The world famous Babbacombe Model Village is magical at day and night, and having featured on the BBC programme ‘the village’ it just keeps on growing…

You can feel like a giant for the day at Babbacombe Model Village as you explore 4 acres of award winning gardens. The attraction has appeared on TV on numerous occasions, including on The One Show with their bird cameras, and also on The Graham Norton Show for Eastenders 30th birthday with the ‘Little Enders’ miniature set of the long running British soap. This is a miniature world that captures everyone’s imagination!

You will find lots of sound and animation, with some fantastic British humour helping bring the small world to life, with loads of hidden secrets an wonderful characters to explore you can stroll through taking your time and see what you discover.

Visit the miniature fishing village, or the famous Stonehenge and the new miniature Paignton Zoo, with miniature giraffes, turtles, elephants and even the wonderful keepers! New for 2016 the Village Green is getting a makeover, introducing the new picturesque village canal featuring charming narrow boats to top off the peaceful and idyllic scene. Also new this year is the fantastic Celebrity Mansion, the display will be hosting many celebs and events, who will be there when you visit? The Mansion will be opening late May in time for the school holidays with a fitting X Factor style garden party, why not pop along and spot your favourite famous faces in miniature?

Don’t miss out on the fun evening illuminations, every Thursday, the village is transformed and enabling you to see the models inside as well as out! Also after a long day feeling like a giant, grab a bite to eat to fabulous Gulliver’s Travels Café and Shop!

The next time you’re staying with us at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa have a fabulous day out at Babbacombe Model Village!

Welcome to this month’s Hidden Britain post lovely readers! Let’s explore the stunning coast of North Cornwall and North Devon and find the hidden gems in and around beautiful Bude!

The Cornwall/Devon border is one of the most popular locations in the UK, it can sometimes be rushed and busy, however there is a beautiful unhurried charm about Bude. Our own Sandymouth Holiday Resort is located in Bude and offers a wonderful traditional family holiday atmosphere. With a fantastic family entertainment’s programme and great facilities, including a large indoor heated swimming pool, air conditioned and state of the art gym, and family activities to enjoy like our own football field. Even with all this going on you may still want to venture out and sample the local scenery, well I’m here to help you find those little gems off the beaten path…

Read on to find a few hidden gems of beautiful Bude below…

Docton Mill – the best cream tea in North Devon

This award winning RHS Partner garden, tea room and mill is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year. The Docton Mill, the leat, head weir and terrace have all been traced back to Saxon times, around 750AD, at the time it would have been promoting the relatively new technology of water-powered milling. The Mill continued to work for hundreds of years supplying local bakers with flower, ceasing to trade in 1910 it became a private house and in the mid 1930’s was modified to generate electricity and continued to supply the town with electricity until the 1950’s! The current owners purchased the mill in 1977 and gave it a massive overhaul, bringing it up to the 20th Century and beyond; the gardens were extended, adding the new and magical woodland gardens, the beautiful stream gardens and peaceful greenhouse areas, winners of the Gold Medal Award Flower Gardens. The Tea Room is equally as popular, winning Best Cream Tea in Devon and Best Tea Room in North Devon, serving local and homemade produce, such as soups, pasties, cakes and delicious desserts. With its beautiful wood burning stove, award-winning Devon Cream Teas, stunning garden terrace and wonderful range of loose leaf teas, you will be in heaven with the friendly and welcome service.

Pencarrow House – fascinating family history

Surrounded by outstanding garden the Pencarrow House has been occupied by the Molesworth family, and their descendants, since Elizabethan times, approached by a magnificent mile-long carriage drive, through an Iron Age hill fort you can feel the history surrounding everything. There was a period in the 20th Century where the house and gardens were left inhabited and overgrown, before being taken on by the current owners Lieutenant Colonel Sir Arscott and Lady Molesworth St Abyn, who spent decades reclaiming the gardens from the overgrown state and lovingly bringing it back to full beauty. Open to the public since the 1970’s, a guided tour around the 50 room Georgian mansion reveals a fascinating collection of antique furniture and paintings, the gardens include a large Victorian rock garden and ice house, with 50 acres of parkland, a lake and magical woodland. Today, the family inhabits one wing of the house, while the rest is a window to the past, the gardens are a combination of formal landscaping and woodland walks, with the Peacock Café on hand for a bite to eat and a cuppa!

the Tree Inn – music, food and friendly atmosphere

This former Manor House is one of the oldest and most historic inns in Cornwall, The Tree Inn dates back to the 13th Century and is situated around a beautiful courtyard. The restaurant is stunning with its ceiling beamed with timbers from ships wrecked on the local coast, and 13th Century Galleon, the gallery above is ideal for more intimate dinning and the Bevil Bar has a beautiful flagstone floor and a wood burner that creates a wonderful warm and welcoming atmosphere on those winter days and nights. On those days where the weather is on your side you can enjoy a delicious meal in the glorious court yard, soaking up the warmth in the natural suntrap. The Tree Inn offers modern British pub food, with locally sauced produce, a stunning Sunday carvery, selection of cask ales, draught ciders, as well as local bottled ciders. Live music is played every Friday night, with the house band playing traditional folk music, along with the blues from The Tree Dogs, and foot-tapping bluegrass from the Smoky Mountain Boys and visits from the ever-popular local Lifeboat Singers! Why not drop in and say hello to Bob & Emma the landlords, as well as the resident furry friends Bella & Brodie, and the stunning Cassie the cat, friendly atmosphere and fantastic food!

Port Isaac – breath taking scenery

Port Isaac is a place of pure beauty, a real coastal small town to marvel at, whilst losing your breath walking up those steep hills! It was a busy coastal port with an active harbour, where cargoes like stone, coal and pottery were traded, from the Middle Ages to the mid 19th Century, most of the old centre of the village is 18th and 19th Century cottages, many of which are officially listed architectural and of historical importance. Port Isaac’s beauty has graced the TV screen a number of times, frequently used as a set for Poldark, but is probably most popularly known as the fictional Port Wenn for Martin Clunes’ hit TV show Doc Martin, where Clunes’ tactless manner causes mayhem in the small Cornish community. With tourism becoming an increasing factor for the village, traditional jobs such as fishing and fish processing are taking more of a backseat, you can now book fishing and scenic boating trips from the harbour. The village was first registered as a fishing village in 1340, with its sheltered harbour, on an otherwise inhospitable coastline offering refuge to many boats and ships. Take a trip to Port Isaac and walk the street that Doc Martin does, see the stunning scenery for yourselves and navigate the narrow alleys and steep hillsides.

Tintagel Castle – King Arthur’s legend

One other place to visit while in Bude would be the stunning Tintagel Castle, located on the breath taking Tintagel headland, this castle is forever associated with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sometimes named as King Arthur’s birth place, but built by King Richard’s brother, Henry the Third in 1225, the castle became a tangled mixture of folklore and legend. Immerse yourself in the history, myths and stunning scenery on this rocky eminence battered by the sea.

So next time you are visiting us at Sandymouth Holiday Home Park venture to these hidden gems and let me know all about your adventure!

Happy adventuring kings and queens!

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Did you know that Tilford Woods isn’t just famous for it’s fantastic family of ducks? The massive James Bond hit, Skyfall was filmed just a stone’s throw away!Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat in Surrey is famous for its ducks, a loyal family of quacks who have their very own lodge on the on-site pond. But that isn’t the only thing that Tilford Woods is famous for, because did you know that the the end sequence to the 2013 box office smash hit Skyfall was filmed just a stone’s throw away?

A mere 9 minutes away from our glorious resort, Daniel Craig (a little swoon here at HQ) was shooting with the awesome and beautiful Dame Judi Dench as M, with Surrey playing the role of Scotland, where the childhood home of James Bond was located. Tilford Woods’ park manager Jackie and her husband are avid Bond fans, and decided to pop along and take some fantastic behind the scenes photos from the set! They even caught sight of the (fake) historic Bond home explosion, as well as being able to see the legendary Aston Martin DB5 too…

So the next time you visit Tilford Woods why not jump in the car to visit the site, marvel at the beautiful countryside and pay respects to probably the best boss anyone would want, dear M. As well as standing on the ground that Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench were on… (another little swoon)

Happy Adventuring Guys and Dolls!

Family fun while lighting the coals and steaming up the engines at Lappa Valley Steam Railway near Newquay, Cornwall

Newquay is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, with sandy beachs, sea activities for all ages and plenty of family friendly places to visit too. Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is the perfect base to explore the region from, with unbeatable facilties itself, including an indoor heated swimming pool, fun outdoor splash zone, wonderful Go Active programme and even a golf simulator. As well as the relaxing Serenity Spa offering indulgent treatments, along with the beautiful sauna and steam room, the award winning resort is simply spectacular. During your stay at Piran Meadows, why not take a short drive to the Lappa Valley Steam Railway? With plenty on offer and beautiful scenery too boot, you will fall in love with the charming trains and magical woodland.

Read on to find out more…

about trains…

A day out at Lappa Valley is brilliant fun for all the family, discovering a fantastic day of adventure at the winner of Primary Times Reader Star Awards, for the Best Family Attraction and the Overall Winner Awards. Having undergone a range of exciting developments over the winter, to add to the already outstanding acvities, there is something for all ages! With 3 unique railways to explore, the woodland railway, the newlyn downs branchline, which also takes you around the magical woodland walk and play trains, as well as the east wheal rose line, taking you from the car park, under the Mertha Bridge and around the lake. Grab a bite to eat at The Whistle Stop Café, enjoying locally sauced produced in delicious lunch time meals, including jacket potatoes, pasties and paninis. As well as mouth watering Cornish cream teas, a selection of tempting homemade cakes and Cornish dairy ice cream all on offer.

meet the engines…

Lappa Valley has 6 engines that all have their own personality ad will make all your rides fantastic fun! Meet Muffin, the oldest of the bunch, who was built in 1967, and second oldest is Zebedee, a 1974 engine, both are coal fired and were designed by David Curwen. The Duke of Cornwall is a Ford petrol engine locomotive, built in 1981, which was also designed by David Curwen and comes from Stratford Upon Avon. Eric was built in 2008 by Alan Keff and was named after the founder of Lappa Valley. Don’t forget to meet Ruby, the newest member of the locomotive group, she was commissioned and built in 2015 for the 40th anniversary of Lappa Valley, and was named by the lovely visitors.

more than just trains…

Although the trains are fascinating and fun there are loads of other family activities to do as well, all included in one ticket price too! Located on the East Wheal Rose line the Canoeing Lake is great fun, with each canoe seating 2 adults and 1 child, with two islands to negotiate, this will be a great family adventure! (Just around the river bend…who gets the Disney reference?) If you have a very little one, don’t worry head on over to the fun Toddlers Maze. Made of brick and turf this maze is based on Trevithick’s 1804 railway locomotive, which was the first train in the world to ride on rails, the aim of the maze is to get to the centre and ring the bell in victory! There are plenty of outdoor play areas too, with pirate ships, climbing frames and football nets, all with picnic tables for the adults to rest their feet, or head on to the indoor play areas, which are great fun on a rainy day, or try your hand at the 18 hole family friendly crazy golf course! Take a walk through the magical woodland walk, nearly half a mile long and it has two beautiful hillside paths that offer a quiet view of the railway. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the walk too, but keep an eye out for the little critters who live there, stunning robins, fantastic foxes and even cute bunny rabbits!

So all aboard for Lappa Valley! And all at the price of £12 per adult, £10.00 per child or £40.00 for a family ticket, this family fun filled day is a total bargain!

Happy adventuring ladies and gents!

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Surrey has plenty to offer everyone over the summer half term, festivals, live music, nature and beautiful birds! Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is nestled in the heart of Surrey, surrounded by nature but only a short train journey to London. If you wanted to stick a little closer to “home” and explore the local area this half term, here are a few family fun things to do…

birds of prey week

Where: Godstone Farm
When: 28th May – 5th June

Godstone Farm is a family fun place to visit anytime of year, but over half term there is a special treat in the form of Hawkforce, and their amazing birds of prey! There will be a selection of beautiful birds on display throughout the week, some will be taking flight for demonstrations too! The wonderful Hawkforce team are incredibly knowledgeable and have a real passion for their craft, learn facts to wow your friends from this lovely bunch! There really is nothing quite like getting up close with one of these birds.

happy days festival

Where: Imber Court, Esher
When: 28th & 29th May

This weekend festival is back by popular demand and blending three decades of music, the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! They make sure to recreate the sure-fire, feel good factor of your youth (and my youth!) all in a beautiful 40 acre site at the heart of Surrey. There will be a fun retro themed bar, fun pyrotechnics, brilliant games area and plenty of family fun activities! Artists confirmed to perform are The Human League, Vula (Basement Jaxx vocalist) and DJ Jazzie B (Soul II Soul front man) to name a few, but there are many more! Tickets for the festival are available at the door, so go get your happy on!

spring festival

Where: Farnham
When: 29th May

This family fun festival is to celebrate the Queen’s special birthday, with live music, plenty of tasty food and drink on offer and huge range of activities! Including learning how to taiko drum with Farnham taiko club, practicing your football skills with Aldershot Football Club, as well as learning how to street dance with the Farnham Dance Movement! A family fun day out in Farnham!

cherryfest

Where: The Duke of Cambridge
When: 30th May

The Duke of Cambridge pub is right next door to Tilford Woods and having just undergone a major renovation now is the perfect time to drop in. Cherryfest is an annual event at the Duke and is hugely popular, a fantastic day out for the whole family! With fabulous live music, a children’s entertainer, a bouncy castle, inflatable climbing wall and loads more! Delicious food and a charity raffle on offer, so drop in, have fun and help raise some funds!

Happy Adventuring this half term!

Settled near the peaceful village of Axminister in North Devon and close to the historic coastal village of Lyme Regis, there is plenty going on this half term…

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is fast becoming known as the perfect place to take a relaxing holiday, with our state of the art facilities, mouth-watering food at The Beeches and breathtaking hydrotherapy pool. The sleepy village of Axminister offers centuries of history to explore and the near by Lyme Regis has unrivalled views of the beautiful Jurassic Coast.

Although you can sit back and relax this half term if you choose to, Lyme Regis and the surrounding areas, also have some great family fun on offer too…

Sherborne Castle country fair

Where: Sherborne Castle
When: 30th May

This annual and traditional country fair will show off the areas traditional rural skills for everyone to marvel at! With lots of family fun thrown in, including family activities, fun dog shows and dog agility courses (I love these!) along with fabulous dragon boat racing (not actual dragons, I was upset to find that out) and archery! With plenty of trade and boutique stalls to look through as well as crafts in the courtyard and a delicious sounding food hall selling local produce! A great traditional day out for all the family!

annual art society exhibition

Where: Lyme Regis Town Hall
When: 28th May – 8th June

The Lyme Regis Art Society are a hugely talented bunch and every year the members have the opportunity to share their recent art work at the town hall. With a huge range of skills the exhibitions shows the best the society has to offer, pop along for a few hours and you might find a masterpiece or two! Also certain items are on sale if anything does catch your artistic eye!

King Arthur and the inglewood

Where: Marine Theatre
When: 2nd June

A fantastic modern rendition of the classic King Arthur tale, set deep in the enchanted forest with fantastic supernatural beings and when the realm holding the dead crosses over with living King Arthur has the ultimate challenge bestowed on him! Enjoy this ancient tale in a while new way with super exciting visuals, live action, music to tap your feet to and even fantastic puppetry!

Have a fabulous half term holidays at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa and happy adventuring folks!

There is something for everyone in the seaside town of Prestatyn on the stunning North Wales coastline. Talacre Beach Resort is a 5 minute drive from the bustling town of Prestatyn, this charming coastal town is bustling with life, from shopping and cafés, to sandy beaches and green mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages in Prestatyn…

1. the Nova Centre

Having under gone a recent £4.4 million redevelopment, the Nova Centre now has something for everyone to enjoy, including the beautiful beachside views. With a 4 lane swimming pool, a 60 station state-of-the-art fitness suite, as well as multipurpose studios, the Nova is a fitness lovers dream! There is also a 3 story indoor soft play area for the children, and Giusto’s Restaurant to grab a bite to eat, all while backing on to the beautiful sandy beach with a walk way that is part of the National Cycle Route.

2. Scala cinema & arts centre

The Scala Cinema was Wales’ first fully digital cinema, and you can enjoy a local cinema experience with a difference. Apart from playing the most recent movie hits, the Scala also showcases opera shows, breathtaking ballet shows, events and theatre performances throughout the year too. Enjoy a meal and drink at Sarnies Bar, they even serve a delicious steak…

3. Prestatyn’s crazy golf

Prestatyn’s Crazy Golf is opposite the Nova, right on the seafront and is great fun for all the family. With fun twists, turns, lumps and bumps, some narrow tunnels and windmills to navigate, this fantabulous course will have you gripped and will challenge even the most experienced golfer among your group! Who will be crowned champion in your party? And who knows, if you play the 19th hole the right way, you may even win yourself a free game!

4. Gronant dunes

Visit the internationally important Ramsar site, just minutes away from Talacre Beach. It is one of the most protected nature reserves in the area and is one of the only surviving and largely untouched remnant along the North Wales coastline. The reserve has seen Sand Lizards and Natterjack toads reintroduced to the area and is the only Little Tern colony in Wales, an absolute haven for wildlife and wildlife lovers!

5. Prestatyn shopping

With a recent retail park development, Parc Prestatyn brings big brand names like TK Maxx, River Island, M&S and Next to the sleepy seaside town. Leading off the high street Parc Prestatyn opens up to the many pubs and fish shops to grab a bite to eat while you explore the unique and boutique shops that line the streets, including charming bakery’s and boutique shoe shops on the high street.

Explore Prestatyn at your own pace when you own a holiday home at Talacre Beach Resort, call our dedicated Ownership Team on 01745 858010 for more information today.

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, and the award winning Piran Meadows Resort & Spa is the perfect location to make your base and explore…

If you are spending some time at Piran Meadows Resrot & Spa, or around Newquay, I have found some great places to visit! Family friendly and fun places, as well as relaxing gardens to lose yourself in too.

Located only a few minutes drive from Newquay, Piran Meadows is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the sights and sounds of the Cornish countryside and golden sandy beaches! If you’re looking to spend time on park you’ll find there is lots to offer too, from the relaxing Serenity Spa to the fun kids Splash Zone and play areas, as well as the beautiful accommodation and luxury indoor tropically heated swimming pool.

Here are my top 5 places to visit on your Newquay adventure…

1. the Japanese Garden – tranquil, beautiful and peaceful

The Japanese Garden combines the beauty of nature with an artistic refinement by shaping and styling the plants and natural elements. A Japanese Garden will traditioinally strive for perfection and balance with a combination of man made and natural elements, making it a place of tranquillity and peace, containing a variety of breath taking plants and calming water features. The garden was built as a meditative space, a place to calm the mind and let go of any unwanted stress through contemplation and reflection in the wonder of nature. Reopening it’s doors on March 1st, Spring is the perfect time to visit while the garden is awakening from its winter slumber, so drop in and calm your mind and marvel at the beauty of the garden and peace around you.

2. Kingsurf Surf School – water sports fun and beautiful beaches

Newquay is known for it’s golden sandy beaches and beautiful scenery, as well as being the epicentre for UK surfing. Kingsurf is a fantastic surfing school with its own base, including warm and dry changing rooms. The facility is located opposite the stunning Mawgan Beach that the Kingsuft school has a private licence for ensuring uncrowded perfection in a unique, unspoiled location. The school has been going for 19 years, and caters to all abilities, whether you are looking for a one lesson taster, or a week long progression course with fun and professional, qualified coaches. The beach is one of the best for beginners learning how to catch their first wave, and with plenty of cafés, shops and even Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant just a short walk away you can grab a bite to eat on your way home. Why not try out a lesson with people that will make you fall in love with the waves in Newquay, with the best kit, approachable and friendly coaches and the natural amphitheatre style cliffs?

3. the Lost Gardens of Helgian – beauty and history in one

With outstanding gardens set in an historical estate, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a wonder to behold. They were resurrected from a lost part of history in the Cornish countryside, the 200 acre estate is a fascinating story through the ages, starting with the Thunderbox Room, and the wonderful inscription from August 1914 etched into the lime stone “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber” by the gardeners at the time. There are beautiful gardens to marvel at, a working productive garden where you can see how they would have farmed back in the day, as well as gorgeous farm animals too (who doesn’t love a cute pig?). With magical woodlands to offer, exotic flowers that have been planted on the grounds centuries ago, and 400 years of history the Lost Gardens will capture your imagination and your heart.

4. Holywell Bay Fun Park – family fun in Newquay

Ride, slide, splash and spin in fun at the wonderful Holywell Bay Fun Park, it has something for every age (even the big kids!) to enjoy. They have a unique ‘your day, your way’ approach which means that it is free to enter the park, and free parking is available too – which is always a bonus! And then you pay as you play, meaning you only pay for the rides you actually go on, how cool is that? They have an great diner to fuel up when your energy levels get low, and a new ice cream parlour for that tasty in between rides treat! The rides and attractions include, adventure golf, bouncy castles, the classic arcade and the hill billy shooting range, along with the Italian Job where you control 8 remote control cars, including a new mini, to recreate the all time classic movie! Or try your hand at the Merlin’s Magical Maze and enter at your own peril, dodge the waterfall, enter the caves unique labyrinth of paths and tunnels, there will be decisions to make and tricks to avoid, think you can get out? There is also the fantastic Sand and Digger Pit for the little’uns, where they can move mountains with the mechanical diggers while you watch from the picnic area and recharge your batteries. And then move on to the fantastic F1 Go Karts, where the adrenaline pumping experience will have you laughing with delight, while going up to speeds of 25mph in the high performance karts! There is also an option of the Whizz Kids and other karting rides for the littler ones in the group, that is just as much fun hearing their screeches of delight! A great family fun filled day out!

5. Quiksilver Surf School – sun, sand and surf

Newquay has the well deserved title of the UK’s epicentre for surfing, and with beaches like Fistral Beach with the waves and golden sand it is easy to see why. The Quiksilver Surf School overlooks the famous Newquay beach and offers surf hire, surf lessons and group bookings, as well as the infamous Roxy, all girls surfing weekend and fantastic Coasteering. The school has hot showers, lockers and up to date kit, with cracking views, as well as a great surf shop where you can pick up fantastic surfing kit, as well as the latest Roxy and Quiksilver clothing ranges. The Roxy weekend takes place once a year, it is an all girls weekend and it’s jam packed with fun fitness events, yoga classes, spa treatments to relax those aching muscles, buffet lunches, of course surfing and loads of Roxy goodies too! It’s an extremely popular weekend every year, catering to both newcomers catching their first wave and intermediate surfers looking for some more advanced coaching to hone those fantastic surfing skills. I would love to have a go and end up looking like I was Blue Crush (that Paul Walker movie?) but I know it would be more like Jaws knowing my luck!

…for the adventurous type!

I might try my hand at Coasteering, exploring the beautiful and rugged Cornish coastline from an new and intriguing angle, free falling off rock faces into the sea. This adrenaline-filled adventure will take you from secluded beaches to smugglers coves and secret caves, all inhabited by stunning and fascinating sea life, such as fun loving seals, playful dolphins and even basking sharks! Coasteering is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports, with a mix of sea swimming, wildlife watching and cliff jumping with qualified instructors who take everything into account, you will get hooked on the buzz from free falling!

And those are my top 5 things to do in Newquay! The place is buzzing with nightlife, wildlife and all kinds of life! (what other kind of life is there?) You will never be short of family fun, adrenaline-junky sports and outstanding views, visit Piran Meadows and have the adventure of a lifetime!

happy adventuring ladies and gents!

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Welcome to a love local blog post, we are adventuring to stunning Devon and the delightful Hele Corn Mill!

Hele Bay in Devon is a stunning part of the world, with breath taking views of the coastline. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is set on the stunning cliffside overlooking Hele bay, with one of a kind beach hut accommodation showcasing glorious views of the ocean. Ilfracombe has a lot to offer and I looked at some great hidden gems last year, including the wonderful Hele Corn Mill.

centuries of history (diesel engines and mill mishaps!)

The Hele Corn Mill dates back to around 1525 and was built by John Bourchier, the Earl of Bath. It is a unique, Grade II listed building and worked as a flour mill until about 1940, although production had dropped significantly by the 1920s. The mill fell into disrepair in the late 1960’s but was renovated in the 1970’s by a local man, Chris Lovell, who restored it all to working order. They also have a 1920’s National Diesel Engine, which is in full working order and is able to power the waterwheel if there is not enough water (this often happens during the summer). The current owners provide guided tours, as much as possible, around the mill and regale with hilarious mishaps that have befallen the millers over the years, as well as the interesting history of the mill itself.

The little ones are sure to enjoy the tours too, with great games like ‘find the mice’ and ‘count the millstones’ keeping them entertained and intrigued throughout, as well as enjoying having a go at making flour using the hand quern too! They currently mill an organic heritage wheat from Dorset as well as wheat grown in Chittlehampton, Barnstaple. They do demonstration days to show how the mill worked, and they still use the 100 year old Blackstone Mill for the delicious homemade cakes at the Millers Wife Tea Room.

meet the millers! (isn’t that a movie?)

Here are Kathy and David, Kathy bakes all the delicious cakes on offer at the Tea Room from flour milled on site! A lovely couple, with a passion for history and everything about the mill, they will be able to tell you anything want to know about the history of this historic site.

award winning tea room (and lots of cake…)

The Miller’s Wife Tea Room has been named the winner of the North Devon Best Tea Room competition for the past three years. This consecutive run of excellence kind of speaks for itself! All the cakes are baked on the premises by the very talented Miller’s Wife, and the selection of cakes changes daily but always features a tempting selection of mill-made cakes. There is good range of cream teas on offer, with plain or fruit scones to choose from, and they serve delicious Devonshire splits for a truly traditional tea experience.

Try the speciality Thunder and Lightning tea which is a scone or split with cream and black treacle or syrup instead of strawberry jam, there is also savoury tea on offer, with cheese scones and onion marmalade, take your pick! Or if you wanted some lunch, the Tea Room has that to offer as well, with locally produced and prize winning pasties by Paul the Pieman (best name ever) and daily changing, homemade soup and crusty bread. The charming tea room can sit up to 25 people, and is perfect for a small party or bridal shower, along with the lovely garden area for extra seating on a sunny day, with beautiful views of the watermill.

Being only 5 minutes from the beach, why not drop in to the award winning Miller’s Wife Tea Room, marvel at the historic Corn Mill and Water Mill, and enjoy some cake! (it always comes down to cake…)

All images taken from the Hele Corn Mill Facebook page, make sure to keep up to date with them here.

Welcome to another Hidden Britain post ladies and gents! This month we are looking at Lyme Regis, the historic sea side town just 4 miles from Hawkchurch Resort & Spa.

Lyme Regis is known along the Jurassic Coast for its maritime history and fantastic fossil collection, with Mary Anning finding the first millions-of-years-old fossil in the 1800s. The beautiful seaside town has a lot to offer all ages, here are some hidden gems of these historic and stunning places…

Lyme Regis Museum – 115 year old building

The Lyme Regis Museum stands in the hear of town and has a breath-taking charm about it; it is 115 years old and is filled with interesting exhibits, fossils and facts. Built in 1901, the museum has almost always been run by dedicated volunteers, they take care of the interesting and quirky displays and collections. The local history of Lyme Regis is well represented by maritime and domestic objects on display throughout the museum, it is visited by over 26,000 people a year, many visiting the Geological Galleries with local fossils, as well as the Writers Galleries, showcasing local literary connections from Jane Austen to John Fowles. The museum is expanding and adding a Mary Anning Wing to the hundred year old structure, with a state of the art learning space. A fun family day our for all.

River Cottage canteen – delicious food for all

OK, so technically in nearby Axminster, but I simply couldn’t leave River Cottage Canteen & Deli out. It is an award-wining deli that celebrates the ethos of fine seasonal and locally-produced food. The relaxed atmosphere is in perfect partnership with the delicious dishes on offer, like Dorset mushrooms and poached free range eggs on toast, or try the butternut squash soup, walnut and sage pesto with some lovely crusty bread. With live music often setting the tone of the evening, you will love your River Cottage dinning experience, the famous River Cottage HQ, home to the award winning cookery school and dining events is located between Axminster and Lyme Regis. Don’t forget to join the team on the farm for a weekend of food and festivities at the Spring Food Fair 2016! Celebrating everything River Cottage, enjoy the market stalls selling fresh local produce, marvel at the craftsmen demonstrating their amazing skill in ironwork and woodwork. Smell the delicious food at the main stage with cooking demonstrations going on throughout the weekend, pull up a hay bail, enjoy a cocktail and some fantastic live music. Stunning food and electric atmosphere, with fun for all the family.

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – fascinating marine wildlife

Discover the magical creatures of the seashore and deeper waters around Lyme Bay. See some lovely lobsters up close and hold a friendly starfish at this completely interactive Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. Check out the fascinating Ballon Wrasse from the eastern Atlantic ocean, which are all female until the age of 8, when only a handful turn male (how cool is that?). Marvel at the Sea Mouse, who’s head and scales are covered by its hairy body, and see if the furry fellow lives off cheese like his land counterparts! (he’s not actually related to mice…) But one of the main attractions for the aquarium is the shoal of Mullet, you can feel the very tame creatures and even receive a kiss! All you have to do is fill your hand with food and let the very friendly fish gently prod and suck at your hands for the food, a truly unique experience that people go back for time and time again. So why not pop along and a kiss from a Mullet?

Hix Oyster & Fish House – stunning views & food

Owner of the HIX Oyster & Fish House, Mark Hix is known as a writer, artist and restaurateur. A native of Lyme Regis, Hix is a very talented chef and the restaurant is a testament to that. The informal, light and airy dinning room shows the focus is on the food, the menu changes daily during peak season due to the produce being sourced from the local fishermen. For the winter months there is a staple menu, including the delicious Shellfish Soup, or the classic fish fingers, chunky chips and mushy peas, with live music setting the tone and adding to the atmosphere too. Hix has teamed with renowned artist Damien Hirst and opened a new restaurant in Soho, London, called The Pharmacy 2 and in true Hirst style the décor is completely unique with pill bottles lining the walls. But it doesn’t have a patch on the stunning sea views from the Lyme Regis Oyster & Fish House, the floor to ceiling windows showcase the breath taking panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

Why not visit Darwin Escapes brand new luxury location Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, and visit some of these hidden gems? If you find any of your own, drop me a line and let me know!

Happy Adventuring Guys!