Mini Golf

There's a nine-hole mini golf course somewhere in the Powys area near Oswestry, though pinning down exactly where it is proves trickier than sinking a putt. It's the sort of thing that works brilliantly on a drizzly afternoon when you're stuck in Mid Wales and the kids are climbing the walls of the caravan.

Mini golf won't set your heart racing, but that's rather the point. A decent course keeps families occupied for an hour or so without requiring much skill or stamina. Whether you're any good at it barely matters. What matters is the friendly competition, the slightly wonky greens that send your ball in unexpected directions, and the brief sense of achievement when you hole something tricky.

You'll want to ring ahead before making the journey from nearby Oswestry - opening hours and admission fees aren't confirmed, so a quick phone call saves a wasted trip. During school holidays it's bound to be busier, so weekday mornings might suit you better if you prefer a quieter go at it.

For a holiday park stay like Tanat Holiday Park, which sits just 5.8 miles away, mini golf serves as a decent backup plan rather than a headline attraction. Pair it with a walk along the local bridleways or a visit to somewhere with more meat on its bones, and it fills an afternoon nicely. On its own, though, it's a bit thin gruel.