The ULTIMATE Entertainment Destination (Xscape Castleford, Leeds)

Member Name: wilkybobs81

Product:	Xscape Castleford, Leeds
Date:	27/06/09 (285 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something to suit everyone, all weathers, great food & drink

Disadvantages: Can be expensive depending what you do and when you go

SO WHAT IS THIS PLACE THEY CALL XSCAPE?
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Xscape, Castleford describes itself as "the ultimate entertainment destination" a statement that I wholeheartedly agree with. It is the only place I can think of where one can eat, drink, watch a movie, bowl, ski/snowboard, shop, rock climb, skate, or exercise under one roof! Xscape really does capture the true meaning of the saying "something for all the family".

Xscape Castelford is located just off Junction 32 of the M62 and with over 1,400 FREE parking spaces finding somewhere to leave the car is never a problem. For those who don't drive it is accessible by both bus and train from nearby cities, including Leeds and Wakefield. It's impossible to miss, especially at night when a great laser beam type light emanates from its rooftop!

Xscape is my venue of choice whenever I'm arranging a social gathering with friends, particularly in winter when it's cold and wet outside and I don't want to be walking from restaurant to pub to cinema to pub! There's a food venue to suit everyone including Nando's, Chiquito's, Ask, Pizza Express, Bella Italia & a Chinese buffet restaurant. There are also plenty of bars to choose from, including a Llyods and for those who want a non-alcoholic beverage Starbucks do a wicked coffee!

BUT WILL I BE ENTERTAINED?
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In terms of entertainment there is a HUGE Cineworld on the upper level. Just head up the escalator as you walk in the entrance. Also up there is Laserzone for those who like laser adventure and a games arcade complete with dodgems! If you bear right as you enter Xscape you'll find the bowling alley, which has a generous 20 computerised lanes, pool tables and offers a DJ & Dance Floor for Friday and Saturday nights! Be warned though, after 6pm Mon-Fri and on weekends the bowling section is always busy and there's a wait for lanes.

I WANT SOMETHING MORE HEART STOPPING!
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For those who prefer slightly more adventurous activity then I suggest the Sno! Zone - complete with a 170m long snow slope offering skiing, snow boarding and even tobogganing at certain times. There is also a learning slope so novices can practice their skills before been allowed to progress to the main slope. Lessons are available as is hire of equipment and clothing. Prices vary according to activity and time on the slope but you get a bet deal if you go before 5pm Mon-Fri.

For those feeling less adventurous I highly recommend the Sno! Bar which offers panoramic views of the snow slope. I like nothing better than sitting back; sipping a cocktail (or 6) and watching the more energetic people ride up and down the slopes. Add a bowl of fries to the equation and it's a very pleasant way to pass the time!

Ice skating is also available and can be found near the entrance to Sno! Zone. It costs £6 for adults and £4 for children for a 30 minute session. For those who prefer to skate on dry ground Xscape also houses a skate park and again equipment is available to hire.

One thing you won't miss when you enter Xscape is the rock climbing walls that towers above you as you walk through the doors. Above the climbing walls and 15m high up is the Sky Ride aerial assault course. I haven't dared venture on either of these as I tend to get an adrenaline rush just by looking up and watching everyone else up there. Both the wall and assault course cost around £8 per person.

Shops are available within Xscape however these tend to be focused on action adventure/surf style outlets and sell clothing and equipment that suit the activities Xscape offers. Cash machines are also available, one near the entrance as you enter and another near to Sno! Zone.

OVERALL
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Overall Xscape is a great place for a fun filled day and night out. I'm lucky enough to live close by but even for those who don't it's worth a visit with something to suit everyone's tastes. And there's a hotel over the road for those wanting to make it a real break of it as well as a discount designer outlet next door!

The address for this complex is: Xscape Castleford, Colorado way, Glasshoughton, Castleford, WF10 4TA.

For more information and to see pictures of all the action the website is excellent quality: http://www.xscape.co.uk/snow/castleford

Summary: A great place for the family or to meet friends