The Darkes Family from Huddersfield

Wales. Home of Proper Holidays. Phrasebook optional, sense of adventure essential, indifference best left at home. As the Darkes family from Huddersfield found out.

The abiding memory from their last holiday was the pool with the wave machine. VisitWales reckoned they deserve more than that. So they sent them off round Wales. Just them, the open road. And a film crew.

The Darkes' began their journey through Wales at Caernafon Castle. From there it was on to Snowdonia and they managed to climb half way up the highest mountain in England & Wales, Snowdon. They then travelled on to the Italiany-Welsh type coastal village of Portmeirion, the moving on to the island famous for its shells - Shell Island. They then went to gut their own fish dinner at Penmaenpool before driving through the stunning scenery of Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park to visit Wales' premier indoor & outdoor activity centre for a day full of Action Packed Adventure!

The Darkes certainly enjoyed their last day! They started with a relaxing early morning Horse Ride across the surrounding hills and countryside, taking in the spectacular view of Llangorse Lake in the valley below. All of our rides are enjoyed on over 25 miles of private bridleways within our own land. Riding along public roads is not necessary, therefore giving a real sense of freedom and feel for the open countryside; a great advantage and something that is unique to our riding centre.

After a quick lunch it was time for a fun-filled activity session in our award-winning indoor activity centre. They had a go at most of the activities: Climbing as high as they could on the natural and artificial climbing walls, including 'Dudley' the dragon and 'Phil' the prehistoric dinosaur! Scrambling across the rickety rope bridges, finding their way through the natural rock caving system, conquering their fear of heights on the abseil and flying down the indoor zip line!

To finish the day off the Darkes decided to try the Sky Trek Experience - a new, unique and exciting activity not to be found anywhere else in Europe! Sky Trek is a series of over 14 connected zip lines travelling between trees and freestanding platforms at heights of up to 70ft (21m) as it meanders its way down the mountainside. Great fun and a breathtaking way to take in the panoramic views of Llangorse Lake and the Brecon Beacons!

Unfortunately, the Darkes' didn't have enough time to try everything on offer at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, including the Multi Level Challenge Course and the wet and muddy Dingle Scramble, but there's always next time!

Thinking of coming to Llangorse for your Proper Holiday? Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements, or click the links below to find out more about the activities the Darkes enjoyed on their holiday...

• Horse Riding in the Brecon Beacons
• Indoor Activities at Wales' Premier Indoor Activity Centre
• The Sky Trek Experience - not to be found anywhere else in Europe!

Or try a bit of everything on one of our multi-activity fundays!

To watch the Darkes family's adventure at Llangorse, check out the video, below...

Follow their complete journey through Wales at VisitWales.co.uk »

From 6 years old they can take part in an Indoor Climbing Activity Session, and from 4 years they can have their first taste of horse-riding with a led pony ride for half an hour.

At 9 years they can 'scramble' up the Dingle, which is wet & muddy, but great fun! At 12 years and over they can tackle the Multi-Level Challenge Course, or zip through the air from platform to platform on Sky Trek.

If you want to stay at Llangorse for the day, then there are always the great value Multi Activity Fun Days where you can try a bit of everything. The centre is open on weekdays until 10pm, so even big Kids can go after work!

There are lots of things to do in the Riding Centre, too. Fun Days & Holidays where you learn to groom, tack up, have lessons and win rosettes. You can get your own pony for a day, or three, and really get a chance to have fun and improve your riding.

There are also one & two hour treks for beginners, rides with some cantering for intermediate riders and faster hacks for the more experienced.

What better way to enjoy the countryside and stunning views across Llangorse Lake & The Brecon Beacons beyond - it beats sitting in front of the TV or a computer game, and is much better for your health, too!

The Activity Centre is open all year - for more information visit our website or call us on 0333 600 20 20.

Go on, get active this Easter!

Article originally printed in the 'Local Beacon' Magazine.