NEW outdoor visitor experiences are continuing to emerge around the north as the local tourist industry prepares for a summer staycation boom.
In Co Antrim, Glenarm Castle has invested around £500,000 in anticipation of families heading for the coast.
Managing director Adrian Morrow said the resort has opted for a diverse range of new attractions.
Among them is the new Mini Land Rover Experience, which will allow young children to get behind the wheel of a down-sized 4x4 to drive the first off-road Mini Land Rover adventure course in Northern Ireland.
Aimed at 3-11 year-olds, the five cars feature steering wheel, a starter key, accelerator, lights, a direction switch with accompanying adults having access to a hand held fob which will remotely switch off the car.
“We have taken great care to ensure that families have a fantastic, safe and enjoyable adventure,” said Mr Morrow.
“Kids will enjoy taking control of the wheel of the mini Land Rover cars and tackling the ‘challenges’ on our specifically designed outdoor course.
“With many people choosing to holiday at home this summer, we are expecting the experience to be in high demand. We would encourage anyone hoping to bring their family to enjoy the Mini Land Rover Experience to book in advance to avoid disappointment.”
The new venture is sponsored by Charles Hurst Land Rover and supported by NFU Mutual.
It’s part of a range of new upgraded attractions at Glenarm Castle that includes sea view holiday pods, a heritage centre, museum, woodland walk, e-bike hire, a castle shop and a milk parlour, featuring ice cream using milk from the north’s only remaining Shorthorn dairy herd. The £500,000 investment has helped create up to 20 full and part time jobs.
