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!

A beautiful place, lost in history, go along and explore one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England

Located only 30 minutes away from our stunning Piran Meadows Resort & Spa, in the heart of the Cornish countryside the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan is a must see for all ages. Steeped in the local history this 200 acre estate has a fascinating story through the ages, with magical woodlands to offer, exotic flowers that have been planted on the grounds centuries ago.

over 400 years of history

The gardens were purchased by the Tremayne family in 1569, and the current owners are decedents of the same family, meaning that it has been a part of the family for over 400 years.The current owners have meticulously researched the history and have created a wonderful timeline of the estate. They found that the outbreak of World War I was actually the start of the demise of the estate as most of the workers were deployed to fight the war, and many sadly never returned.

revival of romance

The gardens were sold in the 1970s with Heligan house sold and split into private apartments. After decades of neglect a devastating hurricane in 1990 resulted in the gardens almost being lost to history. The romance of its history took hold of the owners imagination and they set about restoring the gardens and house to its former glory. They then discovered a tiny room in the corner of one the walled gardens, the historic Thunderbox Room, and etched into the limestone above the door was the motto “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber”, along with the names of gardeners who have signed. It was dated August 1914 – a true message from history that could have been lost in the rubble if not for the passion and keen eye of the wonderful owners. It sparked their interest and pushed them to make the gardens the best they could.

breath taking natural beauty

Having different styles of Gardens gives you a choice of where you want to visit, the Productive gardens are a living window into the past. The restoration of the Victorian Productive Garden is award winning and acts as a living memorial to the Lost Gardens, see how they used to work.

Visit Cornwall’s only outdoor Jungle, it plays host to luxuriant foliage, outstanding trees and exotic plantings, and inspiring views from one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain. You will get a totally different perspective from the bridge while adventuring through the tropical gardens, marvel at the giant rubarb plants, the stunning banana plantations and magical ponds.

Visit the Giants Woodland Adventure, the ancient woodland pathways were initially created 200 years ago, with many of the flora coming from this time period too. You can discover the iconic sculptures like the Giant’s Head, the Mud Maid and the Grey Lady, see the path come to life as these woodland sculptures show themselves out of the beautiful natural landscape. The Lost Valley offers enchanting ponds and exquisite wildflowers, and the floor is carpeted with Bluebells during the spring time, don’t miss out on the Charcoal Sculpture made by James Eddy, depicting growth and decay.

The Pleasure Grounds offer unusual range of romantic structures and unexpected features, all linked by a network of historic pathways, the beautiful trees and flora that line the paths will take your breath away. Also look out for the fascinating Witches Broom here, a dark green growth from the ancient Douglas’ trunk, a genetic mutation that is extraordinarily popular amongst bonsai enthusiast and of course witches.

There is an abundance of wildlife, see the magical Barn Owls, catch a glimpse of the fascinating Badgers and take a peak at the insect hotel and the honeybee observation hive. Make sure that you go and meet Diggory, the selfie-loving resident scarecrow! Don’t forget to visit the farm and see the cute Tamworth pigs and piglets, as well as the stunning sheep being reared on site too, everyone loves farm animals!

So why not drop into The Lost Gardens of Heligan and visit a piece of history that we almost lost. The beautiful scenery, stunning wildlife and fantastic sculptures will have you returning time and again

‘Said the Hatter with a sigh “It’s always tea time…So recently I was lucky enough to be treated to a visit to the Mad Hatters Tea Room in Chester, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell you lovely lot all about it!

I think I’ve made it clear that I love food, but what you probably didn’t know is that I love Alice in Wonderland too, it was actually the theme to my wedding! I love all versions: from the classic Lewis Carroll book, the Disney cartoon to the brilliant Tim Burton adaption – they are all wonderful in my opinion. So to go to a place called the Mad Hatters Tea Room and have food? You can only guess at my excitement! Be warned I may ramble on a little in this post, sorry (not really…)

‘i knew who i was this morning, but i’ve changed a few times since then…’

The historic city of Chester was originally founded as a Roman Fort in 79AD and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. With a number of medieval building and beautiful Victorian restorations, this stunning city is steeped in history, and this multi-award winning tea room is situated in the unique building of the Rectory. The Grade II listed building adds a touch of ‘wonderland’ and eccentricity to the Mad Hatters Tea Room, the building was probably built in the 15th Century, and was rebuilt and given to the St Michael’s Parish as a Rectory house in 1659. It was then altered again in the 18th century, and has been decorated and restored throughout its history, you can still see, however the 17th century timber frames, plaster panels and the form of the galleried hall open to the roof. A stunning and interesting setting with lots of nooks and crannies to explore.

‘why is a raven like a writing desk?’

Open since 2011 the Mad Hatters Tea Room have gained a huge following, and rightly so as they are very passionate about food, both savoury and sweet! The very talented bakers were featured in ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’ in 2014 and in Channel 4’s ‘Heston’s Great British Food’, and are also in some up and coming TV productions too, so keep your eyes peeled! The bakers love to experiment and the Mad Hatters theme gives then huge scope to keep creating new and exciting flavours to try, like the upside down pear and ginger cake, raspberry brownies and the delicious looking walnut whip whoopie pies to name a few! They love the fun and quirkier side of life and the tea room has a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy breakfast, elevenses, light lunches and, of course, afternoon tea.

‘imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality’

Imagine a world of cake, any flavour you could wish for, this is what the Mad Hatters Tea Room is all about! Endless, delicious food and a huge range of tea! They have everything from Camomile, mint humbug, pina colada and oolong (black dragon tea, I would have had this just for the name!) to green and normal breakfast tea, something for everyone! They also have a great selection of coffee, soft drinks and milkshakes! There is a great hot chocolate drink everyone should try, the KOKONOIR Hot Chocolate, it comes with a real Belgian chocolate stick to stir until it melts into your drink…I’ll just leave you with that beautiful mental image while I wipe away the drool from my mouth.

They don’t just do cake here, although that’s enough to get me out of bed in the morning, the Mad Hatters breakfast and lunch menus are filled with tastiness! Ranging from a full Mad Hatters breakfast, with bacon rashers and toast, to porridge or something my husband used to treat me to, Eggy Bread! The lunch menu has homemade soups, kippers, sandwiches, jacket spuds and an old university favourite of mine, Corned beef hash, (my roommate made this when I was very unwell with tonsillitis in my first year, it could have been freshers flu…) Both menus are full of lovely lunches to have before hitting the surrounding Chester shops!

‘if i had a world of my own everything would be nonsense’

Everything would be cake not nonsense for me, but each to their own ay Alice! The Mad Hatters Tea Room has a range of wonderful Afternoon Tea’s, from the Cheshire Cat’s Cream Tea of a duo of scones and a pot of tea, to the full Alice’s Afternoon Tea. Including a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and a choice of cakes from the daily selection, served with a pot of salted popcorn and a great bottomless pot of tea of your choice. You can even add a glass of bubbly and turn it into the Red Queens Afternoon Tea! I loved my Alice’s Afternoon Tea, everything from the delicious finger sandwiches, to the mouth watering scones and my glorious macaroon and chocolate and caramel cupcake, which was mind blowing! The Earl Grey tea looked lovely and must have tasted good as a second pot was called for! Everything looked amazing and I wanted it all, but it is surprising how filling it is, cakes were taken home in boxes and polished off later that night. It was such a delightful treat!

‘if you don’t know where you are going, any road can take you there’

If you are looking for a lovely, relaxing afternoon, or even breakfast, out in Chester, look no further than the Mad Hatters Tea Room. You can even join in on the fun and learn how to use colour and glitter to set off your own cupcakes at their great bakery and cake decoration classes, where you can take home what you create and make everyone jealous! So why not pop into the Mad Hatters Tea Room in Chester, say hello to the friendly staff and try some cake, tea or a mouth-watering hot chocolate, you may even see a jabberwocky or two…

‘sometimes i’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast…’

Keep the imagination alive ladies and gents, happy afternoon tea! Change Places!!

Welcome to another Love Local post you lovely readers, this month we will be spending time in the Isle of Wight. Are you planning a stay at our own Woodside Coastal Retreat or Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat? Then a must visit is the glorious Garlic Farm on the island! Now before we start I know you will all be worried about endless Dracula or Buffy jokes, I have completely reined myself in, this is all about how amazing The Garlic Farm is, so read on and learn more!

40 years of garlic

The Garlic Farm is a family run business, with Mum and Dad (Jenny and Colin) at the helm and their children all involved, including Natasha who has written two cook books on cooking with garlic and how to get the most of its amazing health benefits. The family have been growing garlic on the farm for the past 40 years, with Granny Norah starting them off with a few bulbs, they have since spent the years exploring the history and origins of this fascinating plant. Colin and Jenny have travelled to the mountains of Georgia and Kazakhstan to find the ‘mother of all garlics’. It is safe to say you will be amazed by how much they know – probably more than a 300 year old vampire! (maybe not completely reined myself in then…)

farm shop and restaurant

“If you like Garlic this is a great place to visit, they have free tasters of there products, and a lovely shop and restaurant and café there, and when they have there products there you can watch them harvest the garlic, they also have history lessons and stuff for kids to do!”
“Great place to visit and try loads of different ways to taste garlic. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Well worth a visit”

Over the 40 years history of The Garlic Farm they have been experimenting with the many different varieties of garlic, creating garlic infused products from chutney, to beer and even ice cream! To try these creative ideas you can visit the renowned farm shop to take some home or eat at the delicious Garlic Farm restaurant, both making for a unique and memorable visit. Learn about the history and the origins of the farm in the Heritage Centre, taste the amazing range of garlic inspired products at the Taste Experience, and pick up a few garlicy goodies from the farm shop to take home! The restaurant was built in 2009 using Marco Carpa pine, that was planted around the farm by Colin and his dad 20 years before, the natural wood and stunning log fire creates such a cosy, family atmosphere to enjoy your meal in. They also have a charming open patio at the rear to enjoy the stunning views across the valley, a great spot for nature watching – you can often see a red squirrel family running back and forth along with the chickens, peacocks, doves and even Eric the dog makes an appearance now and again too! Great setting for a lovely meal, serving everything from hot garlic buttered shell on prawns, garlic hot dogs and smoked chicken with avocado salad to cakes and desserts of gluten-free brownies, or try the black garlic sundae! Something to everyone’s tastes here, where possible they also source all their ingredients locally, even serving their own farm reared beef, the cattle can be seen enjoying the open pastures around the farm. Give it a try and you will be surprised by how much you love it here.

the garlic festival

“The farm is tucked away in a rural part of the Isle Of Wight. It has a brilliant education centre to keep the kids entertained and a brilliant taster centre where garlic lovers can sample some of the many products on offer in the extensive shop and restaurant.”

The Isle of Wight is famous for its many festivals, but one that draws over 25,000 people every year is The Garlic Festival, with music, entertainment, beer tents, crafts stalls and a full timetable of events in the arena tent. They also have a theatre kitchen featuring special guests, this year it’s Nadiya Hussain from GBBO! The festival started in 1983, with 5000 people in attendance, and is now one of the largest on the island. In the early 80’s a fundraising committee was formed for Newchurch Primary School, and over 20 years it has raised a substantial amount for the school and local community, providing sport centres, better school facilities and recreation areas. In 2007 local businessman David Holmes took over the festival and still works closely with The Garlic Farm to provide a unique weekend to visitors and island residents alike, with a curious mixture of a late 60’s pop festival ambiance, a country fair and some stunning garlic cuisine, which is all coupled with entertainment for all the family. Plan your stay around this fantastic festival for some knowledge, fun and garlicy treats!

the garlic farm field kitchen

“We love this place ! We spend a fortune in the shop the produce is amazing the team are precise and all are passionate about garlic. When ever on the island we aim right for it. The cafe is superb!”
“The place was nice and clean and had a very friendly staff. The food was wonderful and the best breakfast I have had in a long time. The prices were very fair and portions were large.”

Ever fancied something different at your wedding, party or even just while out at a festival? This mobile catering company has been serving up garlic inspired gourmet food at festivals, events and private parties all the around the UK. The Garlic Farm Field Kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce where possible, using original recipes and, of course, loads of garlic they feed and delight thousands every year. Next time you see this delightful mobile kitchen try their garlic burgers, or have a garlic-inspired breakfast, which includes fried egg, cherry tomatoes and garlic mushrooms on top of garlic bread , with a healthy dollop of sour cream (How good does that sound?!).

events and health benefits (if you’re not a vampire)

“A scenic walk is also available for the more energetic of you around the farm to see the Garlic growing for yourself.”

The Garlic Farm has loads of events throughout the year from parties to opera evenings, film screenings to art exhibitions, they even offer growing tips and advice if you fancy trying your hand at growing it yourself, as well as recipes and cooking tips. The health benefits of garlic are still being discovered, but there are many that are known such as the antiseptic properties, as its kills both bacteria and fungi, it is also a great antioxidant, as well as being good for you gums to stay healthy too. There have also been experiments carried out in laboratories that support the idea that garlic can interfere with tumour activity, with cancers of the stomach, colon and skin that are most likely to be affected. All these amazing properties from this tiny, little clove!

Why not pop along to The Garlic Farm and find out more, enjoy the scenery and the wildlife, and try some of the delicious food – and let’s be honest here, if you don’t everyone will think you’re vampire, so it’s worth it just to prove that point! (I’m sorry, I really did try!)

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful island off the coast of the south of England, it has many hidden secrets ready to be explored. With our brand new Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat location opening on the Isle of Wight, now is the perfect time to spend a few nights in our outstanding treehouse accommodation while exploring the wonders that the island has to offer…

the calbourne water mill

Set in 35 acres of breathtaking rural landscape and one of the oldest water mills in the UK, The Calbourne can date it’s history back to the doomsday book and is a must visit for anyone traveling to the Isle of Wight. The Calbourne has its own war museum with historic exhibitions you can follow through time. The rustic and rural exhibits all display special treasures from times gone by, including a fake fire station, a Granfer’s Shed and Grandma’s Kitchen exhibits. Make sure to take a walk through the Ancient Oak Woodland, wander around the ponds, build a little house on the Lego tables, create anything you fancy on the giant chalkboard or jump on the pedalo and travel downstream. Visit the family fun pottery area, where air-dry pottery is used so you can take home what you make that day! A fun family day out, and it’s free to get in too!

ventnor botanic gardens

These beautiful gardens have an unrivaled collection of sub tropical and exotic plants, with the immersive landscape transporting you to outstanding Mediterranean regions around the world. There are more than just plants at the Botanic Gardens, art exhibitions are also held for your delight, with everyone from Picasso to Banksy having their work showcased here. After a full day walking around, make sure to grab a meal at the Plantation Room Café, which uses herbs grown from the surrounding gardens. Ventnor Botanic Gardens has loads of secret passageways, underground caverns and tunnels to find, the biggest being a 350 foot long tunnel running through the nearby Cliffside out to the shore. Guided tours are available daily here as it is too dangerous to go in alone. An interesting day for all the family!

fogg’s of ventnor

This little hidden gem on the Isle of Wight offers food and relaxing atmosphere, perfectly located on Ventnor’s high street and set in a beautiful Colonial style villa, you will fall in love instantly. The lovely brasserie style lends itself to the light and airy rooms with a relaxed and friendly service and atmosphere, along with a great selection of food, this is a must visit restaurant on the island. All produce is locally sourced, with the meat coming from local farms and butchers, Ventnor Haven Fishery supplies freshly caught fish daily and even the bread is locally baked from Sarah’s House bakery down the road. Owner and chef Mark is passionate about the island and, obviously, food, having catered for the Queen, Prince Charles, David Beckham and both the English rugby and football teams, he definitely knows what he’s doing. With over 25 years experience in the industry and worked in kitchens supervised by Marco Pierre White, you know you are in expert hands at Fogg’s of Ventnor, he offers flavours of the world as well as the grill menu and delightful little’uns menu too, something for everyone!

tapnell farm & the cow co.

Tapnell Farm has everything you need under one roof. You can eat, shop and play all in one place. The kids will love the Play Barn, the indoor play area with a fun imagination playground and giant chalkboard, while adventurers can have a go at the zip wires, or the huge jumping pillow that can fit up to 35 people!

You can book experience days and learn skills like archery, wall climbing, zorbing or mountain boarding, or take a trip off site and try some water activities. Tapnell Farm is an actual working farm, and has been for over 40 years, turning from the little dairy farm to diverse business it is today, with all produce made on the farm shared between the farm shop and the restaurant, called The Cow Co. Delicious burgers and steaks await your taste buds, as well as wonderful gourmet delights and handmade gifts at the gift shop.

Explore away on one of the most beautiful islands in the UK!

Happy Adventuring Ladies & Gents

Welcome to another Hidden Britain post ladies and gents, this month it’s all about the Cornish coast! Our very own Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by countryside, meadows and only a stone’s throw away from the Cornish seafront. All of the hidden secrets in this post are 30 minutes away from our one-of-a-kind destination, so let’s see what there is to explore…

the chocolate factory & craft centre

Just under 10 minutes away from Mullion Cove this is a fun day out for all the family, visit the art gallery on site, marvel at the homemade jewellery shops and fused glass workshops as well as a wonderful gift shop called Aladdin’s Cave! Drop into Honey Cosmetics who offer a range of skin and hair products made from Cornish Honey, or meet the resident llama family and have a little cuddle with these affectionate and inquisitive animals. Then head over to the Trenance Chocolate Factory and watch the master chocolatiers create amazing shapes, from bite sized bars to indulgent boxes, with mouth watering Belgian chocolate.

the lizard lighthouse heritage centre

The distinctive twin towers of the lighthouse mark the most southern part of the UK mainland, it boasts outstanding views and is still a working lighthouse guiding vessels along the English Channel. The lighthouse is steeped in maritime history, with building started in 1619 and finally completed in 1751, you can learn all about the varied history in the original engine room, through exhibitions and audio visual displays. Learn how technology and science has impacted the lighthouse over the last 500 years, before climbing up the stairs for breathtaking views out to sea.

trebah garden

Wander around the gardens with a breathtaking coastal backdrop, with their own secluded and private beach along the Helford River, and views out to sea. Trebah Gardens is famous for being a sub-tropical paradise bursting with exotic blooms and endless vibrant tunnels of flowers and plants to explore. With four miles of footpath in the magical Cornish valley garden, you can enjoy an enchanting day out; the kids will love the adventure play areas and fun trails; plus, dogs being welcome all year round too, so the whole family can enjoy it! Grab a bite to eat at the Planter’s Café, where they also have dedicated doggie tables and offer water bowls for the fur-babies too! There is also an ever-changing events and exhibitions programme to check out too.

the blue anchor inn

During the 17th Century the population of Helston was around 300, with about 30 ale houses brewing their own beer, where as now there are only around 4 in the whole of the UK and The Blue Anchor Inn is one of them. The pub can date its history back to the 15th Century and has been brewing its own ale, called Spingo’s, for over 600 years! The Inn has retained its original charm over the centuries, there are no slot machines or piped music within the walls of the historic building, with every Monday being quiz night and weekly live music nights in the recently refurbished skittles room. And in the summer you can relax in the garden and enjoy a delicious BBQ!

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In celebration of our new resort, Aberconwy Resort & Spa, I’ve written this post about the top 5 things to do in and around Conwy! This is also Conwy on a budget, everything is easily accessible and affordable, a great family friendly day out with the kids, without spending a fortune! There is also some things here for the history buffs, as Conwy is littered with historic houses and sites in it’s picturesque setting, there is something for everyone here. So dear reader, carry on and see if there is something that tickles your fancy…

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Opens: 9.30am (last admission at 5pm) Closes: 6pm

For one of the best days out around Conwy, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is one of the most caring, conservation zoo’s in the UK. Home to everything from Meerkats to Sumatran tigers, the family will love a day out here. Watch the Penguins waddle, walk and fly through the water in the Penguin’s Parade, see the Chimpanzee’s up close and personal at the Chimp Encounter exhibition and visit Seal’s Rock to watch the seal’s being trained and having fun! A great family day out for all, you can also visit the Snow Leopard cub twins, Tom and Jessie, who were born last year (April 2014) and see how much they have grown! Really treat yourself and be a keeper for the day! Meet, feed and muck out some of the most magnificent animals in the world. Only a 10 minute drive from Aberconwy Resort & Spa this well worth a visit for all ages!

Conwy Castle

Opens: 9.30am Closes: 5pm

For you history buffs out there a must visit is Conwy Castle, built for King Edward I in 1200’s, it is considered to be one of the most magnificent Welsh castles of the period. The narrow, rocky outcrop on which the castle stands added the extra security that Edward was looking for, it also offers, fantastic, mountain and sea views from the Battlements. With two grand gateways, 8 huge towers and a stunning bow-shaped hall, it’s easy to see that Edward spent the largest sum of money here than on any of his other Welsh castles. A fun family day out you can see how Conwy functioned when the Royal party were in town. Feel like Harry Potter when visiting the private chambers and the great hall – it all gives you an idea of how much grander they lived in at the time. A great and interesting day out in Conwy for all.

Puffin Island cruises

Open all year, dependant on weather. Book a tour online or by telephone

Offering panoramic views of the magical Snowdonia mountains, the beautiful Penman Lighthouse and, of course, the stunning Puffin Island. On the island you can see as much as 12 different species of sea birds, including the famous Puffin, all in their natural habitat. In Welsh the island is called Ynys Seirid’s after the 6th century monk who lived there and the ruins of the 12th century church, in his honor, can still be seen today. It is also said that King Maelgwn Gwynedd, ruler of North Wales, is buried on the island with St Seirid. Steeped in history and teeming with wildlife you can visit the colony of grey seals and watch them swimming in the sea or basking in the sunshine. Laugh at the cheeky otters laying around in the sea and marvel at the bottlenose dolphins, who can often be seen swimming along the side of the boat. A fantastic day out around Conwy and fun for all the family.

Plas Mawr

Opens: 9.30am Closes: 4pm (Closes Nov. 3rd for winter, reopens March 31st)

In a town that has a wealth of historic sites Plas Mawr reigns supreme. Built between 1576 and 1585 for influential Welsh merchant Robert Wynn, it is the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era found in Britain. The grand white house is a great symbol of a prosperous and buoyant age which can be seen in the plaster in the over mantel in the hall. Repainted in it’s vivid original colours, which immediately proclaims Wynn’s wealth and status, along with the many crests and coats of arms around the house. A fascinating day out in Conwy, this historic house is informative and fun for everyone. With an audio tour and furnishings that are original to the house, you will be transported back to the life of a Tudor gentry. A great day out for the family and history buffs alike!

Treasure Island Fun Centre

Opens: 9.30am Closes: 5pm

A fantastic day out with the kids the Treasure Island Fun Centre is for kids ages 1 – 10. They can run wild in the maze of ramps, slides, bridges and tubes. The little pirates can find the secret den hidden somewhere in the play frame – keep it a secret though, half the fun is finding it! Cross the rope bridge and if you dare, walk the plank into the ball lagoon or if you’re feeling extra brave, visit the haunted cave but remember safety in numbers! There’s a safe ‘mini maruaders’ soft play area for under 4 year olds. Mini versions of the big kids fun and some brilliant, age appropriate, challenges of their own! Once the little pirates have finished wreaking havoc, drop into the Captain’s Table Café for, much needed, yummy grub. If it is a special occasion, like a birthday, then book a pirate or princess party and wow all the kids! One of the best days out in Conwy for the kids!

So enjoy and give it all a go, let me know how you get on and what’s your favourite!

Explore North Devon from our outstanding Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, with four hidden gems for you to seek out on your travels

North Devon has countless hidden secrets in the beautiful surroundings. You can stay in our cute and quirky beach hut accommodation in Hele Bay when you explore this region. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is hidden gem on the North Devon coastline all on it’s own, but just little further down the road the town of Ilfracombe has some fantastic secrets ready to be stumbled upon!

Ilfracombe museum

The local museum is overflowing with curiosities and memorabilia, from shrunken heads to pickled bats (slightly morbid, but so fascinating!). The founder Mervyn Palmer was originally a collector for the Royal British Museum, and first opened Ilfracombe Museum’s doors in 1932 when his personal collection became too big for his home. When you visit you can learn all about how settlers arrived on the coast through model ships, and take a look at the ship to shore radio station, which is a huge hit with the kids. The museum also has a fabulous programme of demonstrations and events throughout the year to visit and learn from, so don’t miss out on this wonderful and weird window into the past.

Hele corn mill and tea room

The mill building itself dates back to 1525 and is a unique working watermill on the North Devon coast, with an absolutely fascinating history you can learn all about from the guided tours every weekend by the current owners, the Jones family. Kids can play games called ‘find the mice’ and ‘count the millstones’ while you hear the stories about the hilarious mishaps that have befallen the millers over the centuries in the Grade 2 listed building. Attend one of the demonstrations of the 100 year old Blackstone Mill, which still produces wholemeal flour for the Miller’s Wife Tea Room, where you can sit and enjoy an award winning afternoon with freshly baked cakes, a range of cream teas and tasty pasties from Paul the Pieman.

the grampus inn

This traditional village pub is a huge hit with locals and visitors alike, with parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century it is stunning inside and out. Offering ciders, largers, organic wine, as well as hosting a variety of guest ales all made locally to tickle your taste buds, The Grampus Inn supports local companies in the community. Boasting home cooked dishes made using locally sourced produce from around North Devon, as well as serving traditional Devon cream tea in the delightful tea room from Easter to October there is something for everyone. There is plenty going on at the pub for entertainment, with darts, pool, live music, quiz nights and even craft evenings for everyone to enjoy, or take a seat in one of the beautifully carved ‘storytelling’ chairs, carved by owner Bill Harvey himself, and curl up with a good book. A fabulous night out in the heart of Ilfracombe.

tunnels beaches

The Victorian hand carved tunnels, rock pool, tidal pool and beautiful beach couldn’t be missed off the list, even if they aren’t really hidden gems! The tunnels took 2 years to complete in the 1820’s, and the pick axe marks made by the Welshmen who carved them can still be seen today as you wander through the hillside. Scattered throughout the tunnels are hilarious guides to Victorian etiquette for boys, girls and gentlemen out boating with ladies, for example “Great care must be taken not to splash the ladies” and “Neither should anything be done to cause them freight”, scour the tunnels to find the charming and funny messages from the past. The beach through the tunnels is widely known as one of the safest and cleanest beaches in North Devon and was voted 3rd best rock pooling beach in the UK by BBC Wildlife. Grab a bite to eat at The Café Blue Bar, offering a range of food and drink where you can sit on the balcony and gaze out over the beach and out to the sea. An interesting fact to leave you with is that every year the large tidal pool is cleaned and drained by removing a large ‘plug’ at the bottom of the pool… (the image of that made me chuckle…)

So ladies and gents that’s the best hidden gems of Ilfracombe, if there is anything that I’ve missed off the list then drop me a comment and let me know!

If you’re looking for a nice meal out on the North Wales coastline, search no longer, I’ve done it all for you! Here are my top 5 places to eat on the North Wales Coastline, all are very close to our Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park, Aberconwy Resort & Spa and Seaview Holiday Home Park locations. To offer a proper review of the eateries I had to go and try them myself, it wouldn’t be honest otherwise! And by now we all know my love for food…

Signatures

Signatures Restaurant is located on site at our Aberconwy Resort & Spa along the Conwy coastline, and just a stones throw away from the Conwy Morfa beach front. The owners-only resort offers outstanding features, with Signatures being open to the public too, we couldn’t keep head chef Jimmy’s talents to ourselves! At front of house you will find Jimmy’s equally talented wife Louise, who takes perfect care of this award winning restaurant. The luxury dinning room, adjacent seating, bar and waiting area all oozes elegance, fitting perfectly with the food and service. The menu changes often to keep it fresh and exciting, I had a mouth watering meal of chicken filled with cheese and bacon, sitting on a bed of creamy mushroom risotto, finishing off with a divine sticky toffee pudding. Let your taste buds free in luxury surroundings here!

The Talardy

Set in St Asaph this renovated Georgian house offers traditional pub food in family friendly surroundings. Recently redecorated but keeping with the traditional pub style, The Talardy is cozy with comfy seats, as well as having an outdoor conservatory eating area, with it’s own fire place to keep you warm on the chillier nights and a garden with children’s play area. There is a huge range of food here, from cheeseburgers, pasta dishes to the chicken rotisserie, which I had with a blue stilton sauce and sweet potato fries, with a delicious apple pie for dessert! This is a family favourite to visit with their Sunday roast dinners legendary, something for all tastes at The Talardy!

the Bistro

Tucked away from the bustling high street of Rhyl, The Bistro is another family favourite for anniversaries and birthdays. With plenty of choice from the set menu’s, that often change, you will find something for your pallet, from seafood, game to beef, but I love the vegetarian options here, they are always inventive and delicious! I had a mouth watering chestnut, mushroom and leek tart in white wine sauce, and for dessert I had a wonderful Belgian waffle with banana and a caramel sauce, my mouth is watering at the thought of it all now! Most of the tables are next to the windows so everyone has a lovely view of the Marine Lake or Rhyl Prom and seafront.

The Glynne Arms

Along the high street in Hawarden, The Glynne Arms is steeped in history, first opening it’s doors in the 1800’s and has a very prestigious background. The building itself looks like a traditional pub in a beautiful setting and inside is traditional until you head towards the back, a modern area bathed in natural light with splashes of colour and comfortable seating. Everything served is sourced from the Hawarden Estate Farm and Shop, from the fruit and veg to the game and meat all raised on the local fields. They promote a dog friendly pub, sitting in the back area they even offer water and feeding bowls while you rest your limbs from your puppy walk, and enjoy your lovely break, they serve the best goats cheese fritter I have ever had here! I also indulged in a stunning cheeseburger for main, and a divine treacle tart to finish off, I was in heaven! I left feeling totally spoiled and satisfied, with a friendly and homely feel with fantastic service too!

Bistro at Talacre Beach

For something a little closer to home drop into the Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park Restaurant (only open for holiday makers and home owners) and indulge in a mouth watering meal freshly prepared by our expert chefs. Take a seat in the clubhouse and enjoy the show, or in the lounge area for a natter, or for a more formal dinner try the restaurant area, and chose your favourite meal from the very varied menu. With options from pasta, rice dishes to pizza, grilled meats, club burgers and seafood, you will find something to tickle your taste buds, and then indulge in a delicious Costa Coffee too! Costa hot chocolate is my favourite, so I had a mug of hot chocolate and a towering cheese, bacon and chutney burger topped off with onion rings and sweet potato fries on the side…divine! Talacre also has it’s own fish and chip shop if you fancy a stroll down the beach with a great British tradition of getting sand in your chips! Drop in and say hello!

So go and try some of the taste-bud-tempting food that North Wales has to offer, let me know how you find them all and what your favourite dish is!

Happy adventuring folks!