Flambards Theme Park in Helston, Cornwall is a fantastic family fun day out come rain or shine

Only a few minutes drive from our own Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat the fabulous Flambards Theme Park has much to offer, ranging from daredevil outdoor activities to award winning indoor attractions.

First opened in June 1976 as the ‘Cornwall Aircraft Park’ by retired Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, Douglas Kingsford Hale, the park received 76,000 visitors in its first season! Work was carried out to a high standard and the park was added to with amusements and exhibitions. Today Flambards is owned by Livingstone Leisure Ltd, who constantly invest and improve the attraction, which continues to offer something for people of all ages!

in the sunshine…

The rides and attractions at Flambards include the daring sky swinger, fantastic hornet rollercoaster, the classic log flume, as well as the dizzying speeds in darkness of the space race ride! Jump in the go karts, the rocking tug boats or the traditional pirate ship for fun family thrills, meet the past in the Jurassic journey attraction and visit Ferdi the fox too!

Are you brave enough to try Cornwall’s biggest drop slide, the Demon Drop? If you are looking for thrills, without the scare, enjoy the outdoor adventure play area as well as the fun Ferdi’s funland!

and in the rain…

The indoor attractions are a trip back in time, with the popular Britain in the Blitz exhibition you can see the sights and sounds of one of the worst times during the 1940s with London at War. There is also a fascinating war gallery, plenty of shops and scenes to marvel at, as well as being able to read Flambards collection of original evacuee letters, you will feel like you are transported back in time. Also the ever popular Victorian Village attraction has up to 50 Victorian scenes, including the cobbled streets with horse drawn carriages, a wood-block floored school room, a fabulous Victorian Home, fire station and Pheasant Pub!

Explore William White’s apothecary lost chemist time capsule, which was locked away in 1909 after White passed away. The apothecary was left to his son Edward, who had no interest in it, so locked it up so it was forgotten about and left untouched for over 100 years! Flambards reassembled the shop exactly as it was found (apart from the dangerous poisons that were confiscated by the Home Office of course!), everything was numbered and photographed so it has been put exactly as it was. Marvel at the walls, lined with a century old medicines bottles, pill dispensers and apothecary jars, among the many weird and wonderful things!

The next time you visit Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat venture out Flambards Theme Park and spoil your family, travel back in time, be a daredevil on the rides and have fun family day out!

happy adventuring daredevils!

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Trebah Gardens has beautiful scenery, breathtaking flowers, mouth watering food and a whole host of shows in its Amphitheatre. What more could you want?

Records show that Trebah dates back to the Doomsday survey of 1085, at the time it was the property of the Bishop of Exeter, it has an amazing and fascinating history. The stunning Georgian house at the head of the valley was built in the 18th Century and pre-dates the gardens, a survey map from 1813 shows Trebah as a magical wooded valley.

The beautiful garden you enjoy today is the result of nearly 200 years of horticultural endeavour, over the long history of Trebah the house and gardens has been passed from family to family. And was even used for a regiment of 7500 soldiers from the US Infantry Division during World War II. Major Tony Hibbet and his wife Eira purchased Trebah in 1981 as a retirement home but were convinced by the Cornwall Garden Society to do work on the garden and open it up to the public. Trebah was eventually passed on in 1990 to the Trebah Garden Trust, who currently take care of and enhance the gardens and grounds.Today you can enjoy a mouth watering Cornish Cream Tea at the Planters Café, as well as stocking up on garden essentials at the award winning visitor centre, finding the Gallery and Garden shops as well as the Trebah Plant Centre too. The new feature of the garden is the wonderful Trebah Amphitheatre, providing a space for the performing arts, set within a natural bowl for added atmosphere. The Amphitheatre helps promote local theatre productions and events, with something for everyone from The Mousehole Cat to Duchy Opera. Be sure to check out the Neptunlia events in July and August, a fest for the heart and soul, as well as the belly, all culminating with fun celebrations and dancing down on the beach.

So the next you’re visiting Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat jump in the car for a short drive to the Trebah Gardens, a beautiful day out for all the family!

Adding theatre and dance to the North Wales coastline at the seafront Rhyl Pavilion, read about two of their up coming shows below…

The current pavilion is actually the third construction, with the first opening in 1891 and the current building opening 100 years later in 1991! Steeped in local history the Rhyl Pavilion is one of the favourite spots to catch a show for locals and holiday makers alike. Over the decades Rhyl has hosted international artists and a huge number of productions; it also plays a big role in community events. Generating more than £4 million each year for the local economy, holding recent shows like Mrs Browns Boys, Little Mix and John Bishop to get the crowds in. But they also facilitate many local amateur acting groups, as well as being accessible for school productions and local bands, creating a place for theatre and dance on the North Wales coastline.

Two of these nationally acclaimed shows that will be gracing the Rhyl stage are Welsh Wrestling and Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show, read below for more information…

Welsh wrestling

When: 27th May / Cost: £12 for adults, £9 for children and £35 for a family of four

Grab a seat and enjoy the glitz, glamour and body-slamming mayhem in this American Wrestling extravaganza invading Rhyl for one night only! The brilliant and over the top Welsh Wrestling brings the crazy wrestling world and combines it with a fun entertainments show that the whole family can enjoy, screaming along with the thrills and spills of live American Wrestling. Including stars who have appeared, and are about to appear, on the world renowned, WWE! The sensational Stevie Starr, the all action muscle man John Titan (seriously, what a name!) and the masked Mexican flyer Magico! With fantastic stars from the UK, USA, Mexico and Japan, grab a ticket and enjoy the ride. So let’s get ready to rumble! (I bet you shouted that in your head…)

dirty dancing: the tribute show

When: 14th May / Cost: £21 per ticket

This fantastic feel good concert will be touring the UK extensively, but grab it at Rhyl Pavilion in May and enjoy the music, dance and nostalgia! Lead actor Julian Essex-Spurrier has starred in productions like Rocky Horror Picture Show, as Rocky (ultimate dream to see this live) and played Tony in Saturday Night Live. And the beautiful Amanda Coutts has recently joined the cast after completing a stint on the West End in the smash hit We Will Rock You (I loved that movie!). This production is not the movie, so don’t expect a retelling of the movie, this fun show is driven by the soundtrack of the movie. Paying homage to one of the best soundtracks a movie ever had, this high energy, emotional roller coaster has breath taking choreography and buckets of nostalgia, and is currently entering its recording breaking 6th year of touring! Book a ticket and enjoy the electric atmosphere, where the crowd are encouraged to jump up, dance and sing the night away with the actors, and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of Dirty Dancing, a completely unique experience! Definitely a show not to miss!

So folks I think Rhyl Pavilion is the place to be in May! Looking for a place to rest your head after dancing the night away? We have two beautiful North Wales parks close to the Rhyl Pavilion in the form of Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park and New Pines who both offer holiday stays and holiday home ownership, giving you the chance to visit all the shows at the Pavilion, with no booking, no packing, just get up and go!

The Wheal Martyn in Cornwall is the UK’s only China Clay Museum and Country Park, it helps to bring Cornwall’s China Clay industry to life!

Located near our stunning Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in South Cornwall, The Wheal Martyn offers fun ways to discover how Cornwall’s largest mining industry changed the world. You can see first hand all the amazing uses of China Clay in our everyday lives today, learning about the rich heritage in the interactive visitor centre.

The Wheal Martyn has fantastic indoor interactive displays telling the story of the fascinating men, woman and children who lived, worked and even played in the China Clay tips. Marvel at Cornwall’s largest working water wheel and the fully preserved Victorian China Clay machinery and equipment exhibitions, as well as being able to feast your eyes on a working China Clay Pit, from a platform overlooking the area.

The Wheal Martyn is family fun for everyone, including the dog! With 26 acres of woodland walks and nature trails for your fur-baby to fall in love with, they are sure to enjoy the scenery just as much as you. And your adorable human children will love the children’s woodland play area outside, as well as well the indoor soft play area for the little ones. There are guided tours on appointment, lots of temporary exhibitions to feast your eyes at, as well as plenty of children and family activity days!

On Sunday 24th April the Wheal Martyn is hosting a fantastic family fun day celebrating their 40 year anniversary, as well as the Queens 90th Birthday! The beautiful woodland grounds will be brought to life with traditional fairground games, bouncy castles and pottery painting! With live music to bop along too, including the local Bugle Silver Band, a male voice choir and of course a female voice choir too, all with fantastic food on offer to feed those hungry bellies!

explore the woodland acres and enjoy the entertainment, food, fun and festivities!

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!