Yahoo News Pirate grotto at Devon beauty spot will thrill adventurous kids
A Grade II mansion in Torquay is hosting a Christmas grotto with an unusual twist this festive season. Cockington Court is inviting families to its pirate grotto and challenging youngsters to complete a treasure trail.
Tickets are £10 for children and £5 for adults. The price includes a special-themed gift bag, with each session lasting 45 minutes.
Activities include a mini pirate-themed puppet show, a family mapmaking workshop, and a visit below decks where you will meet the 'Pirate Captain' with his special crew members. There will also be the opportunity to take photographs by the Christmas tree.
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Pirate-themed dress-up is encouraged, as is telling the Pirate Captain what you would like for Christmas, and they can send the message in a bottle to Father Christmas. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy some shopping at the Christmas Artisan Market which takes place on the same day.
Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential for this event.
The market is on Sunday, December 8, from 11am until 4pm and will feature local craft makers and artists. Shoppers will find items from jewellery and home decor to seasonal ornaments and more.
Visitors can also visit the resident creative makers in their studios and explore the unique gifts they have on offer. From chocolatiers to glassblowers, blacksmiths to florists, there's plenty to see.
At the market, shoppers can get a bite to eat from The Meatball Shack, buy a cocktail or soft drink from the Velvet Buccaneer pirate bar, enjoy a cup of mulled wine or warm up in the on-site café, Seven Dials, which will be serving food and drink all day. Throughout the day there will be craft activities to enjoy and live music from Shanty daughter and father duo, Cask. Entry to the market is free.
There's a Treasure Gift Trail for young explorers who, armed with a map, will venture through craft studios and the manor house, uncovering hidden treasures in pirate chests. For the grown-ups, the journey also offers a chance to discover unique, handcrafted gifts from jewellery and mosaic to chocolate and flowers.
The trail is running on the following dates: December 7, 8, 14, 15 and from December 21 - 24. Visitors collect your treasure map for just £1 from the Craft Shop inside the Manor House and return at the end for a sweet reward.
