UK Staycation Issue 3

UK STAYCATION YOUR KEY TO SECURING YOUR NEXT GREAT BRITISH BREAK !

STUNNING LANDSCAPES

ISSUE 3 APRIL2021

Wellbeing breaks on the Isle of Wight!

Coastal & lakeside retreats

Time to explore!

IDEAS FOR GREAT DAYS OUT

INSPIRING Quirky shor t break ideas with a

Twist!

HEX FACTOR PODS

WARMING SUPPERS

NEXT LEVEL STAYS

C ASTLE ROMANCE

UK STAYCATION Freedom and your next break away beckons!

This month is all about unlocking, and starting to explore the world of possibility for diverse holidays in the UK. The leisure industry has been like a sleeping giant in some areas, and it’s not only woken up, but it’s now about to stand back up and have a good stretch. Many destinations and attractions have managed to avoid this period of hibernation to a degree, working flat out behind the scenes to launch new family attractions and experiences, and we’ve covered some of these in this issue.

We’ve been surprised at how many locations look like they could be on the other side of the globe with their cosmopolitan feel, and how others really feel so quintessentially British.

It’s also apparent that there are plenty of tempting UK stays still available this year, and that there’s something out there for everyone, so now is definitely the time to organise something if you haven’t already.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Ed UKStaycation.org When making any booking or purchase, please ensure that you carry out your own checks to determine suitability for your intended purpose.

ukstaymag

UkstaycationOrg

Published by UK Stay Media

T 07376 302337

E office@ukstaymedia.co.uk

W www.ukstaycationmagazine.co.uk UK Staycation

3

CONTENTS STAYCATION INSPIRATION 8

Post-lockdown, quick getaway ideas

30 Penally Grange lodge park, Pembrokeshire 12

Woodward Lakes luxury lodges in South Yorkshire

23

Hex factor glamping in the Lake District

34

Netflix film fans focus on Suffolk holiday parks

44

Healing holidays and wellbeing retreats on the Isle of Wight Restorative getaways on the Isle of Wight P44

LIFESTYLE

Memorable getaway ideas

4

UK Staycation

P8

6

Lockdown habits to put an end to!

16

Quick no-churn ice-cream

17

Slow cooker Chuck Beef and Shallot Chilli

22

The outdoors at night – the perfect companion guide

29

Get festival ready with a Snuggy!

Stay snug with festival ready clothing

P29

@UKStaycation.org

DAYS OUT

Slow cooked chuck beef

26

Take a trip down the Thames in a Go-Boat

34

The Dig brings visitors to Suffolk Parks

40

The UK’s first flying theatre ride launches at Legoland

42

Three brand-new attractions announced at Fantasy Island

P17

HOLIDAY HOME OWNERSHIP 14

Looking for a secluded getaway?

Woodward Lakes is just the ticket!

18

Enjoy the lap of luxury in a timber framed lodge

24

What’s the next best thing in holiday accommodation?

30

Oakgrove Lodges at Penally

35

Hot off the press – the Willerby Astoria

A taste of the seaside at Tenby

P30

The next best thing in holiday accommodation P24

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

5

Lockdown Habits You May Want to End Before Returning to Work

S

ince 23rd March 2020, we’ve experienced a dramatic change in our social and working situations.

Being asked to stay at home as much as possible means that many workers have found themselves moved from office blocks to kitchen tables.

In fact, the Office for National Statistics measured that in April 2020, 46.6 per cent of people did some work at home. A staggering 86 per cent of these people declared they had done so as a consequence of the pandemic.

In addition to these homeworkers, 4.7 million people were also still on furlough by the end of January 2021. Many people in businesses that have been closed due to continuing lockdowns are vying to return to their workplace.

6

UK Staycation

With new home-working routines, it’s unsurprising that we’ve adopted some new habits – some of which may be less than satisfactory. But with a return to work on the cards, highlighted by the Government’s modelling for a roadmap out of lockdown, we must prepare ourselves to change our habits and routines once again.

Here, we explore our lockdown habits and how to quash these quarantine qualities and get ready for a return to work.

Business-super-casual Our morning routines have changed as a consequence of working from home.

Where once we would prepare ourselves to leave the house feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead, now you may

expect to wake up and immediately land yourself in front of your computer to work.

The short commute between the bedroom and home office has led to the rise of a comfortable uniform, where workers no longer need to get dressed in their usual business suits or smart-casual wear for the office. Instead, wearing jogger bottoms, comfortable hoodies, or even pyjamas has become the standard apparel of homeworking.

One fashion analyst index said that the number of sold-out sportswear items had increased by 17 per cent in 2020 compared to the previous year, a consequence of lockdown restrictions.

It’s clear that comfortable clothing has become the go-to choice for many

@UKStaycation.org

people working at home. But this won’t last forever.

Preparing for the return to work, we should get ready to remotivate our laundry routines. No, wearing the same hoodie all week will not be an option when we’re back in the office.

Understanding the best way to look after our smart and business clothing in washing machines and tumble dryers will help us get ready to put on our best shirt and quality trousers for our first day back at work. A smart and clean uniform can give us a boost to continue with our hard work.

The office kitchen Not everyone has had the luxury of a dedicated home office space.

Instead, many of us have relegated our bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens to be used as working hubs – it largely depends on where the internet works best.

However, if you’ve found yourself sitting at the kitchen table on a chair that’s

@UkstaycationOrg

usually reserved for dining, you may have fallen into the trap of temptation.

With our home kitchens in such short reach, the urge to fill ourselves with snacks and food throughout the day has been too much. Cakes, biscuits, and fun treats are a constant companion in many people’s home-office spaces, but after a year of the pandemic, a little self-will should be prioritised. Quit the constant eating and get healthy. Try and limit yourself to just one biscuit per cup of tea or coffee. Get ready to return to work, where your finger activity will be focussed on keyboard typing instead of searching the cookie jar.

Tech-neck Another victim of homeworking is our poor bones. The use of laptops and makeshift office furniture, whether coffee tables or unstable wooden dining chairs, has forced some unusual working positions. Hunched backs, numb legs, and stiff necks aren’t symptoms of the coronavirus, but they do indicate that you’ve been working from home for too long.

Between laptops and smartphones merging the worlds of life and work, the lack of physical exercise is another cause of what has been coined as ‘tech-neck’.

However, the remedy is surprisingly simple.

Sitting up straight and doing some healthy stretches can relieve the pain and improve the consequential headaches and fatigue that the condition can create. It won’t be long before we can return to our ergonomic office chairs and large desktop displays. But until then, looking after yourselves with a bit of relaxation and yoga can go a long way.

No one wants to lumber back into the office with a crooked back and sore neck.

It’s not a good look.

The triumphant return to work will take a lot of adjustment, just as it was difficult to begin working from home. But ditching our lockdown habits will make this change even easier. Get prepared by adopting healthier habits, and you’ll be ready to do some amazing work when you see your co-workers again.

UK Staycation

7

Post-lockdown getaway ideas

A

fter the roadmap out of lockdown was announced, searches for ‘Staycations’ on Google soared with people desperate to book their getaway.

Glamping in particular is a rising trend for this summer’s staycations, with Buyagift reporting an 88% increase in sales of Glamping experiences year on year and Red Letter Days reporting an increase in 337% in sales of Glamping experiences year on year since the start of March.

Buyagift reported that searches for Buyagift hotel breaks were up 333% after the roadmap announcement, searches for spa breaks in the UK were up 300%, and searches for Buyagift’s 2 night stay breaks were up 185% vs last year.

So to help you celebrate lockdown coming to an end we thought we’d bring you a little inspiration to help you plan for your next memorable experience.

The Staycations featured here can be enjoyed post-lockdown with the help of Buyagift and Red Letter Days who are happy to help us all enjoy and explore the beautiful corners that the UK has to offer with loved ones when it’s safe to travel again.

From glamping getaways in Cornwall to short breaks in London to cosy inns

8

UK Staycation

in the Cotswolds, they’ve got hundreds of locations, dotted across the UK, just waiting to be discovered!

Overnight Stay in Bath, £199

breathtaking Wye Valley AONB, choose an idyllic UK destination to explore and fall in love with. Surprise someone with this thoughtful gift or treat a cherished partner or friend to two nights of luxury.

Retreat for a memorable overnight getaway together to the historic city of Bath. Unwind at one of a selection of 4 and 5-star hotels and soak in the history and culture of the area with visits to one of many popular attractions. Founded as a thermal spa by the Romans, Bath is Somerset’s largest county. Visit the Fashion Museum to see how clothing has evolved over time, enjoy some pampering and relaxation at Thermae Bath Spa or marvel at the collections in Victoria Art Gallery. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable stay in this stunning city.

Two Night Getaway to a Castle for Two, £299 Feel like royalty with a two-night stay in a castle. Promising evenings of enchantment and mystique, a bespoke castle escape is sure to amaze.

Discover sumptuous king-size rooms, wondrous country views and medieval architecture – there’s so much more to appreciate and savour. From the wild landscapes of Scotland to the equally

@UKStaycation.org

Two Night Break to the Lake District, £199 Unwind together for two nights at a luxurious 4 or 5-star hotel of choice in the Lake District. This awe-inspiring National Park is truly spectacular, from its highest mountain to its deepest lake.

It is the perfect destination for hiking, walking and cycling enthusiasts, as well as adrenaline junkies and keen adventurers. Discover an abundance of beautiful locations to explore. Enjoy thrilling water activities, picnics in the countryside, waterside walks and visits to quaint villages and towns. Spend quality time together and take a break from the rush of city life. Explore an exciting range of elegant and cosy hotels in ideal locations.

Overnight Spa Break with Dinner and a Private Hot Tub at Three Horseshoes Country Inn, £245 Beam at the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District with a sumptuous spa stay for two. Nestled in the Staffordshire

countryside, the Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa hosts an array of top-class facilities. You’ll both enjoy a 25-minute Beach Hut experience, which replicates the sensations of soaking up the sun on a soft sandy beach. You’ll be granted full use of the magnificent spa at the Mill Wheel Spa on the day of your

departure. Staying in the splendour of a rustic-chic Garden Room, you can also bathe amongst the bubbles in a spacious Cedar hot tub – in your private garden!

Your stay includes a delicious twocourse meal and a tasty breakfast at the award-winning two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant.

Two Night Family Treehouse Escape £399 (see our lead image) Take the stress out of camping with the kids, and stay in a luxurious treehouse. The designer unit sleeps two adults and two under 16s, and has comfortable beds, vintage wooden furniture, tea lights and lanterns and - best of all - a woodburning stove that efficiently heats the whole place in minutes. It even heats the water for the spring water shower and here is an ensuite composting toilet. The treehouses are set in stunning bluebell-carpeted woods on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. You can explore the unspoilt countryside on foot or by mountain bike. There are beaches nearby, and with the town of Machynlleth just a short drive away, you’re not stranded too far from civilisation if you run out of cornflakes.

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

9

The View from The Shard and Overnight Stay at Novotel City South for Two, £222 Whether you’re a Londoner or just looking to get a feel for this iconic city, the combination of stunning views and an overnight stay at one of London’s central hotels is unmissable. First, you’ll shoot to the top of the 800ft The View From The Shard skyscraper. When you come back down to Earth, you’ll both enjoy a night in the Novotel London City South Hotel.

A fantastic 4-star retreat set just moments from cultural landmarks including the Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Gallery and South Bank.

One Night Glamping Break with Hot Tub and Fizz for Two at Woodland Escape, Was £296, Now £99 Escape to the country with a relaxing overnight getaway for two at Woodland Escape in Somerset. A welcome break from the hustle and bustle, it gives its guests the chance to retreat in a spacious bell tent or a Mongolian inspired yurt.

Become one with nature whilst staying at the campsite, in accommodation that includes a cosy double bed, a warming log fire, BBQ pit and access to a private hot tub in the woods. To help celebrate the occasion, indulge in a crisp bottle of fizz.

10 UK Staycation

Overnight Getaway with Dinner for Two, Was £149, Now £99 From coastal hotels to country lodges, buzzing city centre havens to quaint town guesthouses, this voucher offers you and a loved one a night’s respite from the monotony of routine with a

one night break at one of these carefully selected venues. You’ll have ten months in which to select one of these fabulous hotels and plan your escape; when you reach your hotel, you’ll be served a delicious dinner for two. You’ll spend your night together in a comfortable room and enjoy breakfast when you wake – what more could you need?

@UKStaycation.org

Deluxe Overnight Spa Break with 55 Minute Treatment and Dinner for Two at The Malvern Spa Hotel, £342 Immerse yourself in a world of pure luxury with this deluxe one-night spa break for two in the gorgeous Worcestershire countryside. The perfect spa retreat for those in need of relaxing and unwinding. Luxuriate in a world of pure bliss, as you enjoy full use of the spa facilities, including gym, salt grotto, crystal steam room, 20m indoor and outdoor swimming pools and let yourself be whisked away to a haven of tranquillity with a 55 minute treatment for each of you, to have you feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and brand new.

You’ll even receive a £25 dinner voucher each, as well as breakfast in the morning.

Two Night Hobbit Hole Break in The Lake District, £179 Retreat to the peaceful Cumbrian countryside for a unique glamping escape in a real-life hobbit hole. Bringing the Lord of the Rings tales to life, the

quirky underground living space is concealed in lush landscape. Equipped with electric and USB points, a toilet, central heating, a picnic table, deck chairs and a soft sleeping ledge, the cosy bolthole is perfect for a couple or a family of four to enjoy a short break away from home. A sheltered patio area

at the front provides the perfect spot for a BBQ, boasting magnificent views over Ullswater and the mountains beyond.

Simply bring your camping gear (minus the tent) and settle in for two leisurely nights of bliss.

Weekend Survival Camp Experience £215 The perfect gift for anyone who fancies him or herself as the next Bear Grylls, this full-on experience will teach you how to stay alive out in the wild. Leave behind modern conveniences and learn how to live on your wits, skills and instincts.

You’ll use branches and leaves to make a shelter, forage berries and plants, and generally use what you can find to keep yourselves alive. Surprise yourself with your resourcefulness, and learn life-saving tips from the experienced bushcraft and wilderness skills experts.

You’ll learn basic survival techniques like building traps and snares, lighting fires by friction, building shelters, navigation, using cutting tools safely, water purification, and how to cook when you’re hundreds of miles from a microwave

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

11

LOOKING FOR A SECLUDED GETAWAY?

You’ll be in luck at Woodward Lakes & Lodges!

If you’re after a lodge in a peaceful location which will feel like home from home, then we know just the place.

Woodward Lakes is a park not particularly aimed at young families, but the kind of park where couples or grown-up families who look for peace and quiet could find exactly that. For grandparents who like to have the little people to stay now and again it’s perfect, as there’s plenty to enjoy and explore nearby, and something to keep them busy every day for weeks in the local area.

WHAT’S ON THE PARK

Facilities on site include a 9 - hole golf course, boules court, bowling greens, tennis court and a 43 acre well-stocked fishing lake of specimen species. Off-road cycle routes and meandering nature trails lead to a nearby wildlife park and another nature reserve.

The park has a 12-month leisure licence, so you’ll be able to enjoy staying at any time, and you’ll get brilliant value for money as the lodges are accessible in price for such a stunning park, or if you have a little spare budget you could go for quite a palatial lodge option! The park is gated and secure, so what you won’t find here are passers-by, ‘herds’ of people, general traffic or noise, and once you drive in, it’s the

12 UK Staycation

kind of place which envelops you in a real feeling of calm; particularly useful for those with stressful lives who need to unwind quickly.

FEELS LIKE A NATURE RESERVE

The park sits in 300 acres of land which has been very thoughtfully developed to a high standard, and it now also has the feel of a nature reserve across the lakes from the main lodge development areas. In winter you can enjoy the beauty of snow on the ground, weather permitting of course, while watching the wildlife adapt to

each season. Then you can be here as spring bursts into all its glory too - this really is a park for all seasons!

THE LOCATION

Woodward Lakes is an easyto-access location too - just 10 minutes off a motorway and you could be sitting on your decking watching a sunset at Woodward Lakes. Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster and Leeds city centre are all in easy striking distance so you won’t have far to go to find

@UKStaycation.org

good amenities, restaurants and shops if you need a bit of activity, current tiering regulations permitting of course.

If you’d rather stay on the park as much as possible, you can even arrange food deliveries as it’s an accessible location for most suppliers to get to. That said, with the on-site security it’s also in a little secluded bubble which could be miles from anywhere in the countryside if you didn’t know better – it offers the best of both worlds!

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

13

NEW DEVELOPMENT A brand-new development has just been released at Woodward Lakes called the ‘Kingfisher’ so it’s a great time to get in touch to discuss possible preferred plots. There’s a total of 28 lodges lakeside, and a further five just set back slightly.

This is another enormous lake which will be stocked with fish, and you can even have your own boat on it if you’d like to – and we think that sounds pretty idyllic!

14 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

LODGES FROM £99,950 Lodges here start from £99,950 and can be designed to suit your budget. You can choose from a variety of styles, including the gorgeous Samphire from Prestige, as shown here.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For all enquiries and viewings, please call Julie 01302 833962 or 07976 390477.

Please ensure you make an appointment before travelling to view, and comply to all current governmental regulations in relation to Covid-19. Woodward Lakes and Lodges can be found off of Junction 4 on the M18 at Holme Wood Lane, Doncaster DN3 3EH. To find out more go to www.woodwardlakesandlodges.co.uk

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

15

Recipe corner Date night is extra important for some people at the moment, one night a week to make things a little bit special. So, whether you’re looking for something to pre-prepare, or perhaps one can be put together in no time at all, then these recipes should combine to make the perfect romantic meal.

Zespri SunGold Kiwi Quick No Churn Ice Cream This is a cheat’s ice cream - easy to make, delicious to eat! A win-win if you ask us…

Serves: 6 people: Preparation time: 20 minutes Freezing time: 3 hours + Difficulty: Easy Recipe suitable for: Vegetarians

Ingredients:

5 Zespri SunGold kiwis, peeled and chopped 175g sweetened condensed milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 300ml whipping cream

Method:

You can either leave all the pieces of SunGold kiwi diced or puree half in a blender. Set aside.

In a small bowl whisk together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, set aside.

Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then combine with the vanilla/sweetened condensed milk mixture and fold in the pureed and/or chopped SunGold kiwi, reserving a few pieces of chopped SunGold to put on top.

Pour the mixture into a loaf tin.

Then cover and freeze for at least 3 hours until frozen or overnight.

Zespri SunGold Kiwi - www.zespri.eu 16 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

Slow Cooker Chuck Beef & Shallot Chilli Let the slow cooker do the work so you don’t have to! This chilli can be made in advance leaving you free to fully enjoy the evening.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 8 hours

You’ll need

10 round shallots 500g diced chuck beef 1 tbsp plain flour 2 tsp smoked paprika Sea salt & cracked black pepper 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 2 tsp cocoa powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 pint beef stock, hot 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tin kidney beans 1 cinnamon stick

What to do

Place the shallots in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Allow the shallot skins to soften in the water for 10 minutes before easily peeling - keep the shallots whole.

In the meantime, place the beef in a large bowl along with the flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika and salt and pepper. Thoroughly coat the beef in the flour mixture.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and in batches brown the meat well until just caramelised. Once browned, place the meat into the slow cooker along with the prepared shallots. Fry the remaining meat.

In a large jug dissolve the cocoa powder in 20ml of hot water. Add the cumin, cayenne pepper and sweet chilli sauce to create a thick paste. Stir in the hot stock before pouring it all into the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomato, kidney beans and cinnamon to the slow cooker along with a large pinch of salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredient together and place on the lid.

Cook on ‘low’ for 7 - 8 hours (3.5 - 4 hours on ‘high’) until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Half an hour before serving, if the sauce needs reducing further, pour the chilli into the pan and simmer over a medium heat until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Cook’s Notes:

Not a fan of slow cookers? Simply follow the method until stage 5, placing in a large pan or casserole dish with lid.

Simmer gently on the hob over a low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Alternatively place in the oven www.ukshallot.com at 160C/140C fan/gas 3 for 3 hours

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

17

Enjoy the lap of luxury In your own timber-framed lodge

If you’re used to luxurious holidays abroad and want to enjoy a stay which feels like the equivalent of four or five star accommodation, then choosing a lodge to match will be pretty important to you.

TFM Lodges are a manufacturer we would describe as building with true craftmanship, and that means that in every room you’ll be able to appreciate the solid quality feel, fine finish and little luxuries built-in which will make your experience extra-special.

Their main mid-range lodge is the two-bedroomed Otter, which is fully customisable according to the customer’s requirements, and they also offer a smaller one-bedroomed Squirrel lodge, a romantic getaway for two, and the Eagle lodge which is a three-bedroomed model in a larger footprint perfect for larger families.

18 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

They already have an extensive interior showcase available which shows their skill is not just in the build process, but also in interior design, and they have certainly developed their own look and feel which would appeal to most; a mixture of modern contemporary with rustic farmhouse chic in places.

For ownership or short breaks They already have several lodges at Milton Park Luxury Lodges in Gargrave, where they can be bought for ownership or you can enjoy a short stay in one, so that’s a great way of checking them out.

The park does look beautiful and the customer feedback is a great testament to the location and accommodation.

If you’re thinking of having one built for a location of your choice, the team at TFM will be happy to talk through their bespoke lodge options directly when you’re ready, and we know from speaking with them that they are very friendly and approachable.

Their portfolio also includes a range of useful outbuildings in lodge style, so gyms, sales offices and spa lodges will also be well within their capability. The beauty of working with a smaller manufacturer is that they will be happy to spend time with you working on bespoke projects, and looking at some of these from TFM they definitely excel in that arena!

If you are looking for a lodge and like quality and luxury, then it’s well worth having a chat with TFM as we think they’re ones to watch!

KEY FEATURES        @UkstaycationOrg

Built to BS 3632 and with a Gold-Shield Warranty Luxurious feel and great build quality Interior design themes with universal appeal Abundance of storage space built-in Well thought-through practical touches Well-equipped kitchen and utility rooms Low-level lighting for night-time safety

UK Staycation

19

It’s about the experience!

The quality of the joinery and finish bears scrutiny well in these examples from TFM lodges and there’s real attention to detail with some lovely flourishes and luxuries. From low-level lighting where needed throughout the lodge to in-built shutter blinds and sleek integrated appliances, they’ve thought of everything to make their lodges pleasurable and practical to stay in. In the bathrooms that means touches such as the LED-lit vanity mirrors and inset shelving for his and hers toiletries, to the waterfall showerhead and heated towel rail; this bathroom will feel like a mini-spa! With TFM Lodges every part of staying in the lodge has been thought through to ensure the experience is as enjoyable as possible, and that will appeal to many parks, potential owners and short-stay guests who really want to be sure of a great experience!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Timber Frame Manufacturers Cawood House, Asquith Business Park, Gargrave, North Yorkshire BD23 3SE T: 01756 699 055 E: tfmlodges@gmail.com www.tfmluxurylodges.co.uk

20 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

Hand Crafted, Luxury Retreats, focusing on high quality and attention to detail...

...TFM are the embodiment of Bespoke Luxury Lodges.

Our lodges are not only designed, but are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Expertly hand built from the ground

And we don’t just stop with lodges either, we can also further enhance any space by designing other outbuildings such as a

up by our team of skilled craftsmen, with over 10 years

gym, office or garden room etc., to suit your specific needs.

experience manufacturing bespoke timber frame lodges.

We really do like to go that extra mile, quite literally!

Offering a range of high quality features from: Howden Fitted Kitchens, built in appliances, Quick Step Oak flooring, Solid Oak doors and skirting, Italian Tiles, Worcester Bosch LPG Combi Boiler and Central heating throughout.

From the initial design and manufacturing process, then finally the transportation and sighting. Offering you the complete solution in quality bespoke Luxury Lodges.

Call us today and Book a Factory Visit to see for yourself.

Want to see more.... simply scan the QR code with your phones camera for a virtual tour around a lodge.

Order your copy of our brochure today.

Cawood House, Asquith Business Park,Gargrave, North Yorkshire BD23 3SE

LUXURY LODGES

T: 01756 699 055 E: tfmlodges@gmail.com www.tfmluxurylodges.co.uk

WILD NIGHTS OUT Take a walk on the wild side with the first nature guide to focus exclusively on exploring the night. environments recently, this thrilling hands-on guide is an introduction to nocturnal wildlife, their behaviours, their habitats and how to observe them without being detected. Learn how to call for owls, walk like a fox and expand your sensory perceptions.

Not only will this instil a lifelong love of the dark, it will also boost the resilience and self-confidence of children and adults alike.

An outdoor educator, Chris shares over twenty-five games, walks and exercises to reacclimatise to the dark, and invites us into this nocturnal dimension with tales of the constellations and planets to share around the campfire.

Whether it is a weekend away, summer holiday or just back garden adventures, his book provides all the practical information on how to conduct safe night walks, as well as interesting animal facts and mesmerising stargazing stories. Beautiful black-and-white illustrations are featured throughout.

‘The night will give you a horizon / further than you can see.’ — David Whyte, from Sweet Darkness

S

ince 1880 when the first house was fitted with electrical lighting, artificial light has become the norm, creating more and more spaces lit 24-hours a day.

Whilst much was to be gained by this new dawn for humanity, we have also, in turn, lost our familiarity with the dark. Over time darkness has become something to be feared, associated with crime and nightmares, rather than mystery and enchantment.

In his new book, Wild Nights Out, Chris Salisbury encourages us to venture out into the dark to experience the way our eyes adjust and our other senses are enhanced, and to find joy in the natural wonders of the night.

Perfect for parents, campers, teachers, nature educators and anyone who has used lockdown to explore their own

22 UK Staycation

Wild Nights Out The Magic of Exploring the Outdoors After Dark

By Chris Salisbury £14.99 GBP Paperback ISBN 9781603589932 Publication Date: 3 June 2021

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Salisbury, founded WildWise in 1999 after many years working as an education officer for Devon Wildlife Trust. With a background in the theatre, a training in therapy and a career in en-vironmental education, he uses every creative means at his disposal to encourage people to enjoy and value the natural world.

Chris directs the acclaimed Call of the Wild Foundation programme for educators-in-training as well as Where the Wild Things Are, a rewilding adventure based at Embercombe in Devon. He is also a professional storyteller (aka ‘Spindle Wayfarer’) and is the co-founder and artistic director for the Westcountry and Oxford Storytelling Festivals. Chris lives in the enchantment of the Dart Valley, Devon, UK with his lovely wife, two pesky children, and a dog called Dexter

@UKStaycation.org

Hex-factor Glamping at top Cumbria holiday park

A

family’s Keswick holiday park overlooking stunning mountain scenery says it has now taken glamping to a new peak of refinement.

Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park is getting ready to welcome guests to its new Hex Pods when parks get the green light to re-open this spring.

Hand-built in the Lake District to an original design, they provide a luxury holiday base for up to two adults and two children with breathtaking views across the Cumbria fells.

Each has its own distinctive interior design theme, and is comfortably furnished with plenty of living space as well as a kitchen area and shower and toilet facilities.

The Hex Pods are the latest glamping option at Castlerigg Hall – but according to business owner David Jackson, their presence is far from being a “first” at the park: “Our family has been at Castlerigg since 1938, originally as farmers, but we recently discovered that glamping has been going on here for over a century,” he said.

@UkstaycationOrg

“In fact, the new Hex Pods are sited on an area of the park once know as Derwent Holiday Camp which was used in 1909 for bell tents for Lake District visitors, and we have newspaper articles and photographs from those early days.

“It’s an amazing heritage – and although the beautiful scenery which today’s guests will wake up to is unchanged, we’ve gone all out to ensure the refinement of the pods is very presentday.

“Items such as flat-screen TVs, fridges, ovens and private balconies might have been unheard of a hundred years ago, but they are very much on people’s wishlists now.

“They mean you can have all the fun of a glamping holiday in the fresh air, but without sacrificing the conveniences and comforts you enjoy back home,” added David.

Built with sustainability in mind, the pods feature underfloor heating from renewable energy, furniture and beds made from recycled pallets, and the extensive use of local materials.

Cumbria craftsmen helped complete the project, and the pods’ design includes an

hexagonal glass roof prism inspired by the early bell tents which helps connect with the great outdoors.

Named as the holiday park of the year in the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2019, Castlerigg Hall was one of the first Lake District parks to offer stays in pods to visitors.

The new Hex Pods are now one of three glamping facilities at the park which also offers luxury holiday caravans for hire as well as pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.

David says that advance bookings for 2021 holidays are the highest they have ever been at the start of the year, and have even continued to gather pace during the current lockdown.

He says that he and his staff team are looking forward to when guests return in April and Castlerigg can once again provide its much-needed escapes into the countryside.

More information about the holiday accommodation at the park, including the Hex Pods which start from £107.50 per night, can be found at www.castlerigg.co.uk

UK Staycation

23

Want to know what the next best thing in holiday accommodation will be?

We take a look industry innovators Gateway Chassis Solutions, who are often the first to know as part of the design and construction mix!

With the Staycation market booming, it’ll be no surprise to hear that holiday home manufacturers are working flat out to meet the demand for new accommodation. There’s a consistently

24 UK Staycation

huge marketplace for static caravans, which now tend to be called simply ‘holiday homes’ to the industry manufacturing them. Luxury lodge manufacturers are equally as busy, as

are all the manufacturers of component elements which make up both types of accommodation. The demand for quirky, innovative accommodation is also greater than ever, so modular

@UKStaycation.org

accommodation, multi-level lodges and holiday homes, pods and mini-cabins are all finding their way out to holiday parks in increasing numbers ready for a busy season.

In holiday accommodation terms, all eyes are on the manufacturers to see the next new concept, and as they still need to be sturdy, easy to transport to site and have a long life of use, the design

@UkstaycationOrg

process starts from the ground up, with the chassis.

Gateway Chassis Solutions are used to supplying manufacturers with the most suitable chasses for the homes their creative teams come up with, and in some cases this can help make the seemingly impossible possible. So, in terms of knowing what the next best thing in holiday accommodation might

be, they’ll know, but they also have to be great at keeping it a secret! What we can tell you is that, so far, these innovations have included models with an upper deck, hot tub chassis, skid chassis’, floating lodges and multi-storey lodges with inbuilt decking areas. They also work with a number of niche and startup manufacturers to help them with their projects, lending technical expertise, experience and support in more ways

UK Staycation

25

than one!

There are several different types of chassis’ for different purposes, and Gateway Chassis Solutions can also build bespoke chassis’ for specific projects, so they are the perfect chassis partner for manufacturers of all sizes.. We thought we’d take a look at some of the options used for ‘big-hitting’ holiday homes here.

Don’t be fooled though – they work on chassis’ for units of all sizes – small or large!

Gateway Chassis Solutions lends their technical expertise to many projects they work on with accommodation providers THE PARK HOME I-BEAM Their Park Home I-Beam chassis was developed as a cost-effective fully galvanised option, with the strength to support park homes and luxury lodges as they become bigger and heavier.

Engineered to exceed residential standard BS3632, the Park Home I-Beam uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and 3D CAD modelling to ensure each chassis meets the structural requirements of

the home that is built on it, allowing for variations in load distribution for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, which have heavier components.

That makes it the ultimate option for longevity and strength for today’s increasingly advanced park homes and lodges, giving peace of mind to those in coastal locations where corrosion could be an issue.

For the home buyer, it gives peace of mind knowing that the unseen element of their home is built to the same high standards as the home or lodge itself; that’ it’s more than capable in terms of strength, and will last longer without needing attention. If you’ve chosen a feature-rich lodge design to be situated near the coast, then you might find your holiday home is built on a Park Home I-Beam, or if you’re having one built, you could even ask for it to be built on one!

A fully-galvanised chassis gives peace of mind to those in coastal locations where corrosion could be an issue.

26 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

THE STRONGBOX Gateway Chassis Solutions engineers chassis for every purpose, and the Strongbox is another advanced chassis you might find your lodge supported by. It can cope with larger models fom 55 – 65 foot long, and you’ll also find it supporting some of the latest innovative models to hit the marketplace. So for flexibility and innovation, the Strongbox sometimes offers the perfect solution; by its very nature a powerful structure more than capable of holding each model it’s created to support.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE HOLIDAY HOME Manufacturers need more and more from their chassis partners in a marketplace which is continually evolving, and innovation, reliability and flexibility is all part of that need. When we step into our lodges, holiday homes, modular units and glamping cabins, we don’t think about what’s underfoot. All we need to know is that it’s there when we need it, that it’s safe and secure, that it will cope with many seasons of our wonderful British weather and a coastal location if that’s where it’s sited, and we’ve managed to buy it or hire it at the right price. Helping to make all that happen behind the scenes are manufacturing partners like Gateway Chassis Solutions who literally help prop up the industry!

The Tingdene Quantum with upper deck, and the Prestige LookOut with multi-level deck, both built on Gateway Chassis’.

TO FIND OUT MORE To find out more about Gateway Chassis Solutions email info@gateway-chassis.co.uk, call 01482 485170 or visit www.gateway-chassis.co.uk

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

27

LONDON’S FIRST SOCIAL EXPERIENCE IS BACK WITH A SPLASH

As the spring weather is upon us, Londoners can rejoice as GoBoat has announced that they are open for groups of up to six friends, following government guidelines and social distancing rules.

You can once again charter an electric picnic boat without the need for a licence. Both GoBoat London (Paddington) and GoBoat Kingston sites re-opened on March 29th. The routes have not been affected; both take between 2 to 3 hours: GoBoat London Paddington:

Your journey begins at Merchant Square, head east on the vibrant Regent’s Canal through Little Venice, the 249 metre Maida Hill Tunnel, Regent’s Park and London Zoo to Camden Lock.

GoBoat Kingston:

From the Riverside Walk mooring next to Kington Road Bridge, you can charter your own electric picnic boat up river past Hampton Court Palace to Molesey Lock, and down river to Teddington Lock.

Need to know; • • • • • • •

●

● ● ● ● ●

●

AT A GLANCE

Safe and secure

What: GoBoat London

Some changes have been made to ensure things are kept safe and within government guidelines.

Locations: GoBoat London (Paddington) and GoBoat Kingston Time: 10:00 - 19:15 (from 09:00 on weekends) Price: Prices start at £79 for 1 hour, £119 for two hours, and £159 for three hours.

Where to book/find out more: goboat.co.uk/

There’s a contact free check-in, payment is contactless and booking ahead online is advised.

There’s a socially distanced queuing system on site to keep guests apart, and every GoBoat is sanitised between each trip.

GoBoat is open 7 days a week, 10am until dusk (from 9am on weekends - ) Based at Merchant Square, Paddington and Riverside Walk, Kingston Prices start at £79 for 1 hour, £119 for two hours and £159 for three hours Children and dogs are very welcome aboard GoBoat - all children will be fitted with a life jacket or buoyancy aid Alcohol can be consumed on the boat, but limits apply and the captain (driver) must always remain sober Boats go at a max speed of 4mph / 3 ½ knots and have GPS trackers on board in case of any emergencies Customers don’t need a license to drive, but will be provided with a full safety briefing and driving instructions on how to control the boat before the adventure starts as well as having life jackets on board Please be aware that future government guidelines may affect your booking

28 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

Get festival ready!

With the countdown to summer officially on, and staycations, festivals and outdoor fun (hopefully!) on the cards, we have been keeping our eye on products you might love to keep you warm while at home or away.

is an oversized hoodie that’s super cosy and warm. It’s ideal for throwing on when the temperature drops in the evening or as you nurse your festival hangover the next morning by getting some fresh air.

Adored by celebrities such as Chloe Ferry and Alex and Olivia Bowen, the Snuggy

Available in five different colours at www.snuggy.shop, and with options for

@UkstaycationOrg

adults (£59.99), children (£34.99) and even your canine companions (£22.99), its soft flannel fleece exterior and sherpa fleece interior make it the ultimate in campsite cosy comfort.

We tested one and rated it 10/10 for quality and feelgood factor, so think they are must-haves for home and away!

UK Staycation

29

Get Away in the UK this year At Penally Grange

I

f you’re worried you’ve left it too late to book this year and you usually like a little luxury, then why not go for a break which represents the best of accommodation options combined with a really great seaside location?

PENALLY GRANGE Penally Grange is an exclusive holiday park where holiday home ownership and short breaks are available, and it’s just re-opened for the 2021 season. Because it’s a relatively new park it has better availability than some, so it’s definitely one to take a look at to secure those last

30 UK Staycation

available spots this year, or early spots for next year if that’s what you’d prefer.

Island or take a walk along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Penally has its own award-winning beach within walking distance of the park perfect for swimming and angling and the good news is that dogs are welcome.

Although this is a beautiful location, you won’t be over-run by the crowds here – it has a quaint and quiet feel which will suit you if you are a bit nervous about social distancing and things not being too busy.

The village has its own leisure centre and just a short walk from the park you will find the excellent Grade 2 Listed Cross Inn which has been a pub for over 100 years, with an extensive menu and wide range of tempting beverages on offer.

Set on the edge of the charming village of Penally, this quiet park is just over a mile from Tenby and from here you can enjoy a spot of fishing, relax on Caldey

If you’ve missed being at the coast this is the perfect break for you! @UKStaycation.org

TENBY With it’s glorious beaches, fine Victorian houses and relaxing atmosphere Tenby is a popular choice for discerning visitors.

Think miles of European Blue Flag winning sandy beaches, a picturesque working harbour, artisan shopping, and an abundance of restaurants and cafés to choose from as you potter around this pretty location.

For those who love pottering around a seaside town, breathing in the fresh air, taking in the very essence of life in a coastal location, then this is a location which will deliver!

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

31

CALDEY ISLAND AND PRIORY BAY

A SELF-CONTAINED SAFE HAVEN

Nearby you’ll find plenty to do in addition to beachcombing and walking the coastal paths, with golf courses, horse riding, surfing and fishing all on offer, or you could even take a relaxing trip to Caldey Island and the beautiful Priory Bay, which you can just spot below if you look closely. Caldey Island is known as one of Britain’s holy islands, and the Cistercian monks there continue to ensure that it’s a peaceful haven of prayer, tranquility and peace.

Oakgrove Lodges are available to buy or for hire at Penally Grange, and they are well-known for their stunning interiors and exquisite build quality. forget roughing it, these are lodges you’ll want to spend some time in, and the level of luxury built-in will help you relax from the moment you arrive. Prices for a luxury lodge here start at £185,000, which is a pretty appealing figure for a luxury lodge within walking distance of a beautiful beach.

Lodges at Penally Grange are built by Oakgrove; well known for their luxury and high quality, and are available for short breaks or ownership.

32 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

TO FIND OUT MORE Penally Grange

For short break enquiries please go to www.hoseasons.co.uk To find out more about owning your own holiday lodge at Penally Grange visit www.penallygrange.co.uk, call 01834 843180 or email info@penallygrange.co.uk

Oakgrove Lodges and Park Homes To explore Oakgrove Lodges visit www.oakgrovelodges.co.uk, email info@oakgrovelodges.co.uk or call 02871 861 166

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

33

Dig in!

Netflix film fans focus on Suffolk holiday parks H

oliday parks in Suffolk say that a new smash hit Netflix film, The Dig, is helping to make the county a go-to destination for families this year.

of digging themselves, and identified our parks as among the best placed for making scenic discoveries,” said Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish.

Park Holidays UK, which owns five coastal parks in Suffolk, reports a spike in booking enquiries since the film rocketed up the popularity charts in February.

“Our Suffolk parks have always had a large and loyal following, but Netflix has done a magnificent job in publicising this enchanting area to a much wider audience.

It says that the breathtaking locations and the landscapes in the film seem to have captured the imaginations of people seeking a perfect antidote to the lockdown blues.

The Dig tells the true story of how a group of amateur excavators unearthed an ancient Anglo-Saxon ship and a hoard of treasure in Sutton Hoo on the Suffolk coast.

The holiday group’s parks are all a short drive from the main location, and from other picture-perfect seaside towns and countryside featured in the film.

“People seem to have been doing a bit

34 UK Staycation

“The enquiries and bookings are for all types of accommodation, from luxury lodges to glamping pods, and are going through from spring until autumn.

“Our staff are being briefed so that they can advise guests on where to go to discover the filming locations used by Netflix both along the coast and inland.

widely praised for his depiction of Basil Brown, the man primarily responsible for locating the burial ship.

Although all of the 30-plus parks operated by Park Holidays UK are presently closed, the company says it is taking bookings starting from 12 April.

Family holidays in 2021, which start from £109.00 for four nights for up to six people, include free entertainment and use of all the park’s leisure facilities including pools.

The group’s five Suffolk parks are in Saxmundham (Carlton Meres Holiday Park), Felixstowe (Felixstowe Beach Holiday Park and Suffolk Sands Holiday Park), and Lowestoft (Broadland Sands Holiday Park and Pakefield Holiday Park).

“I think they will be thrilled to find that the unspoiled beauty is just as it is shown Details of each location, and the accommodation options available, can in The Dig, and should provide some be found on Park Holidays UK’s website lovely holiday memories!” said Tony. at www.ParkHolidays.com The film is set in 1938 and stars Ipswichborn actor Ralph Fiennes who has been

@UKStaycation.org

BIG DAY IN THE STAYCATION CALENDAR As Willerby’s latest model goes on show

W

illerby has launched its latest premium holiday home designed to maximise living space and create the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Astoria is the first new launch of Willerby’s special 75th anniversary year and can be viewed exclusively at the holiday home market leader’s newest showground, at Southport on Merseyside, which will open on 12th April.

The showground opening will come on a big day for the holiday homes industry as lockdown restrictions are eased to allow holiday parks and non-essential retail to re-open.

Expertly created following feedback from existing Willerby owners, the Astoria features a beautifully spacious media room lounge, a stylish yet practical Italian-inspired linear kitchen and luxurious bed and bathroom facilities.

@UkstaycationOrg

The kitchen includes integrated fixtures, such as a microwave and fridge-freezer, as well as an oven and separate hob, glass splashback, extractor fan and LED lighting. Meanwhile, the elegant L-shaped dinette complements the area with bench seating, under seat storage, a panelled feature wall and a free-standing dining table and chair, ideal for family meals shared with loved ones.

With generous entertaining and social space, the lounge is also a great setting for cosy movie nights relaxing on the L-shaped freestanding sofa, which includes a handy fold-out bed, and contemporary ladder-style media unit with wall-mounted television point, framed by statement LED lighting and tall vertical windows.

Taking every detail into consideration, the Astoria’s main bedroom features a king size bed complete with LED lighting to the headboard and storage, a large

wardrobe with built-in drawers and hooks, a ladder-style dresser with a vanity mirror, drawer storage and stool, wall-mounted television point and bedside cabinets.

The family shower room includes a walkin shower, a mounted wash basin on a vanity unit and heated backlit mirror, as well as a generous en-suite shower in both the two and three bed models.

The Astoria is the only premium Willerby holiday home with hard flooring throughout the living space as standard and the only 13ft model on the market with a linear-style kitchen.

A range of optional features include CanExel® composite timber cladding in a range of colours and customers can choose a bath in place of a walk-in shower in the two-bedroom model.

Other optional extras include an integrated MP3 Bluetooth sound system,

UK Staycation

35

integrated washer/dryer and slimline dishwasher, a rug in the lounge, a coordinated bedding pack and Hypnos a mattress upgrade.

PLENTY OF VISUAL IMPACT

The exterior of the Astoria is guaranteed to make an impression on the holiday park, with a front window which follows the angle of the offset pitched roof, and contemporary outdoor lighting.

The Astoria is an ideal design for those looking for a less traditional style of holiday home and is available in two sizes: 40ft by 13ft, sleeping six, and 42ft by 13ft, sleeping eight.

Both models will be available for prospective buyers to view at Willerby’s

new Southport showground. The venue is Willerby’s third showground and makes the fantastic Willerby range easily accessible to many more holiday home buyers in a location perfectly placed near popular holiday park regions in the North West, North Wales and the Lake District.

WELL WORTH A VISIT

The Astoria will have pride of place among 15 Willerby designs on display, including 10 holiday homes, three holiday lodges, one bespoke lodge and one residential park home.

Rob Lawrence, Head of Product Management at Willerby, said: “The Astoria is a new kind of holiday home for a new kind of holiday home owner. Like the Mapleton and Brookwood in 2020,

we developed the Astoria because our research has shown us there is a new kind of holiday home owner coming to the market. These new owners are used to holidaying in hotels and apartments where light and space are the focus and that’s what the Astoria offers in spades. The studio-style design delivers maximum living space in the areas you want it most, while the LED feature lighting in the front and back guarantees the right ambience whether you’re at rest or play.”

“Our research has shown us there is a new kind of holiday home owner coming to the market. These new owners are used to holidaying in hotels and apartments where light and space are the focus.”

With generous entertaining and social space, the Astoria’s lounge is also a great setting for cosy movie nights relaxing on the L-shaped freestanding sofa, which includes a handy fold-out bed.

The elegant dinette complements features bench seating, under seat storage, a panelled feature wall and a free-standing dining table and chair, ideal for family meals shared with loved ones.

36 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

The Astoria’s lounge features a contemporary ladder-style media unit with wall-mounted television point, framed by statement LED lighting and tall vertical windows.

The Astoria’s main bedroom features a king size bed complete with LED lighting to the headboard and storage underneath.

The roof line here adds character and height, and a generous en-suite shower room completes the picture!

The twin bedroom in the Astoria, the first new launch of leading holiday home manufacturer Willerby’s special 75th anniversary year. We think it’s the perfect upbeat offering for the occasion!

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

37

The way the entrance area and kitchen are configured is great planning, as it leaves plenty of space for the other rooms without another hallway. The exquisite linear kitchen was inspired by Italian design.

There are some great treats in the Astoria, such as the heated mirror with LED backlight in the bathroom. You can also opt for a suntube above to add natural light during the daytime here, and we think that’s well worth doing!

NEED TO KNOW The Astoria is available to view exclusively at Willerby’s new Southport showground, from 12th April.

To pre-book your COVID-safe viewing, please call 01704 215444 or email southport@willerby.com.

38 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

SOUTHPORT EXCLUSIVE

Best for maximising space

Best for contemporary styling

Southport Showground Open 7 days a week, viewings by appointment only

Best for social living

Southport New Road, Banks, Southport, PR9 8DF Tel: 01704 215444 Email: southport@willerby.com willerby.com/visit-our-showgrounds Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 10am-5pm

CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

The UK’s first flying theatre ride to open at the Legoland ® Windsor Resort

40 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

T

he LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort has revealed that its new multi-millionpound land, created by kids for kids, will be home to the UK’s first Flying Theatre ride when it opens this May. Standing at over 25 metres tall, the Flight of the Sky Lion ride will be at the heart of LEGO® MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, the hotly anticipated new land which marks the Park’s single biggest investment since the gates opened 25 years ago.

Once aboard the Flying Theatre ride, families will quite literally be taken under the Sky Lion’s (Maximus) wing and transported to the parallel universe of LEGO MYTHICA, where mythical LEGO creatures come to life. As they swoop, duck and dive over the incredible landscape, families will come face-toface with the realm’s many characters, including the two-headed Hydra (Duo), Fire and Ice Bird (Crystal Flame) and the Greek mythology inspired Chimera creature.

As part of the announcement, the Resort has released an incredible artist’s impression showing the other exhilarating new rides and attractions that feature in the land. Standing at 13 metres tall, the equivalent of 325 LEGO Minifigures, are two drop towers named Fire and Ice Freefall, and prepare to get wet on Hydra’s Challenge as guests steer their own vessel on this thrilling water attraction.

Also not to be missed will be the 13 mythical creatures made from more than 1.7 million LEGO bricks by a team of 15 master builders over the course of 8,649 hours, almost a full year of building.

Adorning the Flying Theatre building will be the breath-taking model of the Sky Lion, Maximus, made of 685,530 LEGO bricks, weighing more than 5,819 kilogrammes. Using the Resort’s new augmented reality technology, guests will be able to see the mythical LEGO creatures come to life before their very eyes using the LEGOLAND App. Working in partnership with Kids Industries, the LEGOLAND Windsor team behind the new land spent a year discussing and testing ideas and concepts with seven to 11-year olds and

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

41

their parents who influenced everything from the final ride experiences, names and characters.

Helen Bull, Divisional Director at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the first Flying Theatre ride to the UK and today revealing all the rides and attractions which will make LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures a must-do experience for families in 2021.

“The whole country has never needed escapism more than they do right now and we’ve worked closely with children and their families to make sure our new land delivers the thrills for everyone, whether it’s their 25th visit to LEGOLAND Windsor or their very first. Subject to Government guidelines, we’re planning to open LEGO MYTHICA on Saturday 29 May and tickets are on sale now to experience the country’s first Flying Theatre as well as everything else the Park has to offer.”

Also set to feature in the new land will be the Creature Creation where guests can build their very own LEGO MYTHICA creatures; an adventure play area called Lava Dragon Play; a character meet and greet experience, Creature Encounter

42 UK Staycation

and The Hungry Troll restaurant and Beastly Bites snack bar.

The Resort’s existing 4D Cinema will feature a new and exclusive LEGO MYTHICA film which tells the story behind the mysteries of the parallel universe through the eyes of the loveable BitsandBobs character.

LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures is currently under construction and will be found between Heartlake City

and the Resort’s LEGO-themed Hotels.

Day tickets start from £29 per person, kids under 90cm go free. Make a weekend of it by booking an overnight stay at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel with prices starting from £341* for a family of four. To book visit www.legoland.co.uk *Price includes bed, breakfast, one day Park entry and is based on two adults and two children staying on selected dates in June 2021.

About LEGOLAND • •

•

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2021 The LEGO Group.

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. It has over 55 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, not to mention a staggering 80 million LEGO® bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.

There are seven other LEGOLAND® parks in the world – LEGOLAND® Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND® California in the U.S.A, LEGOLAND® Florida, LEGOLAND® Deutschland in Germany, LEGOLAND® Dubai, LEGOLAND® Malaysia and LEGOLAND Japan.

@UKStaycation.org

THREE BRAND-NEW ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCED FOR FANTASY ISLAND RE-OPENING AFTER a long winter and three national lockdowns, the UK has never been more ready for some much needed fun and adventure. Following recent government announcements, Fantasy Island is thrilled to announce the outdoor reopening of the popular Lincolnshire tourist attraction, on Monday 12th April 2021 at 11am. Three brand new rides will also launch in 2021 – Spinning Racer, The Guardian and a third to be announced soon. Four more family friendly outdoor rides will brought to the park for a limited time only this April - Lady Bugs, Pirate Ship, Teacups and, family favourite, Apple Coaster.

With safety as a top priority, the Fantasy Island team has put careful plans in place to reopen Covid securely.

Additional handwashing stations, extra cleaning staff, social distancing measures in place and hand sanitiser at all rides and paypoints, all mean the experiences can be stress free and safe at all times, as well as fun. Fantasy Island is also home to Europe’s largest seven-day market.

Consisting of over 320 stores, it’s a shoppers’ paradise and offers so much more than a theme park.

Spinning Racer Rollercoaster – Opens April 12th Get ready for the ride of your life! Spinning Racer has arrived at its new home at Fantasy Island. Reaching speeds of 70 km/h and heights of over 50 ft, it’s time to experience accelerated spins, uncontrollable belly laughs and extreme thrills. Adreneline junkies – be prepared to feel the ultimate rush!

The Guardian – Opens May 17th

Get ready for an exhilarating quest! Be totally immersed in a world where every turn decides your fate...

Fantasy Island’s latest attraction will require courageous knights from across the realm to take on the growing darkness. Will you be able to survive the blazing adventure that awaits..? The Kingdom depends on you! This ride is indoors so it will open May 17th in line with government restrictions.

As well as an amazing theme park, Fantasy Island is also a fantastic holiday destination for the whole family. Located on the beautiful east coast and just a stones throw from the beach, Fantasy Island has a range of accommodation for the perfect break away, with either Bronze, Silver or Gold self catering homes to choose from. Plus, new for the 2021 season is Fantasy Islands brand-new Platinum accommodation, complete with hot tub for the chance to relax and unwind after a long day of thrill seeking.

There’s a ‘money back guarantee’ if the government imposes a further National Lockdown during its 2021 season. This means you can book in confidence and feel assured that Covid won’t ruin your trip. Entry is free, simply book your ‘Ride All Day’ wristbands online in advance to secure your rides on the attractions.

For more information, please visit the Fantasy Island website.

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

43

Healing holidays and 2021 wellbeing retreats on the Isle of Wight Wild, wellness-boosting holidays without the need for a passport

M

ore than ever, travellers are looking to use holidays as an opportunity to boost their sense of wellbeing and improve their mindset, taking part in mentally and physically restorative activities to instil a sense of calm.

The Isle of Wight’s naturally calming countryside, rugged coastal paths and local wellness practitioners have secured the Island’s position as one of the UK’s leading wellness destinations – just 40 minutes from the mainland with Wightlink, the Island’s eco-friendly ferry service. The Isle of Wight feels a world away from daily life. For a wellness-boosting island escape, a world away from daily life without the need to pack a passport, the Isle of Wight is the perfect option.

44 UK Staycation

WALKING THERAPY: TRACING THE ISLAND’S ENTIRE COASTLINE In 2021, visitors to the Isle of Wight can walk the entirety of the Island’s coastline whilst taking part in group talking therapies. Ipse Wilderness’ three-day ‘The I-Land’ walking pilgrimage takes place from 3 - 6 June 2021 and is led by the company’s founder, Julia Gillick, an ex-army officer with a background in group facilitation. Designed to guide visitors through the concept of the self, both physically and emotionally, the heart-opening route circumnavigates the Island along footpaths, clifftops and seafronts, allowing the Island’s expansive spaces to help them open up, connect with others and talk their way to a better sense of self.

Offering a journey into self-identity and self-expression, the route is interspersed with wellbeing talks and activities that guide visitors towards inner wisdom, confidence and conviction in one’s own beliefs.

Walkers will cover up to 14 miles a day amongst the Island’s great outdoors, providing unforgettable scenery on a transformative journey.

Ipse Wilderness’ The I-Land journey is £400 per person, including all accommodation, transport, activities and two breakfasts. www.ipsewilderness.co.uk/ itineraries/theiland

@UKStaycation.org

ENERGY HEALING: A SPIRITUAL WEEK AMONGST FARMLAND Wellness retreats at Godshill Park Barn immerse visitors in rural Island life: the converted barn is situated on a working farm surrounded by picturesque countryside scenery.

The ‘Deepening Wisdom & Expanding Skills’ wellness retreat with Madison King, an internationally recognised master practitioner, teacher and natural healthcare expert, takes place on 2 – 9 July 2021, enabling visitors to take a deep dive into the world of healing energy work.

Godshill Park Barn’s position on a network of footpaths and bridleways leads guests through farmland onto the downs and the coast, meaning there are always opportunities for mindful moments in nature. The Deepening

Wisdom & Expanding Skills is £975 per person and includes farmhouse accommodation, breakfast, all teaching and treatments and two dinners on the farm. www.godshillparkfarm.net

Visitors will spend their days learning breathwork, taking part in gentle stretching and contemplation exercises, enjoying treatments with the Island’s top crystal healer and using the farm’s own alpaca wool to knit. Nutritious and locally-sourced dishes are served, whilst walks with Shetland ponies and explorations of the quieter corners of the island are mapped out to renew strength, motivation and clarity.

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

45

OPEN WATER SWIMMING Open water swimming: a proven way to boost health and immunity. Swimming in open-water is unrivalled for its mental health benefits, and the UK’s waters are no exception – scientists have even proven that being immersed in cold water three times a week can increase white blood cell counts, helping to fight infection, boost immunity and activate antibodies. Even complete beginners can get a handle on the benefits and challenges of cold water swims with Emma’s Otters, an Isle of Wight business offering open water coaching in one of the peaceful lakes in Rookley, surrounded by trees and offering stunning vantage points. Sessions are hosted by an open water coach and an open water lifeguard to ensure safety and confidence for swimmers of all levels. Once swimmers have mastered the basics in the lake, the Isle of Wight’s many beautiful beaches await, promising as much open water swimming as visitors could wish for. An open air swimming session with a coach starts at £15 for 45 minutes. www.emmasotters.co.uk

46 UK Staycation

@UKStaycation.org

FOREST BATHING: WELLNESS AMONGS THE TREES Forest Bathing has swept through the wellness world in the last year, helping bathers to digitally detox, gain perspective and forge a connection with nature. Forest Bathing Isle of Wight is run by a local specialist, utilising the Island’s abundant forests as a natural setting for wellness therapies, such as soundhealing sessions, guided meditations, creativity exercises and simple silence.

works to protect the Island’s forests: for every forest bathing session booked with Forest Bathing Isle of Wight, one tree is planted by TreeSisters.org. Sessions start at £15 year round www.forestbathingisleofwight.co.uk HOW TO GET THERE Wightlink offers eco-friendly cross-Solent crossings with flagship vessel, Victoria

of Wight, being England’s first hybrid energy ferry, combining battery power and a conventional engine to save on emissions. Wightlink offers car ferry day return crossings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne from £52.50 with short break car ferry return crossings from £65.50.

For foot passengers Wightlink’s tickets cost £14.40 per person. For further information and/or to book Wightlink ferry tickets, visit www.wightlink.co.uk.

These are paired with mindful walking routes to create an immersive experience in the Island’s forests. The company offers bespoke small group and one-toone sessions with its founder, Anthea Payne, an energy healer working to restore balance in both humans and animals.

Sessions are tailored to personal goals or issues, exploring the Island’s rich countryside but ultimately guiding bathers to connect with it on a deeper, restorative level. The company also

ABOUT WIGHTLINK Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year.

Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life.

With seamless train connections to Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington directly to the Wightlink terminals, getting to the Isle of Wight could not be easier. Passengers can step off the train from London, hop on a Wightlink catamaran and be on the Island from just 22 minutes, while the car ferries take around 40 minutes from Portsmouth and Lymington.

On board, passengers and drivers alike can relax in the lounges and enjoy some refreshments before arriving on the Island to enjoy the range of attractions, events and experiences that make the Isle of Wight a leading destination for tourists. www.wightlink.co.uk

@UkstaycationOrg

UK Staycation

47

YOUR HOME ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS VALUE ENGINEERED.

Gateway Chassis Solutions Ltd 22 West Carr Lane, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate Hull, East Yorkshire HU7 0BW t: 01482 485170 e: info@gateway-chassis.co.uk www.gateway-chassis.co.uk