Monday the 13th of July 2015 was a big day for tourism in Chester as Chester Zoo opened its brand new attraction- The Islands. At Darwin Escapes we didn’t need an excuse to visit but wanting to check out this newest attraction was too good an opportunity to miss, so this week off we went. It was a beautiful day and after a short journey we arrived, parked with no problems and purchased our ticket. If you are considering visiting Chester Zoo while you are on holiday please find listed a few tips, lots of information and a review.

animals

Chester Zoo houses a huge number of animals, there are currently over 12,000, from the traditional favourites of elephants and giraffes, to white jaguars and black rhinoceros.
Enclosures include the Realm of the Red Ape and the Spirit of Jaguar, there is also an amazing penguin pool with underwater viewing, it is lots of fun to see the penguins diving and playing, Don’t forget to wave to Percy!

children at chester zoo

The great thing about Chester Zoo is that there are very wide walkways, plenty of places to have a picnic and some amazing play facilities, we found 3 with something for all ages at each site. Rather sensibly they have placed dining or refreshment facilities right next to the play areas which is a great excuse to recharge your batteries and have a coffee.

Another great facility is the little touring pushchairs that are available to hire, you see much more of the park if you have a pre-schooler as they enjoyed sitting in the little cars and driving around the zoo.

food

There are some great options for eating at Chester Zoo, from the Bembe food hall which is right by the entrance to June’s Pavilion*, be careful though the pavilion is right next to the Lions enclosure watch they don’t try to eat your dinner, those hungry lions! *June’s Pavilion is named after the daughter of Zoo founder George Mottershead.
We ate in the Bembe food hall and was impressed by the size of the children’s portion, we had pizza and chips and a very tasty chicken curry and you can choose to eat indoors or outside.

the islands

We were one of the first to visit this brand new attraction as it only opened to the public for the first time on 13th July, the Islands are essentially a step into the amazing Indonesian landscape and includes endangered animals and species that originate in these far flung islands, such as the cassowary and warty pig.

Currently only phase one is open and the other islands have a planned opening date of late August or September. Phase one consists of the Islands of Panay, Papua and Sulawesi.
One of our favourite facilities in the Islands was the boat trip, it takes you on a guided tour of the entire area, very relaxing and informative.

You can see from the pictures that a huge amount of time and effort has gone into creating these immense habitats and it is certainly a joy to visit.

a few tips to help you get the most from your visit:

1. Book in advance to beat the queues.
2. If you arrive early head straight to the Islands Boat Tour for reduced waiting times.
3. There is an all-weather picnic facility for a rainy day picnic near the Realm of the Red Ape.
4. It is possible to pre-book picnic boxes.

Britain is a country full of variety, just like a biscuit barrel, with everything from rugged coastlines and golden beaches to rolling hills and skyscraping mountains. I know, you think I’m crazy so let me explain my analogy further…

So you may have read the title of my latest blog and thought “what is this about” and how can anybody compare Britain to a Barrel of Biscuits? Well it’s simple really, Britain as a collection of nations has such a wide breadth of landscapes, cultures and characteristics to offer.

In this post I’m going to try and explain my logic a bit further so you can really understand why the likes of Devon can be comparable to the classic Custard Cream and how Cornwall can be loosely tied back to the family favourite Jammie Dodger. To help bring a sense of reason to the article I will start “up north”, from England’s largest National Park, The Lake District and progress my journey South, rummaging deep into the biscuit barrel to finally reach The Isle of Wight.

region: the Lake District – biscuit: shortbread

My journey begins in The Lake District, which is one of the most amazing parts of the United Kingdom. 16.4 million visitors a year travel from all corners of the globe to experience the unique natural beauty that was formed by the actions of glaciers and meltwater, in a process taking 500 million years. This process has sculpted a landscape perfect for adventure seekers, keen walkers and an array of outdoor activities. It goes without saying, but The Lake District is full of spectacular walking routes with my personal favourite being the Buttermere to Rannerdale (3 miles). So how does this relate back to shortbread I hear you say? Well, one of the world’s most famous shortbread brands is aptly named Walkers Shortbread! Created in 1898 by Joseph Walker, it is now known as the finest shortbread in the world. Nothing quite beats a bit of the Scottish delicacies to keep you energised whilst exploring the endless walking routes of The Lake District.

region: North Wales – biscuit: digestive

So now we’ve stimulated our appetite with a heart-warming piece of shortbread it’s time to dig a little deeper south. My next destination, on the mouth-watering map of Britain, is the beautifully diverse region of North Wales. With over 200 miles of coastline, the highest mountain in Wales, age defying castles and fantastic tourist attractions, North Wales has an array of hidden gems that is sure to cater for every taste and age. This great variety and ability to satisfy all preferences makes North Wales the ever reliable digestive biscuit in our barrel of Britain. There is logic behind the madness so please let me explain… The digestive is a mainstay in everyone’s biscuit barrel and this is partly because of its versatility. They’re compatible with almost everyone’s taste buds and can be consumed in a variety of forms such as chocolate, with cheese and can also be used as the cornerstone to an array of puddings. Similarly, North Wales has all the core characteristics that are the cornerstone to any holiday destination.

region: Somerset – biscuit: mcvitie’s cheddars

Whilst strategically moving the top level of shortbread and digestives aside I unearth more hidden treasures as I stumble across the unspoilt county of Somerset. Rich with heritage, culinary delights, the world’s most famous music festival and of course cheese; Somerset is truly an amazing spectacle. One of the regions biggest outputs is of course Cheddar Cheese, which is consumed all around the world, but did you know if the cheese isn’t actually created in the village and aged in the caves of the gorge, it isn’t strictly speaking “Cheddar Cheese” but actually just an impersonator? This brings me onto the next biscuit in the barrel, the McVitie’s Cheddars. There is great debate surrounding this “biscuit” as many seem to think it’s actually a cracker, however according to Wikipedia, “Cheddars are a brand of baked Cheddar cheese-flavoured British-style savoury biscuits”. McVitie’s Cheddars are by no means an impersonator and due to the fact it is founded upon the taste of cheese it is the perfect biscuit to represent the county of Somerset.

region: Devon – biscuit: custard cream

Next on the taste filled journey is a small jump south across into the bordering county of Devon, a region sandwiched in between Somerset and Cornwall. Devon is a county full of contrasts with rugged coastlines and the best beach in Britain to rolling hills and unspoilt countryside. It is also renowned for its custard! (You may remember the “Go West” Ambrosia advert). This well known connection leads me seamlessly into Devon’s biscuit counterpart, the Custard Cream. One of Britain’s favourite biscuits, the custard cream is the perfect fit for Devon because its sandwich structure and custard filling perfectly encapsulates the regions geography and favourite pudding…custard.

region: Cornwall – biscuit: jammie dodger

Rummaging further into the barrel, I reach down to the bottom left corner eagerly hoping for some mouth watering surprises… I’m not disappointed when my hand returns to the surface grasping the colourful county of Cornwall. The region is famous for its 300 plus golden beaches, clotted cream and surf. It is also home to the “jam first scone” opposed to the “cream first scone” of Devon. The battle of the Cream Tea is a hot topic in the South West of England but ultimately there isn’t any difference in taste it’s all just a matter of preference. The Cornish stance of jam before cream is why the Jammie Dodger is the perfect biscuit alter ego.

region: Isle of Wight – biscuit: malted milk

For a final time I reach deep into the biscuit barrel of Britain eagerly anticipating a scrumptious delight. I’ve almost fulfilled my appetite but my taste buds demand one last serving. From the depths of the barrel my fingers emerge, extracting a remarkable find… The Isle of Wight. Known as the dinosaur capital of Great Britain the island plays host to successful music festivals and one of the biggest sailing regattas in the world, Cowes Week. There are plenty of things to keep you entertained on the Island which is summarised well in the 8 Wonders of the Isle of Wight. One of which is the fact that the Isle of Wight is home to “Cowes you cannot milk”. This interesting fact provides a crumbly link to the Malted Milk. This classic has a unique design that features two cows which is why the biscuit is widely known as the cow biscuit.

With my hunger fulfilled and my appetite quenched, my journey of exploration through the biscuit barrel of Britain has come to an end. If you’ve made it to the “bottom of the barrel” well done! I hope your journey was as tasty as mine (I’ve sampled hundreds of biscuits all in the name of research). Finally, I hope my article helps explain my analogy further as to why “Britain is a Barrel of Biscuits”.

We’re proud to announce that our fantastic grounds team, who work across several of our UK holiday park locations, have been given the opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills at this year’s 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

As we speak, members of the Darwin Escapes grounds team are hard at work preparing the Living Legacy Garden to ensure it’s ready for when the show begins on the 19th May 2015. The garden, sponsored by Darwin Property Investment Management, is being created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

“The garden progresses from the bleakness and brutality of the Battle of Waterloo 200 years ago, through the greening and flowering of the landscape, to an abstraction of the iconic architecture of Wellington College, the memorial to the Duke of Wellington. The design reconciles the drama and violence of the battle with a progressive and positive future.”

More information on the Living Legacy Garden, at this years Chelsea Flower Show, can be found here.

It’s a real privilege and a once in a lifetime opportunity for our team to be involved in such a prestigious industry event.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show dates are between 19th – 23rd May 2015. Tickets can be bought here.

After a successful breeding programme at Chester Zoo, rare Sand Lizards have been released back into the wild. There were 27 reptiles reared at Chester Zoo which have now been reintroduced into their natural habitats in the glorious Talacre Dunes.

Gradual destruction of the Sand Lizards habitats led to declining numbers of the species within areas of England and Wales, however recent conservation efforts across the UK look to stop this decline with over 400 lizards expected to be released into the wild in the coming weeks.

Chester Zoo’s specialist keeper Isolde McGeorge said: “It’s great to be able to play our part and help release these animals back into their natural habitat. It is habitat loss that has led to dwindling numbers of these important species and to see them back where they belong is very rewarding. The release of the lizards is the culmination of a lot of hard work and very successful breeding and reintroduction programmes, and we hope eventually they will begin to colonise new areas themselves.”

conservation

Sand Lizards are regarded as threatened and the species is strictly protected under UK law as part of conservation efforts. They are particularly rare and are only found in the sand dunes of the North West and areas of the southern heathland.

The sand dunes located in Talacre are of significant importance to the ecological balance of the area. It is home to a diverse selection of species including the rare NatterJack Toad and the rare Sand Lizards.

Furthermore Talacre Sand Dunes are also popular with bird watchers, with the beach offering the possibility of seeing migrating Leach’s Petrel, Kittiwakes and Terns.

fun fact file

• Scientific Name: Lacerta Agilis
• Diet: Spiders, Insects, Grasshoppers
• Life Span: 5 – 8 years
• Size: 13cm – 20cm
• Favourite Hobby: Long walks along the beach
• Nickname: Rango, Thin Lizzy

Come and join us as we explore some of the best hidden gems in North Wales. We have done the research so you don’t have to! North Wales is full of spectacular landscapes, wildlife and areas of outstanding natural beauty. With so much to see and do within the region it’s no surprise that certain “gems” slip between the net when we are planning a trip out. Below we have highlighted 5 hidden gems in North Wales you may never have heard of or visited before. Next time you’re in the area it is definitely worth checking out one or more of the following.

Ewole castle – the castle hidden in the woods of north wales

Hidden deep within Wepre Park, Ewole Castle is a relic of the brief and short lived victory that the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd had over the Anglo-Norman Marcher Lords. The strategic position of the castle, near to the English border, allowed the Welsh to control the road to Chester whilst commanding the lands of North East Wales. Today Ewole Castle is open to the public without admission and is under the care of the Welsh Heritage agency.

Talacre lighthouse – the haunted lighthouse

Although Talacre Beach Lighthouse is famous for its ghostly sightings it is often overlooked during a visit to the wonderful North Wales. Located on the sand dunes of the lovely Talacre Village in Flintshire the lighthouse provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to enjoy. The ‘hidden gem’ lighthouse was built in 1776 and is a must see for every visit to the region.

Dyserth falls – limestone 60ft waterfall

Situated near to the ancient village of Dyserth, Dyserth Falls is an impressive natural landmark for you to visit. Visitors are able to get up close to the waterfall and there is also a path which will take you up to the top. Dyserth Falls is free to visit but donations are welcomed and can be placed in clearly signed ‘honesty box’ (the suggested amount is 40p). It is a lovely location for a family picnic whilst you enjoy the unrivalled views of North Wales from this ‘hidden gem’.

Prestatyn roman bath house – hidden ruins

This is a small but highly interesting ruin of a Roman Bathhouse situated in the North Wales town of Prestatyn. According to sources the bath house was built around 120 AD and extended in about 150 AD. Excavations between 1984- 85 unearthed the Roman settlement, which can now be visited by the public.

Talacre ancient sand dunes – the natterjack toads

This area of ancient dunes is of special scientific importance due to its rare colony of Natterjack toads. According to the BBC, the Natterjack are claimed to be Europe’s noisiest amphibian so you are more likely to hear them than physically see them, especially as they are most active at night. These little guys can live up to 15 years and feed on insects, worms and small reptiles. Back in 2012 new ponds have been created in the Talacre Sand Dunes to safeguard the future existence of the Natterjack toad in North Wales; these hidden gems maybe the hardest to find!

Have you ever watched a film and thought I recognise that place? Well you might be right, because many famous Hollywood Movies were shot in the stunning region of Cornwall. Offering a plethora of activities many of which are completely free. Whether it is visiting famous film locations or simply taking the children for a day on the beach, the South West has something for you.

Most people do not realise just quite how popular Cornwall is as a location for many top films. Its unique scenery has attracted classic pirate films such as Treasure Island as well as modern day comedies such as Jonny English. The hit comedy was partly filmed on St Michaels Mount, which is just down the coast from Mullion Cove. St Michael’s Mount is a small rocky island featuring a mediaeval church and castle. You can visit the island by boat or, when the tide is out, walk across the rocky causeway. Famous for being a place of prayer, not many will know that it was on this mount that the first beacon was lit in 1588 to warn of the arrival of the Spanish Armada.

Those who appreciate a classic war film will be delighted to hear that Where Eagles Dare had a number of filming locations in Cornwall. The ‘Bell and Dragon’ pub served as the Piers House Hotel with the rest of the town portraying occupied Alderney. Charlestown Harbour has also recently featured in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Those of you who love the British spy hero franchise James Bond will be thrilled to know that a large portion of Die Another Day was filmed in Holywell Bay and at the Eden Project, which are both just a short drive away from Piran Meadows. The Eden Project hosts our beloved British hero infiltrating Gustav Graves’ (Toby Stephens) high security lair.

His daring abseiling entrance into the centre of the Eden Project emphasises that it is the perfect location for a high-tech villain’s hideout.

Port Isaac hosted Martin Clunes’ film Saving Grace, which set the scene for his later TV series Doc Martin, which is also filmed in Port Isaac and continues to be filmed around Cornwall. The Bay Hotel features heavily in the recent 4th series as Wenn House.

The BBC’s new Drama Poldark is based entirely in Cornwall. Charlestown Harbour is the perfect location for hosting the Tall Ships of Poldark whilst Church Cove Beach on the Lizard Peninsula provided the setting for one of Poldark’s most dramatic scenes. This weather beaten coastline outlines the sheer beauty of Cornwall’s natural wonders.

The Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to visit. Be it for a short break, or a 10 day holiday, there is so much to see and do on this glorious island. Famous for its sailing, royal history and its spectacular views, there are many brilliant and wacky things to do. Here we have highlighted our top attractions on the Island. The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Britain.

It used to be a 60’s counterculture show. It was discontinued in 1970, but reintroduced in 2002. It has been held annually since that year, progressively extending itself northwards beyond Seaclose Park, along the fields of the eastern Medina valley. Many notable artists have performed since its revival including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Muse, Stereophonics, David Bowie, Manic Street Preachers, The Who, R.E.M., Coldplay, Bryan Adams, The Police, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon. It is a festival that can be enjoyed as a group, and as a family, with quirky tepee accommodation, as well as fair rides and shows. It is a fantastic weekend away, and a great chance to see some of the world’s best bands and music talent. It is held in the summer, normally in June. Tickets can be purchased through the Isle of Wight Festival website.

cowes week

Cowes week is one of the biggest sailing regattas in the world. Competitors come from all around the world to test their skills against the best professional and nonprofessional yachtsmen. Typically Cowes Week comprises up to forty starts a day for classes of cruiser-racers, one designs and keelboats; with up to a thousand boats and 8,000 competitors taking part from every level, Olympian to amateur. During this time the Solent, which is a busy commercial waterway, is filled with boats of all classes, shape, size and colour. Afternoons and evenings are filled with live music, restaurants, shows, discos, cocktails and much more entertainment. It is an incredible way to spend a long weekend or a day trip with children. Cowes week is normally help in the first week of August.

osborne house

Osborne house is a former Royal Residence in East Cowes on the Island. Osborne House is one of the best-visited locations the Isle of Wight and ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’ was how Queen Victoria described it. The house is under the care of English Heritage and is open to the public. Osborne house hosts picnic concerts on the lawn during the summer, which this year will feature the likes of Tom Jones and Little Mix. It is a truly beautiful place to visit and is dripping in history. It is a superb day out, and is one for the whole family; entry is only £37.20 for a family of four.

fishing

One of the best things to do on a day out on the Island, is a day spent fishing. But not just any fishing, you can go sea fishing or visit various course fishing lakes. There are many course fishing lakes. Rookley Country Park, for example, has fishing equipment for hire, and a fully equipped shop for their two lakes. Carp are abundant in their waters, but also Rudd, Roach and Trent have been know to be caught. The sheltered Solent and the Channel provide fantastic arenas to catch Bass, Conger, Plaice and Rays to name a few. This of course is all year round for the sea fishing, but mostly picks up in the Spring and Summer. You can join a group, or you can hire out your own charter. It is a delightful way to spend the day, and with 64 miles of coastline, fishermen are really spoilt for choice.

st catherine’s lighthouse

St Catherine’s Lighthouse is on the southern most tip of the Island. The light has been active in one form or another since 1323. Festooned in history, St Catherine’s Lighthouse is a fantastic way to spend a morning. It has everything from a guided tour, to wonderful views and a sublime walking spot to view the English Channel and the incredible beach. St Catherine’s Point is ultimately a perfect place to chill and to spend a relaxing time.