Get on course for a fantastic family day out
For a fantastic family fun day – indoors or outdoors – nothing beats a round or two of crazy golf. You’d be mad not to, says Heather Greenaway
IF EUROPE claiming a last putt victory in the Solheim Cup has inspired you to give golfing a go, why not start with the crazy kind the whole family can enjoy together?
There are some great indoor and outdoor adventures to be had.
We take a look at some of the country’s best crazy adventure golf courses:
The Himalayas, St Andrews, Fife
ALL standards of putter are welcome – from age three upwards. There is a nine-hole course for the kids and a challenging 18-hole course for the adults.
The Himalayas lie between the famous Old Course and the spectacular West Sands and are only a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
• Prices: Equipment hire is included in the green fee of £3 (Adult), £1 (Child under 12) and £1 (Senior). Opening times: Apr-Sept: Weekdays 10.30am-6.30pm; Sat 10.30am-6pm; Sun 12-6.30pm. October (weather permitting): weekdays & weekends 11am-3pm. Tel: 01334 475196, facebook.com/himalayas.standrews
Volcano Falls, Fountainpark, Edinburgh
This prehistoric golf adventure is set on a mysterious island. Amid dense jungle, an exploding volcano, waterfall and ferocious dinosaurs lie two challenging indoor 18-hole mini golf courses just waiting to be defeated.
• Prices: Single course (18 Holes) Adult £8.50; Child (6-15 yrs) £6.50; Child (5yrs and under) £4; Concession £7.50; Family £25. Both courses (36 Holes) Adult £15; Child (6-15) £11; Child (5yrs and under) £6; Concession £13; Family £40. Open Mon-Thurs 11am10pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-10pm. Tel: 0131 516 7522, volcanofalls.co.uk
Paradise Island Adventure Island, Livingston
Situated in McArthur Glen designer outlet, the centre comprises two adventure golf courses spanning 13,000 sq ft.
An adventure takes you from a shipwreck, through sea caves to a desert island with a lost lagoon. Then it’s on to a palm oasis, a jungle, the tomb of the pharaoh, the monkey temple and the abandoned Congo camp.
• Prices: Play one course: Adult £7.50; Child 5-16yrs £5.50; Under 5s £3.50; Concession £6; Family of 4 £23; Play two courses: Adult £12; Child £8.50; Under 5s £5; Concession £8.50; Family of 4 £32. Open Mon-Thurs 12–10pm; Fri & Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am– 10pm. Tel: 01506 415546, paradiseislandgolf.com/Livingston
Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Glasgow
Set within Soar at intu Braehead, the UK’s first Paradise Island has two magnificent 18-hole courses. Adventurers can tee off on the Tiki Hut Trail, Maggie McCaw’s Challenge – or both.
• Prices: Play one course: Adult £8.50; Child 5-16yrs £6.50; Under 5s £4; Concession £7; Family of 4 £26; Play two courses: Adult £12.75; Child £9.75; Under 5s £6; Concession £10.50; Family of 4 £39. Open Mon-Thurs 12–10pm; Fri 12–11pm; Saturday 10am– 11pm; Sun 10am–10pm. Tel: 0141 886 6600, paradiseislandgolf.com/ Glasgow
Adventure Golf Island, Dunfermline
Indoors or outdoors? You can choose whether you battle the elements or putt undercover.
Pirates Cove is set inside Europe’s only fully heated and floodlit mini golf dome. You will pass the castle and cannon fort before putting over the wooden bridge.
The Treasure Island course is set around Captain Jack Sparrow and his Pirates of the Caribbean ship and will see you passing over rope bridges and through waterfalls.
• Prices: 18 Holes: Adult £8; Child (14 and under) £6.50; Infant (4 and under) £4; Family of four £24. Second course upgrade, which enables you to play 36 holes - both courses or two rounds inside: Adult £5; Child £3.50; Infant £3.50; Family of four £14. Open: Mon-Fri 10.30am-10pm; Sat & Sun 10am- 10.30pm. Tel: 01383737152, adventuregolfisland.com