An Action Packed Day at Conkers

There was once a song on CBeebies called ‘Bonkers about Conkers’ and it kept coming into my head at our day at Conkers at the weekend.  We certainly went bonkers at Conkers and it is only when I was looking back through my photos of the day that I realised how much we had packed into one single day.

Conkers is a discovery centre in the heart of the National Forest in Leicestershire, set in 120 acres with lakes, woodland and gardens, there is so much to do, you could spend a few days there and happily find enough to keep everyone occupied indoors and out.

First on our list was a spot of orienteering and we were given maps to try to find clues.  This is a great way to explore the centre and find your way around and we spotted lots of activities that we wanted to try later in the day.

Once we had found our clues, we ventured in to the Bushcraft area where the rangers taught us a few essential survival skills; how to make a shelter and a fire.  Then it was over to us, we found a good spot and built a shelter and even managed to create a bench which we were very proud of.

The boys took great pleasure in building a fire pit and starting a fire, in fact they all became a little obsessed with it, running to and fro trying to find kindling wood.  Soon we had a roaring fire and were enjoying toasted marshmallows which is most definitely the best way to have them.

We finally dragged the boys away from their fire to experience something quite different; the Barefoot Walk.  One of only a few in the country and supposed to be good for health and well-being, this is a sensory experience like no other. It is 450 metres in length and you get to wade through water, wiggle your toes in mud, feel the forest bark beneath your feet and even step on coal, stones and cobbles as you experience the various textures from the area over the years. I can’t honestly say that it was enjoyable but it is an interesting experience and one that none of us will forget in a hurry.

 

A ride on the Conkerchoo II steam train across the park for lunch was a fun way to travel and once we had filled up on sandwiches, we were ready to tackle the afternoon.

In the afternoon, we were free to do what we wanted so the first stop was the Playdale Zone; a spacious play area with lots of fun things to do such as a zip-wire, slides, climbing frames, swings and more.  We spent more than an hour in there and the children thoroughly enjoyed it.

There was a fabulous swing which was long and could carry up to four standing children and that was declared the favourite thing of the day so far.  That was until we ventured out to the Hi and Lo Ropes course. Before we took to the skies, we explored the indoor centre which is a fascinating mix of interactive exhibits, play areas, a show for younger children and a cafe and shop.

The Hi and Lo Ropes is a new attraction to Conkers this summer and there are a number of things that you can do apart from the two aerial rope courses.  All of these activities carry an additional charge to the entry cost.  The Hi Ropes cost £7 and the Lo Ropes £5 which I thought was very reasonable.  The children couldn’t wait to get harnessed up and onto the courses.  A and her cousin took the Lo Ropes and the boys all did the Hi.  I was seriously impressed with all of them as they all completed in the end after a few teething troubles and at 30 feet, the Hi Ropes really are very high.

So it was with a huge sense of achievement that we finally left Conkers after the official closing time and the children were all tired but happy and keen to return.  We had a fantastic day yet there are so many things that we didn’t have time to do.  It is a wonderful mix of activities whatever the age and whatever the weather.

Not only can you spend the day wandering around as a family, trying assault courses, woodland walks, water play or wildlife spotting, Conkers also offer an Outdoor Adventure and Experience Days suitable for families, groups or even corporate events and these include;

• Kayaking
• Laser clay pigeon shooting
• Mountain biking
• Archery
• Pedal go karting
• Katacanoeing
• Bell bottom boats
• Assault course
• Bush craft survival skills
• Orienteering in the forest

With so much on offer and all at a great value price, you would be bonkers to miss Conkers this summer. Visit their website for more information.

We were given free entry to Conkers in return for this review.  We paid to use the Hi and Lo Rope Courses.  All images and opinions are my own.