Review: Sharky and George Summer Adventure Camp at Down Hall

This week, we were invited to review the Sharky and George Summer Adventure Camp at Down Hall.

The Sharky & George Adventure Club offers children’s entertainment seven days a week across the summer, offering Down Hall’s younger guests a holiday to remember, and parents some much needed R&R, to either use the spa or just relax in the beautiful grounds.

Located in the stunning Essex countryside, just 45 minutes from London, Down Hall offers beautiful period rooms and suites and expansive grounds to explore.

There is plenty for the kids to do with a five-a-side football pitch, tennis court, croquet, boules, badminton, giant games, a children’s play area and a newly created ‘Trim Trail’ outdoor woodland gym.

Our Sharky & George activities were set outside, led by Miles, with the kids getting the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, get creative and learn new skills under his careful guidance.

The kids had a great time, building dens and finding fairy doors.

They finished the afternoon with a camp fire to toast marshmallows. I was most disappointed they didn’t bring one back for me.

They came back full of excitement about everything they had done, with Miles setting them fun challenges to complete along the way. They even found a sheep skull!!

Whilst they were off having fun, I got to check into our room and then relax in the grounds with a cheeky G&T.

The room itself was the perfect size for a family, with a large queen size bed, a double for the boys to share and a single bed for Eliza.

The kids were most amused about the addition of a bidet in the bathroom and I had them guessing for a long time about what it might be used for.

There was also a widescreen TV in the room and good wifi signal, which you need when trying to get the kids to sleep and they all want to watch something different!!

The hotel itself is stunning and has you saying “WOW” in almost every room. There is plenty of places to take yourself away to sit and relax and appreciate the opulence.

There is also the Eden Spa, where you can enjoy a treatment or two!

I have to admit, that as the weather was so beautiful, we spent most of our time outside.

There is a fabulous Garden Restaurant, which serves pizza’s freshly made in their wood-fired pizza oven, or an indoor restaurant for best fine dining.

Breakfast is served in the restaurant and gives you the option of a continental breakfast, toast, cereal or a cooked breakfast. The kids all opted for freshly cooked waffles which tasted amazing.

We really enjoyed our stay, there was plenty of things to keep the kids amused and with lots of other families staying, they soon made friends with the other guests.

For families looking to book a stay, kids can stay and eat for free, with prices starting at just £220 per night based on x2 adults and x2 children (12 and under) sharing a room with their parents, and breakfast included.

Down Hall also offers a babysitting service, bookable on request – perfect for date night dining à deux in the restaurant and if you’ve welcomed a four-legged friend during lockdown, Down Hall is a proudly dog-friendly hotel and offers select rooms for guests with pooches in tow.

Disclaimer: We were invited to Down Hall for a short stay for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.