Schools Out for Summer

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

THE ALPACA PARK

do something different this summer and visit the Alpaca Park. the babies are born and ready to welcome visitors to enjoy the tranquility and charm of this superb oasis. if you love alpacas & animals, wildlife & walking, sitting & talking, or shopping & eating the Alpaca Park is especially for you. Winners of six Gold Awards from Devon Wildlife Trust and set in 100 acres of stunning countryside the Alpaca Park is a haven for visitors longing for a day out with a difference. Short woodland walks and gardens to enjoy before you treat yourself to the delights of our Nature & Nurture tearoom where the scones in our Devonshire Cream Teas are made to order.

for readers not yet familiar with us, here are just a few of the comments from our visitors book to inspire you.

“Breathtaking imagination, we love the alpacas” “Best hospitality and cream teas in Devon” “The warmest, friendliest place, the welcome is like having a hug and the food is heavenly” “Fantastic setting, well worth the visit”

Suitable for all ages and abilities, we aim to make everyone’s day. the Alpaca Park is north of Halwill Junction on the A3079 for more information please contact thealpacapark.com or 01409 220216 EX215DL

the Tamar Valley Donkey Park

Colleen the donkey and her 25 donkey friends would love to see you at the Donkey Park this summer. the Donkey Park is Cornwall’s only donkey sanctuary situated in beautiful Cornish countryside, overlooking the Tamar Valley with views to Plymouth Sound, between Callington and Gunnislake just off the A390 at St. Ann’s Chapel. It is the home of many other rescued animals including goats, ponies, sheep, rabbits and more. if the weather is wet the Donkey Drop-In play barn provides indoor play with two large play frames. you can groom a donkey or cuddle a guinea pig and take a donkey for a walk. There is a large outdoor play area for sunny days! the sanctuary survives by your entry fee and the Adopt- a-Donkey scheme. Only 7 miles from Tavistock, with indoor and outdoor play, a café and a gift shop, a visit to the sanctuary makes an enjoyable day out for children and adults alike.

Open daily 10am – 5pm Tel: 01822 834072 donkeypark.com

OKEY COKEY

We are very excited to introduce the Buzz Club Holiday and after School Club where children can enjoy the Okey Cokey under the supervision of our staff. the Okey Cokey is an indoor play centre for children. the three storey play equipment provides children with hours of fun as they slide, swing, bounce and climb to their hearts content! Adults can sit and relax enjoying home made food and drink from the on-site cafe. all day cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner is available as well as home made cakes. An extensive healthy kids menu is also available. Our parties are extremely popular giving children their perfect birthday! other activities will be happening including bouncy castles, face painting and lots more….come along and join in the fun! Open 9-6 every day thought out the Summer Holiday. 

the Miniature Pony Centre

An idyllic setting in the heart of scenic Dartmoor, the Miniature Pony Centre is a truly captivating family attraction, with miniature ponies and much, much more.

Miniature ponies, tiny donkeys, our new heavy horses and a host of other animals make for an enchanting day out at Devon’s famous working stud farm.

Enjoy your day rain or shine, with play areas for all weathers, including an indoor assault course, an indoor soft play area, and an outdoor adventure playground and trampolines.

There are hands-on activities and demonstrations every day, including pony rides (please note that riders must be aged 3 to 10, and there is a small extra charge for pony rides), horse parade, operating a real tractor, feeding the animals, and many more.

In addition, during the summer holiday (July 21st to August 31st, inclusive) there is a children’s entertainer every day and birds of prey displays. We serve fresh food in the lovely Paddock View Café, and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a picnic. There really is something for everyone at Devon’s best- kept secret, the Miniature Pony Centre on Dartmoor.

Easy to find on the main B3212 road, just 2 miles west of Moretonhampstead (TQ13 8RG). Telephone – 01647 432400. Website – miniatureponycentre.com.

ADVENTURE OKEHAMPTON

We run adventure activities for all ages from 5 upwards. you don’t have to be staying at the hostel, you can be a local resident, staying at a hotel, B& B, camping and caravan-sites or self-catering cottages. Our programme has activity sessions starting at 9.30 and 14.00 each day, with prices from £10 per session. Book one child and the second one gets a discount. Children over 12 don’t need to be accompanied by an adult. these sessions are suitable for families or individuals.

you do have to book up on the sessions so please call at least a day before on 01837 53916

We also do Cycle Hire, and you can get tandems, adult/children’s bikes and hire tag-a-long bikes or trailers for younger cyclists

the old Rectory Caravan and Camping Park

Stay local for that short break.

with ever soaring fuel costs, getting away locally is becoming more and more appealing. ever wanted to give the kids a little break that’s stress free, saves them from an arduous and long car journey? why not take them camping locally at the old Rectory Camping Park at Gulworthy. Kids love camping, and they don’t need to be miles away from home to enjoy it. this four star rated park has plenty of animals to see, miniature Shetland ponies, Kune Kune pigs, Dexter cattle, free range chickens, and Gloucester old spot piglets. you can even rent a chicken coop, with two hens that you have to feed, water and look after, with the reward of collecting your own eggs in the morning. if the recent weather is likely to put you off the idea of camping under canvas, why not book one of the timber camping pods, you need to bring everything you normally would for camping, except your tent. they have a double socket, lamp, and oil filled heater inside, making for a great “den” style holiday for the kids. Spaces are limited for the summer holidays, so call 01822 832927 to book your place now.

Copyright Tindle Newspapers Ltd Thursday, 26 July 2012