party fun from goBananas ...

Activities and Parties

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Sci-fi golf at Urban Golf

If you've ever wanted to play on some of the world's top golf courses, now's your chance.

With sci-fi golf, you have the chance to tee off on prestigious courses such as St Andrews Old Course, Pebble Beach Links and The Royal Melbourne Club, all realistically simulated in your own private booth.

You simply choose your course, then laser sensors measure the speed, angle and spin rate of the ball as you hit it, projecting your shot flying through the air on the giant screen in front of you as it would on a real course.

Competitions across all six simulator booths can be organised, complete with interactive leader boards so you can really test your skills against your mates. Longest drive and nearest the pin contests can also be arranged.

Urban Golf Soho opened in 2004 and has quickly become the favourite of urbanites longing for a flash of the green. Such is the venue's popularity that a sister club opened in Smithfield this summer.

No need to dig out those argyle sweaters either as you won't find any bizarre and outdated dress codes here, or handicap restrictions. The venue also has a bar, complete with three plasma screens covering the latest sporting action for that essential post-game analysis.

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Hovercraft driving with glide3

A truly original experience for hen and stag groups or corporate parties, a hovercraft introductory lesson is guaranteed to have you walking (or driving) on air.

This is completely different to driving a go-kart or boat for one thing there's no wheels, no brakes and you're floating nine inches above the ground.

This course will soon have you zipping across land and water on your own private lake, with the added advantage that everyone is likely to be a beginner so you're all at equal risk of mockery from the rest of the group.

As well as the basics, you'll be taught how to perform complex manoeuvres such as sliding turns, sliding down a hill into water and even 360 degree turns over water, for that extra adrenaline high.

A group hovercraft experience for groups of four to eight includes one-on-one tuition, hire of all the kit, souvenir certificates plus a cold buffet containing sandwiches, fruit and cake as if the buzz of driving isn't enough for you.

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Monday, October 30, 2006

Spa day Downe Health Spa

Forget about all that wedding planning and chill out with your mates with a spa day at Downe Health Spa.

Located in idyllic Devon countryside, the venue features a luxurious octagonal spa, with whirlpool jets, a sauna and a steam room, plus a gym, some beautiful gardens and a range of beauty treatments to leave you feeling totally gorgeous.

If there's less than ten of you in your hen party, a Pamper Day makes a classy choice and includes access to the gym equipment and spa facilities, plus a delicious two-course lunch. Beauty therapies, including seaweed body treatments and a lush sea spa manicure, can be added on as extras.

And if there's more than ten of you, it gets even better as you can have the whole spa to yourself. Access to the gym equipment and spa facilities is again included in the price, but you get a longer lunch with two naughty but nice home-made desserts and an extra special main course. Again, beauty therapies can be added on to leave you glowing all over.

For those who just can't get enough relaxation, a hen party weekend can be organised, with accommodation in luxury cottages. A spa day with mates makes a great birthday treat as well.

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Thursday, October 26, 2006

Have a riot in Reading

Although a lot smaller and quieter than its close neighbour, London, Reading remains a popular destination for stag and hen parties and comes with all the basics for a weekend of mayhem.

The city boasts a wide range of drinking holes for its size, from cosmopolitan bars to traditional pubs, as well as some pretty decent clubs to keep you dancing into the small hours.

Although a lot of Reading clubs rely on cheese as their principal musical diet, there are other options out there, including several funk and indie nights to cater for the large student population.

If you're after some action-packed adventures during your break, there are opportunities nearby for activities including paintball, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, archery, go-karting and golf.

Reading is also a top destination for those after a little retail therapy and has been named one of the top ten shopping destinations in the UK. There are some great bargains to be found at the Oracle Shopping and Leisure Complex, while some of the nation's top department stores have outlets here.

The Oracle is also packed with some great bars, cafes and restaurants, many of which have pavement cafe sections along the waterfront for al fresco dining.

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Clay pigeon shooting introduction

Your corporate away day is sure to go with a bang with an introduction to the traditional countryside pursuit of clay pigeon shooting in Hampshire.

A steady hand and a good aim are required as you test your gun skills on the clay disks, which incidentally don't look anything like pigeons, but are fired so that their flight pattern resembles that of a game bird.

An instructor will be on hand to show you the basics of the sport, after which you will have a chance to be let loose on some practice clays.

Next comes a 25 clay competition, followed by prizes for the best shot and much mockery for the worst.

This centre can offer full day or half day packages according to your needs and the size of the group and most packages include a hearty breakfast and/or lunch to prepare you for the shooting..

Fly fishing introductory days can also be arranged by the centre, to be combined with clay pigeon shooting or booked on its own.

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Canyoning with Free Spirits

One of the most thrilling and varied of adventure sports, canyoning is something you really have to try in order to understand.

A mix of abseiling, jumping, swimming and climbing that caters to the tastes of almost every adrenaline-seeker, you'll really feel close to nature maybe even too close - as you descend the canyon with your experienced guide.

Descending the river, stream or burn can feel rather like you're descending into the bowels of the earth, complete with plunge pools, waterfalls and natural rock flumes, and you have to be able to swim, as you're sure to get a soaking.

This is a great one for adventurous stags and hens, as Free Spirits can accommodate groups and even organise a weekend programme of the activities that you choose.

The rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside is ideally suited to this kind of thing, as well as other activities that can be organised by the company, including white water rafting, abseiling and cliff jumping.

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The Stand

If you thought stand-up comedy only flourished in Edinburgh during the fringe festival, you'd be wrong.

The Stand in Edinburgh, and its sister venue in Glasgow, are Scotland's only full-time comedy venues and you're guaranteed a hilarious time if you choose a night out here.

This makes a great night out for birthday parties, office parties or stag and hen nights, although if you're the shy and retiring type make sure you don't sit at the front and definitely don't tell them you're the stag/hen/birthday girl or boy!

One of the leading comedy clubs in the UK, this is no amateur affair and regularly attracts some of Britain's top stand-up comedians, some of whom you might recognise from TV, to perform on its packed programmes.

The club was started by enthusiasts and this is reflected in the original and cutting edge nature of the comedy here. In the ten years it has been open, big names such as Dylan Moran, Harry Hill and Stewart Lee have all graced the stage.

Open seven nights a week, the venue also has a great restaurant open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, serving fresh home-cooked food.

If you're a particularly large group of 30 or more people, a special cabaret show can even be arranged just for you.

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Cooking at Cookery Courses in Nottingham

If the way to a man's, or indeed woman's, heart is through their stomach, than what better way to prepare for married life than with a cookery lesson day?

But this is no 1950s-style home economics lesson, more like a chance to have a laugh with your mates and learn to cook up something tasty and different in the kitchen.

Two delicious and exotic courses are on offer here - Cooking with Chillies and African Outdoor Cooking, giving you a chance to learn how to prepare something other than the usual pasta bakes and stir fries.

Both courses feature a satisfying combination of demonstrations, hands-on cooking and plenty of eating, with some delicious elevenses and lunch included in the price for you to get stuck into.

Vegetarians needn't panic, as participants are split into groups on the day and vegetarian dishes can be included on the menu if necessary. And for those who aren't too keen on really spicy things, the Cooking with Chillies course features a range of milder dishes too.

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Pole and lap dancing lessons with Mypole

Learn the ancient art of seduction and have a giggle at the same time with a pole party.

Perfect as a hen or birthday celebration, or just a warm-up before a night on the tiles, these two hour sessions will introduce you to the basics of pole and lap dancing.

This course will teach you a whole range of sexy moves and sassy tricks, from the etiquette of seduction to the importance of posture and body language that is if you're not laughing too hard!

The session finishes with each participant performing their own routine on the poles and receiving a certificate of commendation.

And after that, why not head into town and try out some of your hot moves on the dance floor?

This girlie session also comes loaded with a range of freebies, including a bottle of bubbly, a box of luxury chocolates and a complimentary sash for the hen or birthday girl.

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Mountain biking and more at Pro Adventure

If you've ever wanted to learn to mountain bike properly up actual mountains as opposed to dodging traffic at rush hour then this is for you.

There's some beautiful Welsh scenery to enjoy, a range of trails available and the price includes bike hire plus a qualified instructor to stop you getting lost.

The centre runs half-day courses promising some off-the-road fun and great views, or full-day courses with a refreshing trip to the pub at lunchtime. Or for ardent cyclists who don't know the meaning of saddle sores, a two-day course can be arranged, which includes bed and breakfast accommodation.

If you're interested in combining mountain biking with some other thrilling activities, the centre can also arrange white water rafting, clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing, a Ray Mears-style bush craft experience, gorge walking and kayaking.

For stag and hen parties after an adventurous time, the centre offers a choice of action-packed stag and hen weekend packages, or if you prefer you can even choose your activities and design your own.

Or for brave corporate groups wanting to be pushed to the limit, adventure-based team building sessions can also be arranged.

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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Zanzibar Nightclub

Known as one of Leicester's biggest and best parties, this 2,500 capacity nightclub is said to host more hen events than any other venue.

And on a night out here you'll soon see why with two rooms playing everything from dance classics to a sexy blend of RnB it's time for sassy hens to grab their dancing shoes and fly the coop.

Party girls can choose between the jumping Main Room or the second room, Cobarna, with top personality DJs, live acts, cheap drink offers and six bars promised to get the fun started.

Girls wanting to live it up at Zanzibar can even take advantage of a special hens package, featuring free club entry before or discounted entry after 11.30pm any Friday or Saturday, VIP lounge passes for the entire group and a special party pack for the hen.

Or, if you want your own space, the exclusive Polo Lounge is available to book for private functions.

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Woodland high ropes at Extreeme Adventures

If you go down to the woods today you're sure of an adrenaline rush at this treetops high rope course.

Located in Norfolk woodland and built in some of the tallest trees in eastern England, this is a new kind of aerial adventure to conquer, with a mixture of swinging, climbing and jumping activities to enjoy.

The course features a low level at 20ft, with elements including the Postmans Walk tightrope and the thrilling zip wire, while the more adventurous 40 ft ropes feature elements including the Burma Bridge a V-shaped rope bridge through an oak tree.

In addition, buzz-seekers can try the exhilarating 3G swing winched up to 45ft and released, giving up to three riders at a time the chance to experience the G-force effect.

The centre also has a spine-tingling 1,000ft zip wire ride which can be followed with am 85ft fan descender jump for good measure, similar to the ones used by the armed forces for parachute training, but even higher.

The zip wire here is thought to be Britain's longest, while the fan descender is Britain's highest.

One for stag and hen groups who really want to let it all hang out, or corporate groups who want to test themselves to the limit, a discount is offered to groups of 12 or more during weekdays.

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Coasteering with TYF

A heady blend of jumping from cliffs, swimming in the sea and scrambling across rocks, coasteering is the ultimate in high energy, adventurous fun.

After being given a safety briefing and issued with full 'steamer' wetsuits, buoyancy aids and crash helmets, you'll set off on your route with your guide.

This is one activity that is guaranteed to be unpredictable, incorporating a wide variety of terrains from deep water pools, to low tide caves and cliff jumping spots.

As well as testing your body to the limits and challenging yourself to complete tasks you never thought you could do, you'll get to explore and discover parts of the coast that usually remain hidden and find out about some of the local marine wildlife.

A range of routes are available to suit different fitness and experience levels, so you'll never feel too far out of your depth, including the basic blue line offering cliff jumping in 'calmish' conditions, and the white line, offering white water and waves up to one or two metres at sea.

If you're interested in combining the experience with other adventures, the centre also offers activities including surfing, kayaking and climbing. The centre features accommodation facilities and weekend packages are on offer for those who want more than a daytrip.

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Five-a-side at Goals Birmingham

Sporty stags and hens might want to celebrate their last days of freedom with a bit of the beautiful game.

Whether you're a hardcore supporter or an armchair fan you're guaranteed to have a laugh at the football fantasy that is the newly-opened Goals five-a-side centre in Birmingham's Star City

The centre uses floodlit rubber-crumb synthetic grass pitches, which are the same as those used by top European clubs and these are available to hire between 9.00 and 23:00 seven days a week.

Smack bang in the middle of Europe's largest urban entertainment complex, there's plenty of places to move on to afterwards, including a 34-screen Vue cinema, the biggest casino in Europe, an indoor ski slope and a whole bevy of bars and restaurants.

This is a long way from playing with jumpers for goalposts, as the venue features hot showers, changing and locker rooms and a sports bar complete with Sky Megascreen so you can enjoy a drink afterwards.

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Mayhem in Manchester

Home of Manchester United, Coronation Street and the Madchester scene, Manchester's sure to have all the right ingredients for a top stag or hen event.

Manchester has cheered up and modernised itself somewhat since its gloomy industrial days of yore and now, thanks in part to its huge student population, is one of the most forward-looking and fun-loving cities in the UK.

For a city that has given birth to such musical institutions as Oasis, The Smiths, New Order, the Hacienda and, er, Simply Red, it is hardly surprising that Manchester continues to have a thriving musical scene, with a range of concert listings and club nights that few other cities can beat.

The vibrant Northern Quarter regularly draws visitors with its mix of stylish bars and cafes, while the shopping is unsurpassed, whether you're after high street names, bohemian boutiques or designer shopping.

Culture vultures will appreciate the city's range of art galleries, museums and avant garde theatre and cinema venues, while for a night on the town, many will enjoy an evening at a casino or a trip to the friendly gay village.

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Monday, October 23, 2006

Saloon driving at Castle Combe Circuit

If you want to experience the buzz of learning to handle a saloon car on a race circuit, then this one's for you.

And it's not just saloon cars, this centre offers the chance to drive Formula Ford single seater racing cars, rally cars, go-karts and 4x4 vehicles among other driving activities, perfect for an adrenaline-inducing corporate event.

Offering a great antidote to mornings stuck in a traffic jam, this activity really gives you the chance to cut loose and feel the thrill of the road.

Depending on your requirements, you can book the entire circuit plus catering, or smaller groups can share the track with other guests but have their own area and catering.

The venue also has a high-tech Media Centre, which is perfect for meetings and briefings in the mornings before hitting the road in the afternoon.

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Falconry Experiences

As you're bound to find out when you try falconry, there's nothing like seeing a bird of prey in flight.

The breathtaking Peregrine Falcon is the fastest creature on earth in its hunting dive, reaching speeds of 200 mph as well as incredible heights.

An introduction to the traditional country pursuit of falconry is ideal for smaller corporate groups and a great way to break the ice for those looking for something a little different.

The centre offers a choice of introductory days to the sport which are aimed at corporate groups, depending on the time of year.

In summer, the centre offers an Introduction to Falconry day, in which team members will get the chance to learn how to unhood and fly falcons and hawks, as well as learning a bit about the different species.

In the winter, visitors can choose between a Game Hawking Experience, which gives guests the chance to witness the falcon's dramatic swoop for prey, or the Peregrine Experience, in which visitors can learn to handle and fly hawks and falcons and watch falcons fly to heights of up to 1,000 feet.

Tailored days can be arranged to meet different needs and other activities, including fly fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, as well as lunch, can be arranged.

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Armourgeddon at Chaos Paintball

Big kids can take their paintball game to another level and live out their childhood fantasies with a combination of paintball and military driving activities.

Try driving an amphibious 4-track snowcat around the centre's grounds, formerly a World War Two bombing range, before trying out an FV432 Tank, complete with 40mm paintball cannon.

For competitive groups, you can really test your teamwork with a range of mission-style games including Landing Craft Assault, which recreates D-Day type landings but with paintball weapons and Jungle Patrol, requiring teams to patrol through woodland, avoiding booby traps.

This is a great activity for corporate groups, who will need all their stealth and cunning to defeat the other team - remember it's a war zone out there.

It might be only paint but you're guaranteed a tense and exciting atmosphere in these surprisingly realistic games. Discounts are also available for larger groups.

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River bugging at Nae Limits

Described as rather like white water rafting while sitting in an armchair, river bugging is still very much a pioneering sport in the UK, with only a handful of centres offering it.

Like so many extreme sports, it was invented by fearless New Zealanders and brought to the UK by Extreme Dreams in partnership with Nae Limits for wimpy Brits to have a go.

River bugs are a single person, inflatable craft, made up of inflatable chambers placed behind and beside the user (apparently known as buggers). They also feature extra thick padding to help you bounce off the rocks.

They are said to be pretty easy to manoeuvre with a paddle and once you're used to it, it's rather like a dodgem ride, albeit surrounded by foaming, pounding water rapids.

So if you want to try being a bugger, half day sessions are available from April through to October, with tailor-made packages available for corporate groups, stag and hen groups, or any other groups that fancy giving it a go.

Other activities offered by the centre include sphereing, duckies, white water rafting, canyoning, quad biking, paintballing and clay pigeon shooting.

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Friday, October 20, 2006

Powerturn buggies at the Whacky Sports Company

Another variation on the thrilling off-road buggy driving theme, Powerturn buggies have the added fun of coming without a steering wheel.

Steering the buggies is achieved using two levers, which control two engines one controls the left engine and one controls the right, so after a bit of practice you'd think they were pretty straightforward.

However, unlike the other buggy driving sports available out there, these beasts are designed so that the front wheels come up into a wheelie every time you accelerate, giving you an extra test to your driving skills when you're thundering around the course.

Competitors race against each other to complete the twists and turns of the course in the fastest possible time and have plenty of exciting and very silly fun in the process.

This one is ideal for a group visit, whether it's a stag or hen party or a corporate event and can be combined with some of the many other activities offered by the centre, including quad biking, Honda pilots driving, team building activities, blindfolded driving, falconry and clay pigeon shooting.

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National Whitewater Centre

Hen and stag parties are all about celebrating that last bit of freedom before plunging into the uncharted depths of marriage and there's not many activities that will make you feel freer than this.

This is one of the most exhilarating trips that money can buy and a great bonding experience as you need a lot of teamwork to navigate these turbulent waters in an inflatable raft. A good sense of humour can help too, as these rapids are cold.

Each raft of between four and seven participants should get around four runs down the steep and rocky 2km course in a two hour session, with each trip offering new challenges as you get more used to the paddling.

And if you've never done it before, not to worry as one of the centre's qualified guides will be on hand to kit you out in wetsuits, give you a full safety briefing and will also accompany you in the raft to help you steer.

If you're after something more independent, the centre also offers a chance to try the white water experience in an orca a two-man inflatable raft with a guide travelling alongside in a kayak.

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Spa day at Waterfall Spa

Organising a wedding can be stressful, there's no doubt about it, especially when you're the bride and under pressure to be the belle of the ball.

So the benefits of having a spa experience to celebrate your last little bit of freedom are obvious not only do you get a chance to unwind and forget about all those preparations but you get to totally pamper yourself and your mates too.

This spa, located in Leeds, offers sophisticated hen packages for groups, featuring a two course gourmet lunch, glass of champagne or soft drink on arrival and a wonderful day of utterly luxurious treatments.

Treatments available at Waterfall include facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, body treatments and much more besides, to leave you feeling like a million dollars. You're sure to find a package to suit your budget and by the time you've finished, you're guaranteed to glow, inside and out.

Aside from the treatments, the venue has some great facilities including a wonderfully relaxing bubbly hydrotherapy spa, a pink aromatherapy steam room and a tropicarium, which, like a sauna, helps cleanse the body of toxins and waste, but without the searing heat.

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Rage buggies at Dirt Drifters

What on earth is a Rage Buggy? I hear you ask. It's pretty simple these dune buggy-style off-road carts are one of the UK's fastest-growing racing crazes and offer one of the most exhilarating driving experiences around.

It may look a little funny but the Rage Buggy's cumbersome appearance belies its 600cc Honda V-twin engine, with a maximum speed of 50 mph and a set of chunky tyres to absorb whatever shocks you throw at it when you're careering round the bends of this place.

The 900m track features a blend of hairpin bends, chicanes, straights and long sweeping corners to test you to your limits and guests are actively encouraged to slide round the track using opposite lock and drifting techniques.

Be warned, this is not a clean sport - in the wet weather you'll be scrambling around in the mud and even on dry days, the crew have a tendency to get the hose out and give the course a soaking for some extra sliding.

As well as Rage Buggy driving, the centre offers a range of other activities including quad agility biking and trekking, a 4x4 driving experience, reverse steer and trailer reversing, apache rally buggies, archery and an 80ft high wire slide. Group visits and corporate visits can be arranged.

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Thursday, October 19, 2006

Cambridge chaos

It is said that in the 19th century Lord Byron described Cambridge as a "chaos of din and drunkenness".

It's fair to say that the city has calmed down a little since then, but while Cambridge isn't one of the UK's clubbing meccas, you're still sure to find friendly drinking establishments and sophisticated nightspots a-plenty when you visit.

Cambridge is popular with the tourists and it's not hard to see why, dominated by its famous university and picturesque medieval architecture.

If you can't resist some traditional sightseeing, you could consider booking a Competitive Sightseeing tour like a bizarre cross between a treasure hunt and a game show - as an unusual way to explore the city.

Romantically-inclined visitors will enjoy a traditional punt on the river Cam, while for the energetic, there are opportunities for go-karting, archery, paintballing and bowling nearby.

Enthusiastic shoppers will be kept busy by the range of designer shops and boutiques which compliment the city's high street brands and markets, and afterwards can enjoy relaxing in a studenty coffee-house or the university's lush botanic garden.

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Alton Towers

Adrenaline junkies looking for an exhilarating last few days of freedom or for an excuse to be a big kid should look no further than a day at a theme park.

Not just for children, Alton Towers boasts some utterly nerve-jangling thrills and spills which are capable of turning even the most steely-nerved to jelly.

A current favourite is the Rita Queen of Speed rollercoaster ride, which catapults visitors from zero to 100kph in only 2.5 seconds. With an average speed of 60kph throughout the ride's loops and twists, this ride boasts more lift than an aeroplane.

Other nail-biting experiences can be had on rides such as the famous Nemesis rollercoaster, in which riders' legs are left dangling down, or the Air rollercoaster, which suspends riders face down as if they are flying.

For those who aren't big speed fans, there are plenty of more sedate rides to enjoy, such as the water-soaked Flume ride.

Or, if you want to make a weekend of it, Alton Towers also features a luxurious spa for some well-deserved pampering, as well as a large waterpark where you can cool down after the excitement of the rides.

Themed hotel suites are available too at the Alton Towers Hotel or Splash Landings Hotel.

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Mercy nightclub

Since opening its doors in 2003, Mercy has earned itself a reputation as one of the biggest and best parties in East Anglia, even winning an award for the best nightclub in the South.

The venue that brought the concept of super clubbing to previously-sleepy Norwich, the club has three different rooms of music, playing top dance tunes, hip hop, RnB, pop, cheese and all-time classic tracks.

Throw into the mix famous resident DJs Jon Riley, Mobo award winner Trevor Nelson, Joshua Roberts and Glen White, plus sexy dancers on a 15-ft podium and even the occasional bucking bronco or surf simulator and you've got all the ingredients for a great night out.

Famous visitors to the nightclub have included Jordan, Abi Titmuss, Richard Blackwood and Love Island winner Callum Best and if you want to feel like a celebrity, venture into the club's VIP Lounge, playing the hottest RnB and hip hop tunes.

And if you don't want to queue, you don't have to, as Q-Jump tickets for entry before 11pm can be arranged in advance.

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River Thames cruises

How about partying on the river with the sights of London floating past you?

Whether you're looking to organise a corporate party or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, a boat cruise on the Thames is sure to make your event stand out from the crowd.

The luxury two-decked cruise vessels provide a lounge area, bar and dance floor and can accommodate groups from ten people, right up to 240 guests.

Whether you're thinking of having an elegant floating cocktail party or a plastic pineapple-strewn beach party-themed event, music and food can generally be organised to meet your requirements.

Depending on your needs, a wide selection of catering menus, from budget finger buffets to a full sit-down silver service dinner can be arranged, while live bands or a discotheque can also be added on as well.

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Mini Mavricks at Henley Hillbillies

If you're one of the millions of drivers that love minis, you'll love this action-packed event.

While the rolling Dorset countryside might not feel quite the same as Turin, you'll still feel like Michael Caine in the Italian Job when you're putting one of these Kendall designed custom off-road minis through its paces.

With a 1000cc engine, full race harness and roll cage, you'll be able to race round the bends and curves of this 200 acre estate and really see what one of these iconic vehicles is capable of.

And if that isn't enough excitement for you, what about roaring over the hills six inches above the ground as part of a hovercraft handling experience, or crashing through the mud bath, dustbowl or water splash on a quad, both of which are also offered at this venue.

The venue also offers clay pigeon shooting, archery and crossbow shooting, as well as featuring a clubhouse serving tea and coffee to help you recover from all that excitement.

Corporate packages and packages for stag and hen parties are available, but you do need to be over 18 and have experience of handling manual gears for the mini mavricks session.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Dover

We've all heard of Dover - land of the white cliffs and world war ditties, gateway to family holidays in France et cetera, but did you know that it also makes a top weekend break destination?

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary or that last crucial night of freedom, Dover is a great place for a sophisticated party, with its upmarket cafes and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, its country-style pubs and its many museums and historical sites.

For those looking for action, Dover boasts gorgeous sandy beaches and opportunities nearby for a range of activities, including hovercraft driving, gliding, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing.

Or if you're sporting interests are a little more sedate, visit one of the nearby golf courses or indulge in some thrilling spectator sport by watching the motor racing at Lydden Race Circuit. Shopping opportunities in the area are pretty good as well, with the De Bradelei Wharf designer outlet and numerous small craft shops joining the usual high-street names.

And of course, if you fancy a jaunt over to France, you couldn't be better placed, with both the ferry and the Euro Tunnel nearby.

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Polo experience at Ascot Park Polo Club

If you've ever wondered how the other half lives, a Learn to Play Polo Experience offers a rather upper-crust and unusual team day out in the heart of Ascot Park.

Tailored for beginners, the instructors give your team plenty of theory practice often involving standing on crates and practicing your swing before letting you loose on the polo ponies, often known as the sports cars of the equestrian world for their high performance.

After a few hours of practice your group will get the opportunity to play a chukka that's one of the periods that a polo game is split up into, for the uninitiated.

The experience is available as a full or a half-day activity, with the opportunity to watch a team of professionals play the game properly in the afternoon if you choose a full day course. Afternoon tea and a champagne prize giving ceremony can also be included on a full day experience.

Polo is of course a tactical team sport and provides the opportunity to test your group's team working skills during the lesson, as well as providing a spiffing day out.

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Yachting experience with JM Yachting

Enjoy a taste of the high life by holding your corporate event cruising on the Solent, on a yacht.

And if you don't know how to steer one, don't worry as the company provides personal skippers and hosts to keep you on course and pour your Pimms for you.

An unusual corporate break activity that is sure to get colleagues talking, a sailing jaunt on a yacht is guaranteed to improve communication skills, team work skills, and erm, relaxing on deck skills.

Alternatively, if it's action that you're after, why not try a corporate regatta with a bracing yacht race against your colleagues? And the losers are keelhauled, of course.

Among the other nautical options that can be organised is an exhilarating Rib boat treasure-hunt that's a Rigid Inflatable Boat to landlubbers in which teams must cross the water and compete against each other to solve clues.

A range of water-based activity days can be organised by the company to suit the individual needs of almost any group.

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Extreme Academy, Cornwall

Mountain boarding, surfing, kite surfing, kite buggying, traction kiting, all just next to the sandy beaches and rolling ocean of Cornwall.

For that ultimate adrenaline rush to make your party perfect, go back to school at the extreme academy to learn the basics of any of the above daredevil sports.

Half-day sessions are available for groups with a minimum of six people for most of the sports, or if you just can't make up your mind, the academy offers Extreme Days for groups of between four and eight people per instructor, giving you the chance to try all the activities you want.

Alternatively, if you're thinking about injecting some extreme adventure into a corporate event, the academy specialises in corporate packages aimed to inspire and energise delegates.

This is one teambuilding event you won't fall asleep in, with an exhilarating range of extreme sports to choose from, plus conference rooms with a sea view. What more could you want?

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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Caving and more at Outdoor Instruction

Outdoor Instruction offers a range of fun outdoorsy activities aimed at corporate groups or just groups of friends, including caving, potholing, bushcraft, abseiling and canoeing.

Like an episode of a reality TV show but without as many good looking or famous people, a team builder day gives you the chance to learn to survive in the challenging conditions of the Derbyshire jungle, building your own shelters and organising your team politics.

Or, if you fancy descending into the bowels of the earth, try a full-day introduction to caving or potholing for beginners, learning how to move efficiently underground and finding underground rivers and waterfalls as well as historical sites.

If you're scared of the dark, or just don't like caves, a canoeing or abseiling session with expert instructors should fit the bill, with a blind-folded abseiling option available for incorrigible daredevils

And if that isn't enough, the incredibly multi-talented instructors can also organise power kiting, gorge walking, river scrambling and high rope courses.

All the activities are based in the beautiful Peak District National Park in Derbyshire and activities can be combined to fill one or more days.

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Zorb South UK

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be strapped inside a giant plastic ball and rolled down a hill (and who hasn't) now's your chance to find out.

The basics of Zorbing, otherwise known as sphering, are easy to grasp.

In Harness Zorbing, the participant is strapped into a giant see-through inflatable PVC ball, which is around three metres in height and sent tumbling head-over-heels down a hill.

Hydro Zorbing, nicknamed "the wash cycle" is a similar concept, but this time involving no harness and two buckets of water thrown inside the Zorb with you a great way to ensure those stags and hens get cleaned up before the wedding.

Heroic Zorbonauts are even invited to join in the Hydro Zorb challenge and run all the way inside the Zorb from the top of the hill to the bottom, winning a free Zorb T-shirt on completion. Guaranteed to clear up even the worst hangover.

For those who just can't bear to leave their mates, try Zorbing with two or more in the Zorb at one time.

Located in scenic Dorset countryside near Dorchester, not too far from Bournemouth, the centre boasts an enormous 200m Zorb run, with sessions mainly available between April and September.

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Murder mystery event with Accident

Test your super-sleuthing skills with a murder mystery event as part of your corporate break and no-one will get hurt...although someone will get killed.

A murder mystery is an ideal event to hold over an evening meal for groups of as little as ten or as many as 400 people and with professional actors supplying the comedy and the gore, you'll feel like Poirot in no time.

Teams of participants must compete against each other to solve the clues and question the suspects, with each team putting together and presenting a case.

Certainly one of the more painless ways to get to know your colleagues on a corporate break, despite all the death, the event can also help work on skills such as communication and teamwork - it's elementary.

If you don't want to play over dinner, Accident - that's the name of the firm, not what will happen on your corporate event can even organise murder mysteries for mornings, afternoons, all-day events or weekend events, and will bring the event to you.

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Ice Climbing at Xscape, Leeds

For the ultimate chilly thrill, why not try scaling a 16 metre-high indoor ice climbing wall?

Built by hand using 100 tonnes of snow from the venue's real snow slope, you'll find bumps, crevices and icicles enough for that authentic mountain-scaling experience.

If you're not an experienced climber, not to worry as the centre has seven vertical faces, with gentle slopes to suit beginners.

A session of freezing fun on the ice wall can be combined with other activities offered at the centre, including skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing on the snow slope, rock climbing, or the scary aerial assault course, the Vertical Chill SkyRide.

And for after all that activity, you can chill out at one of the venue's restaurants or cinema, ride on the dodgems, or enjoy a few tipples at one of the venue's bars.

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Monday, October 16, 2006

Oxford Greyhound Stadium

As the stadium's website proclaims, greyhound racing is no longer about old men in cloth caps, having become one of the UK's trendiest spectator events.

Get your adrenaline going as you watch your favourite dog thunder around the racetrack, with helpful staff on hand to help you make your mind up if you're not a seasoned gambler.

A surprisingly sophisticated night out which aspires to the atmosphere of horse racing, a night at the dogs is a great way to celebrate your final night of freedom.

The stadium features a luxurious glass-fronted restaurant with an at-table betting service and for the supremely lazy, the staff will even bring your winnings straight to your table.

Private executive suites are available to hire as well, or go down and soak up the electric atmosphere at the trackside.

The stadium even offers special party packages featuring admission, racecard, two drinks vouchers, three bets, a fast-food voucher and a restaurant voucher for each guest.

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Peterborough Paintball

Get rid of all that office tension by shooting your colleagues with paintballs that is.

A great activity for a corporate event, paintball's many virtues include encouraging teamwork, breaking the ice, improving co-ordination and plenty of bloodthirsty stalking and shooting.

A range of paintball games are offered at the wooded site in Peterborough, including the pleasantly-named Termination, which basically involves shooting out the opposition, Capture the Flag, which involves, well...capturing a flag and The Hunted in which players hunt down and shoot at one team member wearing a high visibility jacket (preferably the boss).

You don't have to have had previous experience to play and the company provides all the necessary gear, including guns and eye protectors, although loose fitting clothes and lightweight boots are recommended, as it can get pretty muddy down there.

If your team proves to be really good, companies can even choose to join the Paintball League and flatten their opponents every month.

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Quad biking in Cornwall

If you haven't tried Quad biking yet you're in for a treat as these purring All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs to the initiated) are some of the most fun you can have on four wheels.

Easy to control, even for non-drivers, the hardy buggies can take you where you've never been before, whether it's scrambling up muddy banks or roaring round race circuits.

The ATV Centre has three circuits suitable for different levels of experience, with a learner's track to get you started, a half-mile long novice track to help you get up to speed as well as an exhilarating mile-long intermediate 2 track, featuring jumps, humps and devilish hairpin bends.

Groups are catered for, making this ideal for thrill-seeking corporate groups looking to improve teamwork, co-ordination and confidence, or for parties and celebrations.

For large groups of more than 25 riders, the ATV Centre can organise special endurance events where teams can compete against each other to complete the most laps, with a bottle of bubbly and a medal provided for the winning team.

Or, if you are travelling with a smaller group, drivers can be sent out together on the course for half an hour, with half an hour's training provided beforehand for beginners.

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Canterbury

You'll certainly have some Canterbury tales to tell if you opt to have your hen or stag night in this historic city.

Though sleepy Canterbury might be a little quiet on the clubbing front, there's a good selection of drinking holes to be getting on with, from the traditional olde worlde-style pubs favoured by the tourists to the new crop of stylish bars which have sprung up in recent years.

If you do want a dance on your big night out, the city has plenty of smaller friendly venues, which although not exactly cutting edge, are a great place to let your hair down.

Meanwhile, there's plenty of things to keep you occupied in the area during the daytime. The nearby coastal resort of Herne Bay offers seaside fun including seal-watching trips, Rib boat rides and chartered fishing trips, while adrenaline junkies can visit the kite boarding school at Whitstable.

Canterbury is a big tourist destination and it's pretty easy to see why, with its Norman cathedral, picturesque streets and museums always drawing the crowds.

A good way to explore the city is with a chauffeured punt down the river (though try not to fall in), complete with wine or picnic if you so desire, an old-fashioned carriage ride or a spooky guided ghost walk.

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Friday, October 13, 2006

Off Limits It's a Knockout event

If you've ever fancied dressing up as a giant budgie or leaping over an inflatable foam-covered obstacle course, the It's a Knockout event from Off Limits is for you.

Based on the seminal and much-imitated 1970s gameshow, this wacky event is available at venues across the country and features some of the games from the original BBC television series.

An ideal corporate event, there's certainly nothing to break the ice or boost morale like dressing up as a headless ghost and attempting to knock over your colleague who is dressed as a damsel in distress.

The company can even arrange for original TV host Stuart Hall to come and compere the event.

And if you're too young to remember the show not to worry, as the bizarre team games are fairly self-explanatory. Special stag and hen sessions can be arranged, with the girls taking on the boys for some crazy fun.

Featuring a cast of damsels, penguins, budgies, giants, enormous schoolboy costumes and slippery slides among its many attractions, this event is great for suitable for anyone with a sense of fun, regardless of physical fitness or age.

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GSD surfing lessons

Okay, so it might not be California or Hawaii, but if you've ever fancied yourself as a surfer dude or babe, a day's surfing introduction in Swansea is a great way to test the water and celebrate a birthday, stag or hen party, or a corporate occasion.

Lessons take place on Caswell Beach or Llangennith Beach on the Gower Peninsula, both of which are great beaches for beginners and you'll soon be having so much fun you won't notice the chilly water.

Perfect for surfing virgins as well as people with some surfing experience, lessons last between an hour-and-a-half and two hours and include surfboard and wetsuit hire, although longer sessions can be arranged to last all day for groups of 15 or more.

The only requirement for people to join in and taste the waves is that they must be able to swim 50 metres - otherwise lessons are designed for everyone to have fun at their own pace, even if it's sometimes more about falling off the board than staying on.

As the guys at GSD point out, surfing is a great equaliser and being thrown in the foaming ocean together really helps build group spirit and confidence.

If you want to combine your surfing lessons with some other activities, opportunities for gorge walking and climbing are also available nearby.

GSD also has a centre in Newquay, Cornwall, offering a similar experience.

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Celebrate in Hull

Though the word 'party' may not immediately spring to mind when you think of Hull, the new and modernised city is in fact one of the UK's best kept secrets and a great place for a celebration.

The diverse city manages to successfully blend its old traditional side with a modern outlook.

Attractions like The Deep, Europe's deepest aquarium, and its scenic rejuvenated marina reveal Hull's maritime history, while the influence played by its large student population is evident in its many vibrant new bars, cafes, restaurants and shops.

With two shopping centres - including the spectacular Princes Quay centre, built on stilts above a former dock - as well as a host of designer boutiques concentrated around the Savile Street and George Street area, there's plenty of chance to hit the shops in Hull.

Or if you fancy a bit of culture, visit one of the city's eight free museums or go to a play at the cutting edge Hull Truck theatre. The cobbled streets of the city's Old Town are great for a wander and the Ferens Art Gallery shouldn't be missed.

When night falls, you can make the most of Hull's large choice of trendy bars and traditional pubs before moving onto one of its surprisingly lively nightspots. Try heading to The Waterfront club, housed in a converted warehouse which boasts three floors and seven bars, which plays tunes from hip-hop to indie.

Hull also has the advantage of having the Yorkshire Wolds on its doorstep, where you can enjoy some thrilling adventure activities or just enjoy the stunning countryside.

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Honda Pilots at Monnow Events

Thrill seekers need look no further than Honda Pilots buggies for the ride of a lifetime.

They may look like go-karts, but these 400cc buggies are capable of speeds of up to 70 miles an hour, with the off-road ability of a quad bike thrown in.

While speeds on the racecourse are generally restricted to 45 mph for safety reasons, taking them across the demanding terrain of the dirt track - complete with hair raising jumps and banked corners - makes it an intense experience by anyone's standards.

You'll be racing against the clock, with two team members heading out onto the track at once to compete for a place in the hallowed semi-finals and final. Groups of up to 80 people can be easily accommodated at one time, making it a great choice for stag and hen parties who want a wild time or corporate groups looking to improve team work and confidence.

The centre is located at Kentchurch in the Monnow Valley, Herefordshire and is easy to drive to from Hereford or Gloucester.

A Honda Pilots session can even be combined with some of the other great events offered at the centre, including paintballing, archery, clay and laser pigeon shooting, go-karting, JCB driving or quad biking.

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A hot bath and more in Bath

People have been flocking to Bath, site of Britain's only natural hot springs, for some R and R ever since Roman times.

Still one of the UK's top spa destinations, today you can choose from a selection of luxury spa hotels and the original Thermae Bath Spa in the heart of the city, refurbished to 21st century standards and offering a range of gorgeous treatments.

A bit of pampering can be a great way to spend a party weekend or a corporate break and when you've finished being indulged, you'll find that Bath has plenty more to offer you.

Widely regarded as the finest Georgian city in Britain, it's impossible not to enjoy wandering round classy Bath's beautiful streets. The Jane Austen Centre and ruined Roman baths are definitely worth a look and the opportunities for shopping range from high-street names to designer boutiques.

Bath has a surprisingly large and varied selection of pubs and bars to discover when night falls and though the city is on the smaller side, its range of night clubs can cater for most mainstream tastes. For those who like their clubbing to be big city-style however, vibrant Bristol is only a short train ride away.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is no surprise that Bath is also a great base for adventure and activity holidays, with opportunities for golf, horse-riding, watersports, hot air ballooning, go-karting and much more close at hand.

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Nae Limits Duckies

Duckies are inflatable and often bright yellow, but this is where their similarity to their bathroom namesake ends we're talking about more than bath time fun here.

A cross between a kayak and a white water raft, Duckies are inflatable two-man crafts which are steered and powered by paddles.

Like white water rafting, Duckies are usually paddled down fast flowing and turbulent rivers, but with the added thrill for you and your boat-mate of being in control.

Unlike with white water rafting, experienced instructors travel alongside your boat rather than steering for you, giving you a whole new world of adrenaline-inducing thrills to experience.

Duckies are easy to manoeuvre around a river, meaning that you can hit every rapid, every time.

With its wild and rugged beauty and plenty of suitable rivers, Scotland is one of the best areas in the UK for Duckies, with courses available in Dunkeld, just outside Perth, run by Nae Limits.

If you fancy having a go but haven't tried it before, not to worry, as Duckies can be enjoyed by complete beginners as well as virtual pros.

Sessions last half a day and can be combined with other activities offered by t