Center Parcs Leisure Resort with Ase & Isobel

Center Parcs Leisure Resort

We made a splash in the Subtropical Paradise pool where we whizzed down the River Rapids and the brave amongst us tackled the Cyclone and Thypoon slide. We jumped over the big waves in the wave pool and sat and relaxed in the warm bubbly jacuzzi.

An afternoon was spent at the crazy golf course which was great fun but challenging,too. We all played some excellent shots with a few 'hole in one's' too.

The lake was so inviting as the water glistened in the sunshine and we couldn't wait to have a go on the pedalo boats. 

Glow in the dark bowling was a new experience for us all. Everything looked so bright in the dimmed light. There were some high scoring games with some getting a strike.

We hired bikes for the day and cycled around most of the park through the beautiful woodland trails. We conquered the steep hills and had great fun whizzing down the other side!

Most evenings, after a lovely dinner we played a few frames of pool and enjoyed the arcade machines.

All washed down with a few cocktails from the bar. 

 We couldn't come to Center Parcs without visiting the infamous Pancake House. We treated ourselves to pancakes piled high with fresh fruit and squirty cream all washed down with an indulgent milkshake! 

Horse Riding in Somerset with Midi & Marguerite

Horse Riding in Somerset

The day had come and we were all so excited to meet our new horsey friends who we were going to ride and care for over the next few day.

In our first lesson we learnt how to groom, pick their hooves, braid their manes and tails and finally how to tack them up ready to ride. 

                            

Once we had mounted our horses, which was more difficult than it looked we were ready for our first lesson. 

The horses listened to all of our commands as we steered them in and out of the poles. As our confidence grew we soon progressed from walking to trotting.

  

We spent the day at Cheddar Gorge, exploring the caves and its natural rock formations. The audio guide was very informative and we saw Cheddar cheese ageing in the caves.   

The 200 steps were no challenge for us! We made our way up Jacobs Ladder and admired the stunning views around with the Mendip Hills in the distance.

                 

We definitely deserved an ice cream after all that climbing!

Another day at the stables and this time we learnt how to wash the horses and fill their nets with hay. They were certainly hungry!

We were becoming experts riders and a few of us were allowed to go off the lead rein. 

Most evenings we spent at the bowling alley and arcades. It was always great fun to see who would be crowned champion!

The flowers were out in full bloom as we wandered around Kilver Court Gardens in the spring sunshine. It was so quiet and peaceful which made a perfect spot for us to enjoy our picnic. 

Our last day in the saddle and we ventured out onto the field track for a ride through the beautiful countryside. At the end of our 3 days we were all presented with a certificate in honour of our achievements. 

We spent the day at Noah’s Ark Zoo and Farm in Wraxall, Bristol. The farm and zoo had every animal from sheep to elephants, all set in 110 acres of beautiful countryside. We got lost in a maze, bottle fed lambs and petted rabbits.