Sometimes it’s good to know that you don’t have to board a plane to experience a fun mini break. Sure, there are European cities vying for your attention, unused museum headsets just waiting for you to pick them up and commence a tour but when you’ve just got 24 hours its about quality not quantity. So, we thought to kick off this new feature, lets try something a bit different.
Milton Keynes; the newest of all new towns. Some say, Milton Keynes, city of dreams, but those people tend to be locked up for their own safety. MK's right up there with Basingstoke and Slough as avoid-at-all-cost-destinations, but, if you’re willing to take a chance and tackle the many roundabouts, I’ll tell you two very good reasons why a 24 hour stop over is worth it.
Reason number one; did you know that Milton Keynes is home to the UK’s biggest and best indoor ski slope? The SnoZone is located in the Xscape centre and runs both skiing and snow boarding lessons for beginners up to various levels of competency. Unlike other UK based indoor ski slopes real snow is on offer along with minus five degree conditions, with the centre itself a cavernous temple of consumerism. All equipment is provided on request although you are encouraged to bring your own kit if you have it.
Like many, I find the annual ski trip a bit of an institution. Once January is out of the way I look forward to collecting jackets and salopettes from the loft buying more pairs of sock, new sunglasses and selecting silly hats for the trip. A holiday where you can eat and drink as much as you like, survive on very little sleep and feel smug in the knowledge that you’ve been exercising and out in the fresh air daily can’t be wrong. One thing, however, really gets up my nose; Kamikaze kids. These children have no fear, appear to be having much more fun than me and, to add insult to injury, are much better on a ski slope than me. Every year I have to dodge them, how is it that they are so good? Surely it’s been 12 months for them too! My answer? Beat them at their own game, sign up for an 8 hour intensive learn to ski/snowboard experience at SnoZone.
The tuition at the SnoZone is excellent and perfect ahead of a trip to the slopes. The instructors make you guarantees that you didn’t think possible and lessons are friendly and comprehensive. There are breaks for coffee, lunch and tea but this experience is not for the faint hearted. Prepare to ache, really ache, you will be battered and bruised but better.
Reason number two: Located 10 minutes from the SnoZone is Milton Keynes’ only five star B&B, South Lodge. This place has won awards for a reason, rooms are well appointed and spacious, with all mod-cons on tap. The bed could have been transported from a luxury boutique hotel, and breakfast is excellent, and the price worth every penny.
http://www.snozoneuk.com/v/milton-keynes/
http://www.southlodge.bnb-net.com/
By Eve Hartridge, Barclay Meade
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