Tag Archives: talacre

News

Two decades at the top for luxury seaside lodge retreat

A PICTURESQUE lodge retreat with some of the best views in the country has been attracting owners to North Wales for more than two decades.

Seaview Holiday Home Park in Gwespyr is one of the most tranquil and scenic locations in the Darwin Escapes portfolio.

A stone’s throw from the company’s flagship Talacre resort in Flintshire – which has just celebrated its 60th anniversary – the two sites share leisure and hospitality facilities, including a tropical pool and newly-renovated games area, clubhouse and children’s playground.

However, nestled on the side of a mountain with an unrivalled landscape taking in the Dee Estuary and Irish Sea, it is the natural beauty of the park which has brought people from all over the UK to its “stunning setting”.

Group Head of Sales Shaun Roberts said: “At Seaview it is not the facilities, investment or entertainment which makes people want to become owners, it is the surroundings.

“For 22 years it has remained almost untouched, and is an absolutely stunning setting for that reason, an environment of calm, quiet and nature.

“We have found that has attracted people here year after year, with many couples and retirees in particular loving the solitude and tranquillity, coupled with its proximity to Talacre, which in comparison is a vibrant, bustling seaside caravan community more popular with families and younger owners.”

Supporting local businesses, the economy, and encouraging tourism spend, the resort’s “understated quality” has been mirrored by others in the region since the turn of the century.

“Seaview has set the benchmark, there is a market for the simple, peaceful caravan or lodge park and Darwin Escapes remains the standard bearer,” added Shaun.

“That and the ability to mix it up by utilising the resources and activities at Talacre are why this remains one of our most prominent resorts.

“There is currently some availability so if anyone wants to pay us a visit to find out more, we would love to welcome you.”

For more information, visit Holiday Park In North Wales | Seaview Holiday Home Park | Darwin Escapes and follow @darwinescapes on social media.

News

Holiday park operator sparkles with seven Diamond awards at major national prizegiving

A LEADING holiday park operator sparkled at a prestigious national prizegiving.

Darwin Escapes won a staggering seven Diamond Awards at the illustrious Hoseasons Awards, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.

Hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Dermot O’Leary, the ceremony was attended by companies from across the industry UK-wide.

Among the accolades received by Darwin Escapes, based in Talacre, Flintshire, was the Best in Britain Holiday Park title for its stunning Piran Meadows Retreat in Newquay.

The resort also won a Diamond Award for Relax and Explore Cornwall Large Park, while Beach Cove Coastal Retreat in Ilfracombe received the prize for Devon, Somerset and Dorset Small Park.

Norfolk Woods Resort and Spa in Kings Lynn picked up the title for East of England Large Park, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat in Ryde, Isle of Wight, for South of England Large Park, and Heart of England Large Park went to Rivendale Lodge Retreat in Ashbourne, Peak District.

Finally, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in Cornwall emerged victorious in the Cornwall Lodge Escapes category.

Group Operations Director Drew Campbell thanked staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

“We are so grateful to our amazing teams across the country, and of course our loyal visitors and owners as they too play an important role in us winning these incredible Diamond Awards,” said Drew.

“We are privileged to be in the running every year due to the high standards of Darwin Escapes, but to win seven titles is just incredible, especially given these accolades are based on customer reviews and experience.”

He added: “For Piran Meadows to be named Best in Britain is especially heartening it is one of the jewels in the crown and has been attracting holidaymakers to the north coast of Cornwall for more than a decade.

“It is a first-class site in a unique location so congratulations to the team there and thank you again to everyone who had a hand in this success.”

Employing more than 30 staff, Piran Meadows unveiled high-quality facilities following an initial £8m acquisition, including a complete overhaul and extension of the 33-acre park.

Sales manager Gavin Hewitt revealed activities including axe-throwing and rock climbing – as part of their popular GoActive programme – created a buzz locally and nationwide.

“This is a resort like no other,” said Gavin.

“While we have owners from as far away as Wales, the North West and all over the country, our presence in Cornwall continues to grow.

“There is a real community feel and many of the owners have been here for years – we have all grown together and are excited for the next chapter.”

For more information and to register your interest in holiday home ownership, visit Holiday Park Resorts UK | Ownership & Short Breaks Resorts – Darwin Escapes.

You can follow Darwin Escapes on social media at @darwinescapes. 

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.

News

Guests at luxury palace retreat can now stay in lodges designed by stars of hit TV show

VISITORS to a luxury holiday retreat in the grounds of a world heritage site can stay in exclusive accommodation remodelled by stars of a popular TV show.

The grand finale of BBC’s Interior Design Masters series – watched by up to 2.8m viewers – saw contestants Roisin Quinn and Matt Smith-Wood revamp two high-quality cabins at Darwin Escapes’ picturesque Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

The park has been a huge hit with families across the UK since opening last summer, and now looks set to attract even more customers, including fans of the hit programme fronted by comedian Alan Carr and judge Michelle Ogundehin.

Featuring a selection of one, two and three-bedroom self-catering lodges, the retreat is nestled within more than 2,000 acres of countryside and gardens, just a stone’s throw from the 320-year Palace, home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Resort Manager Simon Oliver says the impact of Interior Design Masters will reinforce a strong first year at the picturesque landmark.

“We have had a great start to life at Blenheim Palace, the feedback has been brilliant and visitor numbers look set to rise further, especially given the success of the TV series,” he said.

“That coupled with the increase in bookings we receive when events are held here, and the growing name of Darwin Escapes in this region, point to a successful summer and beyond.”

Simon added: “The two lodges redesigned by Matt and Roisin look incredible, they are very different and bespoke to varying tastes, from the furniture to the interior, decoration, and layout.

“Given their prominence in the final I’m sure fans of the series will be keen to book them, so that’s an added USP for this site.”

The final was won by Roisin, from Wirral, who was praised by judges – including renowned US potter Jonathan Adler – for creating a “joyous, memorable and delightful” lodge, a “fresh and very optimistic space”.

Her design included leafy wallpaper, glass pendants, mid-century dining furniture, sunshine yellow décor, bold soft furnishings, and an outdoor dining area to create what she herself described as “a colourful, cosy cabin in the woods”, a “magical space, a wonderland”.

Runner-up Matt, from Cheltenham, took a more contemporary approach with “nods to Blenheim Palace”, and his ideas featured traditional-style panelling, a gold leaf and mono kitchen, a plush rug, gold velvet sofa, modern chandeliers, and an external lounge area.

Both were tasked with “designing holiday lodges fit for royalty” and managed to achieve their goals in just two days with a budget of £6,000.

Following years of development and significant investment, Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat opened last August and now employs eight people from the local area.

The lodges were built with sustainability a priority, they are fitted with electric vehicle charging points and a quarter are pet friendly.

“There’s so much to do in this part of the world and of course the Palace is busy all year-round, so this is the perfect place to visit when exploring Oxfordshire,” said Simon.

“As viewers of the TV show witnessed, it’s a very special place, and I’m sure more and more people will come to see that for themselves in the months and years ahead.”

Heather Carter, Managing Director at Blenheim Palace, added: “It was a great pleasure and a lot of fun to have Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr film with us at Blenheim Palace in September last year. They were here for five days filming both at the Palace and the lodges, and we managed to keep it secret until the big reveal on BBC1.

“We have a lot of filming here at the Palace and it gives us great reach into new audiences, we know that being featured on such a popular programme as Interior Design Masters will entice more people to visit the Palace and book one of the lodges.”

For more information and to book, visit Luxury retreat holiday lodges Oxford | Blenheim Palace (darwinescapes.co.uk) and follow them on social media at @darwinescapes.

To win a free midweek break for up to four people at one of the lodges designed by Matt or Roisin, and tickets to Blenheim Palace, visit the website: Enter here | Interior Design Masters | Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat (darwinescapes.co.uk).