Date: Friday 18 October to Monday 21 October 2013
Venues: Bygones Torquay, Plymouth Life Centre, Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink, Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park, Woodlands Family Theme Park
Who Went: Just me
Introduction
A long weekend in south Devon. The format was intended to be similar to my four day short breaks in south Devon of recent years, i.e. stay three nights in Torquay and visit Plymouth Life Centre and Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink Saturday, Devon's Crealy Sunday and Woodlands Monday. It is something of a miracle this long weekend happened at all this year though. At the start of this year I was hoping to do this trip in June, but with no arrangements in place by early June, I decided to postpone this mini holiday to one weekend in September. By the beginning of September I still hadn't made any arrangements, partly due to me spending a substantial amount of time Gromit hunting around Bristol and beyond during July and August, as well as attending the RCCGB Mega-Glow-Mania trip to Pembrokeshire in August. After phoning the guest house where I had stayed the previous three years, only to discover its phone number no longer existed, and unsuccessful attempts at getting a vacant room at alternative places I'd seen online, planning my birthday outing for 30 September suddenly took precedence over Devon. Thus the proposed Devon trip was shelved to October.
Early October my thoughts turned to a Devon trip once more. I strongly favoured going Friday 18 October to Monday 21 October 2013, in order to complete the trip before the start of half term. That done, I looked on LateRooms.com and managed to book a single ensuite room, conveniently situated near Torre train station as well as on bus routes I was intending to use during my stay.
To make the rest of report this easier to read, I've split it into sections. Click the applicable link below to jump to the section you want to read:
Day One - Friday 18 October
Day Two - Saturday 19 October
Day Three - Sunday 20 October
Day Four - Monday 21 October
Outro
Day One - Friday 18 October
Journey To Devon
The weekend began when I turned up at Bath Spa in plenty of time for the 08:57 Penzance train, otherwise known as The Merchant Venturer. The said train ran on time and I enjoyed a relaxing journey from Bath Spa to Newton Abbot. I arrived into Newton Abbot with a few minutes to spare for the connecting 10:40 train to Torre. When I finally reached Torre at 10:47 I walked straight to my hotel (which was just a short walk from Torre halt) and checked in.
Friday Lunchtime
A little later I walked into town. At 12:30 I got to Seabank Fish and Chips on the seafront with the intention of having the seaside must have: cod and chips. I considered either the more expensive option of eating in, or the cheaper option of a takeaway. At the time it was dry outside, and a bit windy, albeit not too windy for my liking. Therefore I had them as a takeaway and ate them on the seafront.
Early Afternoon
Afterwards I walked along the seafront towards the harbour, and around part of the town centre whilst thinking about what to do the rest of the afternoon. I considered visiting Bygones, or catching a bus to Brixham and having a wander around there. Whilst still making up my mind I had a strawberry and vanilla whippy ice cream from an ice cream parlour near the harbour. Being mid-October it was a bit chilly outside for an ice cream, but nonetheless that's another seaside must-have. After that I had a cappuccino coffee at Debenhams Restaurant.
Bygones
Eventually I decided to visit Bygones. I caught the 15:11 bus from Strand to Furrough Cross (the nearest stop to Bygones) and got there at 15:21. By the time I got to Bygones admissions desk I had about one and a half hours to enjoy the exhibits until 17:00 closing time. Upon entry I was given a leaflet outlining the set order in which visitors are expected to follow the museum.
Life Size Street
A life-sized recreation of a Victorian street on the ground floor. This includes a paved street, as well as mock-ups of individual shops, including apothecary, toy shop, ironmonger, pawnbroker and general store. Each shop was filled with artefacts of yesteryear.
Mezzanine
I ascended an up only staircase to the mezzanine level, which I had to walk around in an anticlockwise loop. This level has Victorian era display rooms, including a nursery and a kitchen. Also on this level is a large dolls house. About half way around this level I was able to look through a window to the life size street below.
Top Floor
Having completed the mezzanine level, I firstly had to return to the ground floor via the down only staircase. I then had to go through one more ground floor, a recreation of a pub, to access another separate staircase to the top floor. Whilst ascending this staircase I took time looking at the railway related posters and other artefacts displayed on the wall. There is plenty more to see on the top floor, but since there was now only about half an hour left to closing time I had to rush seeing the exhibits on this level.
Model Railway
This large model railway has several stations and several trains. By pressing buttons I was able to send individual trains around parts of the track.
World War I Trench
A mock-up of a World War I Trench. Visitors can choose whether or not to walk through this, as some may prefer not to enter it. I was keen enough to walk through it.
40s And 50s Shopping Arcade
More shop mock-ups, but these are 1940s and 1950s style shops. Artefacts of that era displayed in the shop recreations include a TV and a radio of early 1950s
It was now closing time, and I had to descend the down-only staircase to the reception and exit. Altogether an interesting museum, but it's a pity I had to rush the top floor towards the end. I never like rushing museums. Looking back, I ought to have made a firm decision to visit Bygones just after lunch, and aimed to get there around 14:30. That way I could have had more time in there to see all the exhibits properly.
Early Evening
Having left Bygones when it closed at 17:00, I went to a nearby café for a coffee. After that it was raining outside. Nonetheless I took a walk around The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin church yard before catching the 17:48 bus from Furrough Cross to the Strand (by Torquay Harbour).
At this point I considered ten-pin bowling at AMF Bowling. When I found out the price of one game, I reluctantly decided to give it a miss as, by playing alone, I'd have about ten to fifteen minutes enjoyment for that money, which I felt would be poor value compared to what I'd paid for about an hour and a half in Bygones earlier. Having left, I walked around the harbour, despite the rain.
Evening Meal
At 18:30 I went to The London Inn (Wetherspons) for dinner. Once seated I took some time deciding what to have. Eventually I chose sausages & mash for main course, and American style pancakes with ice cream and strawberry and blueberry compote for dessert. I had half a Heineken to drink with my meal.
Rest of Friday
Having left The London Inn just before 20:00 it was raining quite heavily outside. Despite the rain I walked back to my hotel, as I didn't want to spend more money having a bus or taxi there. I finally got back there at 20:20, and relaxed in my room the rest of the evening.
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Day Two - Saturday 19 October
Plymouth Life Centre, Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink
Saturday First Thing
My first full day in Devon. Having awoke at 7:30 I had an early breakfast at 8:30. Breakfast consisted of a choice of cereal, a glass of orange juice, a full cooked breakfast (1 hash brown, 1 rasher of bacon, 1 sausage, 1 fried egg, 1 tomato (halved), mushrooms), four triangles of toast and coffee. It certainly filled me up for the morning.
Off To Plymouth
Just before 9:20 I walked to Torre station where I caught the 9:29 train to Newton Abbot for the connecting 9:49 train to Plymouth. Having reached Plymouth at 10:41 I walked to Plymouth Life Centre.
Plymouth Life Centre
A leisure centre which opened in March 2012. It is run by Everyone Active, and includes the following facilities:
Main Pool
A 10-lane, 50-metre swimming pool with moveable floors. The pool can be divided into separate parts, indeed it was already divided into parts when I entered the pool area.
Fun Pool
Fun pool with two water slides. The slides don't have names, they're just referred to as the Slow Flume and Fast Flume.
Slow Flume
A wide blue tube slide all the way down. It starts with a bend to the left, followed by a short straight bit. Afterwards there is an anticlockwise spiral, and finally a slight bend to the right before landing in a catch tray.
Fast Flume
A narrow blue tube slide all the way down. This is really fast, with a fairly steep bit before landing in a catch tray. Great fun, but all over too quickly for my liking.
I entered the pool area at 11:25 and headed straight for the slides. Just my luck, a barrier across the bottom of the steps indicated that they were closed. That seemed odd as I thought they were supposed to be open all day Saturday. Shortly afterwards a lifeguard opened them and they remained open the rest of the time I was in there. As soon as they opened I took to the slides as follows: slow slide followed by fast slide in sequence 21 times over. I didn't go in the pools at all, because I just wanted to have as many slides as possible in my allotted session time.
As I was about to have my 21st go on the fast slide, the time was 12:50. My colour pink still hadn't been called. Nonetheless I left anyway after this go so I could dry myself, dress and be at the nearest bus stop around 13:15.
Cumulative summary of slides:
| Slide | Total |
| Slow Flume | 21 |
| Fast Flume | 21 |
| TOTAL | 42 |
After leaving the Life Centre, I caught a bus from Milehouse Central Park (near Plymouth Life Centre) to Western Approach in the city centre. Once there it was just a short walk to Plymouth Pavilions.
Plymouth Pavilions Swiss Lake Ice Rink
I got to Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink reception at 13:45 and asked if there were any places left on the 14:00 session. There were, so I booked for the 14:00 session.
Without further ado I went to the skate hire point. Around 14:00 skaters were allowed on the ice. I fearlessly took to the ice and set off around the rink. The rink is an unusual shape so that it cannot be used for competitions. Just before 14:30 one skater fell over. Everyone else including me had to temporarily leave the ice for a few minutes, whilst that skater was removed by the staff. Once the rink was clear, everyone was allowed back on. I remained upright throughout the session, though I did have a few brief moments off the ice (not counting the aforementioned moment everyone had to temporarily leave the rink).
As originally billed, the session ended at 15:30 and everyone was asked to leave the ice pad. No time was added at the end to compensate for the few minutes everyone had to temporarily leave the ice earlier; presumably that was due to the need to resurface the ice ready for the next session starting at 16:00.
Remaining Time In Plymouth
Having left Plymouth Pavilions, I walked to the Barbican. There I enjoyed a Devon cream tea at Strand Tea Rooms just after 16:00. Afterwards I gradually headed back to the railway station via the city centre. Back at the station I caught the 18:23 train to Newton Abbot.
Saturday Evening
Having reached Newton Abbot at 19:02 I went to The Richard Hopkins (Wetherspoons) for my evening meal. Unfortunately it was very busy when I arrived there around 19:20. Having found a table and decided what I wanted to eat, I faced a lengthy wait at the bar. When it was my turn I ordered Peri-peri roast half chicken with chips and coleslaw for main course and Belgian waffle with ice cream and maple flavour syrup for dessert. As for a drink, I fancied Abbot Ale but since that was temporarily unavailable I had half a pint of Strongbow cider instead. Just before 20:00 the waiter brought my main course and dessert together. Ideally I'd have preferred the dessert to arrive separately when I was ready for it, but at least that saved me the delay that would have arisen from me having to wait at the bar again to tell them I was ready for the dessert. Having finally left the pub, I returned to Newton Abbot station to catch the 20:49 train to Torre. I reached Torre halt at 20:57 and was back in my room a few minutes later.
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Day Three - Sunday 20 October
Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park
Sunday First Thing
I awoke at 7:00. My plan for Sunday was to visit Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park. Since I hoped to enjoy the Maximus Coaster and other rides there, I put on my RCCGB 20th Anniversary T-shirt. At 8:20 I had an early breakfast, the same as Saturday morning. That filled me up for the morning.
Off To Crealy
I left the hotel at 8:50. The nearest bus stop was less than a minute's walk away, on the same side of the road. From there I caught the 8:54 X46 fast bus to Exeter. Having reached Livery Dole bus stop in Heavitree, I ran across the road to the bus stop on the opposite side. Seconds later I saw the 52B Sidmouth bus, which would normally pass Crealy. Unfortunately on this occasion, that particular bus was being diverted by an alternative route to Sidmouth and unable to serve Crealy. However there was an alternative bus service departing Exeter Bus Station at 10:00 which did serve Crealy. Although I could have waited at Livery Dole for that alternative bus to Crealy, I walked to the bus station anyway, in case I could get a sandwich or baguette there, or somewhere nearby. When I got to Exeter Bus Station, I just had time to buy a pack of sandwiches from Coach's Café there before catching the 10:00 bus to Crealy. Having finally reached the bus stop opposite Devon's Crealy, I crossed the road and walked straight up the driveway.
Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park
On arrival at the Reception I showed my RCCGB membership card and was told I was entitled to a members' discount, but would have to pay at the admissions booths when the Park opened at 10:30. I queued for one of the admissions booths and shortly afterwards the Park opened. Once admitted the rides were due open at 11:00, so for now I headed for the drop slide Dead Man's Drop, which was already open.
Dead Man's Drop
Originally called Buzzards Swoop Drop Slide, this drop slide is next to the Treetops Playground, and is enclosed in a building, but you still have to walk around the outside after leaving the run-out to return to the top. I fearlessly enjoyed eight hair-raising goes.
Morning Coffee
At this point I felt like a cup of coffee, so I went to Route 66 American Diner in Buddy Bear's Kingdom. When I finished my coffee, the rides were open. The queue for the Vortex Water Coasters was very short, so I started with them.
Vortex Water Coasters
Three water coasters made by Van Egdom, which first opened at Devon's Crealy in 2010. You slide down these water slides fully clothed in a dinghy. In order not to disturb the neighbours, you are not allowed to shout or scream on the stairs, or on the waiting platform at the top. However you can shout or scream inside the slides, all of which are closed tubes all or most of their length. Facing the slide entrances from the launch platform they are:
Venom (left entrance): this is painted a dark, opaque colour on the outside, with gaps in the paintwork at regular intervals to resemble light rings as you go down the slide. It's a straight slide, with wavy sections on the way down. About three quarters of the way down the slide becomes open air for the remainder of the descent and the run-out. I first rode this slide on my June 2011 visit.
Vertigo (centre entrance): this is painted a dark, opaque colour on the outside, except where rings have been painted in pink and yellow translucent paint at regular intervals. That is to resemble pink and yellow light rings as you go down the slide. It's a straight slide with a plain slope, and is the narrowest tube of the three. It becomes open air for the long run-out at the end. I first rode this slide on my September 2010 visit.
Viper (right entrance): this slide is pitch dark all the way down. After a straight start you go around a bend to the right, into a clockwise spiral, followed by another bend to the right and finally a straight section. It's a closed tube right to the very end. Before 2012 I avoided this as I saw a sign "No single riders". On my 41st birthday visit in 2012, the Ride Master told me that adults are allowed to ride this alone, thus I first rode this in 2012.
I had two goes on each slide in the following order: Venom, Vertigo, Viper, Venom, Vertigo, Viper.
The Flying Dutchman Ship
Formerly known as the Queen Bess Pirate Ship, this swinging pirate ship has been called The Flying Dutchman Ship since 2011. Ideally I'd have liked to have sat in an end row for maximum thrill, but since both end rows were fully occupied I had to be content with sitting in a second-from-end row. Nonetheless I still enjoyed an exciting ride where I was seated. Although great fun, once was enough for me for now.
Aqua Blasters
Formerly called Dino Blasters from 2006 to 2011, these electric bumper boats have a button to press so you can squirt other users. I faced a few minutes wait when I joined the queue until the group of riders already on the lake were called in and asked to disembark. After they had all left, people in the queue including me were asked to wait by a boat specified by the Ride Master, but not get in until told. One by one each rider was assisted into applicable boat. Everyone including me was able to steer their boat around the lake wherever there was space. After a few minutes the Ride Master called everyone in simultaneously. For now I only had one go.
Maximus Coaster
At last I took to the Maximus Coaster. This
Vekoma Junior Coaster (207m) originally operated under the name El Pastil Loco from 2000 to 2009. In 2010 it was renamed Maximus and given Roman theming. One subtle modification for the 2011 season was the addition of the Maximus name on the front of the loco. The ride experience this time was no different to any of my previous visits there; undeniably tame compared to the likes of Colossus, Nemesis Inferno and Swarm which I enjoyed on my recent birthday outing to Thorpe Park, but nonetheless fun to ride. One ride consists of two laps. I enjoyed four goes: front row, second row, a row roughly in the middle, back row.
Tidal Wave Log Flume
You get into a log, go around a bend, up one lift and down. Having landed with a splash, you go around a sharp bend, and up a second lift, which is taller than the first. The drop which follows is taller than the first drop, and enclosed in a tunnel (which was retrofitted as a noise shield). After a big splash on landing you return to the station. As I approached this ride, I already had my cagoule on, but not leggings. Therefore I put my leggings on before getting into a log.
I got into log 2. As my log was about to leave the station, it started to rain, and the Ranger said "You'll get even wetter now in the rain". That didn't matter as I was wearing wet weather gear anyway. At the end the ride suddenly stopped, leaving my log and the log in front of me stuck outside station. Whilst waiting for the ride to be reset, the rain briefly stopped. By the time ride started again so those stuck could get into the station and off, there was a heavy downpour and strong winds.
Having disembarked the Ranger said all outdoor rides were now down due to the weather, but the indoor rides were still working. I waited by the photo collection shelter until the rain eased, and then went to Buddy Bear's Kingdom. A few minutes later I walked across to the Adventure Zone. In the Lost Kingdom, Meteorite (a tower ride) and Honey Swing were still going.
Honey Swing
Until 2011 this was located in what was then the Magical Kingdom (now called Buddy Bear's Kingdom). Since 2012 it has been in the Lost Kingdom where the Dizzy Dina Ride used to be until 2010. The Honey Swing is basically a chair-o-plane. Adults can go on it. It goes around clockwise, with the seats on an angle. I enjoyed one go in a pink seat followed by one go in a yellow seat. Although not a particularly thrilling ride it was still fun. At the time I saw this as something I could still ride whilst the outdoor rides were closed due to the weather.
Lunch
Now was a convenient time for me to eat the sandwiches I bought at Exeter Bus Station on my way to Crealy. I bought myself a cup of coffee from a kiosk in the Lost Kingdom and sat at one of the picnic tables there to enjoy my sandwiches and coffee.
Go Wild!
A wooden play structure which opened in 2009. It includes sloping wooden box bridges, net bridges and log ramps. Best of all adults are allowed to play on it. I spent a few minutes going over all parts of it.
By the time I finished playing on Go Wild, the rain and thunder had stopped and the sun was out, so I went outside. All the outdoor rides were now running again, and I was eager to resume outdoor riding.
Victorian Carousel
Self-explanatory, it's mostly galloping horses, though there are some cars on the ride. I had one go on the horse called Nick. This was my only go on here all day.
Roundabout PlayPump
In Africa, roundabouts like these have been installed to pump groundwater into a tank as children play on the roundabout. I'm not sure whether or not the one at Devon's Crealy actually pumps water though. I sat on the roundabout and went clockwise, followed by anticlockwise.
Tidal Wave Log Flume
Having been interrupted by the foul weather after just one go earlier, I was now ready for a few more goes on this log flume. I enjoyed five goes (logs 3, 7, 5, 6, 8).
The Flying Dutchman Ship
Having already ridden this swinging pirate ship once earlier, I was now ready to ride it again. This time I managed to get an end row seat, and was thus able to enjoy the maximum effect. This was my final go of the day on this ride.
Aqua Blasters
My second and final go of the day on the Aqua Blasters. Once again riders were free to steer their boats around the lake wherever there was space. I enjoyed this go just as much as my previous go earlier.
Funambulist Challenge
A series of wooden beams, plus some swinging steps, for you to balance on. If you've made it around all that lot, which I did, you should try the three short tight ropes which are placed just centimetres above the ground. I had no problem walking to the end of the short rope at my first attempt. I wasn't so lucky with the middle length one, the best I could achieve was about half way across so after several tries I gave up. I didn't bother trying the longest one. The equipment in this area is made by Playline Design of Kingsteignton, Devon.
Maximus Coaster
Back to the Maximus Coaster to enjoy another four goes: fourth row, second row, fourth row, back row. That took my cumulative count of goes on Maximus Coaster for this visit to eight. I resisted the temptation to have further goes to increase my cumulative count to ten or twelve as it was now late afternoon and I still wanted to allow plenty of time to play in the Adventure Zone before the Park closed at 17:00.
Adventure Zone
A large indoor adventure play complex, designed and installed by Taylor-Made Play Equipment. It includes the following:
Two 4-lane Astrozoomer Astra slides (one is yellow, one is in various shades of grey)
Two double drop slides (i.e. drop half way, flat landing, sloping bit and land in a ball pool). One is blue and one is black, I've called them waterfall slides here.
Red Devil drop slide (straight down and out along the level run-out) – this has two launch beams
Yellow spiral tube slide and red corkscrew slide
Crawl maze
Loads of soft play equipment
Best of all, adults (or should I say adult kids?) are allowed to play on everything.
I entered the Adventure Zone just after 16:00 and great fun playing on everything until the Park closed at 17:00. This is what I went on whilst in there:
Yellow Astrozoomer 1 go per lane left to right
Blue waterfall slide 4 goes
Red Devil lower beam 4 goes
Soft play equipment
Grey Astrozoomer 1 go per lane left to right
Black waterfall slide 4 goes
Yellow spiral tube slide 2 goes
Red corkscrew slide 2 goes
Remaining soft play equipment
Red Devil upper beam 10 goes
Altogether almost an hour of Taylor-Made fun to round off my day at Crealy. The perfect way to end my day there.
Summary of my day at Crealy in order of activity
Dead Man's Drop 8
Coffee at Route 66 American Diner
Vortex Water Coasters: Venom, Vertigo, Viper, Venom, Vertigo, Viper
The Flying Dutchman Ship 1
Aqua Blasters 1
Maximus Coaster 4
Tidal Wave Log Flume 1
Honey Swing 2
Lunch
Go Wild!
Victorian Carousel 1
Roundabout PlayPump clockwise, anticlockwise
Tidal Wave Log Flume 5
The Flying Dutchman Ship 1
Aqua Blasters 1
Funambulist Challenge
Maximus Coaster 4
Adventure Zone
Cumulative Summary of My Rides at Crealy
| Ride | Total |
| Aqua Blasters | 2 |
| Honey Swing | 2 |
| Maximus Coaster | 8 |
| The Flying Dutchman Ship | 2 |
| Tidal Wave Log Flume | 6 |
| Victorian Carousel | 1 |
| Vortex Water Coasters: Venom | 2 |
| Vortex Water Coasters: Vertigo | 2 |
| Vortex Water Coasters: Viper | 2 |
| TOTAL | 27 |
Cumulative Summary of Adventure Zone Slides
| Slide | Total |
| Black waterfall slide | 4 |
| Blue waterfall slide | 4 |
| Grey Astrozoomer | |
| Red corkscrew slide | 2 |
| Red Devil lower beam | 4 |
| Red Devil upper beam | 10 |
| Yellow Astrozoomer | |
| Yellow spiral tube slide | 2 |
| TOTAL | 34 |
Back To Exeter
The Park closed at 17:00 and shortly afterwards I walked back to the bus stop. Unfortunately the next bus to Exeter wasn't until 18:15. I considered walking along the main road to the roundabout where the Exmouth road branches off, in the hope of catching an Exmouth to Exeter bus, or perhaps a city bus. Uncertain of how long such a walk would take, I just waited at the bus stop outside Crealy until the Newton Poppleford to Exeter bus turned up at 18:15. Fortunately there was a bus shelter in which to sit whilst waiting, and it remained dry and sunny during this time. I finally reached Exeter Bus Station at 18:29.
Evening Meal
My next plan was to have dinner somewhere in Exeter before continuing my journey back to Torquay. I considered going to Pizza Hut at the Exebridge Centre, but since that would have required me to wait for and catch a bus there, and catch a bus back to the High Street after eating there, I thought there might not be enough time for that. Instead I went to George's Meeting House (Wetherspoon), which was about ten minutes' walk away via the High Street.
At 18:40 I got to George's Meeting House. There I enjoyed a large Sunday Club meal; the meat I chose was hand carved roast pork. A drink was included in the price of the meal; I chose Tuborg. For an additional fee I added a dessert. Once I had finished both courses, there was still time for a coffee, so I returned to the bar to order a cappuccino.
Journey To Torquay
After leaving Wetherspoons I walked back to the bus station via the Cathedral Green and Princesshay Shopping Centre. There were no fast, direct buses to Torquay this time on a Sunday evening, so I caught the 20:40 Hop 2 bus to Newton Abbot, which took the scenic route via Exminster, Powderham Castle, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Bishopsteignton and Kingsteignton. I've travelled this scenic route before. Sitting in the front left seat of the top deck showing my RCCGB 20th Anniversary T-shirt whilst enjoying what could be seen in the lit sections of the route after dark ended up being one of my highlights of the day.
Having finally reached Newton Abbot at 22:00, I caught the 22:06 Hop 12 Paignton bus which was just arriving across the road. At 22:31 I left the bus at Torre Village bus stop, which happened to be almost opposite my hotel.
Rest of Sunday
Back in my room I enjoyed a much needed coffee before bed. However I was in for a shock when I looked at the BBC Weather website. The forecast for Monday 21 October (the final day of my short break) was wet and windy all day for both Dartmouth and Blackawton. The last thing I wanted for my planned visit to Woodlands that day.
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Day Four - Monday 21 October
Daytime: Woodlands Family Theme Park
Evening: First Great Western
Monday First Thing
The final day of my long weekend already. Regardless of what the weather was to be that day, I'd rigidly intended going to Woodlands near Dartmouth that day, to the extent of booking my homeward Advance ticket from Totnes to Bath when I made the arrangements a couple of weeks earlier. My plan was to take all my luggage with me after breakfast, catch a bus from Torquay to Woodlands (via Totnes), leave my luggage in a locker all day at Woodlands, catch the bus back as far as Totnes, followed by my booked home train from there.
As had been forecast, it was raining outside when I awoke at 6:30. The BBC Weather website still predicted wind and rain all day for Dartmouth and Blackawton. Not what I wanted for my planned visit to Woodlands. My homeward Advance train ticket was valid only on the 20:10 Totnes to London Paddington train, and to travel the distance covered by that ticket Totnes to Bath Spa in its entirety. Abandoning my planned visit to Woodlands now and going home mid-morning would have required buying a new "walk-on" single train ticket at considerable extra expense.
On those grounds I decided to go to Woodlands anyway, though it seemed likely I would spend three hours or more playing in Sea Dragon's Play City, and just spend a fairly short time outside having a few outdoor rides (subject to them working in wind and rain) dressed in my rain gear. I immediately assumed I wouldn't be going on the outdoor play areas Action Track 1, Commando Course or Ninja Towers as the equipment would be too wet. Whatever ride I started the day with (and I already knew for certain it couldn't possibly be the Toboggan Run due to the wet weather) was to be my 100th ride to-date at Woodlands. To mark that milestone, I put on my RCCGB 25th anniversary T-shirt. I packed my bags and took them downstairs before having an early breakfast at 8:20: cereal, orange juice, full English, toast and coffee.
Off To Woodlands
I left the hotel for the final time around 8:50 with my luggage. Across the road the Hop 12 bus bound for the town centre and Paignton was approaching the stop. I ran across and towards the stop and miraculously managed to get on that bus. Having reached the Strand (by Torquay Harbour) at 9:00, I waited for the 9:20 Stagecoach Gold bus to Woodlands. I finally got to Woodlands bus stop at 10:40. Without further ado I walked up Woodlands driveway to the admissions point.
Woodlands Family Theme Park
When I reached the admissions kiosks it was still raining. As the lady in the kiosk handed me the ride opening times and park plan, a gust of wind blew them away! She offered me a replacement set, and to prevent them blowing away too, I partly opened my laptop bag so she could put them straight into the bag. Without further ado I headed for The Empire Of The Sea Dragon, where I put my large bag and laptop bag into lockers.
The Empire Of The Sea Dragon
A large blue building at the far end of the Park, which includes themed birthday party rooms, Sea Dragon's Play City (a five storey indoor play area described later), a smaller soft play area The Ice Palace for young children, and three rides: Dragon Ferris Wheel, Submarine Ride and Trauma Tower. In addition there's a café (Ray's Diner) and picnic area there.
Ray's Diner
Being as it was wet and windy when I arrived, I felt partial to a coffee. I had one at Ray's Diner before doing anything else.
Trauma Tower
A drop tower by Moser Rides. Being as this is an indoor ride, I made this my first ride of the day, and hence my 100th ride at Woodlands to-date. I sat on the side of the tower facing the Dragon Ferris Wheel. Once seated, I asked the Ranger to photograph me holding up the 100th ride poster (which I had made at home the preceding week) before launching the ride. When the ride set off, the seat unit went to the top of the tower, down and up a few times, and back to the ground. This was tame compared to the Ice Blast at PBR Blackpool but still great fun. When the ride ended I stayed on for a second go. After that I left the ride, but knew I'd be back for more goes later.
At this point I went outside to brave having some outdoor rides in the rain. Luckily the rain had stopped now. I headed towards the other end of the Park. As I neared Avalanche I met a Ranger, and asked him if Avalanche was open. Despite the wind, it was open, and I asked to go on it.
Avalanche
This looks like two conventional kids' park slides from the bottom. However you must be at least 140cm tall to ride them, which means they're about the nearest Woodlands has to white knuckle rides. Since there are two separate slides, purists would say this is really two rides. You go to the station at the top of the hill, collect a plastic dinghy, place it at the top of the slide you wish to go down and sit in the dinghy. Once your boat is released, you ride down the slide on it, just like Waterfall at Oakwood, Pembrokeshire. However the landing differs from Waterfall at Oakwood in that there is no shallow pool of water; as soon as you reach the bottom of the slide you immediately slide along the slightly uphill slope until you stop. Having landed, you put your dinghy on the conveyor belt to return it to the top.
My first go on Avalanche, which was also my first outdoor ride of the day, was on the left slide (as viewed facing the slide entrances from the launch point). It was a fast and thrilling ride, and great fun. By the time I returned to the top of the hill for more goes the Ranger had disappeared. For now I went on Action Track 1.
Action Track 1
An obstacle course (smaller than the Commando Course described later), which includes a Burma bridge, stepping stumps, and tyre climb. Although the equipment was wet, I managed to do one lap of this.
Avalanche
Once again a Ranger was in the vicinity of Avalanche so I asked to have a few more goes as follows: right slide, left slide, right slide (as viewed facing the slide entrances from the launch point).
Commando Course
An assault course, set in the side of the hill. You go around a sequence of obstacles arranged in a figure of eight. It took me 8 minutes 17 seconds complete the course this time. I have completed it faster on previous visits, but this time the wet equipment meant it was necessary to take extra care, which slowed me down.
Roundabout
Next to the Commando Course is a large metal disc which spins. I set the disc spinning and sat on it until it stopped.
Astra Slide
A red and black four-lane Astra slide, which opened in 2008. Although the main route to the top is its own staircase beside the slide, it can also be accessed from the top of Ninja Towers, described in the next section. One needs a sack to slide this. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the slide was extremely slow and I unavoidably stopped before the end. For this reason I only had two goes on this.
Ninja Towers
Opened in 2009, this outdoor play area consists of bridges and a net crawl tunnel. Apart from the net crawl tunnel, which was closed at both ends as its outer net was missing, I went on everything. There is also a purple spiral tube slide, a black spiral tube slide and a red straight tube slide. They were very slow this time, presumably due to them being damp, and my jeans being already partly damp, so I had just one go on each.
Goblin Tower
Opened in 2011, this could be considered as an extension to Ninja Towers, as it is linked to Ninja Towers by a bridge. In fact I accessed Goblin Tower via that bridge. This has more bridges and three additional tube slides. I had one go on each of these slides. All three were quite slow (albeit not as slow as the Ninja Towers tube slides), and rather wet. By the time I had descended all three slides, the backside of my jeans were soaking wet, as were my pants underneath. Fortunately I had a spare clean pair of pants in my large bag at The Empire of the Sea Dragon.
Wunda Swing
Six swings suspended from a hexagonal frame. Although they are part of the new Fantasi Forest Zone, there's nothing particularly special about them; they're just like normal kids' park swings. I had a go on one.
Triple Drop Slide
A drop slide that takes you straight down and out along the run-out. There are three launch beams at different heights, hence the "triple" bit of the name. Launch yourself off the beam and experience the freefall drop. I fearlessly enjoyed three goes from each of the three launch heights. Despite my jeans being wet around my bottom, I went along the level run-out really fast each time.
Master Blaster
A 3-storey indoor attraction. On the ground floor you can feed foam balls into tubes, to be transported through pipes to the upper levels. Also on the ground floor is a fountain which you fill with foam balls, and press a button to spray the balls into the air. On the first and second floors are pneumatic guns, you put foam balls in one at a time and press a button to fire them across the room. Great fun. I filled the fountain with balls when I entered the Master Blaster, and fired a few balls around during my time in there.
In addition there's soft play equipment around the edge of the ground and first floors, and a maze in the corner of the ground floor. There's a straight tube slide from first to ground floor, and spiral tube slide from second to ground floor. Adults are allowed on all the play equipment in here. I covered all the soft play equipment once, went through the maze twice, and had two goes on each tube slide. Altogether I spent about half an hour in the Master Blaster. I filled the fountain with foam balls one more time before leaving.
Seascape Mirror Maze
Self-explanatory, this is a mirror maze. I walked through this start to finish.
Bumper Boats
Electric bumper boats. Unlike the Aqua Blasters at Devon's Crealy, you have to hold down a button to make them go, and you can't squirt water from them. When I approached the ride, there was just one other boat on the lake. I got into boat 11 and went around the lake a few times. Part way through my time on the lake the other rider left, and from then onwards I was the only rider on the lake. Interestingly they didn't call me in after a set time (unlike the Aqua Blasters at Devon's Crealy the previous day), so I eventually docked and disembarked of my own accord. Presumably they would call riders in after a while if it was busy, but evidently that wasn't necessary on this occasion as it was so quiet. This was my only go on the Bumper Boats all day.
The Empire Of The Sea Dragon
After that, I returned to The Empire of the Sea Dragon and spent the rest of the afternoon in there. The first thing I did was dry my bottom (with my swimming towel I used Saturday), and put on the spare clean pants I happened to have, and my jogging bottoms.
Lunch at Ray's Diner
I now felt ready for a late lunch at Ray's Diner. Although it was now mid-afternoon, they were still serving hot food there. I had a burger meal, which included fries and a fizzy drink. For afters I had a doughnut.
Sea Dragon's Play City
The largest attraction in The Empire Of The Sea Dragon, an enormous five-storey indoor adventure play complex designed and installed by Taylor-Made Play Equipment. It includes the following features:
Barracuda 6-lane Astra slide.
Dinosaur Double Drop Slide (drop half way, flat bit, slope, ball pit landing).
Triple Decker Deep G Dive drop slide (drop part way, flat bit, slope, flat bit, slope, ball pit landing)
Depth Charge drop slide (straight down and out; it has two launch heights a storey apart)
Sea Serpent (two long spiral tube slides; one is green and one is blue)
Two other short tube slides (one goes from the first floor to land in a ball pit on the ground floor)
Maze on the ground floor
Loads of soft play equipment
90 degree tubes to crawl through at the highest level
Crawl maze
It claims to be the UK's biggest indoor play zone, and best of all adults (or should I say adult kids?) are allowed to play on EVERYTHING in there. It's even been said adults seem to get more fun out of it than children. Maybe that's why it's also known behind the scenes as the Senior Play Area.
I first entered Sea Dragon's Play City at 15:00. There's so much in there it was difficult to ensure I covered everything whilst I was in there, let alone remember the complete sequence in which I did it all. I began by sliding all six lanes of the Barracuda once each left to right (as viewed from the top of the slide looking downwards), followed by four goes on Dinosaur Double Drop Slide. I also played on some of the soft play equipment.
Trauma Tower
At this point I temporarily left Sea Dragon's Play City to have two goes on Trauma Tower. On both goes I sat on the side facing the Dragon Ferris Wheel.
Sea Dragon's Play City
I returned to the Sea Dragon's Play City and played on the rest of the slides and other play equipment. This included me sliding the two Sea Serpent twice each, and several goes on the Triple Decker Deep G Dive and Depth Charge drop slide (both launch beams). The only snag was the place was so much fun I didn't want to leave! Knowing my bus back to Totnes was around 16:50, I left Sea Dragon's Play City for the last time at 16:32.
Trauma Tower
There was just enough time remaining for me to enjoy two more goes on Trauma Tower. On both goes I sat on the side of the tower facing Sea Dragon's Play City. The ride experience was just the same as on the other side earlier.
Afterwards the Ranger who operated this asked if I wanted to go on Rock 'n' Roll Tug. I thanked him for offering, but said I now needed to gather my belongings together (from three lockers) and get back to the bus stop.
Summary of my day at Woodlands in order of activity
Coffee at Ray's Diner
Trauma Tower 2
Avalanche left slide
Action Track 1
Avalanche right slide, left slide, right slide
Commando Course
Roundabout
Ninja Towers and Goblin Tower
Wunda Swing
Triple Drop Slide lower beam 3, middle beam 3, upper beam 3
Master Blaster
Seascape Maze
Bumper Boat 1
Lunch at Ray's Diner
Sea Dragon's Play City
Trauma Tower 2
Sea Dragon's Play City (continued)
Trauma Tower 2
Cumulative Summary of My Rides at Woodlands
| Ride | Total |
| Avalanche left slide | 2 |
| Avalanche right slide | 2 |
| Bumper Boat | 1 |
| Trauma Tower | 6 |
| TOTAL | 11 |
Monday Early Evening
As I left Woodlands and walked down the driveway and along the main road to the bus stop, it was raining again. Thankfully, when I reached the bus stop, I only had a few minutes to wait in the rain for the 16:53 Stagecoach Gold bus to Totnes. At 17:22 I left the bus opposite the Seven Stars pub, Totnes.
I now had nearly three hours before I was due to catch the train back to Bath. Being as I had eaten a burger and fries followed by a doughnut at Woodlands mid-afternoon, I didn't feel like a large meal, such as the carvery roast I had at a pub in Totnes the Monday early evening of my 2011 and 2012 trips to south Devon. I went into Morrisons Café, where I had a jacket potato with chilli con carne. Afterwards I had a slice of cake and a cup of coffee. Having finished my meal, I went into the main store to buy a couple of items I needed back home. After that I still had time to spare, so I returned to the café for a cappuccino.
Journey Home
Having left Morrisons, I walked to Totnes railway station. When I got there the departures screens showed trains in both directions, including the 20:10 London Paddington train which I was booked to catch, as being on time. That was a relief as I thought trains might be delayed or cancelled due to the wind and rain. There was still about an hour to kill so I sat in the waiting room. The 20:10 London Paddington train was on time, and I enjoyed a relaxing journey straight through to Bath Spa. I finally reached Bath Spa at 22:08, and home about ten minutes later.
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Outro
Highlights
Three nights' B&B in Torquay, including the delicious filling breakfasts.
Sliding the water slides at Plymouth Life Centre.
Skating on the ice rink at Plymouth Pavilions.
Devon cream tea at Strand Tea Rooms, Plymouth Barbican.
Enjoying eight goes on Maximus Coaster and six goes on Tidal Wave Log Flume at Devon's Crealy.
Good ride count at Devon's Crealy, despite temporary closure of outdoor rides due to the thunderstorm.
Getting my 100th ride to-date at Woodlands.
Riding the Trauma Tower and Avalanche at Woodlands.
Playing in the Adventure Zone at Devon's Crealy and Sea Dragon's Play City at Woodlands.
Meals at Wetherspoons Torquay Friday evening, Wetherspoons Newton Abbot Saturday evening and Wetherspoons Exeter Sunday evening.
Lowlights
Thunderstorm at Devon's Crealy necessitated closure of the outdoor rides for a while.
Having to wait about an hour for a bus to Exeter after Devon's Crealy closed at 17:00 Sunday evening.
Wet and windy weather on arrival at Woodlands.
Not being able to ride the Toboggan Run at Woodlands due to its wet/damp track.
Ninja Towers and Goblin Tower slides were slow due to them being damp/wet.
Summing Up
Altogether another fantastic long weekend in south Devon, which included a visit to Bygones Torquay, water sliding, ice skating, riding, and outdoor and indoor adventure play areas. The weather was indifferent, but presumably that was to be expected this time in October. Having been to Devon's Crealy every year since 2003, it was my first ever time of experiencing a thunderstorm whilst there. Although that temporarily necessitated closure of the outdoor rides, I took advantage of that time indoors to ride the Honey Swing twice (which was still running), have lunch and play on Go Wild. Thankfully the thunderstorm cleared enabling the outdoor rides to resume operation, and in turn allowing me to enjoy many more rides after lunch. Thus despite the temporary outdoor ride closure due to the thunderstorm I still achieved a high ride count at Crealy. It's such a pity about the wet and windy start to my day at Woodlands. Fortunately the weather the rest of the day wasn't as bad as predicted; despite the original forecast of wind and rain all day, the rain stopped around midday and I was able to enjoy four goes on Avalanche and a go on Bumper Boats, as well as some outdoor play areas. It's a pity the Toboggan Run was unable to run due to the wet track. I see this as the nearest Woodlands currently has to a roller coaster. Due to its lift hill, and your riding down the steel track, one could argue this is a coaster. Ideally I would have liked my first ride of the day, which was also my 100th ride to-date at Woodlands to have been on the Toboggan Run. Nonetheless I enjoyed my 100th ride to-date at Woodlands, albeit on the Trauma Tower, and another ten rides the rest of the day.
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