By Stefan, 9 Manor 

You know it's going to be a good trip when sports are involved right? This trip though, was more than just an average sports trip. It was (in my opinion) one of the most entertaining and thrilling trips of all the activity weeks in the school. The Devon trip holds special memories with me and my friends and if you're in the younger years, I really suggest forcing your parents to pay for a getaway that only athletes dream about. 

Starting from Sutton station, me and 61 other students as well as 7 teachers embarked on a journey all the way to the Manor House Resort. From the crowds at Paddington to the limited number of seats on the train, there were some downsides, but my caffeinated self (special thanks to a Costa Coffee frappe) couldn't care less; all I was thinking of was the fun ahead. After 5 hours of travelling through the south-west of England and making the most random convos with my comrades, we arrived at Exeter where a coach had picked us up as well as our massive suitcases. 15 minutes later, we had arrived at the resort of my dreams. 

Many children worry about the rooms being old, crummy, dirty and small – but we were blessed with rooms the complete opposite. From free amenities, to clean and upkept beds: our sleep was getting what it deserved. Did I forget to mention the buffet style breakfast, lunch AND dinner? We felt like kings feasting on great food every single meal of the day. Though, there was always fierce competition from everyone for the creamy, delicious desserts – if you weren't one of the first, a fruit salad was all you could have... 

The fun started the moment we finished lunch. We were all split into groups where everyone was shooed of to their next few activities. Every day our arrangement followed a plan of 3 sports after breakfast, 3 sports after lunch and many people’s personal favourite after dinner – any sport you choose to do. Can you believe it? Any sport that the resort offered. There were too many sports to count that we had experienced; from the basics like football, rounders, archery to new sports that I had never even played like ice curling, unihock and even air pistols! The evening activities took the cake for me and my fellow Manors had started to play all sorts of games including adventure golf, tennis, 5 aside football to pickleball to even padel (which I was the best – no debate)! Everyone discovered a new sport which added to the fun of everything. Coming back every day with my body aching and feet sore felt surreal. 

In the end, the Manor House Resort had managed to bring up our expectations to new highs which made everyone come back with awesome stories to tell the unlucky ones who had to stay at school. It really couldn't have gone any better (P.S. The funhouse will bring out your inner child – a real highlight). 

Stefan, 9 Manor