Pirate Cove Adventure Park, Bluewater

A trip to Bluewater during half term with the children would normally be unlikely to be high on your list of half term activities, especially if your children like mine claim that "all shops are boring". Bluewater recognises this and have just opened an outdoor pirate themed crazy golf course, climbing experience and pedalos, all installed amongst the six acres of landscaping and lakes (swans included) that surround this enormous shopping centre.

We took Toby and Pippa for their first family golfing experience at Bluewater this weekend. Golf clubs were thoughtfully tailored to all ages and Toby quickly got the hang of putting the brightly coloured balls through the obstacles to the holes.

There are plenty of water features to play over and under/end up in and pirate statues, a pirate ship, ship wreck and treasure chest are scattered around which were popular with Toby and Pippa. At six, Toby was the perfect age, competitive and proud of his abilities on a course which was well pitched for families. Sadly he was too small for the climbing experience aimed at six and overs. Parents of small six year olds may want to avoid disappointment as the one size harness could not be safely tightened to fit.

The ideal scenario for a return trip to Pirates Cove would see me happily shopping for an hour or two whilst Jon and the children hit the links and pirate pedalos before we all met for lunch!

Newly opened in time for half-term, Pirate Cove Adventure Park occupies a 161,400 sq ft area that includes one of Bluewater’s seven lakes – The Blue Lagoon.

A family of four can play Adventure Golf for under £25, and all visitors can benefit from regular offers such as a half price second round on the same day. During the remainder of the half-term (25 to 31 October 2010) you can come dressed as a Pirate to get half price entry!

Go to Pirate Cove’s website, www.piratecove.co.uk, for more information and special offers, as well as games and tips on “How To Be Speakin' Pirate-Like”!