Section: Travel:Family

A BEACHFRONT Haven holiday park has revealed plans for a huge new adventure attraction and Wetherspoons pub.

Haven operates more than 50 holiday parks across the UK and attracts more than four million visitors a year.

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Haven’s Presthaven Sands Holiday Park has been given permission to refurbish its adventure village and extend its existing play area.

They applied last year to Flintshire County Council for planning permission to carry out the works at its site.

The new equipment at the park will include an aerial adventure and zipwire, climbing wall, bungee trampolines, an inflatable arena, a “kids and tots” play area, and a “bark yard” for dogs.

The application has since been given planning consent by the council, albeit with some conditions attached.

These conditions include that the works start within five years and are carried out in accordance with the details provided in the planning documents.

A biosecurity risk assessment was to be approved by the council too.

Haven has since submitted a biosecurity risk assessment, which the council has accepted.

Extracts from a supporting statement from agents Planware read: “The proposal represents a major investment by Haven into the Presthaven Sands Holiday Park to enhance existing facilities and the customer experience.

“The existing site comprises a number of existing features and play equipment including crazy golf, play area and activity range, located between the existing entertainment complex serving the park and the swimming pool facilities.

“In summary, the proposal represents sustainable development and investment into an existing operational holiday park.”

Presthaven Sands caters to thousands of visitors annually reports Rhy Journal.

Plans to open a JD Wetherspoon pub at the park have also been given the go-ahead.

The supporting statement added: “As part of the constant review of improvement, Haven are seeking to upgrade the existing adventure area between the entertainment complex and swimming pool complex.

“The site of the proposed development lies at the centre of the holiday park, and comprises an existing limited activity range, crazy golf range, play area and show area for new caravans.

How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays

IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you’ve come to the right place…

BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.

“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.

“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”

SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.

Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.

“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.

“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.

“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”

TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.

Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.

“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.

“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”

SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.

Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.

“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.

“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.

“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”

EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.

Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.

“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.

“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”

“This area is currently underutilised given its prominent location within the park, and accessibility to main facilities.”

Previous planning applications at the site which were approved included a “jump tower” and a “junior ropes course”.

The application also involves the introduction of seating areas with LED screens, a sand pit, a briefing room, and storage areas

Existing features at the park will be retained, including the mini golf area, container bar, and Sweet Treats and Chopstix food outlets.

The refurbished adventure village will solely be for the use of holidaymakers already visiting the park.

Meanwhile, a beach town in the south of Spain has been compared to Bali thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes.

And Sun Travel expert Sophie has shared her pick of long haul holidays – from beautiful beaches to affordable luxe resorts.

Plus, a top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland has shown off its new Wes Anderson-style hotel.

Finally,  back home, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.

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ESSEX is set to be the proud owner of the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course.

Braintree Village will be the home to an action-packed activity area and assault course – just in time for the summer holidays (and questionable weather).

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Named The Monster, people can take on the huge obstacle course from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August.

Based in the Essex shopping outlet, the area will be transformed into a giant playground with 300 metres of inflatable fun for everyone.

You’ll find more than 40 obstacles including the 18-metre Mega Slide, the chaotic Exterminator and the House of Hell.

The Monster has toured Canada and the USA – plus has had sell-out events at London’s Alexandra Palace and Birmingham’s NEC.

The gigantic arena – which is the biggest of its kind in the area – is welcome to people of all ages.

Guests can take part in daytime sessions for families and youngsters.

Plus adult-only evening experiences with street food and drink available to enhance a festival vibe.

Josef O’Sullivan, Centre Director at Braintree Village, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome The Monster to Braintree Village this summer.

“It’s such a unique, exciting attraction that will bring something totally new to the area.

“We’ve seen such a positive reaction to the recent limited-run activities that we have brought to the outlet, and we’re certain that this is going to be the most hotly anticipated event yet.

“We look forward to sharing more details about The Monster soon – it’s set to be an unforgettable summer at Braintree Village.”

Ticket prices and sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Children must be aged 6 years or 1-metre tall to take part.

Guests are encouraged to sign up to the outlet’s member rewards club, PLUS+, for priority access to tickets and exclusive announcements.

The exciting summer news follows a range of fresh stores opening at the outlet.

Shoppers have gone wild for Essex’s first ever Crocs store, Joules and Belstaff.

For more sensory overload and stimulation, Haribo’s first flagship UK store can be found round the corner in Kent‘s Bluewater.

Its Bluewater debut is Haribo’s first store in the UK that is outside of a designer shopping outlet.

The brand already has 10 locations across factory destinations in the likes of Ashford and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

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YOU have probably heard of Sutton Hoo, the Suffolk site where a huge Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered under ancient grassy mounds.

Excitement around the medieval treasure trove grew in 2021 when Carey Mulligan starred in a Netflix movie about the discovery, The Dig.

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But it’s not just ancient artefacts, old textiles and traditional silverware that make this area so special.

The site sits close to Woodbridge, an off-grid market town on the banks of the River Deben that was recently crowned the UK’s happiest place to live by Rightmove.

Having spent a weekend soaking up its moreish cocktail of history, gorgeous views and cracking food — including one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had — I’m inclined to agree.

It was a short trip for me and my partner across the Essex/Suffolk ­border, where we checked into one of Woodbridge’s best-known hotels, The Crown.

The charming inn features ten comfortable boutique rooms, with enormous beds and grand panelled bathtubs.

The property’s position, smack bang on the thoroughfare of the town, is perfect for soaking up the best Woodbridge has to offer, within walking distance of a high street scattered with independent shops.

Swing by The W Gallery if you get a chance.

We were captivated by a huge canvas of an avenue of neon orange trees by artist Samuel Thomas.

A few doors down, at Bois Jolie, the owner explained how he went from market researcher to owning his own woodcraft business.

Now, rather than staring at spreadsheets and pie charts, he spends his time creating interesting coffee tables and beautifully grained yew lamp stands, topped by his wife’s colourful handmade shades.

If we weren’t convinced before, we certainly were after that: Woodbridge really is a town of happy people — and they love to chat.

We had made sure we were well fuelled for our first day of adventure with a huge brekkie of juicy local sausages and perfectly poached eggs at the hotel.

Make sure you book in here for dinner one night, too.

The Crown’s restaurant and bar are buzzing with locals on a Saturday night.

If you ever tire of the hotel’s jam-packed burgers, fish and chips and flavoursome salads, you won’t need to venture far for a decent meal in Woodbridge.

I recommend The Woodyard Ltd, where the air was thick with the lip-smacking scent of smoke and garlic.

Its wood-fired pizzas are something special and we were grateful for our cold beers after devouring a Vesuvio — all charred dough, spicy nduja sausage and fiery salami.

The queue for tables stretched out of the door and, after eating, it was easy to see why.

The Anchor proved the perfect spot for a relaxed Sunday roast.

My plate came piled high with pork, doused in a stock-rich gravy that was so good I would have happily drunk it from a mug.

Once we were finished feasting, we walked it off along Woodbridge’s River Deben and the marina, where hundreds of colourful boats are moored.

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Take a peek at the tide mill on your wander.

The Grade I listed mill is one of the few remaining in the country and has a history stretching back 800 years.

We then made our way towards Kyson Hill, where the sun-drenched river is framed by salt marshes and ancient woodland.

This National Trust area is full of wildlife and we spotted a heron motionless at the water’s edge while, in the distance, deer darted between the trees.

While we didn’t get the chance to visit the mounds of Sutton Hoo itself on the other side of the river, its connection to the town is deepening.

It’s thought the ship and its treasure were hauled three miles up to the burial site from Woodbridge in the 7th Century, and now a community-led project is rebuilding the ancient craft in all its 90ft glory.

The locals are brilliantly enthusiastic about the mission, and you can take a look at the impressive work in progress in The Longshed.

After a weekend of eating, walking and soaking up the charm of this riverside town and all its history, I reckon Woodbridge is quite possibly the happiest place to live in the UK.

And it’s just as great to visit.

It may even feature frequently on my property searches . . .