EVER wondered what it would be like if a playground was submerged in water? Us neither, but thank goodness someone at a country park in Devon did, as it’s awesome.
River Dart Country Park near Dartmoor in Devon isn’t your ordinary park with woodland trails; instead, it is home to a whole range of activities, including a Go Ape-like water attraction.
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The lake in the park boasts a partially sunken pirate ship that visitors can swim or paddle out to and then climb aboard to investigate.
Also in the middle of the lake is a desert island with sand and a faux palm tree.
And at the edge of the lake, there is an obstacle course with different things to climb and cross – all suspended above the water.
If that all sounds a bit too much like hard work, the lake has a small beach to relax on as well.
One visitor said: “[I]t’s great fun, especially for the kids in the Pirate Lagoon, which is reasonably shallow (waist-deep for adults at most).”
Another added: ” It never felt too busy even in peak season.”
As the water comes directly from the River Dart it is recommended that visitors wear wetsuits and water shoes when in the water.
Visitors can use inflatables such as dinghies and pool inflatables on the lake as well.
The rest of the park has lots of other activities too, such as an adventure playground , agility trails, an anaconda slide, and bike trails.
Other water-based activities include a dam pool, canoe lake and kayaking available for an additional fee.
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there is a high ropes course with 21 elements that crosses the River Dart, so you can still see the water.
In total, the course takes around 45 minutes and children must be aged eight or over to go on the course – it costs £24 per go.
Or visitors could whizz on a zip wire , 15 metres above the ground and for 150 metres over the lake.
Children need to be aged eight or over and it costs £12 per go.
For keen climbers, there is also the Climb and Cave Zone ,with a 5.5 metre climbing wall.
There are two routes to take and once complete, visitors can head to the Bouldering Box for more climbing fun.
To experience the climbing area, children must be five years old or over, and it costs £10 per person or £8 per person for the Bouldering Room.
Tennis courts are free on site too, but you must book and you might want to bring your own rackets.
After all the playing, families can head to The Old Sawmill for a range of light bites and drinks.
And if you want to extend your stay, you can camp at the park as well, with prices varying depending on season, but usually starting from £30 per pitch, for two people, per night.
If you prefer four walls and an actual bed, Holne Park House is located in the park as well, and offers bed and breakfast from £110.
Both accommodation options include entry to the park for the duration of your stay.
Admission to just the park though costs £14.50 per person, including children over the age of five.
Tickets for children between two and four-years-old cost £8 and four-legged furry friends are allowed as well for £5.50.
But for the summer holidays (until September 7) each admission ticket allows unlimited free returns within seven days.
Stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night
HERE are some of the most stunning campsites in the UK, including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park
The Farm Camping, Norfolk: This pop-up campsite is on a working farm with an on-site microbrewery. It’s close to the BeWILDerwood adventure park and has toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi. Pitches start at £15.
Greystones Nawab, Derbyshire: Located near the Peak District National Park, this campsite is home to peacocks and rare-breed chickens. It’s also next to a donkey sanctuary and a short drive from Go Ape Buxton. Pitches start at £10.
Pepper Hall Campsite, Yorkshire: Only accessible by foot, this unique campsite is surrounded by Swaledale sheep and cattle. You have to cross a shallow stream on stepping stones to get to it, and the nearest pub is in Langthwaite village. Pitches start from £18.
The Crown Inn and Campsite, North Wales: This family-run pub site is by the river Alwen, offering fishing and forest trails. It has an on-site pub with great food, and you can book an alpaca walking experience with the private alpaca paddock on-site. Pitches start at £12.50.
The Green Dragon Inn, Buttington, Wales: Another pub campsite, this spot is near Offa’s Dyke, the Shropshire Hills, and Snowdonia National Park. The pub serves home-cooked food and has a large garden. Pitches start at £15, with camping pods available from £60.
There is also a stunning UK ‘lake theme park’ that costs £5 to enter – perfect for families in heatwave school holidays.
Plus, a Sun reporter spent the night in the UK’s biggest National Park with both stargazing and Northern Light spotting.
