Tag: leisure

Fore Play Crazy Golf’s cracking good Easter Egg Hunt

SUPPORTING LOCAL WITH PRIZES HIDDEN AROUND EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW

Fore Play Crazy Golf are sending fans in Edinburgh and Glasgow on an Easter Egg Hunt with a twist this spring, with a range of egg-citing prizes worth a total of over £1000 on offer, hidden at iconic landmarks in both cities from today.

Plus, Fore Play’s venues have had a playful spring clean makeover; launching brand new cocktails and floral displays fit for the ‘gram. 

Rewarding six lucky winners, Fore Play’s Easter Egg hunt will feature prize packages including £100 Scotland Loves Local gift cards, as Fore Play aims to support fellow local independent businesses this Easter.

Winners will also take home a supercharged birdie package worth over £70 offering a round of golf, welcome prosecco, 2 cocktails and a delicious meal from Luxford Burgers in Edinburgh or Loaded street food specialists in Glasgow, PLUS a luxury Easter egg from local chocolatiers Bare Bones Chocolate.

Fore Play Crazy Golf take inspiration for their fun-loving courses from their city’s landmarks, from Glasgow’s famous Duke of Wellington cone to Edinburgh’s own Greyfriars Bobby, and this is where fans can expect to come across some egg-cellent prizes this Easter…

Fans should be on the lookout for Fore Play’s bright pink flags and branded envelopes at key locations throughout the cities, with a prize per day up for grabs in each city. Launching today – Tuesday 12th April – and running until Thursday 14th April, fans can secure the goods in time for the Easter weekend …if their detective skills are up to par! Stay tuned for clues dropping each day on Fore Play’s Instagram. 

And if that wasn’t enough this Easter, the crazy golf venues in both Glasgow and Edinburgh have enjoyed a real good spring clean – dusting off everything from a new cocktail menu, floral garlands fit for the ‘gram and even upgrading Fore Play’s golf carts with a special floral installation, sure to add a spring to your step as you crush the course.

Fore Play’s floral explosion continues in their photo booths with floral frames and flower crown props setting the spring scene.  

Just in time for those spring summer evenings, Fore Play have launched new cocktails with garnishes as good as their golf game, including the Match-Play Margarita – a delightfully fruity frozen blend of Tequila, Marshmallow Unicorn gin, strawberry pure and lime juice, all topped off with Haribo lovehearts.

The Glasgow venue have also introduced a perfect pick-me-up cocktail with the Lat-Tee Break – a Kraken Rum concoction with caramel syrup, coffee mix and milk, served with chocolate drizzle, whipped cream and cocoa powder.

In the capital, fans can enjoy the Sherputt Sour, made with Pickering’s Grapefruit Gin, melon liqueur, sweet and sour mix and lemonade, served with flying saucer sweets. 

Fore Play is the ultimate night out combining tasty street food and fun-loving cocktails with crazy golf. Whether you’re looking for some playful competition between friends or want to brush up on your putting skills, Fore Play Crazy Golf’s friendly environment makes for the perfect night out and the venue’s Easter makeover will see it transformed into a spring wonderland. 

For full competition Ts&Cs visit www.foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk

Book now at www.foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk

Maison Sport announces £442,000 investment to fuel further growth

Maison Sport, the Edinburgh-based market leading independent ski and snowboard instructor provider, has announced it has raised a further £442,000 in funding as it targets 300% growth in 2022. This is in addition to the £1.3M that was announced early last year.  

Founded in 2015 by ski instructors Aaron Tipping, Nick Robinson and Olly Robinson, Maison Sport has experienced “unprecedented demand” following the relaxing of restrictions and forecasts it will grow overall revenue by 300% this season.  

The latest phase of successful crowdfunding by the UK-based company will strengthen its position as it reaches new customer markets across Europe, with skiers in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy all using the platform in increasing numbers.

Maison Sport has also recently expanded its service to the SnowWorld Landgraaf, an indoor slope in the Netherlands, as well as to new audiences in the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Montenegro.  

Maison Sport co-founder Nick Robinson said: “The end of the winter season alongside restrictions being removed has led to unprecedented demand, with Maison Sport instructors being snapped up at breakneck speed.

“This latest funding phase means we can continue to provide a world-class customer experience for skiers across Europe, from the point of first engaging with our platform right through to enjoying lessons on the slopes.  

“The year ahead will see a number of enhancements to our customer and instructor offering such as a new instructor app, giving them additional capabilities such as a “calendar sync”, which enables them to autoupdate their Maison Sport availability. We have also moved all instructors to instant book, meaning bookings are confirmed immediately rather than customers having to wait up to 36 hours for instructors to accept a booking.  

“It’s truly fantastic to be in this position in early 2022 and to emerge from all the challenges of the last two years with genuine confidence. Thanks to this latest round of funding, Maison Sport is well positioned to continue to deliver industry-best experiences for skiers and instructors and widen the availability of our service including in new European territories.” 

For more information or to book your ski or snowboard instructor visit: 

www.maisonsport.com 

The Best Whisky Bar in the World!

Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar scoops top prize at Whisky Magazine Awards

OPEN TO ALL: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar at 28 Queen Street Edinburgh has been announced as Global Whisky Bar of the Year at the prestigious Whisky Magazine 2022 awards. A visit is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS) Kaleidoscope Bar in Edinburgh has been named the Icons of Whisky, ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year,’ in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022 in London. A huge achievement for the SMWS and superb timing as we head into a restriction-free summer.

The journey of discovery when tasting whisky can be overwhelming but Kaleidoscope Bar offers something quite magical for both SMWS members and non-members compared to rival whisky experiences. From the bar’s remarkable and captivating building to offering guests can’t-buy-anywhere-else whiskies and experiences, a visit to the bar is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city.

Kaleidoscope Bar is a warm, welcoming whisky bar located on the ground floor of 28 Queen Street, an elegant four-story Georgian town house in the heart of Scotland’s capital city. The award-winning bar is open to all, offering fantastic welcome deals to not-yet-members including ‘Membership and a bottle for £99’.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s focus is always on flavour and Kaleidoscope Bar love to experiment with sensory elements to enhance the enjoyment of drinking whisky. Every visit brings something different with a new selection of rare whiskies to explore almost every week alongside creative food pairings, music matches, one-of-a-kind cask cocktails to playing with aroma.

A recent collaboration with Kingdom Scotland, Scotland’s first fragrance house, incorporated guests’ olfactory systems to show how your sense of smell is key to discovery when enjoying whisky.

Kaleidoscope Bar’s expertly trained staff guide visitors through the colourful world of SMWS whiskies and recommend the best dram for them based on their flavour preferences. It’s the perfect way to discover and learn about SMWS whisky, but also the benefits of being an SMWS member.

The bar is home to an ever-changing collection of more than 500 exclusive single malts from Scotland and beyond – the SMWS recently celebrated its 150th distillery release, from Ireland. The bar also offers the finest craft beers, artisanal spirits, cocktails and wines.

The 28 Queen Street venue hosts a busy programme of colourful whisky tasting experiences, previews of new SMWS bottlings, one-off whisky events and masterclasses as well as private bookings – there’s something for everyone.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Sarah Prior, Venue Manager at 28 Queen Street, said: “To win ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year’ is an outstanding achievement and to gain that highest level of recognition is amazing.

“We pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming bar with expertise in whisky, but Kaleidoscope is a fantastic bar for anyone to visit, whatever their level of whisky knowledge. If you’re a whisky lover already, it’s a must-visit location.

“The passion our staff have for the Society is embodied in our friendly and first-class service. Being open to non-members gives us the chance to show this love for the world’s most colourful whisky club.

“From ever-changing unique single malt and one-of-a-kind single cask drams to a range of summer cocktails and delicious bar snacks, there’s something to please every guest. As we welcome more visitors to our beautiful city over the summer months, Kaleidoscope Bar will be the place to visit in Edinburgh for locals and tourists alike.”

Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now and find out more about visiting Kaleidoscope Bar here: smws.com/venues/28-queen-street



CONTACT DETAILS

28 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JX

0131 220 2044

E: queenstreet@smws.com

F: @SMWSQueenStreet

T: @SMWSQueenStreet

I: @SMWS_queenstreet

Monopoly reimagined

WHAT WOULD THE BOARD LOOK LIKE WITH MODERN HOUSES PRICES?

  • The board gets a reshuffle, with Whitehall and Strand now some of the most expensive places in London, with prices increasing over 700% in the past 25 years alone
  • Victor Watson’s 1935 selection looks to be completely different
  • Old Kent Road and The Angel, Islington still among the cheapest

While the original 1935 order of the Monopoly board was loosely based on property values at the time, new research has revealed what the board could look like with modern property values.

The research by gaming experts SolitaireBliss analysed the average sale price of each area since 2015 to see what the order of the board would look like nowadays. It also looks at property size to see each area’s average ‘price per metre’.

It found that Mayfair still sits as the most expensive area with an average sale price of £6,830,154. Strand, which was once halfway down the board as a red tile, is now the second most expensive area, with an average sale price of £5,438,715.

One of the most significant differences in Whitehall, which has now seen itself be moved 13 spots up the board to a green tile, with an average sale price of £4,393,652. Adjusted for inflation, 1935 prices would see Mayfair worth only £93,911, Strand worth only £74,799 and Whitehall worth only £60,410.

Whitechapel Road, The Angel Islington and Old Kent Road remain as the three cheapest on the board.

Oxford Street, which was previously one of the most expensive tiles on the classic board, has been moved down 13 places, with an average sale price of £1,019,975. Coventry Street has also seen a significant reshuffle, being pushed down 11 spots to now be a light blue tile. Adjusted for inflation, a 1935 property in Oxford Street would cost you only £14,020 on average.

StreetAverage sale priceAverage price per metreOriginal order
Mayfair£6,830,154£29,338Mayfair
Strand£5,438,715£30,945Park Lane
Whitehall£4,393,652£23,847Bond Street
Trafalgar Square£3,786,694£23,964Oxford Street
Piccadilly£3,706,235£28,958Regent Street
Vine Street£3,629,885£34,276Piccadilly
Park Lane£3,113,750£25,554Coventry Street
Bond Street£2,230,125£21,311Leicester Square
Bow Street£2,153,900£20,584Trafalgar Square
Pall Mall£2,041,488£16,445Fleet Street
Marlborough Street£1,890,650£17,628The Strand
Regent Street£1,861,179£25,127Vine Street
Fleet Street£1,480,313£21,101Marlborough Street
Northumberland Avenue£1,310,257£15,168Bow Street
Euston Road£1,110,000£12,658Northumberland Avenue
Pentonville Road£1,052,125£17,311Whitehall
Oxford Street£1,019,975£13,478Pall Mall
Coventry Street£796,774£18,598Pentonville Road
Leicester Square£670,779£11,950Euston Road
Old Kent Road£539,438£10,261The Angel Islington
The Angel Islington£501,117£6,706Whitechapel Road
Whitechapel Road£423,509£8,998Old Kent Road

In terms of looking at the average ‘price per metre’, The Angel, Islington comes in as having the lowest price per metre of £6,706.

Whitechapel Road and Old Kent Road are the second and third cheapest. Vine Street has the highest price per metre with £34,276, along with Strand and Mayfair coming in second and third.

A spokesperson from SolitaireBliss said: “What can be looked at as simply a modernisation of the legendary Monopoly board game, can also be viewed as an illustration of current house prices in the capital.

“It’s interesting to see how more commercial areas have seen huge changes with the likes of Oxford Street and Whitehall, whereas more residential areas such as Old Kent Road and Whitechapel Road have seen a steady and consistent with housing cost trends.”

This study was conducted by SolitaireBliss, an online gaming service with a wide array of card games and challenges available to play for free. 

‘The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience’ launches following £1.5m refurbishment

●      The Famous Blacksmiths Shop to be transformed into an immersive, storytelling experience at the heart of the iconic Gretna Green destination

●      UK’s first attraction dedicated to love and marriage will open in late April 2022

●      Visitors to embark on a journey of the ‘World’s Greatest Love Story’ 

Gretna Green, The Home of Romance, rebellion, and runaway marriages, has given its iconic Famous Blacksmiths Shop – the jewel in the crown of Gretna Green since 1754 – an impressive £1.5 million transformation to create a modern and immersive new experience that tells the fascinating story of this world-famous destination.

At the heart of the scenic village, and fondly nicknamed the ‘land of love’, the famous wedding destination and tourist attraction oozes history and tales of love and marriage dating back many generations. The aptly named ‘Gateway to Scotland’ has been operating for over 250 years and has hosted thousands of weddings since its very first ceremony back in 1754. 

Now, at the heart of Gretna Green, the Famous Blacksmiths Shop is set to become the UK’s first immersive visitor attraction dedicated to love and marriage.

The newly transformed ‘The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience’ will open on 28thApril allowing customers far and wide to be a part of The World’s Greatest Love Story. The renovation has seen a full internalbuilding makeover, including the brand new museum experience, as well as the launch of a new wedding room, named The Forge.

The creation of The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience will future-proof many more love stories. As part of the new attraction, guests will be taken on a magical journey of true love.

From showcases of historic weddings, to explorations of what it means to get married today and getting the chance to add their own love story to the wedding wall. They can even experience a ‘sneak peek’ of a wedding in action!

Historically, the prestigious Scottish landmark was a popular hotspot for eloping couples due to its location on the Scottish border and the strict Marriage Act in place in England, resulting in couples travelling across into the neighbouring country to tie the knot.

Originally and traditionally known for shoeing horses, Gretna Green blacksmith Joseph Paisley quickly realised he could make more money marrying star crossed lovers escaping the marriage act in England and reinvented himself as an ‘anvil priest’.

With marriages being deemed official solely by declaration up until 1940, the self-declared ‘anvil priests’ at the Blacksmiths shop had stumbled on a new line of business. 

Over the years the venue has developed and grown dramatically, drawing in customers from every corner of the globe and becoming a five-star award-winning visitor attraction. 

Today, Gretna Green houses a luxury retail shopping experience, restaurant, a food hall, three hotels – Smiths, Gretna Hall in Gretna Green and Greens at Gretna – an award-winning online retail business that ships to 55 countries worldwide, and at the heart of the destination remains the historic Famous Blacksmiths Shop.

A family-run attraction established in 1885, the business has been handed down through four generations and remains family-run to this day. The investment into the attraction will enable future generations to continue to enjoy the magical experience already discovered by so many. 

Isabel Rhodes, CEO of the Gretna Green family estate, said: “We are the home of runaway love – what could be more romantic?

“We wanted to fully tell the fascinating story of our destination and the recent investment is our way of paying tribute to that.”

Susan Houston, family director of the Gretna Green family estate, commented: “Since the family took on the estate in 1885, we have built a successful visitor attraction whilst maintaining the compelling appeal of forbidden love and romance.

“We offer something very unique with the abundance of history.”

Lucy Houston, family director, added: “The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience is a huge milestone in our history and we are excited to welcome everyone so that they too can experience the World’s Greatest Love Story.”

Which? reveals UK’s Favourite Walks

A magical walk in Yorkshire taking in Malham Cove and Gordale Scar has been rated the best in the UK, as Which? reveals the nation’s favourite 51 routes.

The Lake District proved the most popular region for high quality walks, claiming six spots in the table. The Peak District, Cornwall and Northumberland each boast three of the best walks, while Dorset, Snowdonia, London, Surrey and the North York Moors have two each.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar achieved a superb 89 per cent walk score in the Which? survey of more than 1,800 people. Visitors were impressed by the cove’s amphitheatre-shaped cliffs which lead up to a limestone pavement, where a scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed.

Its second striking geological feature, Gordale Scar, is a narrow ravine enclosed by sheer walls 100 metres high. The 7.5-mile walk scored the full five stars for scenery and places of interest. It was rated four out of five for difficulty – where one is easy and five is suitable for experienced walkers only – meaning it is a route for more regular ramblers.

The joint second best walks were both in Cornwall and scored 88 per cent. The tiny Botallack Mine Walk scored five stars for peace and quiet, and scenery; at one-mile long it is the joint shortest walk among the top 51 alongside Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire.

The more challenging seven-mile Lizard Peninsula Circuit around the most southerly tip of mainland Britain gained five stars for places of interest, scenery and wildlife, with rare red-billed chough birds as well as basking sharks and seals calling it their home. In the Which? survey results, only two other routes – Solva to St Davids and Blakeney Point – equalled this mark for wildlife.

Rhossili Headland retained its record as the best walk in Wales with an overall score of 86 per cent. The undemanding 3.5-mile trail in the Gower received top marks for scenery and five other four-star scores in the Which? survey, making it an excellent all-rounder. Walkers pass a former Iron Age fort and can see the remains of a shipwreck poking out of the sparkling sea at low tide.

Anstruther to Crail on the Fife Coastal Path was rated Scotland’s best route with an 83 per cent walk score.

The easily navigable four-mile route knits together a string of fishing villages whose stone houses have provided a subject for numerous painters. At 13 miles, Scotland’s second best route, Loch Katrine in the Trossachs National Park, was the longest walk featured, which can all easily be completed in a day. Walkers can keep an eye out for silver birch, oak and rowan woodland as they pass through waterfalls on this gentle lakeside stroll.

The only walks rated five out of five by Which? for difficulty – Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowden’s Llanberis Path – involve climbs of at least 950m.

For the very best of the most challenging routes, head to Helvellyn in the Lake District, which finished fourth overall in the survey with a score of 87 per cent.

This 9.5-mile hike with stunning views from the Striding Edge Ridge scored five stars for scenery, but with limited visitor facilities, hikers need to make sure they come prepared.

 Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “The UK has an amazing variety of walks and with its magical connection, the most popular route in our survey was a worthy winner. 

“From breathtaking rolling hills and lake loops to historic hikes, clifftop paths and the shingle beaches below, there is a route for every taste and ability.” 

Scottish Hostels: Welcome to the places we call home

Independent hostel owners reflect on the trips they took as children which inspired them to become hostel owners

It might be the sociable lifestyle. Or it could be the stunning scenery, excellent facilities and warm welcome, but hostelling is becoming the trip of choice for budget-conscious families and travellers of all ages looking for a unique stay.

Holidaymakers looking to leave a positive lasting impression on young minds are being urged to explore the abundant variety and high quality of Scottish Hostels to inspire the next generation. 

Drawn by the friendly way of life and the chance to share the beautiful areas where they live, Scottish Hostels’ independent owners truly embody Visit Scotland’s invitation of “welcome to the places we call home”. And many were inspired after a family trip of their own.

You could say that Pam Richmond, originally from Glasgow, who runs Argyll Backpackers on the banks of Loch Fyne, was born into the role after her parents met while visiting hostels in Scotland during the late 1940s.

She was introduced to hostelling by her parents at the age of 10 and always wanted to run a hostel herself, drawn by a love of travelling, experiencing different cultures, meeting people and hearing their stories.

After a variety of careers, she finally realised her dream by commissioning a purpose-built hostel in 2005, and now she relishes the chance to share the beautiful area where she lives with people from around the world.

She described the journey from the outset to finally opening Argyll Backpackers as quite an adventure in itself and said: “As hostel owners we can all say that we’ve changed our lives, and hopefully for the better.”

Pam added: “The rewards are certainly not great financially, but more than made up for by guests also enjoying ‘my dream’.  Most arrive as strangers but leave as friends, often returning with family to spend a few days exploring further in this area. 

“This is why I do what I do, and love doing it.”

Modern hostels offer a fantastic chance to experience the best of the Scottish countryside.

Set in stunning scenery and often right on the hiking and biking trails, their hosts are experts on each area and are passionate about helping families to make the most of their stays.

Accommodation is geared towards all sorts of holidaymakers, from solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends, while visitors might be surprised to discover some hostels can even offer facilities like a traditional sauna, hot tub or large covered barbecue area.

And all of this is on a budget which means the pennies saved can be splurged on family fun, adventures and making memories that last a lifetime.

For Scottish Hostel’s chair Dominique Drewe-Martin, who hails from Surrey, it was also a stay in a hostel at the age of 10 that introduced her to the joys of this type of travel. And as a teen, she decided that one day she would own an outdoor centre or hostel when she was older.

After studying at university in Newcastle, Dominique worked in banking for nine years which gave her the financial know-how to put together a business plan and get the go-ahead on a mortgage for a hostel.

Following more than two years of searching for the perfect property with her partner Daniel, she originally found a place in Skye. Unfortunately it fell through but soon after, Ballater Hostel became available and the couple fell in love with its setting, surrounded by mountains in the Cairngorms National Park.

She said: “I love my current work / life balance – working nine to five I could never help out with groups in the village, go help someone at the drop of a hat, move my work around to fit whatever is going on, take holidays whenever I like or take on so many roles in the village.  

“Financially it’s a much simpler life, but when you have amazing countryside on your doorstep, work that you really enjoy – with no annual reviews – plus hobbies and groups that you can properly immerse yourself in and all with so much flexibility it is completely worth it.  

“You don’t need that extra paycheck when you have the way of life you love.”

So who knows, taking your children hostelling might change their lives, as it did for these two Scottish Hostels owners who fell in love with the lifestyle and now offer their own warm welcome to travellers.

Everyman Edinburgh is here …

… paying tribute to the capital’s big screen history

To celebrate the official opening of the Everyman Edinburgh at St James Quarter, four giant picture frames have popped up around the city centre – each in a location that featured on the big screen in famous movies including, Sunshine on Leith, Avengers: Infinity War, One Day and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

The Everyman Edinburgh frames can be found on the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, The Shore and George IV Bridge, for passers-by to capture their own selfies and redeem two free tickets to Everyman Cinema, #nofilter needed.

To enter, step into the frame, share your pic and tag @StJamesQuarter and @EverymanCinema on Instagram or Facebook along with the hashtag #FramedbyEveryman.

The first 500 people to show their posted content to the box office at Everyman Cinema on level 5 at St James Quarter will receive two free tickets to a movie screening of their choice.

The frames will be in place until Saturday 2nd April.

St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/

St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/St-James-Quarter-105737954246444

Everyman Cinemas Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/everymancinema/?hl=en

Everyman Cinemas Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/EverymanCinemas/

About Everyman

Everyman is redefining cinema. Bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to their venues, where you swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and slice of freshly made pizza served to your seat.

There are currently 36 Everyman cinemas across the UK. Created to deliver a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service.

About St James Quarter

St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s largest development in a generation.

A new 1.7 million sq ft masterplan in urban placemaking. Comprising 850,000 sq ft of retail space, St James Quarter will complement the luxury shopping offer of neighbouring retailer Harvey Nichols, which anchors the premium shopping street of Multrees Walk. 

Completing the city centre’s retail circuit, it will also be home to John Lewis, Everyman Cinema, an enticing mix of new restaurants, cafés and bars; Scotland’s first W Hotel – W Edinburgh – which includes 244 stylish guestrooms, a destination bar, outdoor terrace, signature restaurant, chef’s table, and an AWAY® Spa; luxury aparthotel brand Roomzzz, comprising 75-rooms; New Eidyn residences that will provide 152 premium apartments with exceptional amenities, by developers Native Land, nine new public squares and 1,600 car parking spaces.

RLSS UK and partners aim to make UK’s aqua parks among the safest in the world

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is working with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland to ensure the safety of the fast-growing industry as the UK looks forward to another bumper staycation summer.

Aqua parks first launched in the UK in 2015. Today, there are approximately 65 parks in the UK. Suitable for adults and children alike, the floating assault courses offer a variety of obstacles ranging from climbing walls and trampolines to water slides and runways.

The sector has boomed during the pandemic with the launch of new parks and established operators expanding their aqua park offering. 

RLSS UK is working closely with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland – formerly the Aqua Parks Steering Group – to promote safety standards in the industry to maintain public confidence in UK aqua parks.

The association has developed a set of minimum industry standards and launched the UK’s first accreditation scheme for aqua parks. The accreditation scheme introduced a recognised and consistent safety standard, making accredited UK aqua parks some of the safest in the world. As appointed auditor for the association, RLSS UK audits parks that have signed up to the accreditation scheme.

Consumers should look out for aqua parks that hold the Industry Approved Aqua Park status; awarded to aqua parks that have met the operational and equipment standards set out within the guidance.

There are two accreditations: ‘Silver’ shows that an aqua park has the correct documents, procedures, staff, and training in place for all the sessions they run, while the ‘Gold’ accreditation indicates that the aqua park not only meets all the operational standards demanded by ‘Silver’ accreditation but also that all its equipment has been third-party tested to meet ISO 25649.

(The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organisations).

Helen Bowker-Steer, Head of Commercial Services, said: “It is an exciting time for the aqua park industry – the development of the Aqua Park Association UK and Ireland in 2021 is a huge step forward.

“The industry now has a voice. It also has an elected board of individuals with the safety and success of the industry at its core. As the auditing partner for the Aqua Parks Association UK and Ireland, RLSS UK is committed to supporting all aqua parks which sign up for the industry approved process.”

Dinosaurs on the loose this summer!

Jurassic Encounter follows sell-out tour with visit to Musselburgh in July

NEWHAILES House has stood firm through four centuries by the Musselburgh Coast, but this July its Gardens will experience something completely new: An invasion of DINOSAURS, as the UK’s most roarsome family event thunders into town. 

Jurassic Encounter will see 50+ animatronic creatures from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods resurface in parks in London, Buxton, Edinburgh and Bristol, as well as making their way across the sea for a stint in Rotterdam. 

Roaring into Musselburgh on July 2nd, the event will feature TWO, life-sized T-Rex beasts, which roar and snarl at passers by. Other family favourites include Pterosaurs that shriek from the trees and a 15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs. 

The event will be open every day from July 2 – 17 and makes for the perfect family day out, just a few miles along from the ever popular Portobello Beach.

Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Last year, thousands of visitors all over the UK enjoyed a day out with our prehistoric beasts, and we’re delighted to return for another tour in 2022. 

“This year we’ll have new dinosaurs, even more interactive exhibits including a VR experience and an education cinema where families will be able to learn more about these incredible creatures.” 

The animatronic installations will feature information panels, containing interesting facts about each dinosaur, ensuring a visit to Jurassic Encounter will be as educational as it is exciting. And guests will be invited to watch documentaries about the period in the Education Cinema Marquee along the route, bringing the beasts to life and showing how they roamed the earth. 

An excavation sand pit will allow children to dig for their dinosaur skeletons and fossils, and learn how archaeologists discovered the extinct species of past eras. And a VR experience will offer the chance to escape into a different world. 

Food and refreshments will be available along the route and a merchandise trailer at the end of the route for children to purchase a souvenir. Guests are free to roam the park as they wish, and discover the animals lurking behind bushes and creeping through the undergrowth. 

Tickets start at £9.50 and earlybird tickets are available now for the Newhailes event. For a 20% discount, visit www.jurassicencounters.uk and use the code EARLYBIRD20.