Next Saturday is National Miniature Golf Day

Saturday 9th May is National Miniature Golf Day 2026.

There are two 'miniature golf days' each year.

National Miniature Golf Day is always on the second Saturday in May. In 2026 that will be Saturday 9th May.

The other minigolf day, Miniature Golf Day, is always on the 21st September. In 2026 the 21st falls on a Monday.

The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing

I published my minigolf marketing ebook - The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing - nine years ago today.

My ebook to help minigolf players better market themselves, their clubs, tournaments and courses is available to purchase from Amazon.

Don't worry if you don't have a Kindle as you can download the Kindle App on iOS, Android, Mac & PC.

Minigolf Marketing

As a minigolfer with over a decade of experience as a tournament competitor and 20+ of experience in marketing and communications I designed the guide so that anyone interested or involved in minigolf could help promote the game. It's a niche title, but an audience and subject I know a lot about.

Writing the book was brilliant and enabled me to bring two areas of my life together. I've worked in marketing since 2003 and have played minigolf since I was a child. Stepping up to compete on the national minigolf tour circuit and in international tournaments opened my eyes to the potential of the game.

I’ve also had the honour of serving on the committees of the British Minigolf Association (BMGA) and the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF).

Minigolf is a sport for all. People of all ages, sexes, backgrounds and abilities can pick up a putter and play the game.

The Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Emily and I have visited 1,116 courses in the UK and overseas on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. We've got 39 from that original list left to visit.

However, they've been joined by hundreds more new courses opening up across the UK, making our travels never-ending!

The minigolf boom continues

The game is really booming and new courses are being announced all the time.

100+ new courses are being created each year - some are on old sites / locations, some are completely new venues, while others are in planning / development, or under construction.

There are also quite a few other adventure golf, crazy golf and minigolf courses that are short-term 'pop-ups', some of which have been used as proof of concept businesses and developed into permanent courses. 

The world of minigolf has a huge amount of interesting and fun stories to tell and positive aspects to highlight to potential players, the media, sponsors and the wider sporting community.

The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing gives federations, associations, courses, clubs and our fellow players ideas, inspiration and support in their marketing efforts.

Much of the guidance could also be applied to a number of other sports clubs and organisations to help raise their profile and boost memberships.

Minigolf consultancy

As a marketing professional I use my extensive knowledge and skills in supporting and promoting the game I enjoy as a hobby, a competitive sport and a leisure activity.

My marketing activity sees me work across the minigolf industry, from traditional British seaside crazy golf courses, to new inland adventure golf layouts, competitive socialising venues and within retailtainment.

My involvement in the world of minigolf includes blogging, media relations, sponsorship, course design, advice and consultancy, content generation, digital marketing and new technology, event organisation and promotion, and participation in tournaments around the world.

I have consulted on a number of minigolf business concepts in the UK and USA including Princess Parade Crazy Golf in Blackpool; the Filwood Fantastic Mini Golf Club in Knowle West, Bristol; Tea Green Golf in Luton; Burray Crazy Golf in Orkney; Prestwick Putting and Crazy Golf; Portaputt Crazy Golf; Aces Minigolf Gloucester; Southend Pier Crazy Golf; Knaresborough Mini Golf; Putting at the Kiosk in Bedford; Visionary Crazy Golf at the London Design Festival, and The Big Mini Golf Tour in Great Yarmouth.

As a volunteer I served three terms on the Executive Committee of the British Minigolf Association and was a member of the World Minigolf Sport Federation’s Marketing and Media Committee for six years.

As a consultant I contributed to the Guinness World Records 2024.

And this blog contains over 6,700 posts that have attracted 8.6 million page views since 2006.

Buy The Minigolfer’s Guide to Marketing ebook on Amazon.

Guess the Crazy Golf course location...

Where in the world was this crazy golf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?

Minigolf at Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields in Motspur Park, Greater London

A look at the minigolf course at Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields in Motspur Park, Greater London.

Last week I asked the question "Where in the world was this crazy golf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?".

The answer was the minigolf course at Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields in Motspur Park, Greater London.

The minigolf course at Sir Joseph Hood Park in Motspur Park, Greater London was the 81st played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour when we played it in March 2009.

Devil's Island Adventure Golf at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park

There's an adventure golf course at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park.

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is home to Devil's Island Adventure Golf.

Find out more about Devil's Island Adventure Golf on the M&D's Scotland's Theme Park website.

Today is National Crazy Pool Awareness Day

Today (Tuesday 28th April) is National Crazy Pool Awareness Day!

Tuesday 28th April marks 'National Crazy Pool Awareness Day'.

Today is the second-annual National Crazy Pool Awareness Day.

What is Crazy Pool?

The indoor game found at Roxy Ball Room locations is a cross between crazy golf and pool. Played with a pool cue and a golf ball you need to tackle a variety of obstacles on the felt covered tables.

National Crazy Pool Awareness Day was created by the team at Roxy Leisure.

You can find Crazy Pool tables and courses at 13 of Roxy's 19 venues. They are:

1. Birmingham (Victoria Square)
2. Bristol (Union Street)
3. Edinburgh (Rose Street)
4. Leeds (Boar Lane)
5. Leeds (Merrion Street) - the original Crazy Pool course at this venue has recently been updated.
6. Leicester (Humberstone Gate)
7. Liverpool (Hanover Street)
8. London (St Mary Axe)
9. Manchester (Arndale)
10. Manchester (Deansgate)
11. Nottingham (The Cornerhouse)
12. Sheffield (Charter Square)
13. York (The Stonebow)

Playing Crazy Pool.

We've played several of the Crazy Pool courses at Roxy venues on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Crazy Pool at King Pins too.

Roxy Ball Room's sister brand King Pins is also home to a Crazy Pool course at the White Rose Centre venue in Leeds.

Check out the Roxy Leisure website for more information about the brand's venues and games.

Link:

• Roxy Leisure

Related blog posts:

• Crazy Pool
• Roxy Leisure
• Roxy Ball Room
• King Pins

Crazy Golf at Chasewater Country Park in Staffordshire

A look at the crazy golf course at Chasewater Country Park in Staffordshire.

Last week I asked the question "Where in the world was this crazy golf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?".

The answer was Chasewater Country Park in Staffordshire, England.

The crazy golf course at Chasewater Country Park was the 777th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour when we swung by in September 2017.

Guess the Minigolf course location...

Where in the world was this minigolf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?

National Crazy Pool Awareness Day - 28th April

The 28th April is National Crazy Pool Awareness Day.

Tuesday 28th April marks 'National Crazy Pool Awareness Day'.

This will be the second-annual National Crazy Pool Awareness Day.

What is Crazy Pool?

The indoor game found at Roxy Ball Room locations is a cross between crazy golf and pool. Played with a pool cue and a golf ball you need to tackle a variety of obstacles on the felt covered tables.

National Crazy Pool Awareness Day was created by the team at Roxy Leisure.

You can find Crazy Pool tables and courses at 13 of Roxy's 19 venues. They are:

1. Birmingham (Victoria Square)
2. Bristol (Union Street)
3. Edinburgh (Rose Street)
4. Leeds (Boar Lane)
5. Leeds (Merrion Street) - the original Crazy Pool course at this venue has recently been updated.
6. Leicester (Humberstone Gate)
7. Liverpool (Hanover Street)
8. London (St Mary Axe)
9. Manchester (Arndale)
10. Manchester (Deansgate)
11. Nottingham (The Cornerhouse)
12. Sheffield (Charter Square)
13. York (The Stonebow)

Playing Crazy Pool.

We've played several of the Crazy Pool courses at Roxy venues on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Crazy Pool at King Pins too.

Roxy Ball Room's sister brand King Pins is also home to a Crazy Pool course at the White Rose Centre venue in Leeds.

Check out the Roxy Leisure website for more information about the brand's venues and games.

Link:

• Roxy Leisure

Related blog posts:

• Crazy Pool
• Roxy Leisure
• Roxy Ball Room
• King Pins

New Forest Adventure Golf at Lymington Golf Centre in Hampshire

A look at the New Forest Adventure Golf course at Lymington Golf Centre in Lymington, Hampshire.

The outdoor adventure golf course at Lymington Golf Centre was the 873rd visited and 510th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

We played the 18-hole course at Lymington Golf Centre in May 2019.

Our visit to the course came on a trip to Southampton and back where we visited a total of 18 miniature golf courses.

Visit the Lymington Golf Centre website for more information.

Crazy Golf at Waldegraves Holiday Park on Mersea Island in Essex

The Crazy Golf course at Waldegraves Holiday Park on Mersea Island in Essex has had a makeover.

Waldegraves Holiday Park is also home to a Pitch & Putt course and a FootGolf layout.

Find out more on the Waldegraves Holiday Park website.

Crazy Golf in Musselburgh, Scotland

There are plans for a crazy golf course in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland.

The crazy golf course will be one of the activities on offer at a new indoor entertainment venue in a former B&M store on the High Street in Musselburgh.

Tee Zone Golf Simulator at Padel Hub Crawley

Finding out about a new indoor golf venue within a Padel Club.

Thank you to the team at Tee Zone UK for sending over the information about their new golf simulator at Padel Hub Crawley for this guest blog post.

Trackman Golf Simulator Launch near Horsham, West Sussex.

If you’re searching for a golf simulator in the Horsham area, Tee Zone at Padel Hub Crawley offers a convenient way to enjoy golf in a modern indoor setting. Just a 15-minute drive along the motorway from Crawley, it’s an easy and accessible option for golfers who want quality practice and entertainment close to home.

Powered by Trackman technology, the simulator delivers a highly accurate and immersive golf experience. Trackman is widely recognised for its industry-leading performance and is trusted by golfers, coaches, and fitters around the world.

Benefits of Trackman technology

• Accurate real-time shot data.
• Detailed feedback on ball flight and club performance.
• Helps improve swing technique and consistency.
• Supports coaching, practice, and club fitting.
• Allows you to play over 400 virtual golf courses.
• Creates a realistic indoor golfing experience.
• Ideal for year-round golf, regardless of weather conditions.

Whether you are working on your technique, preparing for your next round, or simply enjoying a fun session with friends, the simulator gives you a flexible and engaging way to play.

An indoor golf simulator is especially valuable in the UK, where weather can often interrupt outdoor practice. With Trackman, you can keep improving throughout the year in a controlled environment, without needing to travel far from Horsham or the surrounding area.

For golfers looking for convenience, performance, and a premium indoor setup, Tee Zone is a strong choice. If you are looking to practice your golf game and are living near Horsham, the Tee Zone sim offers the perfect mix of technology, accessibility, and enjoyment.

Come and give it a try! You can reserve your bay on their booking page.

Par 59 in Cardiff to close. And reopen...

The Par 59 minigolf venue in Cardiff, Wales is due to close its doors following its acquisition by Lane 7.

Lane 7 has acquired both the Cardiff and Bristol Par 59 locations.

Find out more on the Lane 7 and Par 59 websites.

The Great Britain XVIII steam train - 34067 Tangmere - in Stockport (20th April 2026)

The Great Britain XVIII steam train spotted on the railway bridge above the line at Europa Way in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Greater Manchester on Monday 20th April 2026.

The locomotive is 34067 Tangmere - a Battle of Britain class engine built in 1947.

The journey began at Chester and will end the day in Carlisle.

The train is on an eight day tour around England, Wales and Scotland. Its journey began at London Paddington on Saturday 18th April and will end at London Euston on Saturday 25th April.

The train tour was operated by The Railway Touring Company.

Crazy Pool at Canterbury Leisure

There's now Crazy Pool at Canterbury Leisure in Canterbury, Kent.

Canterbury Leisure is now home to a Crazy Pool course.

The Crazy Pool layout is a 9-hole course at the indoor activity venue in Canterbury.

Canterbury Leisure is also home to a UV crazy golf course and other activities.

Check out the Canterbury Leisure website for more information.

The Putting Shed Mini Golf at Twenty Pence Garden Centre in Wilburton, Cambridgeshire

The Putting Shed Mini Golf at the Twenty Pence Garden Centre in Wilburton, Ely, Cambridgeshire has received some updates.

Twenty Pence Garden Centre in Wilburton has updated its mini golf course.

The Putting Shed Mini Golf at the Twenty Pence Garden Centre is an outdoor 9-hole mini golf course that opened in 2021.

We first heard about the course in 2024 and have yet to swing by for a look on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Visit the Twenty Pence Garden Centre website for more information.

Blockbuster Video stores visited on our travels

There are still traces of former Blockbuster Video shops to be found on the high streets, shopping centres and retail parks of the UK.

Video shop memories.

Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s I've got fond memories of visiting video shops with my family and picking out a film or two (generally one of the Police Academy films, action flicks, or horror movies as I got older!).

I found the preserved remains of a Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester in 2019. And during the coronavirus pandemic my interest in lost brands and retail history was piqued. Since then Emily and I have been to several former Blockbuster Video stores around the UK, as well as finding some other old, and some still open, video shops on our travels!

Visiting the last bits of Blockbuster Video in the UK.

Lost brands.

Emily and I have spent the last few years reminiscing about 'the good old days'. One of our areas of interest is in old retail brands - we're both marketers by profession and two of my first jobs in the 1990's and the year 2000 were at Tandy and Toys R Us, while Emily's first job was at a Happy Shopper shop.

It's been fascinating to find remnants of these brands - and a number of other lost, dead and defunct brands - on the high street and at retail parks around the UK.

Blockbuster Video in Nuneaton in 2021

Visiting Blockbuster Video stores.

At its peak in 2004 there were more than 9,000 Blockbuster Video stores around the world. 500+ of which were in England, Scotland and Wales. Interestingly in Northern Ireland the Xtra-Vision brand was used by the owners in-line with the Republic of Ireland.

The last Blockbuster Video shop ceased trading in the UK in December 2013.

Amazingly we've been able to find traces of the brand at 29 former store locations. This has ranged from QuikDrop boxes to parking signage to full shopfronts!

Posts about former Blockbuster Video stores we've been to:

• Abingdon, Oxfordshire
• Ashton, Bristol
• Barnsley, South Yorkshire
• Basingstoke, Hampshire
• Billingham, Teesside
• Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester
• Chester, Cheshire
• Chorley, Lancashire
• Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
• Colne, Lancashire
• Failsworth, Manchester
• Fallowfield, Manchester
• Felixstowe, Suffolk
• Filton, Bristol
• Great Moor, Stockport, Greater Manchester
• Hastings, East Sussex
• Leigh, Greater Manchester
• Luton, Bedfordshire
• Marple, Greater Manchester
• Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire
• Nuneaton, Warwickshire
• Oldham, Greater Manchester
• Prescot, Lancashire
• Shanklin, Isle of Wight
• Southampton, Hampshire
• Telford, Shropshire
• Watford, Hertfordshire
• Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
• Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
• Wythenshawe, Manchester

Related blog posts:

• Blockbuster Video
• Retail
• Video rental shops in the UK (January 2026)
• Video shop speakeasies in the UK
• Blockbuster Video Crazy Golf

Mini Golf on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare

There's a mini golf course on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

You can find an indoor 10-hole mini golf course on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.

Find out more on the Grand Pier website.

Guess the Crazy Golf course location...

Where in the world was this crazy golf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?

Mini Adventure Golf opening at the Tee Time Golf Centre in Blackpool

A new Mini Adventure Golf course is opening at the Tee Time Golf Centre in Thornton-Cleveleys this summer.

The outdoor 12-hole minigolf course will have a local landmark-theme.

Visit the Tee Time Golf Centre website for more information.

Dinosaur Mini Golf at Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham

There's a pop-up Dinosaur Mini Golf at Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire on the 18th and 25th April.

Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham will have an indoor mini golf course set-up on Saturday 18th and Saturday 25th April.

Find out more on the Emery Gate Shopping Centre website.

Adventure Golf in Coalville, Leicestershire

A look at the Adventure Golf course at Hermitage Recreation Ground in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Last week I asked the question 'Where in the world was this minigolf course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour?'.

The answer was the Adventure Golf course at Hermitage Recreation Ground in Coalville, Leicestershire, England.

It was a course we visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in June 2008.

Playing hole 7 of 9

The Adventure Golf at Hermitage Recreation Ground in Coalville is a 9-hole layout.

Our friend Daniel Marsh lining up a tee-shot on the first hole as Emily looks on

Emily playing hole 4

Mini Golf at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire

A look at the mini golf course at Grafham Water reservoir in Cambridgeshire.

Many thanks to our friend Cat Patterson for sending over these photos from her recent visit to Grafham Water where she spotted the crazy golf course there.

The course at Grafham Water is a 12-hole outdoor layout.

Check out the Grafham Water website for more information.

A wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube-man at Birch Garden Centre in Cheadle

There's a wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube-man at Birch Garden Centre in Cheadle, Stockport.

The wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube-man is back out being wacky, waving, and arm-flailing about the place at Birch Garden Centre in Cheadle, Stockport.

Related blog posts:

• Inflatable advertising
• Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-man
• Wacky Waving Arm-Flailing Inflatable Tube-men
• A wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube-man at Birch Garden Centre in Cheadle, Stockport
• Cheadle
• Stockport

Video:

• Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man in Cheadle, Stockport (April 2026)

The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale, Greater Manchester

A walk through the Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale, Greater Manchester in April 2026.

We had another pleasant walk through the Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale recently.

Find out more about the gardens on the Walkden Gardens website and Facebook Page.

Related blog posts:

• The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale
• Japanese Gardens

Videos:

• The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale, Greater Manchester (April 2026)
• The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale - Short 1
• The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale - Short 2
• The Japanese Garden at Walkden Gardens in Sale - Short 3