepers feed these much loved creatures. You can also view the otter feeding sessions from the comfort of the Otter Pool café at certain points in the day.

During the summer months, visitors are also given the chance to buy pots of nectar to feed the resident lorikeets as part of the ‘Flight of the Rainbows’ event. Be sure to check the daily events timetable upon arrival or on the website before you visit to find out what time these feeding sessions are taking place.

Talking of feeding, the human feeding areas are pretty good too. In addition to the Otter Pool Café which serves both light bites and larger meals, there is also the Bird in Hand Pub and Brewery. Hot meals are served here in addition to the fine ales and other beverages.

gardens of paradise

First opened in 1973, these gardens were designed to compliment the wildlife on display in the park, and recently won the South West in Bloom Gold Award for 2016.

As well as being good on the eye, they are also good for many of the creatures on site providing nectar for the bees and being an excellent habitat for the beautiful butterflies which are on show.

junglebarn indoor play centre

The smaller children in your family simply won’t want to leave the JungleBarn Indoor Play Centre where they are guaranteed hours of fun. Inside the centre there is a multi-storey soft play area, a toddlers ball fountain and giant slides which vary in size depend on how much of an adrenaline junkie your kids happen to be.

While the kids are playing, the adults and older children can head to the snack bar where you can sit back and take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi which is provided.

We highly recommend the Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary to all families staying at Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat. The park is open daily from 10am and entry prices vary throughout the year, so suggest you check the Parks website for the latest information and look out for discount vouchers too!

Explore this wonderful park with a holiday at Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

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Welcome to a Love Local post my loyal readers, this month we are in breath taking countryside of Hampshire. Over 250 years go Selborne and its surrounding areas inspired Gilbert White to start a life-long investigation of the natural world, writing one of the most famous books in the world.

Just over half an hour away from our very own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, Selborne is a beautiful village to visit, with picturesque country houses surrounded by rolling hills, trees and the English countryside. Our Love Local business for October is The Gilbert White House & The Oates Collection and it is a must see for all those visiting the region, steeped in history but with fun games and event days for all the family to enjoy and learn something new about the natural world.

the history

Gilbert White is author of the world famous book The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, first published in 1789, the book has never been out of print and is said to be one of the most published books in the English language. White was the first person to grow potatoes in his village, that gives you an idea of the history we are talking about, before potatoes! He also has the reputation for being the first ‘ecologist’, he believed in studying living birds and animals in their natural habitat. This was considered an unusual approach back in the day as other naturalists carried out experiments on dead specimens in the comfort of their studies, so White really changed the game on ecologist studies.

the house

Gilbert and his family moved into the house when he was around 7 or 8, it was originally a small house and was extended on to over the decades creating the long and sizable house you can visit today. The rooms of the house have been restored using the descriptions in White’s correspondence, including bed hangings that were embroidered from him by his Aunts, contemporary furniture, a chair that White himself used at Oriel College in Oxford, as well as many family photos. On display in the house is the original manuscript of his book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, more than any other book it has shaped our everyday view of the relations between human and nature. The extensions on the house contain The Oates Collection, which celebrates the lives of two members of the Oates family who were both pioneers and explorers, who were very different, but both equally intriguing.

family days out

The Gilbert White House is a fantastic place for families to visit whatever the season, as you wander through the house you will learn all about Gilbert White and his book, but also about life during the 1700’s. Keep an eye out for the Georgian cooking utensils, venture out to the garden to see the growing sunflowers and pumpkins with so much to explore in the wider gardens. The house and gardens has an exciting programme of family activities and events all year round, including Nature Drawing Workshops and Fungus Walks around the gardens, where you discover local fungi and learn the different types and how important they are.

Next time you’re staying with us at Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, make sure to make time for visit this hidden gem in the stunning English countryside.

The North Wales coastline and countryside is magical in all seasons, the culture, adventure and history seeps from the surrounding mountains…

With 4 locations to choose to own your holiday home along the North Wales Coast, Darwin Escapes has something for everyone’s taste. From Talacre Beach Resort, the traditional seaside family location and the nearby secluded owners exclusive Seaview Holiday Home Park, to the family countryside retreat of New Pines Holiday Home Park and finally Aberconwy Resort & Spa that oozes luxury and opulence surrounded by the Snowdonia mountain range, and the sandy Conwy Morfa beach on your doorstep. With so much variety there is no wonder that North Wales has been a popular holiday home ownership location for decades, and these 16 images prove our point…

Did they made you want to visit North Wales? Why not book a park tour or contact our Ownership team on 01745858010 for more information about having all of your getaways to explore this beautiful region…

Happy Adventuring Guys & Dolls!

Welcome to a Love Local post ladies and gents, I’m going to be talking family fun in the Lake District…

Walby Farm Park is a family fun day out no matter the weather, rain or shine there will always be something fun to do at the farm park. Located around 45 minutes from both our Thanet Well Lodge Retreat, and the under development Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat which is due to open in December, making it the perfect place to visit during your holiday break.

endless play

 

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Walby Farm Park has endless fun inside and out, offering home made and locally sourced food, as well as helping to create a magical connection with the wonderful farm animals. The Play Barn, indoor play area, offers a huge ball pool, 24 foot Demon Drop Slide for the bigger children and adults, also a cute dedicated toddlers play area too. Outside, when the weather is being kind, you can have a go on the JCB Diggers, try the Tractor Tower, jump on the trampolines or speed around (safely) in the Go Karts. Loads of fun before you even see the animals!

meet the animals

 

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Walby Farm Park have the firm farm yard favourites, along with beautiful rare breeds for you to marvel at and learnt their names for a cuddle. They do offer fun interactive sessions where you can meet the rabbits and guinea pigs, have a go at pony grooming, cheer along in the sheep or ferret racing, or see the hand feeding and milking demonstrations up close too! With 30 acres of land to explore make sure to venture out to spot as many animals as you can, including pigs, cows and even llama’s! And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Custard the Cow, a friendly mascot who is always ready to give a warm Walby Welcome!

eat and shop

Grab a bite of home made goodness from the Curly Tales Café, hot and cold meals freshly made with ingredients locally sourced served all day, there will be something to suit all appetites. If you fancy some elevenses, or classic afternoon tea, the options are there with some delicious locally-roasted coffee, all in a stunning countryside setting. The on site Gift Shop has a huge range of toys, books and gifts, all stocked with farm and country lovers in mind, have a browse around and enjoy some retail therapy after a fun day frolicking with the animals.

A wonderful, fun family day out and make sure to check their website out for fantastic pictures of the animals, and the stupendous Goat Cam where you can catch the goats kidding around or just relaxing and having nap together (I can’t stop watching, they are adorable!)

Happy Adventuring Ladies and Gents!

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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