'Even my kids stopped saying "I'm bored" on this school trip for families'
Usually a destination for residential school trips, former manor house JCA Condover Hall in the Shropshire countryside also opens its doors in school holidays for active families to stay for two, three or four nights, leaving screens behind and taking part in loads of activities.
My husband Rob and I have three high-energy children and enjoy a challenge ourselves, so when I heard about JCA's Family Adventure holidays, I was keen to give them a go. Our children range from five to 12 years old so finding something to keep all entertained can be difficult.
But when I discovered Condover Hall offers activities ranging from abseiling to axe throwing (over eights only), via a Mission Impossible-style laser assault course, I knew the usual holiday choruses of 'I'm bored!' would be unlikely to follow us here.
Once we had settled into our rooms and had lunch, we were introduced to instructor Skip, who looked after us on all the activities throughout our stay.
He was knowledgeable, patient and encouraging, and by the second day the kids were treating him as part of the family. Accommodation is in modern blocks close to the old manor house, which were fairly no frills, but clean and comfortable, with tea, coffee, toiletries and towels provided. Our block had a lounge with sofas and a TV downstairs, but we didn't use it much as we were far too busy with all the activities.
Meals are served canteen style, with a good amount of choice, plenty of salad and fruit with every meal, and all dietary requirements catered for. There is an indoor heated pool that families can book to use for an hour in the evenings, and also a bar with plenty of games to keep the kids happy while the grown-ups enjoy a relaxing drink once the activities are complete.
The staff were all really friendly and because they are used to welcoming school groups, they were all brilliant with the children. Manager Fi made sure we had everything we needed and answered all our questions, including lots about the history of Condover Hall. The manor house was built in 1598 for Thomas Owen, a judge and politician in the reign of Elizabeth I. He died before it was completed and it passed to his son Roger, whose initials can be seen on the grand fireplace in what is now the reception area.
In the nearby churchyard are tombstones and commemorative sculptures for some of Thomas and Roger's descendants, telling the stories of their lives and deaths.
During the mid-20th century, the property was bought by the Royal National Institute of Blind People for use as a residential school and has also been used as a school for autistic children.
JCA bought the property in 2010 and, after a huge refurbishment, it has been welcoming groups on activity holidays since 2011. And our family verdict? When asked what her favourite activity was, Hazel, five, said: 'I enjoyed swimming the most. And the zip wire. And Grid of Stones because everyone was a team. And the food, especially the lasagne. I learned that the safety rope can hold an elephant, so it can definitely hold me.'
Sam, 10, said: 'My favourite activity was the aerial trek. I went round four times. The climbing was good too. And the food was yummy.'
Libby, 12, added: 'My favourite activity was the aerial trek as me and Daddy were having a competition over who could go round fastest. The staff were all really nice and made sure everyone was included and having fun.'
And Rob, 43, was at least as enthusiastic as the kids – particularly about the axe throwing – and is already angling to go back.
My favourite thing was spending so much time with the family and seeing the kids challenge themselves and come away beaming, eyes sparkling as they achieved more than they thought they could.
I would thoroughly recommend JCA Condover Hall to any family that likes their holidays adventurous and packed with fun.
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