Tag Archives: chester zoo

News

Luxury lodge retreat unveils ancient woodland attraction following significant investment

A LUXURY holiday retreat celebrating five years on the east coast will take a walk on the wild side this summer.

Darwin Escapes’ Norfolk Woods Resort and Spa in Pentney, King’s Lynn, has unveiled a series of forest trails to open-up access to a unique and biodiverse woodland habitat which visitors can enjoy.

Employing 30 staff and attracting hundreds of visitors and owners from across the UK, the popular, pet-friendly park – which has up to 120 spaces for rental and ownership – has been described as one of Norfolk’s “hidden gems” by Sales Manager Ellen Vardy.

Following a period of significant investment and modernisation, facilities including a high-quality spa, sauna and steam room, gym, sports pitch, The Bistro bar restaurant and heated indoor swimming pool – with activities such as mini jet skis, body zorbs and water walkers, via the GoActive programme – have been a big hit with families, as have the incentives to buy a holiday home; such as free site fees and energy bills, and 50% off site fees for 2025.

But Ellen says a newly built series of forest trails through ancient woodland area have opened-up the 30-acre site – a previous winner of Hoseasons’ award for the Best Relax and Explore destination in the East of England – and capitalised on their ability to bring visitors closer to nature, guided by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT).

“The woodland was completely untouched, so we have sensitively incorporated picnic spots, seating areas, bridges and pathways to enable guests to take in some amazing sights, sounds and smells. It’s a great place to sit and relax, walk the dog, and enjoy the fresh air,” she said.

“You see something different every time because it is so biodiverse, from rare plants, bees and butterflies to MuntJac deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and owls, and we are trying to encourage even more wildlife to make Norfolk Woods their home.

“This is a beautiful part of the world, people come here to escape suburbia, for peace and tranquillity – the stunning environment is without doubt our greatest asset and a major USP for owners.”

At the heart of the community, the resort hosts regular music jam sessions in the bar, and supports local businesses supplying Norfolk produce, notably organic honey, freshly baked cakes, and award-winning gin.

Ellen said: “This is such a friendly and welcoming holiday park. We’re one big happy family, and that in turn has led to a steady rise in both visitor numbers and holiday home ownership since 2019.

“It’s a special place, the interaction we have with our owners and guests is amazing, and to be a part of their lives is heartwarming.

“Whether they’re having a good day or a bad day, there is a real community feel here, which makes us stand out from some other holiday parks.”

She added: “While we have owners from across the country, there is a strong connection with King’s Lynn and neighbouring towns and villages, and we are close to some of the country’s most wonderful landmarks, from Sandringham Estate and 15th century Oxburgh Hall to Norfolk Lavender and the beautiful North Norfolk beaches and coastal villages.

“Norfolk Woods is all about making memories, and while we have developed and modernised facilities it is the people here that make the difference, and some of them have been with us since day one.

“For anyone looking to buy a holiday home in this amazing part of the world, now is the time to join us as we have a wide range of deals and discounted offers, as well as first-class leisure facilities that will appeal to all.”

For more information and to register your interest in holiday home ownership at Norfolk Woods, call 0800 717 707 or visit the website Holiday Breaks & Lodge Ownership in Norfolk | Norfolk Woods (darwinescapes.co.uk). You can follow Darwin Escapes on social media at @darwinescapes. 

News

Holiday park giant and Chester Zoo strengthen UK wildlife protection partnership

BREATHTAKING British wildlife has been celebrated and showcased within a flourishing partnership between Darwin Escapes and Chester Zoo.

And that relationship will be strengthened further as the two organisations forge even closer links this summer.

The Talacre-based holiday home company – which owns a series of luxury lodge retreats across the UK – has sponsored British wildlife conservation at Chester Zoo, celebrated by Native, the captivating immersive exhibition, since its opening last year.

The exhibition has been viewed by up to a million people and offers a fully immersive 360-degree experience using projections to showcase the captivating species which inhabit the UK.

As a champion of ecology and conservation, Darwin Escapes – which embraces nature and creates sustainable settings for wildlife at all its parks – is delighted to extend its support until September.

While touring the 600m2 digital space, Group Operations Director Drew Campbell said he was thrilled to see the partnership go from strength to strength.

“All 26 of our locations across the UK are in the countryside and by the sea, at the heart of incredible wildlife and nature, so fostering a close connection with these picturesque surroundings is paramount to us,” said Drew.

“Owners and visitors share the space with the animals and creatures which were there long before us, so we are careful to maintain and protect their habitats for many years to come.

“That’s why we are so privileged to support Chester Zoo’s incredible conservation efforts and play a part in educating visitors and celebrating the amazing wildlife we have right on our doorstep here in Britain.”

He added: “This is quite a spectacular and unique experience, one I’m sure will continue to attract the crowds over the summer.

“In addition to our mutual passion for nature and the environment, both Darwin Escapes and Chester Zoo are also at the forefront of the tourism industry in Wales and the North West – bringing many people to the area and supporting the local economy – another pivotal contribution to our alliance.”

Visitors to Native can explore coastal, grassland, wetland, and woodland environments, encountering up-close footage of a diverse array of animals, from seals and dolphins to squirrels and Scottish wildcats.

Completing the experience is an interactive discovery area in which guests can take a walk around a giant tree model and watch camera trap footage from the Zoo’s nature reserve, home to kingfishers, hedgehogs and more.

Cat Humes, Strategic Partnerships Fundraiser at Chester Zoo, said: “We’re delighted that Darwin Escapes is continuing to support our conservation charity.

“As one of our first corporate sponsors onsite at the zoo, this partnership is a great example of how businesses can make a meaningful impact. Unique relationships like this help to highlight the importance of protecting and preserving vital habitats and educate hundreds of thousands of visitors about British wildlife conservation.”

She added: “Right now we’re facing a global biodiversity and climate crisis, and the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

“From butterflies to badgers and pollinators to puffins, all play a vital role for ecosystems across the UK. Never before has nature been in need of more urgent help and we’re proud to come together with Darwin Escapes to try and bring about positive change.”

For more information on Darwin Escapes, visit Holiday Park Resorts UK | Ownership & Short Breaks Resorts – Darwin Escapes and follow @darwinescapes on social media.

Visit Chester Zoo | Start Your Adventure | Creating Unforgettable Experiences for the latest news and information from Chester Zoo.