Trying out Highfields Park Adventure Golf

During the school holidays it's important to find activities for my boys, it can be difficult to keep them occupied at home for six whole weeks. A few weeks ago we decided to spend a morning at Highfields Park Adventure Golf - a new adventure golf that has appeared in Nottingham.

We do enjoy a good adventure golf and have visited Lost Adventure Golf and the adventure golf at Alton Towers. It's a fun way to spend an hour or so and being able to visit one in Nottingham is great. Luckily we chose quite a sunny morning to go and the sun shone down on us the whole time we played.


boy plays adventure golf
BP watches his dad




As usual the Hubby started so he could gauge how difficult it would be for LP, but this one seemed quite easy. 

At 8 and 13 my boys like adventure golf because they get outdoors (great for LP) but it's not too much effort (great for BP). The best of both worlds, apparently.


Little boy hits golf ball towards 3 large pillars on the green.
LP is excited that he gets his ball around the wall!



You can play either 9 or 18 holes, we chose 18 and it was right for us. Each hole has a Nottingham theme and it was fun watching my boys trying to get holes in one. At Highfields Park there are more bumps and mounds, more than we're used to, but the boys found it more fun. They enjoyed trying out different strength hits in order to putt the ball. 


Hitting a golf ball over a small mound in adventure golf.
Okay, you do it like this...




Little boy tries to hit golf ball over mound in adventure golf
Got it Dad.




Little boy hits golf ball between two walls
I'm a pro now!



Teen attempts to hit golf ball between two walls, getting hole in one.




The course was fun, it seemed a lot harder than some courses we've played. LP had a couple of holes where he took 6 shots, and so did I come to think of it! Some of the obstacles were more fun than others, the boys particularly enjoyed the cricket themed hole.


Cricket themed hole at Highfields Park Adventure Golf
Oh cool - cricket-golf




lots of mounds on Highfields Park Adventure Golf hole.



Little boy hits golf ball into a tunnel on Highfields Park Adventure Golf




At the last hole LP managed to hit the ball too hard and almost lost it as it flew across the course and out into the car park. Luckily someone was in the area to help us retrieve the ball.



Man in the middle of a golf swing
If I hit it hard enough it could hit Nottingham Castle right?



Little ball hitting golf ball into the air on Highfields Park Adventure Golf
Dad, look! I can do it too!




A deer sculpted into wood at Highfields Park Adventure Golf



Flowers make up the obstacles in this hole at Highfields Park Adventure Golf






Overall it was a good morning and the boys have asked to go back.







After playing golf we let the boys play on the playground nearby. LP did a little climbing, swinging, and running. He burned off the extra energy and we spent the afternoon resting. 





A good day.

Post Comment Love 25th - 27th August

Post Comment Love is back for another week and Stephanie and I are ready to read your brilliant posts. Link up your favourite or best from this week and we'll share and comment!

Right now my boys (including the Hubby) and I are in London. We're staying for a few days so LP can get to see the sights (Big Ben, London Eye, etc) and we're hoping to go to the SeaLife Centre and Shrek's Adventure too. I'm sure my phone will be full of photos by the time we get back. 

The boys only have 1 and a bit weeks left of their holidays and they're trying to get the most out of it. We've been to Blackpool, Bowling, to the cinema, Venice, mini-golf and so much more. I have to admit to looking forward to the 6th of September because that's when they're back at school. Of course I have a little shopping to do before then stocking up on school supplies but that's nothing compared to the last few weeks. 

So with the holidays almost over what do you have planned for the remaining week?


Blogger Showcase Bryony from rebelmommablog







Bryony began blogging after being diagnosed with post natal depression, she uses it as her therapy. She describes herself as contradictory, honest, and loyal and loves tea and biscuits. Why not pop over to Stephanie's blog where you can read the rest of Bryony's answers.



Thank you for answering our questions Bryony and feel free to grab our 'featured' badge and display it ever-so-proudly on your blog!


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Pocolo




Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.

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Help us spread the #PoCoLo word on Twitter and include the badge on your post.

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Thank you for popping by.


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A night at Bunga Bunga, Covent Garden

At the beginning of the summer holidays the Hubby and I got to have another stay in London so that we could go to Bunga Bunga. I have to admit that when I first heard that the place was called "Bunga Bunga" it made me think of some dodgy strip joint and I was unsure it was somewhere I'd want to go. The Hubby had been a few weeks previously and found out what it was, turns out it was an entertainment place and was something we'd enjoy. And that's why we arranged to go there together.
two cocktails in David Statue cups, low lighting




Where we stayed



A trip to London when we're going out means we need a stay overnight and after a little research we settled on Hub by Premier Inn at Kings Cross. Again the Hubby had stayed there before and said it was nice so we decided to stay there.

When we arrived in London the walk to the hotel was short and I realised it was close to the venue for the last Mumsnet Blogfest conference I attended. I must keep that in mind in future! The hotel was nice, checking in was quick thanks to the computerised system and although the room was small it was good. There was a handy lighting panel above the pillows on the bed so it would be easy to control the lights from in bed, the bed was comfortable and had storage underneath. 



Lighting panel in the Hub by Premier Inn, a pillow lit by orange light.




Speaking of the bed, it was quite high. At 5'5" my feet didn't touch the floor when I sat on the edge of the bed, I had to laugh. 


Feet, about a foot from the floor at Hub by Premier Inn
I am actually sitting on the bed, my feet are about a foot from the floor!




There was a hidden desk that could be pulled out if necessary, and the TV was capable of connecting to either your iPad or Android device. I was impressed.

hotel room at Hub by Premier Inn, towels and sheets folded on the bed, an art installation of the Thames on the wall.



TV on the wall at Hub by Premier Inn




You can see all around the room we stayed by checking out my video.








Our evening out 



Getting a night out at all when you're a parent is rare so being able to stay in London and have a proper night out was quite exciting. Despite the excitement though I thought we'd go out, have a meal and probably be back in the room by 10:30pm - that wasn't the case at all.

We walked to Bunga Bunga from our hotel, it was quite a walk but it was nice. We weren't in a hurry and it was lovely to walk together, hand in hand, and chat without having teens and tweens complaining about the walk. 

When we arrived at Bunga Bunga I have to say I wasn't that impressed, it just looked like a simple pizza place with scaffolding all around the outside. I certainly wasn't expecting an evening of entertainment and if it hadn't been for the Hubby going there previously I'd be a little disappointed by the look of it.



Scaffolding, bikes, and seating outside... I wasn't expecting much.



Inside Bunga Bunga looks nice, the bar is just inside and you can get cocktails almost immediately after walking in. The walls are decorated with Italian style decor and while I'd been disappointed by the outside my hopes rose a little when I saw the decor.



Inside Bunga Bunga, Covent Garden. A bar with people mingling. Italian art on the walls.



A candlestick with real candles sitting on a  bar.
These are real candles. 



A bar in Bunga Bunga, Covent Garden. Fake onions and garlic hang from the ceiling.



cocktails in small tumbler glasses with a dark cherry in the drink.
 Our first cocktails were Old Fashioned - a bourbon cocktail. 


After being shown through a meat locker (!) by an actor we headed downstairs where we were greeted by this statue...


Statue of David with a tap
Cue hysterical laughter...



I had to laugh and get a photo. We then checked our hoodies (free of charge) into the cloakroom and were shown to our table. It was a small table next to a pillar but there was also a very small stage nearby. A disco ball rotated reflecting lights all around the area, a David statue wearing a baseball cap was standing next to a larger stage covered by curtains. There were various statues all around.



downstairs in Bunga Bunga Covent Garden



inside Bunga Bunga Covent Garden Downstairs




The low lighting, the rotating disco ball, and the fact that I'd had a cocktail gave me a little tingle of excitement. 


Morgan Prince in Bunga Bunga Covent Garden




Then the entertainment started. A man came out and stood on the small stage, he was Italian (not really) and talked about the "boss". He was closely followed by his 'wife' who joined in the conversation about the "boss". Within a few minutes there was singing, the actors sang various songs from some of the best Broadway shows ever. 


entertainer at Bunga Bunga Covent Garden gets on the little stage


The group of entertainers take to the small stage in Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
The entertainers started out dressed as waiters, they soon changed though.



After a few minutes the actors left the stage and Hubby and I ordered another cocktail. We do love our cocktails but rarely get the chance to have any so we enjoyed having them.


cocktail in a glass tumbler garnished with mint and aniseed.


cocktail in a tall glass with a morichino cherry
Another bourbon cocktail for me, and it was so good!



Five minutes later the actors were back and introduced another singer, this lady was very good. She sang Gravity from Wicked and I smiled because I've been listening to the Idina Menzel version recently. I was so glad I was sat close to the stage because that meant I could get some good photos. Admittedly the lighting isn't great but with my iPhone 7 they were better than the Hubby's.


Singer on stage singing Gravity from Wicked
This lady sang Gravity - and it was great.



Husband and wife actors sing on stage


a younger couple sing to each other while standing on a stage




Cocktail number three came around quicker and we went for one in a funny cup. David's head held our drinks and they were really tasty!







Later into the evening Jesus (yes, the one from Jerusalem!) walked towards the larger stage and was joined by his disciples playing musical instruments. He sang more Broadway songs and chatted to the audience making jokes about things to take to Church and what not to say in Church.


An actor dressed as Jesus on stage with a band behind him.



The dark lighting meant I couldn't get a good photo of our food but it was tasty. For starter we had Italian meats with a cheese, I think it was called Burrata, with breadsticks and some sort of other bread. It was really good. For our mains the Hubby had pizza and I had beef ravioli, sometimes ravioli can be a bit "blah" but this time it was tasty. The beef inside the ravioli was rich and I didn't feel like it was just mush, it was actual pieces of beef. I really enjoyed it. For dessert we had a small panna cotta which was lovely.

When we'd finished eating the entertainment continued and the actors came out onto the small stage for their finale. They were all dressed in sparkly dresses, including the first guy, and put on a show. 


Singers standing on a small stage wearing a green sparkly dress.
I was lucky enough to snap this photo when the singer was looking straight at my camera! 




Finale at Bunga Bunga Covent Garden



After the actors had finished Jesus came back out onto the larger stage to continue with the musical entertainment and even started a karaoke, anyone could get up on stage, with a band performing the music, and sing their favourite tunes. 

It wasn't long before our little table was surrounded by people dancing and we quickly realised we'd have to move.


People dancing in a club
Shortly after this our table was completely surrounded to the point someone almost knocked over one of our drinks!



We stood dancing for a while but it was getting late and we decided we were tired. We left Bunga Bunga at 11pm and headed back to the hotel with full tummies. 

It was an amazing night and I'd definitely go back. If you get the chance to go to Bunga Bunga I would, it was fantastic. I enjoyed singing along with my favourite show tunes and hearing people perform them live.  I'm looking forward to being able to go back!

Have you ever visited Bunga Bunga?

Time to get back in shape

During the school holidays it's always difficult to stay healthy, taking the boys out on activities or day trips means eating at restaurants or fast food places. It's frustrating when you're trying to lose weight but it can't be helped. On the other hand I could be helping myself with exercise, and have been meaning to for a long time.

The problem is motivation - it's so hard to get started. 

However, the longer I leave it the harder it becomes and I really do need to do something. 




  • To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise. 

Gene Tunney





The Hubby and the boys have been going out on their bikes and Hubby thought it would be a good idea for me to go on my bike too. We spent a little time pumping up the tyres and checking it over and then it was time to go out. It wasn't long before I realised why I hated my bike so much. The seat was so uncomfortable I felt like I'd got a bruise on my bottom within about 5 minutes. The handles rubbed on my hands so much my palms were red raw. Add to that the fact that I haven't been on a bike for a long time so my legs felt like they were dropping off after 10 minutes, it was a bit of a fail. There was no way I was going to stick to losing weight by going out on my bike. I just don't like it.

But what is the answer?

I remember a few years ago I enjoyed running. I would get up early every day and go out running. Now, I'm certainly not ready for running just yet but it's definitely something to think about. 






So the next time the boys and the Hubby went out on their bikes I decided to walk. Some of the way I tried running but I wasn't wearing the right bra so it hurt quite a lot. Next time I'll be putting on my sports bra, wearing my trainers, and making sure I get a bit of running in. 

As we have a pool I've been spending a little time swimming too. The last few days I've put in extra effort to exercise rather than just mess about in the water. My arms ache but at least I know I've done something, which is a good thing I guess. 




  • I think self-discipline is something, it's like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

Daniel Goldstein






At more than 14 stones I know I need to work hard in order to lose weight and it would be easy to say I'll wait until the boys go back to school but instead I'm starting now. Walking, running (some of the time), and swimming will be my go-to exercise and I'm hoping that the weight will start to come off soon. 

Wish me luck.