Swim star Liam opens Devon holiday park’s new water fun feature
Exeter-born Olympics swimmer Liam Tancock took time out from the fast lane recently to help an East Devon holiday park make a big splash with its guests.
Gold-medallist Liam was at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Budleigh Salterton where he declared open the new Splash Zone, aimed especially at energetic youngsters.
The 160-square metres of wonderfully wet activities and challenges is already proving a hit with grown-ups as well.
Set alongside the park’s main swimming pool, the zone includes interactive water features, spray guns, and even a sea serpent that sprays water.
Liam opens Ladram Bay’s Splash Zone
In front of a large and excited gathering of holiday guests, Liam took the ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon on the Splash Zone as it burst into life.
Describing it as a fantastic way to help kids enjoy and become confident with water, Liam himself started out on his swimming career at an early age.
He swum for Exeter Swimming Club and quickly marked himself out as a talent by breaking four records at the British Winter Championship in 2000.
Liam went on to win gold at the 2001 Youth Olympic Games and continued smashing records and taking accolades in international events, including the 2012 London Olympics.
Ladram Bay’s Splash Zone is part of a £1 million investment made by the family-owned park in the run-up to the 2018 summer season when its 75 anniversary is being marked.
With its own private beach and long-standing appeal to young families, Ladram Bay has prided itself on continually expanding its range of attractions.
These now include an indoor climbing wall in addition to an adventure golf course, a raft of children’s activities, and a beach shack where watersports equipment can be hired.
Ladram Bay director Zoe House, who is a member of the park-owning Carter family, said it was a great privilege to welcome Liam to Ladram Bay:
“Although the Splash Zone is all about having fun, Liam knows that youngsters just enjoying themselves in the water can be a great introduction to swimming as a sport,” she said.
“We have many guests which return here year after year, and we’re often told that one big reason is the wealth of things to do for all ages, no matter what the weather.
“Our main aim has always been to create amazing holiday memories with first-class facilities, and I think that our new Splash Zone comes right up to the mark!” added Zoe.
Ladram Bay provides a wide range of holiday homes and leisure lodges to rent or own, glamping pods, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
Recently it has also invested in additional accommodation for hire and to buy, including a luxury holiday lodge with private hot-tub and dramatic views over the Jurassic Coast.
There is more about the park, and pictures of the Splash Zone, at www.ladrambay.co.uk
