After what felt like an eternity on the road, having left school just before 7, we finally arrived at the Manor Hotel, and, after settling into our extremely cosy rooms, we wasted no time and headed straight to explore the hotel's vast grounds. The first activity on our agenda was adventure golf. The course was cleverly designed, with challenging holes that brought out our competitive spirits, and left many of us frustrated yet amused, at the difficulty of the course

The second day was packed with sports activities. We started with a friendly match of tennis, followed by a game of rounders. The games were intense but incredibly fun, with everyone giving their best effort.

The next day, we were introduced to pickleball, a sport that was new to most of us. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball was easy to pick up and play. We spent hours on the court, perfecting our serves volleys and dropshots. The light-hearted competition and constant movement made it one of the highlights of our trip.

After that, we tried our hand at target bowls. For most of us, it was our first experience with the game, and we quickly discovered it was both relaxing and surprisingly strategic, and was the perfect end to a day full of energy consuming activities.

After a day full of physical activities, we were famished. Luckily, the Manor Hotel's large buffet did not disappoint. The spread was impressive, featuring a variety of dishes to suit every palate. From indulgent Italian food and succulent meats to an array of salads and delectable desserts, the buffet was a culinary delight. We indulged in the delicious offerings, savouring each bite while recounting the day's adventures.

However, it was the free time, after dinner, that really made our trip. Allowing us to try whichever activities we wanted, from snooker to padel tennis, and giving us a much needed sense of freedom, being able to roam freely across the resort and try all sorts of different activities and experiences. 

As our trip came to an end, we couldn't help but reflect on the wonderful time we had at the Manor Hotel. Despite the long drive, the experience was truly memorable. The combination of engaging activities, beautiful surroundings, and excellent hospitality made it a perfect getaway, and we are so thankful to all the staff who led us on this trip, especially Mr Bangs, whose organisation and care left us able to have the best possible time we could. We left Okehampton with a sense of contentment, promising to return for another round of mini golf in the near future. 

by Ollie Henderson - 9W