I’m feeling rather chuffed with myself as the instructor praises my top-notch hand-eye coordination. My debut in air pistol shooting has been a smashing success, with me consistently nailing the bullseye.
This surprising accomplishment has left my sports-loving teenage kids and partner Tim completely gobsmacked. To be honest, I’m quite shocked myself.
However, it doesn’t take long for the others to get the hang of it and soon we’re paired off, engaged in a heated contest to knock down a shelf of objects the quickest. Despite our best efforts, Tim and I are beaten, with the kids claiming victory.
Our shooting adventure was inspired by Yusuf Dikec the Turkish air pistol competitor who gained internet fame during the Olympics with his chilled and composed manner. We were at Top Targets, a shooting experience specialist located at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight.
The establishment is run by Katie Bishop and her husband Dan, both of whom have won numerous medals. Dan was recently chosen to represent England in clay pigeon shooting, reports the Express.
We honed our skills by aiming at various targets such as paper bullseyes, old cartridges, and even rocks positioned 7.5 metres and 10 metres away.
Alongside my son Freddie and his friend Archie, both 15, Tim and I found the pistols light enough to handle one-handed, much like Dikec.
After getting the hang of the pistols, we all moved on to air rifles – longer and heavier, naturally, but surprisingly effective due to their top-notch sights.
It was a unique and brilliant way to keep the whole family entertained and challenged.
The Isle of Wight turned out to be an amazing playground for the family. Our holiday kicked off with a lovely 45-minute ferry ride across the Solent from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, thanks to Wightlink, who also provide crossings for vehicles between Lymington and Yarmouth.
We pitched our tent on the bustling east coast, famous for its golden beaches and lively resorts like Ryde and Sandown. However, we chose the more peaceful St Helens Coastal Resort in the village of St Helens near Bembridge as our base.
This pristine site, part of the Away Resorts group, was small yet inviting, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a chilled-out atmosphere. A short walk away, we found a handy grocery shop and the Vine Inn, a local hotspot for filling pub grub and a weekly quiz night.
Further along, we stumbled upon a delightful harbour and picturesque houseboats.
A slightly longer stroll took us to the magical Duver Beach, complete with soft sand, tranquil waters, colourful beach huts, and a snack bar. We spent lazy days here, sunbathing and swimming, which effortlessly turned into pleasant evenings watching the sunset and having a beach barbecue.
At St Helens Coastal Resort, we found ourselves in a spacious two-bedroom luxury lodge complete with a private hot tub. The addition of home comforts like a washing machine, dishwasher, and en-suite bedroom made for a truly relaxing stay.
One sight that was high on our list was The Needles, a series of dramatic chalk stacks at the island’s most westerly point.
For an awe-inspiring view of the Needles and the wider Solent, hop on the Needles chairlift. The ride offers a stunning panorama of Alum Bay, known for its multi-coloured sand cliffs that boast 21 different shades.
These were formed 10 million years ago when movements in the bedrock pushed quartz, mica and feldspar sediments into a vertical formation. For a closer look at these geological marvels, boat trips or RIB rides are typically available.
Tapnell Farm, once a dairy farm housing 800 cows and producing 6,300 gallons of milk annually, has transformed into a popular family adventure zone. It offers a variety of activities from a farm park and animal experiences to archery and footgolf.
During an unexpected downpour, we sought refuge in a large barn to watch ferret racing. Afterwards, Freddie and Archie slipped into wetsuits to try out Tapnell’s aqua park (£22pp).
The only one of its kind on the island, the aqua park boasts a massive water-based obstacle course complete with slides, monkey bars and slippery poles. With intimidating names like Neptune’s steps, ninja jump and the towering 3.8-metre high Mount Rainier, it’s an exhilarating challenge.
Despite their initial bravado, the daring duo found it hard to stay upright on the obstacles but their laughter and smiles showed they were having a whale of a time.
As my kids hit their teenage years, the task of keeping them amused during holidays became increasingly tricky. However, the Isle of Wight offered a unique solution in the form of Goodleaf Tree Climbing.
This stripped-back activity provides a refreshing change from traditional climbing walls, allowing participants to scale a 300 year old English oak tree situated in Appley Park on the outskirts of Ryde. With ropes secured around its towering branches and aerial hammocks for relaxation, Goodleaf’s expert guidance ensures you’ll be up in the tree in no time.
Kitted out with hard hats and harnesses, my lads Freddie and Archie learned how to hoist themselves up using acorn knots for safety before being set free to explore. They managed to ascend various ropes to an impressive height of 14 metres.
Despite the physical effort, they agreed that the stunning views and sense of freedom made the experience entirely worthwhile (prices start from £29 per person, visit goodleaf.co.uk).
The Isle of Wight, famed for its festival scene, was the destination of our trip which coincided with the Garlic Festival. This grand country fair is a celebration of the versatile garlic bulb and its countless uses.
We indulged in a variety of garlic-infused delights, including chocolate ice cream, fudge, and even beer. The verdict?
Unexpectedly tasty!
Book your getaway
To plan your holiday, take a ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Isle of Wight, with Wightlink Ferries. Fares begin at £82.50 for a car and up to four passengers.
For more details, visit wightlink.co.uk.
Away Resorts offers a three-night weekend stay in a luxury lodge equipped with a hot tub at St Helens Coastal Resort, Isle of Wight, starting from £237 for two guests. For more information, check out awayresorts.co.uk.
Additional information can be accessed at visitisleofwight.co.uk.
