Category Archives: Activities

ScreamAcres Zombie Apocalypse

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ScreamAcres at GreenAcres Animal Park

Last week I spent a wild evening desperately trying to escape from a horde of zombies.  For fun!

ScreamAcres is a live action event where people can run around being chased by the undead.  By day GreenAcres is a farm park with animals and playgrounds for the family to enjoy.  By night, however, we were launched directly into the midst of a zombie apocalypse – with soldiers losing their grip on a ramshackle shelter and all hell breaking loose.

I found myself first hauled around who knows where in the dark, in the back of an army truck.  Then we were scanned for signs of the contagious virus inside the base by the soldiers.  After this the hazy grip on civilisation was lost, and we were over run with zombies. scream

There followed an adrenaline fuelled race through the dark, trying to avoid the undead.  Lost amongst disorientating smoke and lights, crawling around a maze and navigating various horrific rooms – all the while avoiding the swarming creatures.

I couldn’t help but get sucked into the whole scenario and whole heartedly become an active participant.  It was very easy to be absorbed into the ScreamAcres world, with dozens of actors creating the roles.

Though nerve-racking, I found myself working out how to avoid the zombies like I was right in the middle of an episode of The Walking Dead.  How do I get past this zombie?  Do I make a noise to distract them?  Crazy thoughts such as these became normal in my attempt to escape.

ScreamAcres was a total thrill; a real life role playing game with genuine frights.  It really made me think too, as I tried to work out the best way to survive the adventure.  The experience is extremely well put together, with a large cast all contributing to the scares and action.

Highly recommended – if you dare…!

The ScreamAcres website is here.

GreenAcres Animal Park, Mancot, Deeside, Flintshire

01244 531147

Email: info@screamacres.co.uk

Big Balls

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Adventures in Zorbing/Sphereing

Some call it Sphereing.  Some call it Zorbing.  Either way, it’s certainly not a load of old balls.

What this activity involves is being strapped inside a huge inflatable ball, which then rolls down a hill.  Something like being inside a huge hamster ball.   Although it doesn’t take much skill, it’s actually a lot of fun.  It’s like those times as a kid when your mates/local bullies rolled you down a hill in the park inside a dustbin, but more hygienic.  zorb

I tried Zorbing a few years back in Newquay.  The first couple of times were great fun – rolling down a huge hill, wondering if you’ll stop, gazing giddily as the sky rotates around your head.  The third time made my head start to thump.  The fourth time was definitely too much.

So I can definitely recommend at least two runs down the hill inside a sphere.  Crazy fun that will make you laugh out loud!

For those who are interested, there is apparently a reason for the change in name from Zorbing to Sphereing.

When I did my Zorb – sorry, Sphereing experience, the owner told us off for using the “z” word.  The reason, apparently, was because the fun term “Zorbing” had been corrupted by some unscrupulous bounder making the first ever Zorb porn film.  Henceforth, the activity was to be known as Sphereing, and Sphereing only.

I cannot confirm if this is true.  I’ve never Googled “zorb porn”.  I’ll leave that up to you.

Check out some deals on Zorbing/Sphereing on the Treatme website here.

Inside the Zorb

Inside the Zorb

Disclaimer: Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub is not responsible for any injuries you receive whilst participating in any of our featured activities.  You silly so and so.

Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub receives no remuneration/compensation from featured venues.  Unfortunately.

Segway Forest Adventure

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Welcome to a new section here at the Virtual Hot Tub, Activities. Here I’ll be writing about activities that I’ve taken part in and – I hope – would be of interest.

Segway

For those who don’t know, a Segway is an electronic transport device. It has two wheels and a central column so that the Segway resembles an upright broomstick. The rider travels around stood on a base, with two wheels that carry the contraption around.

I had the opportunity to ride a Segway at Go Ape in Delamere Forest, Cheshire. The experience, called “Forest Segway”, was a guided tour around the forest in charge of my own machine. segrally-oct-7-t-sm

The session began with a brief safety talk and time learning to ride the Segway. There was a small track to work my way around, learning the basics of control and balance. Slowly I developed a better grasp of the device and grew in confidence.

Next it was time to hit the trail. As part of a group, we started off slowly for the first few minutes till we reached the track and were allowed off the leash. At first, the slower speed meant that it felt as if I would fall off the back; so I over compensated by leaning right over the handlebars. Segway_Bray_Aug2014 91

The Segway started to get really fun as soon as the safety was off and the vehicle could travel faster.   It was immense fun cruising around the forest, making wide arcs round corners and picking up speed along the straight tracks. As we weren’t racing, there were no potentially dangerous collisions amongst the group, no bad vibes at all. It was just about learning to ride the Segway and having fun with the wind in your face.

I enjoy any activity that involves speed and balance, and found the experience of riding the Segway brilliant. They are quite simple to master and very soon I was enjoying riding around. Stopping and starting was quite simple, though not always executed with finesse. There were no issues with safety and everyone had a great time.

Riding a Segway is definitely something I would recommend!

You can read all about the Go Ape Forest Segway Experience here.

Alternatively, check out what my old pals at Treatme.co.uk have on offer here.

Disclaimer: Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub is not responsible for any injuries you receive whilst participating in any of our featured activities.  You silly bastard.

Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub receives no remuneration/compensation from featured venues.  Unfortunately.