Wigwam living (Pot A Doodle Do)

Member Name: juicy_lucy

Product:	Pot A Doodle Do
Date:	15/09/09 (100 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty to do

Disadvantages: Weather can be a problem!!

I like to try to do different things with little Miss during the hols because it's such a long time and children run the risk of becoming very bored. So, with information about this activity centre, I booked to go in a wigwam for myself, a friend of mine and 2 children. We did try to get more than one night but when we booked in June there was only one night left, which is some proof of its popularity

WHERE IS IT?

Pot a doodle do is situated on the Northumberland coast just 3 miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed. For us this meant travelling a very picturesque route with an inevitable stop at Holy island, so we knew the girls would have a pit stop and a run around on the way.

ACCOMMODATION...

We opted for the wigwam which when we arrived we saw that it was a wooden structure in a wigwam shape. The wigwams are nicely spaced with a small road between them and plenty of space to park a car. The front of the wigwam has a small terrace which given the fact that it didn't stop raining when we were there, would have benefitted from a canopy. In front of each wigwam is a table with benches attached and fires can be bought for £7- we got one and it was tricky getting it lit but light it we did, for more of an authentic feel.

Each of the 12 wigwams can sleep up to 5 on mattresses, but firstly you have to put the wooden board between the two side seats and then put the mattresses (plastic) on top. They are all double glazed with electricity, heating, a small fridge, payable for by puttin £1 coins into the meter. When we were there we found that we didn't actually have to pay for the electricity because it seems people over load the meter with coins.


In a field close to the wigwams are the Canvas Yurts and tipis, and although they did look nice and very authentic, given the weather and the grumbles of the people in them, I wouldn't like to have a tipi.

OTHER FACILITIES...

The shower area consists of several showers in large wooden rooms, all heated. Inside the shower room is a bench, toilet and sink, so it's quite luxurious compared to some camp sites

There is an on site shop selling the usual array of souvenirs as well as some food, drinks (including wine!) pates and jams. We overloaded on the pate and oat cakes because we can't resist.

The restaurant is near the art and craft centre and serves meals and snacks but only until 5pm, so I think it's mainly aimed for breakfasts. There is also a rather nice seating area outside where you can opt to eat.
There is also a large communal kitchen with a tv and comfy sofas as well as two ovens, numerous plates pots and pans, so all you could need to get on with preparing your meal. Two big long tables and plenty of chairs complete the picture, so if you eat in here it's a taste of life on a commune.


ACTIVITIES...

There is plenty to do for adults and children as long as you don't get too perturbed by the weather (it hardly stopped raining when we were there!)

* Play area. This is a walled and grassed area with wooden equipment. Children are free to run around and it is safe, being cut off from the road by a high stone wall. The play area was enough to amuse an 8 and 10 year old, so although there wasn't alot of equipment, it was sufficient, and if the children are older, carers can grab a coffee in the restaurant right next to the area.
* Quad biking is available on site at a cost of £12 per person (age 8 and upwards) for half an hour. Although prior booking is advised, we booked in the morning and got a bike for each of the girls. Children are taken on a track although I'm not sure about the health and safety aspects because Little Miss fell down a ditch and the man in charge was so far ahead the girls had to shout for him although this was a private lesson. Next time, I would ensure that I went as well.
* There is a two acre fishing lake and although we didn't book to do some fishing, it did look very pretty and we saw tackle for hire in the shop should we have wanted a go.
* Essential for British weather is an indoor area, and this is provided in a large wooden room where children and adults can have a go at glass and ceramic paintinG


OPENING TIMES

Easter- Oct.: Open 7 days a week 10a.m- 5pm
Nov.- April: Open Wed. To Sunday 10am- 4pm.
Closed in January

PRICES:

IN High season (summer ) the wigwams cost £18.50 per adult and £10 each child, so it's not going to break the bank.

Tipis are £50 a night but do sleep 4. After that prices vary for extra nights and people.


CONTACT DETAILS...

Pot-A-Doodle Do, Borewell, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, UK, TD152RJ
Tel: +44 (0)1289 307107
Email: info@potadoodledo.com

WEBSITE; www.potadoodledo.com

VERDICT...

Fun time had by all, and we will definitely be going again- even the weather or the fall into the ditch didn't dampen our spirits! It's a fun concept and Little Miss and pal had a fantastic time living the camping experience without the horrors of wet clothes and tents being washed out. They enjoyed having a fire just in front of the wigwam and sitting playing cards in the definite cosiness of the wigwam.

Everything is well looked after and tended and there is plenty for everyone to do, as long as you like the great outdoors!

The one thing I would say is that the shop and restaurant could be open a bit longer because when you find you have forgotten something, or can't be bothered to cook, it's quite a treck to the town.

However, that said, we enjoyed everything and i would recommend this place.

Thanks for reading.

Daniela x

Summary: Life in a wigwam