Days out to help parents in the South West tackle boredom and guard against rising screen time during the end of the summer holidays are taking place at a Devon hotel.
With many parents now running out of ideas for things to do for their children during the six week break, Bovey Castle is helping families to make more of its extensive estate, spend time in nature and try several activities during a stay or day visit.
Experiences include archery, clay pigeon shooting, air rifles, and guided deer park walks.
Bovey Rangers is also recruiting new visitors for the day, which is an outdoor programme for five to 12-year-olds providing nature based activities such as kite making, bushcraft, fishing, pond dipping, apple pressing and nature crafts.
Available to local residents, day visitors, and overnight guests, the activities can be spread across a hotel stay or enjoyed as part of a day out.
The experience features a changing selection of nature-based activities such as bushcraft, fishing, pond dipping, apple pressing, bug hunting and crafts running 2pm to 3.30pm every Tuesday and Friday until end of August with materials and equipment provided.
Visitors looking to try traditional country pursuits can also choose from clay pigeon shooting (ages 15+ with an adult), air rifles (ages 10+ with an adult) and archery (ages 8+ with an adult).
Bovey Castle’s extensive grounds and location within Dartmoor National Park are central to the visitor experience, offering woodland, wildlife and open countryside where guests can slow down, reconnect with nature and try something new.
The guided deer park walk gives visitors the chance to explore more of the estate and learn about its resident deer.
Dani Garland, Activities Manager at Bovey Castle, said: “We know the final days of the summer holidays are when the chances of children’s screen time shooting up are at their highest, so we wanted to do our bit to try and help parents in the region.
“Our nature-based activities give children the opportunity to step away from screens and enjoy crafts and learn new skills outdoors. We've created these experiences so that families can enjoy quality time together for less, as well as including activities where children can come along independently, have fun and make new friends.
“Our Dartmoor setting and grounds are a huge part of what makes Bovey Castle special. They give guests the space to be outdoors, experience the landscape and enjoy activities that connect them with the countryside.”
Activities take place on selected days and must be booked in advance.
Overnight guests, local residents and day visitors can book by calling 01647 445022.
Bovey Rangers session are £30 per person.
Midweek Escapes start from £400 per room per night including B&B , based on two adults and two children sharing a Junior State Room.