History
The outdoor activity centre just outside of the village of Mepal was built on the site of former gravel pits, taking advantage of the water features left in their stead. The purpose-built outdoor activity centre offered various activities including corporate team events, conference facilities, training courses, family adventure days and children’s birthday parties. In December 2016 the site was the subject of a break in, during which it was set on fire. The damage was such that the decision was taken to close the business and it has sat empty since. According to press reports, the site is due to reopen in March of this year but there is a lot of work to do first.
Our visit
I spotted this whilst driving around the Fens searching for things to visit. It was very obviously not in use and having woken up early on New Year's Day we headed over. We parked up and headed in without issue. In all honesty, there isn't a huge amount to see however the most noticeable tented building was interesting enough to justify the trip. Having looked through the larger brick building we quickly realised that it could be discounted and focused our attention on the other areas.
The place has been trashed, as expected, but what we didn't know at the time was that just 6 days previously it had also been the site of a rave. Something we quickly twigged when we entered the tented sports court. As a result of this additional security measures have been put in place and unbeknownst to us the moment we entered the site we were seen by a PIR camera mounted on a tree. End result, a chat with a very amiable security rep just 8 hours into 2019. No issues though, he really was very decent about it and we were about to head off anyway.
Pictures
The site when open
The first structure you encounter, a very odd miniature castle containing the smallest climbing wall I have ever seen. Certainly a quirky thing.
The largest (and least interesting) building on the site. We checked it out but there was nothing of interest inside.
Big old health and safety nightmare. Looks fun!
The design here seems so odd but at least it's different and not just the usual soulless local government box. The low level section on the right was the seat of the fire and is empty.
I don't think we needed to worry too much about getting a fencing sword in the eye this morning.
The main (yet admittedly still small) climbing wall.
Then through to the sports court come rave area, still littered with Santa hats and gas capsules. Seems odd to have a court like this under a tented roof but it felt quite pleasant inside.
After taking this I looked up and spotted the security van at the gate. I told the wife it was time to go and we headed for the exit. Nearly made it too. Ah well, all's well that ends well.
Hope you enjoyed and thanks for looking.
The outdoor activity centre just outside of the village of Mepal was built on the site of former gravel pits, taking advantage of the water features left in their stead. The purpose-built outdoor activity centre offered various activities including corporate team events, conference facilities, training courses, family adventure days and children’s birthday parties. In December 2016 the site was the subject of a break in, during which it was set on fire. The damage was such that the decision was taken to close the business and it has sat empty since. According to press reports, the site is due to reopen in March of this year but there is a lot of work to do first.
Our visit
I spotted this whilst driving around the Fens searching for things to visit. It was very obviously not in use and having woken up early on New Year's Day we headed over. We parked up and headed in without issue. In all honesty, there isn't a huge amount to see however the most noticeable tented building was interesting enough to justify the trip. Having looked through the larger brick building we quickly realised that it could be discounted and focused our attention on the other areas.
The place has been trashed, as expected, but what we didn't know at the time was that just 6 days previously it had also been the site of a rave. Something we quickly twigged when we entered the tented sports court. As a result of this additional security measures have been put in place and unbeknownst to us the moment we entered the site we were seen by a PIR camera mounted on a tree. End result, a chat with a very amiable security rep just 8 hours into 2019. No issues though, he really was very decent about it and we were about to head off anyway.
Pictures
The site when open
The first structure you encounter, a very odd miniature castle containing the smallest climbing wall I have ever seen. Certainly a quirky thing.
The largest (and least interesting) building on the site. We checked it out but there was nothing of interest inside.
Big old health and safety nightmare. Looks fun!
The design here seems so odd but at least it's different and not just the usual soulless local government box. The low level section on the right was the seat of the fire and is empty.
I don't think we needed to worry too much about getting a fencing sword in the eye this morning.
The main (yet admittedly still small) climbing wall.
Then through to the sports court come rave area, still littered with Santa hats and gas capsules. Seems odd to have a court like this under a tented roof but it felt quite pleasant inside.
After taking this I looked up and spotted the security van at the gate. I told the wife it was time to go and we headed for the exit. Nearly made it too. Ah well, all's well that ends well.
Hope you enjoyed and thanks for looking.
