Welsh National Outdoor Centre Plas Menai Welcomes All Ages Across UK on April 24th
Under-18s are now able to enjoy a host of thrilling activities at Plas Menai – the National Outdoor Centre for Wales, as of Friday 2nd April.
The acclaimed attraction in Caernarfon, North Wales, has welcomed back under-18s as of April 2 in the first stage of its reopening, in acknowledgement of the sacrifice young people have made over lockdown.
Measures have been put in place to ensure its world class instructors maintain the highest standards of safety for all visitors.
To kick off the new season, the centre, which has been teaching outdoor professionals and enthusiastic beginners for over thirty years, has announced an exciting youth activity programme.
Activities on offer include stand up paddleboarding (SUP), windsurfing, kayaking, mountain biking, den build and bushcraft, and Challenge Yourself, in which youngsters can take part in a range of team games.
As of April 2, young people in Wales have been able to take part in two-hour taster sessions on Good Friday and weekends, and half-day sessions which will take place during the week.
Plas Menai has opened up to guests aged 18 and under from the rest of the UK on April 12 when travel restrictions were lifted.
The centre is also preparing to open with a full programme of activities and courses – including its indoor pool – for young people, families and adults from April 24, subject to the Welsh Government’s plans to lift restrictions.
Alison Yates, Operations and Programme Manager at Plas Menai, said: “The past year has been really difficult for young people and they’ve been selfless in staying at home, away from school and friends, in order to protect people who are likely to be more vulnerable than themselves.
“So we’re really excited to be giving young people this opportunity to try new activities and experience the great outdoors along North Wales’s spectacular coastline.
“Lockdown has been tough for mental health, and as someone who loves to be out on the water, I know first hand the benefits that these adventures will have on improving wellbeing.
“Outdoor activities also offer a great alternative for people wanting to do more outside the house but perhaps don’t enjoy the usual recreational sports or team sports. They really appeal to people like me who love adventures, exploring and doing something different. It’s a great way to get active, enjoy nature and be outside.
“We hope to be able to fully open Plas Menai at the end of April so everyone can benefit from the activities we can offer, but we fully understand this is dependent on the Welsh Government’s cautious approach in easing lockdown restrictions.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone, from the total beginner to the pro, back to Plas Menai with open arms very soon.”
For the youth activities, a responsible adult is required to remain on site while the child participates, who will be able to take advantage of grab-and-go catering which will serve hot and cold snacks and refreshments.
The centre will continue to follow all advice as set out by the Welsh government, which includes sticking to a two-metre social distancing rule at all times, accepting pre-bookings only, introducing a one-way system around the centre, and adding additional hand washing points and sanitisers.
To pre-book, find out more and to keep up to date with activities at Plas Menai visit www.plasmenai.co.uk.