We probably all have fond memories of caravan holidays as a child, frolicking around the British countryside before tucking up on a squeaky single bed – and as fond as those memories may be, they don’t exactly scream *luxury*.
But the times are a-changing, and so are UK holiday parks, with many caravans and static homes now kitted out just as beautifully as any premium lodge or Airbnb.
You’ll find some such caravans at Newhaven Holiday Park, which sits right at the heart of the Peak District and is perfectly placed for exploring some of the area’s best attractions.
The platinum lodges here feature sizeable living spaces – a lounge, fully-equipped kitchen, and dining room (again, unlike your childhood holidays where you’d just fold away the table) – alongside three bedrooms, two of which have en suite bathrooms.
The design details are premium, like matte black bathroom fittings, pale wood details, and plush carpets.
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The huge living space and kitchenNewhaven Holiday ParkAn en suite bedroom in the platinum lodge
But really, the best thing about staying at Newhaven Holiday Park is that it lands you right on the doorstep of some of the Peak District’s best bits.
Within seconds, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills dotted with sheep and pheasants, and within a short drive you’ll be strolling around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth Estate, currently ablaze with autumn colours.
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If you’re feeling peckish after your walk, head a short distance along into the charming village of Baslow, and to Charlotte’s of Baslow, a lovely cafe serving treats like soup in a bread bowl, apple crumble oats, and açai bowls.
Pastries at Charlotte’s of Baslow
You’re also not far from the village of Bakewell, home of the Bakewell Pudding (visit the higgledy-piggledy The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for a potted history of the pudding and its sibling, the Bakewell tart).
The village is also packed with local independent bakeries, delis, cafes, shops, and more.
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On your way back to Newhaven Holiday Park, swing by Tagg Lane Dairy, an ice cream farm making its own award-winning gelato, with flavours like apple pie, and pineapple chilli cheesecake.
Tagg Lane DairyBakewell villageThe Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
If you’re looking for a great base in the Peak District, without blowing the budget, definitely don’t overlook a caravan stay.
You can see more and book your stay at Newhaven Holiday Park HERE.
No trams to run on THREE major Greater Manchester lines for two weeks this month
Emily Sergeant
Widespread disruption is expected, as no trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines for two full weeks.
As the next phase of the ongoing £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network gets under way later this month, it has been announced that essential improvement work is set to be be carried out on three major Metrolink lines across the region in a bid to make the network ‘safer’ and ‘more resilient and reliable’ for years to come.
From Monday 19 October to Sunday 1 November, tram improvement works will take place at Deansgate-Castlefield, and Trafford Bar.
Additional works will also take place in the city centre during this time, allowing Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to keep closures of the tram network to a minimum.
During the dates above, no trams will run on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre, and Eccles lines.
No trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester line for two weeks this month / Credit: TfGM
A number of shuttle bus services will the running over the course of the two-week closure – with services arriving every 10 or 15 minutes, depending which line it’s on, and you can find a full list of these here.
Services operating on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines will terminate at Firswood, and from Firswood, passengers will then need to board a replacement bus service to continue their journey into the city centre.
Services operating on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square, it has also been announced.
Services will resume on these lines from start of service on Monday 2 November.
However there will be some minor route changes through the city centre in place from Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November, so it’s important to check your journey before you travel.
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa – the Grade I-listed spa with a surprising royal history
Aimee Woodcock
There’s something rather special about arriving at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa. Hidden away in the Cheshire countryside, the Grade I-listed 17th-century Jacobean mansion makes quite the first impression.
The grand architecture of the hotel building and the history of the estate spill out into the grounds, including a beautiful chapel tucked away near the main building, where stunning stained glass adds another impressive detail to an already spectacular setting.
But perhaps the biggest surprise comes when checking into one of the hotel’s rooms, if you end up (as we did) in the room that once played host to King George V and Queen Mary during their royal visit in 1913 – meaning guests can quite literally spend the night where royalty once slept.
That’s not the main reason we’re here though – Crewe Hall also has its own spa, offering the perfect excuse to slow down for a few hours and make the most of the facilities.
Kick off with a 50-minute ‘Relaxing Face and Back’ treatment, using Elemis products, before heading into the jacuzzi whirlpool, steam room and sauna.
It’s the sort of addition that turns an overnight stay into a proper treat.
Dinner at The Brasserie brings a menu packed with dishes that feel just as indulgent as the surroundings, with pan-fried scallops served with confit red pepper and Vietnamese soft-shell crab among the starters.
Beautiful treatment roomsThe chapel at Crewe HallThe incredible spaces at Crewe HallThe incredible spaces at Crewe HallDinner at Crewe HallA four-poster bedroom with a royal historyMore magnificent interiors
For mains, sirloin steak and lamb rump arrive cooked to perfection, with chocolate brownie and white chocolate crème brûlée to finish off.
After dinner, the grand surroundings give way to a much more peaceful side of Crewe Hall, with four-poster beds and views across the gardens making for a particularly relaxing end to the evening, and start to the next day.
Morning brings another highlight in the form of breakfast, with a generous spread offering everything from a full English and hot breakfast favourites to breads, pastries, cereals and more.
It’s this combination that makes Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa stand out.
There’s the history and grandeur of the Jacobean mansion, the chance to stay in a room with a royal connection, a spa designed for switching off and a restaurant that delivers when it comes to dinner, all wrapped up in the peaceful surroundings of the Cheshire countryside.
And throughout it all, the team, including Kerry, Tony and the wider Crewe Hall staff, add to what feels like a genuinely memorable stay.
For anyone looking for a countryside escape that offers a little more than simply somewhere to spend the night, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa might be the one for you.
Daisy Jackson -
9th October 2026 
