Thursday, February 26, 2015
THE surf's always up on an action-packed adventure in north Devon where everyone can walk on water.
Riding the crest of a wave, I was just about to celebrate staying upright when I suddenly splashed down into the surf.
Five seconds later I was back on my feet... and another four seconds saw me horizontal again.
I was trying out the surf simulator at Golden Coast, the biggest of Woolacombe Bay's four holiday parks in north Devon.
It's a master invention designed to hone the skills of any wannabe surfer by generating perfectly predictable waves.
All you need to do is jump on your surfboard and balance with all your might to experience the gliding sensation of riding a wave without actually going anywhere.
Golden Coast also boasts Waves ceramic studio where you can paint your own pottery, a 10-pin bowling alley, a gym, sauna and a cinema.
There's also a high ropes course 20ft above ground and a bungee run where you have to race an opponent on a huge bouncy castle.
You can also try the bungee trampoline, where you zoom into the air while attached to giant lengths of elastic - or Water-Walkerz, where you have to struggle to stay upright on water while trapped inside a massive ball.
For a small fee you can buy an EX34 ticket, a passport to tackling all of these fun-seeking activities.
There are plenty of options when it comes to eating, drinking and taking it easy too.
Billy's Bistro serves quick, tasty stuff like burgers and chips while Harry's Sports Bar offers up reasonably priced food.
If you want pub grub, The Old Mill has all the usual faves to help recharge your batteries ready to explore the delights of the other holiday parks.
The Woolacombe Bay resort offers spectacular views towards Lundy over the Atlantic Ocean and has a fab sandy bay just a short walk away.
Easewell Farm resort is ideal for golf fans, with its own nine-hole, Par 33 professional course.
And Twitchen House resort has a new £2.5million entertainment complex with 3D cinema, new outdoor pool, outdoor play area and a great beach-themed restaurant.
Whichever one you choose as your base, you are free to use the facilities at all of them - and there's even a handy bus service to ferry you around.
Each park has a range of accommodation options including caravans, villas, apartments, bungalows and lodges.
Our party of six stayed at one of the Golden Coast's gold lodges that sleeps up to eight in three good-sized bedrooms.
They are equipped with a TV, DVD player, washing machine/tumble drier, marble-effect panelled bathroom with shower and a dishwasher.
If you feel like getting out and about, take advantage of the camp bus that shuttles holidaymakers to and from the three-mile-long sands of Woolacombe beach.
Sandwiched between two dramatic peninsulas - Baggy and Morte Points - it is not only pretty spectacular but great for activities from building sandcastles to surf coaching on the choppy Atlantic waves.
If you fancy a spot of angling there's Little Comfort Farm, a quiet lakeside setting by Braunton, offering coarse fishing in a beautiful, relaxing location.
Watermouth family theme park and castle is a couple of miles outside Ilfracombe.
There we panned for gold in Gnome Land, played on old-style arcade machines, experienced creepy goingson in the castle dungeon and got lost in the maze - which my 11-year-old daughter found highly amusing.
Once we found our way out we headed off to do some souvenir shopping at Ilfracombe.
We also came across Damien Hirst's fabulous Verity sculpture at the pier, looking out across the harbour.
The 67ft creation of a pregnant woman carries the scales of justice while standing on a pile of law books. It's a must-see and is very impressive.
We also popped into The Quay Restaurant for a traditional Devon cream tea. On another fun-packed day, we headed to the Milky Way Adventure Park.
Ideally placed between Bideford and Bude, there's something for everyone, including a caterpillar rollercoaster for the kids, another maze, bird shows, children's magic shows and huge inflatable pillows for both adults and kids to jump on.
Throw in some indoor activities like a kids' play area, dodgems and a creepy ride called the Clone Zone and it's easy to see why this has been voted one of Devon's top attractions.
We also made enough time in between our action-packed adventures to take in the seaside village of Clovelly.
This delightful spot is like a trip back in time with its cobbled streets leading to a tiny, deep blue harbour by the sea.
We managed to cram in more cream teas at the New Inn and stopped off at the Red Lion for crab sandwiches and breaded whitebait.
So whether you are a beach bum, up for all-action activities or prefer to potter at your own pace, Woolacombe is a place with endless possibilities.
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks offer savings of up to 30% for 2015 holidays for bookings made by January 31.
A three-night weekend break for a family of four at February half term costs from £106 (saving £60), a four-night midweek stay is from £149 (saving £56) and seven nights cost from £199 (saving £66).
The same breaks, staying in a two-bedroom Gold Lodge (sleeping up to six), cost £218 (saving £107), £300 (saving £65) and £427 (saving £87).
Peak season prices for a family of four start from £515 for seven nights (saving £350).
To book call 0843 208 0368 or visit woolacombe.com/bp.
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Kara Scott
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