With two unique resorts in Somerset to visit, we can’t wait to welcome you and help you explore the English countryside. Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa rests in the Mendip Hills and waits for you to explore the stunning countryside surrounding it. Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is located in a secret oasis just two miles from the city centre of Bath, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Read below for attractions open around Cheddar Woods and scroll further down for information about Bath Mill.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions

Reopening its doors on 11th July, you can pre-book tickets via their website for your visit. The caves and tunnels will be open and ready to explore, as well as a number of fun attractions including the animatronic dinosaur valley, the fairy gardens, pirate island and adventure golf.

Brean Theme Park

heir number of visitors throughout the day, although you don’t have to pre-book, all visitors must buy a wristband or a minimum of 5 theme park tokens. There are rides open for all ages to enjoy and have a fantastic day out, from the wipeout and sky diver, to the carousel and farm train.

Longleat Safari Park

All tickets must be pre-booked via their website. The drive through safari has been open for a little while and is still hugely popular. Other areas are now reopening, including the animal adventure area, family farmyard, hedge maze, the longleat railway and rockin rhino.

The Bishop’s Palace

With a one-way system in place and a limited number of visitors, all tickets are to be pre-purchased via their website. The beautiful gardens, historic chapel and café are now open. With 14 acres to explore, including the moat which is home to the famous bell-ringing swans of Bishop’s Palace, you’ll have a fantastic day out here.

Glastonbury Town

A wonderful and fascinating town full of myths and legends to learn more about. Explore the quirky shops, where you can find high street names next to occult stores, handmade vegan candles and, of course, the historic Abbey.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Roman Baths

The historic baths have reopened and are waiting to welcome you. Pre-purchasing your ticket and timeslot is essential, there is also a one-way route in place throughout the baths. 2000 years of history is waiting for you to discover and walk in the paths of the Ancient Romans themselves.

Stonehenge

Pre-booking your visit is essential as your confirmation is needed for entry. Visit the best known prehistoric monument and take in the magical atmosphere at the World Heritage Site.

Castle Combe

Please follow government guidance and social distancing when visiting this charming village. Located in the Cotswold’s Area of Natural Beauty, Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England, where people come from far and wide to see the beautiful homes and quaint stores.

Royal Crescent

Take some time out on the green in front of the Crescent, but please follow government guidance while you take in the 30 terraced houses of the sweeping Crescent. Designed and built in the 1700’s, the Crescent is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture.

Enjoy a wonderful holiday away, your way, at either of our resorts in Somerset and explore all that the local area has to offer.

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa has reopened its doors and we are looking forward to welcoming you on holiday with us! Enjoy a self-catered holiday in our wonderful lodge accommodation and explore the local area, there is something for everyone, from family fun to historic houses. Read our list of attractions which are open in the local area below.

Sandringham Estate

Visit the gardens of the Queen’s estate and enjoy the country park. Pre-booking is essential. There is 243 hectares to explore, with two major nature trails you can follow and countless woodland paths.

Bewilderwood

Reopening its doors on 18th July, all tickets must be pre-booked via their website. The award winning forest family attraction offers fun and adventure for everyone, with treehouses, slippery slopes, storytelling, marsh walks and boat rides.

Pensthorpe Natural Park

All tickets must be booked using the website, booking opens every Friday at 4pm ready for the following week. Book same day tickets is an option if there are some left, check the website. Enjoy a day in the countryside with the wildlife, the sculpture trail and nature reserve are both open to visitors. The outdoor adventure play area, WildRootz is also open, with 30 foot towers, zip wires, underground tunnels and more.

Castle Acre Priory

Entry by pre-booked tickets only. Dating back to 1090, the castle is one of the best preserved and largest monastic sites in England. You can see the west end church gable, prior’s lodging and the wonderfully recreated herb garden that the monks would have used for medicinal and culinary reasons.

Oxburgh Hall

The gardens and parkland are open to visitors with pre-booked tickets. The striking gardens are mix of wilderness and manicured greens, also visit the pretty walled garden. Follow the woodland walk along the River Gadder and keep an eye out for the cheeky otters!

Old Hunstanton Beach

Head to the sandy beach for fresh sea air and all the beach fun. Follow government guidance during your visit.

Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is looking forward to welcoming you on your holiday, where you can create your getaway, your way.

Holiday with us at Kilnwick Percy Resort and explore everything that Pocklington has to offer, from the stunning countryside, to the activity centres for all ages. Read more below about where you can visit and what you can discover in Yorkshire

kilnwick percy nature trail

Enjoy a nature trail around the perimeter of the golf course at Kilnwick Percy Resort. The trail can be picked up from a member of the team, find all the clues and the follow the footpaths through the Yorkshire Wolds. The trail is around 2 miles long, but can take up to 2 hours when followed.

madhyamaka centre

The grounds and gardens are now open to the public, the centre itself is a Modern Buddhist and meditation centre. Stroll the gardens which offer peace and tranquillity.

burnby hall gardens

Entry to the gardens is by booking only, they offer a varied landscape with something new discover around every corner. Find the secret garden, gain peace at the lakes and water lilies, visit the impressive rock garden or the Victorian garden. There are many other areas to explore in the gardens.

jorvik viking centre

Reopening its doors on 11th July by pre-booking only. The centre is owned by the York Archaeological Trust, aiming to get people engaged with their history. As one of the most popular attractions over the past 35 years, the centre has seen up to 19 million people visit where archaeologists ravelled hidden history secrets. Visit Viking’s houses, workshops and backyards in the Viking city of Jorvik recreated at the centre.

allerthorpe lakeland park

The park will be reopening for booking in advance on 14th July. Working with a limited number of visitors to ensure social distancing and public safety. The park will be open for open water swimming, fishing and boating activities.

castle howard

The gardens, adventure playground and skelf island are all open and waiting for you. Pre-book your tickets via the website today and visit the Howard’s family residence where they have welcome guests for more than 300 years. The stunning gardens are ideal for a stroll, the adventure playground will keep the little one busy and skelf island is ideal for the thrill seeking children, being a treetop adventure across the dormant water of the Great Lake. Enjoy your fabulous day out.

Yorkshire has endless countryside to explore, perfect for your walking holiday or even to sit and soaking in the nature from your hot tub in one of our self-catering lodges.

With two fabulous resorts on the Isle of Wight you can holiday with us and explore the island while keeping social distancing safe and having fun! We’ve created the list below of all the local area attractions that open and are just waiting for you to visit and discover all they have to offer. Whether you’re staying with us at Woodside Bay or Woodside Coastal Retreat, there will be something for everyone and all interests to discover!

animals for all!

• monkey haven
  Pre-book your tickets to visit this wonderful haven filled with rescued monkeys of all species, from Whopping Gibbons to cheeky Capuchins. The tea room and ice cream shack will also be open for delicious takeaway food while you wander the park.
• isle of wight zoo
  Pre-purchase your tickets and time slot for visiting this wonderful zoo on the island. The zoo has a whole range of animals to say hello to, but they do specialise in two specific species, tigers and lemurs.

landmarks not to be missed

• osborne house
  Pre-book your time slot via the website to visit Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s holiday home. The house itself is closed, however, the spectacular gardens are open and waiting to be explored. The Beach Café is also open for takeaway meals.
• the needles
  There is no need to book your ticket to view the Needles, however the staff will be monitoring the flow of visitors to ensure everyone’s safety. The iconic chair lift will be in use to view the Needles from a unique viewpoint. There will also be a variety of catering, external seating and open-air experiences to enjoy, as well as a number of retail outlets.

beaches

• Woodside Beach
• Monk’s Bay
• Shanklin Beach
• Yaverland

The Isle of Wight has so much to offer all, with sandy beaches to relax and stroll along. As well as family fun activities and landmarks all waiting for you to discover them!

Whether you’re staying with us at Thanet Well Lodge Retreat or Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, this list of local attractions is for you. We are happy to have our doors reopened and welcoming you to your getaway in the Lake District. Below we have put together a list of all the local attractions and places to visit which are open and ready for you.

Keswick Climbing Wall

An indoor climbing wall area ideal for starters and experts, as well as a range of activities available. All booking available online, small groups only.

Keswick Launch Co

Pre-booking essential and limited runs of cruises. Round trips only can be booked, with a launch at 9.45am and 10am.

Go Ape Whinlatter

Tickets to be pre-booked online. Scale the treetops of Go Ape and marvel at the dramatic views of Whinlatter Forest at 1000 foot above sea level. Try your hand at the treetop challenge course.

Honister Slate Mine

Open and ready for you to book activities, including the infinity bridge where you can scale 2000 foot above the gorge floor of the slate mine. Try out the Via Ferrata activity where you’ll use the original miners track up the steep incline while attached by cable throughout the 3 hour activity.

Lake district Wildlife Park

No need to pre-book, but visitor numbers will be monitored. Visit all the animals in residence from, gibbons and zebras, to otters and meerkats. There will be daily talks and activities, including reptile and birds of prey talks.

Mirehouse & Gardens

The gardens and lakeside walk only will be reopening on 9th July. Pre-purchased tickets can be bought at the Old Sawmill Tearoom across the road. Visit the bee garden and enjoy a stroll along the poetry walk.

Rookin House Farm

Offering a fabulous day out filled with activities. All outdoor activities are available for booking, including archery, clay pigeon shooting, escort quad biking and more.

Carlisle Castle

Time slots to be pre-booked online. The castle has been a working fortress for as long as anyone can remember, steeped in history this stunning castle is waiting for you to explore it and the grounds. Over the centuries the castle held strong against sieges, held a royal prisoner and was even home to the Royal Boarder Regiment of the King.

Enjoy your getaway to the Lake District with Darwin Escapes and explore all that the local area has to offer!

Darwin Escapes has three unique resorts in Cornwall for you to choose from, you can enjoy the English coastline with us

Enjoy a getaway to the coastline with Darwin Escapes at one of our Cornish resorts. Sandymouth Holiday Resort and Piran Meadows Resort offer family fun, while Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat has a more relaxed atmosphere and a charming local area to discover.

Read below for more local area information near our resorts

Sandymouth Holiday Resort

Beaches

• Sandymouth Bay
• Summerlease Beach
• Duckpool Bay

The Big Sheep
Limited sessions available for pre-booking via the website. There are lots of animals to meet, from llama’s and alpaca’s to goats and pigs. Follow the new farm track and visit the wonderful animal barn with puppies and new lambs to visit with!

Bude Surfing Experience
Pre-book your session by calling 07779117746. The Surfing Experience can help you learn, hire out equipment and have fun in the sea! They also offer paddleboard lessons at 3 different locations. Fun for all ages.

Castle Bude
Reopening from 13th July with social distancing in place, however there is no need to pre-book. The castle will be opening its galleries with an exhibition called Walk on the Wild Side, by Bridget Winterborne. Enjoy the grounds and lawns around the castle, as well as the picnic areas.

Tintagel Castle
Timed slots available for pre-booking online. The magical place is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Lose yourself in myth, legend and history, enjoy a day out on Cornwall’s rugged North Coast. The new castle bridge has reunited the two halves of the castle for the first time in 500 years.

Piran Meadows Resort

Camel Creek Adventure Park
Pre-booking is essential for you visit. Ideal for all the thrill seekers and fun chasers of all ages. Rides include, mini log flume, clown coaster, mega slide, swampy’s tree house, the toddler dizzy dina and the mini Ferris wheel.

The Eden Project
Booking is essential. The rainforest and Mediterranean biomes are open to visitors, as well as the outdoor gardens and core education centre, which is hope to the stunning Infinity Blue sculpture.

Lost Gardens of Heligan
Tickets and time slots available to pre-book online. 200 acres of gardens, history, mystery and romance is waiting to be discovered. Lost to the over-growth since the start of WWI, the gardens were found by a chance finding of a secret door 30 years ago. The gardens are now pride of place in England and offer beautiful flowers and stunning sculptures.

Newquay Zoo
Please follow the one way system and pre-book all tickets online. Newquay Zoo has 13 acres of tropical gardens and over 1000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals. Visit with the lions, tigers, lemurs and birds, then opt for the woodland walk.

Beaches

• Lusty Glaze Beach
• Fistral Beach
• Porth Beach

Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat

Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, pre-book your time slot via the website. This wonderful charity rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups that get stranded around the Cornish coastline. Visit with all the seals and animals at the sanctuary. The Discovery Cove outdoor playground is now also open.

Lizard Adventure
Open for booking, from a gentle introduction to outdoor activities, to a complete adrenalin rush. Activities at Lizard Adventure include, coasteering, sea and inclusive kayaking, climbing and paddleboarding.

Flambards Theme Park
Get ready for a great day out, reopening its doors on 18th July, Flambards will be offering family fun to all. There are traditional rides available, as well as specific areas including the Jurassic journey, dino dig and the sky high rides are also open. The indoor exhibitions will also be open.

South West Coastal Path
The UK’s longest and most loved national trail, the 630 mile route offers fantastic views and hundreds of circular day walks to enjoy.

Beaches

• Kynance Cove
• Gunwalloe Church Cove
• Poldhu Cove Beach

Book your holiday with Darwin Escapes and explore the Cornish coastline today

If you’re wondering where you can visit when you holiday with us in Devon then you’ve come to the right post!

With our resorts now open, we are so glad to be welcoming you to our wonderful locations. We know you’ll want to explore the local area as much as you can, so we’ve put together a small number of local attractions and perfect places to visit during your trip, which are all open and following government guidance.

Read below for South Devon and Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, or scroll further down for Beach Cove Coastal Retreat in North Devon.

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Forde Abbey
There is no pre-booking in place here, but there are social distancing measures to be followed, which is explained on your arrival. Forde Abbey is a popular attraction for all ages interests, from families to historians. The gardens include an Asian woodland and prairie garden to explore.

Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Booking your ticket in advance is essential for entry as there are two timed entry sessions per day. The wildlife park is a small and friendly zoo aimed at children 12 years old and under, however everyone will love visiting the animals in residence, including meerkats, wildcats and otters.

Beaches

• Burton Bradstock Beach
• Eype Beach
• East Beach
• Cobb Gate Beach

Walking Trails

• Charmouth Forest
• Coney’s Castle
• Lambert’s Castle

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

Tarka Trail
A 163 mile walking and cycling path in the shape of a figure eight, which takes you through beautiful landscapes. Explore ancient woodland, striking moorland and productive farmland on your journey, The Tarka Trail passes through a number of towns you may want to visit, including Barnstaple, Braunton and our own Ilfracombe.

Woolacombe Beach

Wildersmouth Beach

Westword Ho!
Visit this wonderful Victorian seaside resort with a fabulous name taken from the Charles Kingsley novel.

Ilfracombe Harbour
As the largest harbor in North Devon, the Ilfracombe harbor has been popular with tourists for several centuries.

Holidaying maybe different in these unprecedented times, but you can still explore the UK’s countryside to your hearts content

We can’t wait to see you on your holiday with us at Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, explore the local area and visit the attractions below to make the most of your time in Dorset.

Enjoy a self-catered holiday in Dorset, surrounding by the understand countryside but only a short distance from the area’s famous beaches, at Wareham Forest. There is so much to discover in the English countryside and along the coast, below we’ve chosen the local attraction which are now reopen and waiting for you to visit.

Lulworth cove

This breathtaking cove is home to the world famous Durdle Door. The famous rock arch was created when the sea pierced through the limestone, roughly around 1000 years ago. A popular tourist attraction, Durdle Door is a must-see on your visit to Dorset.

Lulworth castle

Visitor numbers are capped per day, pre-booking your tickets is essential for your visit. The beautiful castle was built during the 17th Century and is steeped in the country’s history. There is extensive parkland to explore, woodland walks and a children’s playground, something for everyone.

Wareham Forest

A spectacular open heathland waiting to be discovered, the area includes the Decoy and Gore Heath.

the blue pool

A wonderfully unique attraction in the Isle of Purbeck, although there is no need to pre-book, there is a one-way system in place. Known as a magical pool which changes colours, from green and blue to turquoise. The pool is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful woodland and heath.

Poole harbour

Book your activity at the harbor and enjoy fun watersports in the Mediterranean-like setting. Activities include, water skiing, yacht racing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

Poole park

A fun public park which has something for everyone, including play parks, ducks to feed, picnic areas and the ice cream parlour Scoops, which is open for takeaway only.

Wareham Forest offers a relaxing holiday away in Dorset, making it the ideal place for you to base yourself while exploring the local area

Darwin Escapes has partnered with Longleat to bring you 30% off the price of your entry tickets to the ultimate safari park! Longleat offers a fantastic day out for all ages and whether you’re holidaying with us at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat or Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa you can enjoy 30% off entry tickets booked at reception. Enjoy a day filled with adventure where you’ll roam with lions, swing with monkeys and eat with the giraffes. There is something for everyone at Longleat, including the safari, an extraordinary stately home and the main square filled with exciting adventures for the little ones. Book your tickets at reception to get Darwin Escapes’ exclusive discount.

What you can do at Longleat

There are a few things to do at Longleat which are for all ages to enjoy. Everyone will love the Family Farmyard where little ones can visit their farmyard favourites for a cuddle. And don’t forget the Longleat Miniature Railway which takes you on a wonderful woodland journey past Half Mile Lake.

• Safari Drive Through – the main draw for people to visit Longleat is the amazing safari experience. Drive through the wild animal zones and visit the wolf wood, the lions, cheetahs, rhinos, Anne the retired elephant and see if you’re brave enough to enter monkey mayhem.
• The Main Square – explore the jungle, scale the desert and swim the oceans all at the main square. Become an explorer and start your expedition when you meet a whole host of animals, including giant otters, crocodiles, adorable koalas and the bat cave. Hand feed lorikeets and jump on the jungle cruise around Half Mile Lake, past the impressive gorillas, sea lions and hippos.

Don’t miss the Longleat House

This stunning Elizabethan stately home was completed in 1580 by Sir John Thynnes and today his descendants still call it home.

There are guided and free flow house tours where you can enjoy the grand rooms and sweeping corridors of the era. Longleat House really is an outstanding example showcasing high scale Elizabethan architecture, which has been restored and is lovingly cared for. There are also 900 acres of beautiful parkland including mazes to explore.

The house is home to a number of exhibitions throughout the year to enjoy. Don’t miss the Please Gardens which is abundant with natural wildlife, or the beautifully manicured Formal Gardens, with its designs stretching back to the 1st Viscount of Weymouth.

Discover 15 generations worth of collected paintings, furniture and stunning tapestries at the Art & Collection exhibition. Then explore Longleat House and wander around 15 rooms of the new stately home.

Book your tickets at the reception of either Bath Mill or Cheddar Woods when you stay with us for your exclusive Darwin Escapes 30% discount!

Whether you’re looking for a couples break or a full family holiday, we’ve put together the perfect guide to an Isle of Wight holiday…

Darwin Escapes has two destinations on the Isle of Wight, Woodside Coastal Retreat and Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat. Both locations offer luxury lodge accommodation, with Woodside Bay being home to our beautiful quirky treehouses and gym, as well as our Bar & Bistro.

One of the main aspects to consider when booking your Isle of Wight getaway is the ferry trip. Wightlink Ferries offer trips from Lymington, Yarmouth and Portsmouth to either Fishbourne or Ryde, so it’s ideal to plan the times of when you dock on the island and the journey from the dock to our resort.

When you reach our resorts and you walk into your lodge, sit back and relax in your large open plan living space. Why not cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchen before heading out to your private decking and take in the beautiful scenery, maybe in your own hot tub.

The island has so much to offer, we’ve listed our top choices of beaches, historical sites and family attractions to explore during your trip with us!

top four beaches

1. Welcome Beach – also known as Lake Beach – has a designated watersports area here where you can surf, sail or go canoeing and so much more.
2. Sandown Beach – visit this sandy sloping beach for a relaxing sunny day, head to the Sandown Pier for a variety of activities and amusements.
3. Shanklin Beach – located on the southernmost tip of Sandown Bay, Shanklin Beach is a popular sandy beach for soaking up the sun.
4. Whitecliff Bay – the picturesque sand and shingle beach is wonderfully relaxing, but you can also go on an adventure to the chalk Culver Cliffs which are of geological interest.

top four historical sites

1. The Longstone at Mottistone – Mosttistone is a National Trust property and has lots to offer, including The Longstone. These are two pieces of Neolithic greensand sandstone, which are thought to mark an entrance to a 6000 year old burial ground.
2. Brading Roman Villa – the ruins of this wonderful villa dates as far back as the first and second century. The centre has a range of mosaics and a visitors area. The villa was discovered when a 19th Century farmer was digging holes for a sheep pen and stumbled on a Roman villa.
3. St Catherin’s Oratory – legend tells that a Lord was told to build the 12 metres high lighthouse in 1313 pay penance for taking some shipwrecked communion wine. Its modern replacement is the stunning St Catherine’s Lighthouse.
4. Osborne House – this beautiful house was Queen Victoria’s home for the last 40 years of her life. The house is now open to the public where you can wander the rooms, including the Queen’s bedroom and visit the expertly manicured gardens. Don’t miss the Queen’s portable beach hut or the fun games from years gone by!

top four family attractions

• Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens – a fantastic day out for all ages, with medium sized rides, a toboggan run, a maze, endless woodland to explore and an adventure playground.
• Blackgang Chine – a great family day out with medium sized rides for all ages to enjoy. Try out the water slide, a rollercoaster and visit Restricted Area 5 for a selection of animatronic dinosaurs.
• Tapnell Farm Park – an all-weather attraction for the littles, there are indoor soft play and outdoor adventure play areas, including zip wires, trampolines and go karts. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals, wallabies and meerkats.
• Sandham Gardens – this fabulous play area is just around the corner from the brilliant Dinosaur Isle attraction. There is a skate park, football and basketball court to enjoy. As well as a separate toddler playground for the little ones. Try out the electric go karts and the dinosaur themed minigolf.

With so much to do why not book your Isle of Wight break away with us today? Our stunning accommodation offers everything you could need for a self-catering holiday, with our retreats being ideally placed to explore the island at your own pace.