Keeping two energetic boys aged 7 and 9 entertained on holiday can be tricky. The boys want non-stop action, but my husband and I are also keen to visit somewhere we can relax and retreat from the everyday (as it’s our holiday too, right?).
Bridging this gap in a unique way is GreenWood Tipi Glamping and award-winning Adventure Park. This is a unique family getaway, located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, combines thrilling activities and luxurious glamping accommodation for an unforgettable experience.
Tipi Glamping:
Our first look at our glamping tipi made an impressive sight; the gorgeous vistas of Snowdonia providing a stunning backdrop to the small cluster of tipis on-site, and the glamping area was spotlessly clean and well maintained. Walking up to our tipi, the entire family were excited; there is something about a tipi that turns any trip into a real adventure and brings out the childlike delight in anyone.
Inside our tipi it was cosy, well-equipped, and perfectly suited for a family. The boys loved the novelty of sleeping in a tipi, and the comfortable beds ensured we all got a good night’s sleep. Bedding is provided, but note that you’ll need to bring your own towels.
Inside it had an electrical point for two plugs – something often not provided in glamping pods – so it was appreciated and handy for charging our devices. There was a small table, two chairs and scattered cushions and bean bags, so lots of room for curling up with a book or playing board games.
The log burner inside the tipi added a cosy and stylish touch, perfect for warming up chilly evenings. A few metres from the tipi is a block with clean flushing toilets and hot showers, plus a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, and your own safe box, plus electrical charging points. Despite intermittent rain during our stay (that’s July in Wales for you), our excitement was certainly not dampened, and the tipi kept us warm and dry.
Greenwood Adventure Park:
Staying in a tipi also meant we had unlimited access to the Adventure Park throughout our stay, which was a massive bonus. You can hop in and out of the adventure park back and forth to your tipi as you please; really useful to change clothes if the weather is changeable or just take a short break and recharge for more fun.
The Adventure Park was a highlight of our trip. Catering to primary aged children primarily, it had a great mix of activities. It was bustling but at no point was it ever too busy, so there were no long queues or the chance to get bored.
My boys absolutely loved the variety of activities available. The treetop adventure offered just the right amount of challenge and excitement. The zip lines had them grinning from ear to ear and the huge water slides that make up the Solar Splash ride was a massive hit with us all. We all tried archery (the instructor was fantastic), and the regular magic and comedy shows were lots of fun.
The Green Dragon people-powered rollercoaster was another standout attraction. My boys were fascinated by how it worked, and the ride itself was thrilling without being too scary. They loved the unique experience of helping to power the coaster and the rush of excitement as it zoomed down the tracks. The nature trails were a great way to explore and burn off some energy, and the live shows and entertainment were engaging and educational.
A focus on sustainability:
The park’s emphasis on eco-friendly practices is evident throughout. The Green Dragon rollercoaster is a prime example of this, being the world’s first people-powered coaster. The use of solar energy for attractions like the Solar Splash showcases their dedication to renewable energy. The park also promotes recycling and has various educational displays to teach kids about environmental responsibility, which I found a great talking point to reinforce for my boys.
Safety and Staff:
As a parent, safety is always a top priority, and I was very impressed with the measures in place at Greenwood. The staff were attentive, friendly, and clearly well-trained. They made sure all the equipment was safe to use and were always on hand to help if needed. It was reassuring to see how seriously they took safety without compromising on fun.
Food and Facilities:
The park’s food options were varied and priced as you’d expect. It’s not particularly cheap but not overly expensive either. If you’re glamping on-site you can access the on-site cafe an hour before the park opens for breakfast, which is a thoughtful bonus. There were plenty of picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus when travelling with kids.
Overall Experience:
Greenwood Family Park Glamping and Adventure Park provided the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. We all had an absolute blast, and I loved seeing them so happy and engaged.
The combination of outdoor activities, comfortable accommodation and friendly staff made for a stress-free and memorable trip. The Solar Splash and Green Dragon people-powered rollercoaster were definite highlights that we will be talking about for a long time. Greenwood’s commitment to sustainability added an extra layer of appreciation for our visit. I highly recommend it to other families looking for an exciting and unique getaway.
Prices start from £95 per night. For more details and to book your stay visit https://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
