More Family Fun At National Trust Dyffryn Gardens

Making full use of our National Trust Family Membership, we returned to one of my favourite places, Dyffryn Gardens, with my sister and her friend Anil in tow.  It was a gorgeous afternoon and the gardens are in full bloom and resplendent with blossom.

My Sister Sarah and I

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Obviously we had Spiderman with us, fully equipped with woolly gloves suitable for a warm end of May day!

A wedding was being held in the Pompeii Garden ( a Civil Ceremony) and the sweet sounds of harp music were drifting across the gardens.  It would have been cheeky to photograph the bride but she was a vision in sweeping, sparkling lace.  We looked on rather enviously at the wedding guests enjoying a glass of bubbly in the beautiful surroundings.

We then took shelter from the sun in the house itself. You can find out more about its history here

The commissioned stained glass window features Queen Elizabeth 1, fascinating to Caitlin Elizabeth and she was given her middle name in honor of the great Queen (and her paternal grandmother).

There are some fabulous marble fireplaces, some of the detail of which I have tried to capture.

Then it was off to the coffee shop for coffee and an enormous slice of Victoria Sponge (light, fluffy and with just the right amount of jam and cream) and an intensive session of supervising the kids in the play area.

Well, sometimes you just have to, don't you?

Further information about National Trust Dyffryn Gardens can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens.

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Parkdean Holiday Parks inspires families to get active and discover top walks in stunning locations this half term

AWARD-WINNING holiday park operator Parkdean is celebrating the wonderful walks on offer round its parks by inviting families, couples, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to get together, get active, and try a top walk as part of their half-term holiday.

Parkdean has gone the extra mile this year by highlighting key walking routes to help families get out exploring over the holidays, combining a bit of exercise with everything else they love doing on holiday, in the some of the most beautiful locations around the UK.

Scenic Trecco Bay, Porthcawl, South Wales

Durdle Door, Sandford, near Poole, Dorset

Parks will open in Scotland, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Wales for February half-term and Parkdean has found a walk that takes in areas of natural beauty in each of the different regions.

With a choice of woodland, coastline, or rolling countryside, and walks for every age and ability, Parkdean is encouraging visitors to wrap up and keep their healthy new year’s resolutions alive by following one of the recommended routes to view the vistas they love, or haven’t seen before.

Looe Bay, Looe, Cornwall

John Waterworth, chief executive at Parkdean Holidays, said: “There is so much to explore in the areas around our parks and walking is a great way of getting quality time together. 

Families can talk to each other without distractions and discuss the world around them - the wildlife and history in and around our parks is enchanting - you also feel better tucking into your favourite foods that evening if you’ve been physically active during the day.

“The New Year also brings new stage shows to Showtime parks, live shows at other parks, and exciting new activities at the free kids’ clubs available on all parks. 

We hope families are inspired to get outdoors and do some exploring on their holiday – even if it’s just a little every day.”

With six award-winning parks across England, Scotland and Wales and a host of fun activities on offer for adults and children in and around each park, visitors looking to cosy up after a blast of February fresh air will be spoilt for choice. 

Individual parks offer a variety of facilities, relax by the pool or warm up in the coffee shop, there is something to keep everyone happy.

Holidays start from as little as £99 for four people at Looe Bay Holiday Park commencing 20th February 2015. 

So dig out those walking boots, look at the choices below, and get ready to make memories in some of the UK’s most picturesque settings this February half-term.

Scotland:  Tummel Valley Holiday Park, Near Pitlochry, Perthshire

On the banks of the river Tummel, tucked away in the Tay forest, right in the heart of the Perthshire Highlands, Tummel Valley Holiday Park offers escapism at its best.  

This holiday destination is the perfect gateway to the outdoors with endless opportunities for beautiful cycles, walks and day trips in the nearby Cairngorms National Park or Tummel Valley – and the chance to see Scottish deer!

For history buffs, the famous gorge Killiecrankie, known for its battle history, is just around the corner, as well as Blair Athol Castle. 

Guests looking to taste Scotland’s best drink can head to Dewars World of Whisky and for souvenirs families should head to the pretty nearby villages of Pitlochry or Kenmore.

Park facilities include an indoor pool, Costa Coffee, restaurant and bar, so visitors can relax and refuel before their next day of adventure.

Prices start from £249 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom lodge (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.

Tummel Valley, Scotland

Best Walk: Allean Forest, Loch Tummel

Description: Walk up through a forest of larch, Scots pines, spruce and grand firs to find breath taking views over Loch Tummel - a spot called Queen’s View – named after Queen Victoria’s visit to the viewing point in 1866. Allean Forest is also the home of red squirrels, pine martens, goldcrests, siskins and Scottish crossbills, so keep your eyes peeled!

Distance: 2 miles

Start & Finish: Pitlochry (20 minutes driving from Tummel Holiday Park)

England: Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay, Devon

Saunton Sands, Devon

Set by the stunning surf spot Croyde Bay beach, Ruda Holiday Park has miles of rugged beautiful coastline to explore, with spectacular views of Lundy Island, quaint thatched roof cottages and traditional village pubs to stop off in.

Nearby attractions include Combe Martin Wildlife Park with over 250 species of animal, Exmoor Zoo with cheetahs, pumas and wolves, and Illfracombe Aquarium for those trying to find Nemo.

All the facilities at Ruda Holiday Park will be open for the first time this February half-term so children can enjoy Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool and the whole family can enjoy Showtime Entertainment in the evening.

Prices start from £339 (saving £50) for a seven-night break in a three-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to eight), starting 13th February 2015, short breaks are also available.

Best walk: Coast In Conflict, North Devon Walk

Description: An invigorating coastal walk that takes in cliff views and sandy beaches of the North Devon coastline, with glimpses of marine conservation and Beacon Point. 

Don’t miss out on the views that brought Victorian vacationers and smugglers to this part of the world and keep an eye out for surfers and seals down below, as well as rock climbers up above!

Distance: 1.5 miles

Start & Finish: Hillsborough car park (15 minutes driving from Ruda Holiday Park)

England: Looe Bay Holiday Park, Looe, Cornwall
Looe Bay Holiday Park is only a mile from the charming fishing town of East Looe, where families can explore narrow cobbled streets with shops and cafes, or take a coastal cruise to explore the sights at sea, this is the perfect holiday for those in search of peace in the rolling Cornish countryside.

Families can immerse themselves in nature and learning at the world famous Eden Project, which has the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning gardens, and first-class sculptures, or let your little ones meet other mischievous creatures at The Monkey Sanctuary.

With an indoor swimming pool, adventure play area and Showtime Entertainment there is plenty for all the family to do when they’re relaxing on the park too.

Prices start from £99 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.

Adventure play at Looe

Best walk: Looe to Polperro

Description: The South West Coast Path is 630 miles of superb coastal walking around the South West peninsular from Minehead in the North to Poole Harbour in Dorset in the East. 

This coastal walk follows the SWCP and passes a sixth century monastery, rock pools, beaches, pretty seaside towns and villages, shipwrecks, Looe Island and lots of wildlife – birdwatchers should look out for finches, warblers, skua and terns.

Distance: 5 ½ miles

Start & Finish: Looe Station (3 minutes driving from Looe Holiday Park)

England: Warmwell Holiday Park, near Weymouth, Dorset

Lodges, lakes, trees and skis, Warmwell Holiday Park is set in a tranquil woodland with three fishing lakes and a few surprises, including an all-weather ski slope for hours of family fun, the park also has regular visits from wandering roe deer!

A fifteen minute drive brings you to the colourful seaside resort of Weymouth on the stunning Jurassic coast and historical market town of Dorchester. 

Other nearby attractions include The Tank Museum, Monkey World and Lulworth Cove.

Families will be spoilt for choice on the park which has a swimming pool featuring a wave machine and flume, the 110m ski slope at Warmwell Snowsports Centre, and Showtime Entertainment available in the evening.

Prices start from £219 for a three-night break in a one-bedroom lodge (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015 and seven night holidays are also available.



Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Best walk: Nothe Gardens and Rodwell Trail

Description: Follow this walk for sea, forts, castles and old railway lines and a wide range of wildlife too. 

One of the joys of Weymouth and Portland is its diverse range of habitats, pop into the Discovery Centre to check out what wildlife is around the area or has been seen recently.

Distance: 4.7 miles

Start & Finish: Jubilee Clock tower, Weymouth

England: Sandford Holiday Park, Near Poole, Dorset
This leafy Dorset holiday park has everything for a family full of energy, with an indoor pool, an amazing tree house, adventure playground, crazy golf, tennis courts, lively kids’ clubs and it even has a pirate ship!

Families looking for a day out can head to nearby Bournemouth beach, Poole Harbour, or Wareham Forest.

Sandford is also a Showtime park so visiting families will be able to enjoy the exciting new shows for 2015. 

Prices start from £269 for a seven-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to four) starting 13th February 2015, and short breaks are also available.

Sandford Beach

Best walk: Old Harry Rocks

Description: This chalky headland offers spectacular views across Poole harbour to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. 

The easy walk takes you along the clifftop and through the chalk grassland of the surrounding area.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Start & Finish: South Beach car park

Wales: Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl, Wales
Trecco Bay Holiday Park is only a stroll away from a striking Blue Flag beach and the bustling town of Porthcawl - perfect for family days out. 

Travel further afield and guests can explore the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline which offers great walking.

With a Splashland indoor pool, indoor adventure play, mini ten pin bowling, bingo and adventure golf at Trecco, families on this park will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which fun activity they will do next. 

Trecco is also a Showtime park so visitors can enjoy the exciting new stage shows in the evening.

Prices start from £149 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to six), starting 13th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.



Swimming pool at Trecco Bay

Best walk: All Wales Coastal Path, Porthcawl

Description: The All Wales Coastal Path is the world’s first uninterrupted route along a national coast, with 870 miles of coastal path to explore. 

The path shows off beaches, estuaries, cliffs, woodlands and hills, there are also city waterfronts, writers’ retreats, fun-parks and historic castles - follow this stunning stretch that is popular with walkers and watersport buffs for amazing sea views.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Start & Finish: Rest Bay Car Park

Don’t miss out and make sure you book early! All holidays are subject to availability.

For further information visit www.parkdean.com or call 0344 335 3348.

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