Summer of Sports – Something completely different

We’ve covered tennis, football, swimming, cycling and even suggested some fantastic cottages to sit back relax and enjoy the Summer of Sports on the big screen! Now, in the immortal parlance of Monty Python (whose Eric Idle is no stranger to Olympic glory), it’s time for something completely different…

With over 10,000 featured holiday cottages in the UK alone, you may think we’ve seen just about every configuration of holiday accommodation that there is to see. But then we take a look at the properties featured below and realise that we’ve barely even scratched the surface. So, without further ado, we’re going to use this Summer of Sports installment to promote offbeat, lesser-known or just slightly different active entertainment.

Whitmuir Hall – Teviot  in  Nr. Selkirk

Archery, abseiling and buggy driving.

We’re no experts but can say with some certainty that these three sports are probably not combined at the stunning Whitmuir Hall. Instead, by prior arrangement you can have an instructor educate you in the ways of shooting arrows, descending steep slopes – even driving ‘trailblazer buggies’. Basically, a stay at Whitmuir will turn you into James Bond! But if you fancy something that will leave you stirred but not shaken there are also 32 acres of private grounds, consisting of woodland and lawns and a recreation building containing a heated indoor swimming pool and games room. Check out more info on the property listing.

The Stables  in  Devauden, Wye Valley

Ballooning

The Stables is a light, large and stylish converted property that will ensure rest, relaxation and the formation of fantastic holiday memories when you keep your feet on the ground. However, by prior arrangement, and with the weather on your side, you can take to the skies in the owner’s magnificent flying machine. The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes for a spectacular subject at ground level but take a trip up in a hot air balloon and you gain an incredible new appreciation of your surroundings. Check out more info on the property listing.

Wheeldon Farm Adventure Cottages in  Halwell, nr. Totnes

Motorbikes, 4x4s and more

The clue’s in the name at Wheeldon Farm Adventure Cottages – but even that falls short of describing the variety of activities available at this fantastic fun-filled holiday destination. There’s a zip-slide, under 5s playroom, games room with full-size American pool table, table tennis and table football and 4×4 driving. However, the main reason for its inclusion on this list is for the adjacent Wheeldon Off-Road Centre, a purpose-built 30,000 square foot indoor arena and junior training circuit where all children staying on holiday in one of the three cottages at Wheeldon Farm (refs 27214, 27215, 27216) can enjoy a free private full taster bike session in the highly acclaimed Junior Academy. Check out more info on the property listing.

Penthouse Apartment  in  Craster Tower

Sand yachting and jet-skiing

For the ultimate in leisurely relaxation and slightly unconventional sporting entertainment we’d recommend booking a break at the Penthouse Tower at Craster in Northumberland. The region’s beaches are sparsely populated, which allows you to enjoy sand yachting at Bamburgh and jet-skiing at Beadnell before lowering your pulse with a spot of sandcastle building at Embleton. The property itself is a superbly preserved Grade II country house dating from the 15th century and built around a 14th-century pele tower. Set above part of the owners’ home, but with a separate entrance, this magnificent penthouse was refurbished in 2008 and has a Visit Britain 5 Star gold award. There is also opportunity for formal dining by arrangement! Check out more info on the property listing.

Summer Breeze  in  Somerford Keynes, nr. Cirencester

Watersports

We’ve decided to finish with somewhere wet, wild and wonderful. Summer Breeze near Cirencester offers a superior, stylish living space with expansive views onto the Lower Mill Estate complex. A fantastic array of watersports are available at the location, including water-skiing, windsurfing and dinghy-sailing. You can also enjoy pools, gyms and a treatment room. Situated on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, and easily accessible by road, the Cotswold Water Park offers a great base for exploring the wealth of surrounding beauty – and life on dry land in the region isn’t bad either! Check out more info on the property listing.