Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

Finding a Crazy Golf course at the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

Emily spotted this Crazy Golf course at the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds on a trip to the town earlier this month.

Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

The Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds is open from April to October. Find out more on the Abbey Gardens website.

Abbey Gardens Crazy Golf in Bury St Edmunds

It's the second time we've visited a course in the gardens, the first was another pop-up back in 2008. That was the 71st on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. We've now been to 1,057 courses!

King Pins Mini Golf at Trafford Palazzo

New mini golf heading to Trafford Palazzo in Manchester.

A new indoor mini golf course is opening at the King Pins tenpin bowling centre at the Trafford Palazzo in Manchester.

The King Pins Mini Golf course opens at the Trafford Palazzo on Saturday 13th July.

Find out more on the King Pins website.

It'll be another new course for us to check out on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

There's a King Pins Mini Golf course at the new King Pins centre at the Arndale in Manchester city centre too. We've not made it over there yet. The Arndale Centre location opened in May.

Jaws is 49

Jaws was released in the USA on this day in 1975.

It's one of my favourite films.

I always enjoy seeing shark obstacles at minigolf courses we visit on our travels.

Sharks on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Stonehenge The Big Mini Golf in Hemsby, Norfolk

Happy Summer Solstice.

Today marks midsummer and is the 'longest day' and 'shortest night' of the year.

Did you know there's a Stonehenge-themed minigolf course in Hemsby, Norfolk?

Stonehenge The Big Mini Golf course in Hemsby

Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide

A look at the Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide.

The Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide

As a big fan of the British seaside and traditional holiday entertainment I was pleased to find a Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide a while back.

Seeing the Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide brought back so many happy memories.

My family used to go on holiday to Barry Island in the late 80's and 90's and loved it there. The holiday camp was absolutely marvellous, with everything from swimming to Crazy Golf, to snooker and darts, to the fun fair and more - all free of charge once you had checked in. My brother's and I would spend hours going from one activity to another and then spend the evening in the arcades playing games such as Blasteroids, Xybots, Double Dragon and Wardner. Halcyon days.

Check out the six-page Barry Island Resort 1995 Information & Entertainment Guide. As a former holidaymaker at the camp, fan of the British seaside, postcard collector and marketer it makes for interesting reading - especially some of the adverts!

What a cover

There was always so much to do at Barry Island

The entertainment continues

Back when you could still advertise cigarettes!

A great bit of marketing and use of a postcard image

I spent many an hour at building 5 - Princes Ballroom as that's where the Crazy Golf, snooker and arcade was 

Barry Island Resort was originally a Butlin's holiday camp in 1966 and was re-opened as a Majestic holiday camp in the 1980's. Sadly it closed for good in 1996 and was demolished to make way for housing.

I've returned to Barry Island - in 2009, 2010 and 20192019. Apart from the disappearance of the holiday camp there were some new attractions, but the resort was still recognisable from the 90's.

16 years gluten free

Today marks my 16 year Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease 16 years ago today. And so began my journey into the gluten free world.

What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, horrible, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

In the UK it's estimated that 1 in 100 people have the condition.

Living a gluten free life

I'm still alive and kicking as I've avoided gluten (my Kryptonite) since 2008

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' and in-depth tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with a Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the great free from food and drink I've found since 2008.

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's very much appreciated.

For more information on Coeliac Disease visit the NHS Choices and Coeliac UK websites.

New Mulligans Adventure Golf in Hemel Hempstead

A new Mulligans Adventure Golf venue is opening in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

A new 18-hole indoor Adventure Golf course is opening at Jarman Park in Hemel Hempstead in July 2024.

Mr Mulligan's in Milton Keynes

We've played several Mulligan's courses on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour over the years. The latest two were in Milton Keynes last October where we enjoyed rounds on the Enchanted Forest and Underwater Kingdom 12-hole indoor courses at the Theatre District venue.

Mr Mulligan's in Worcester

Visit the Mulligans website for more information.

Minigolf at Coate Water Park in Swindon

The two miniature golf courses at Coate Water Park in Swindon, Wiltshire will be reopening this summer.

The 18-hole Pitch & Putt layout and 18-hole Crazy Golf course at Coate Water Park in Swindon closed during the coronavirus pandemic and haven't reopened since.

They're now set to open for play again from July.

The Crazy Golf course at Coate Water Park was the 750th course visited on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in August 2017.

Crazy Golf at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk

The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk will have a Crazy Golf course from July to September.

The 18-hole Crazy Golf course will be a new addition to the Royal Parkland.

Visit the Sandringham Estate website for more information.

It's another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Adventure Golf at The Pumpkin House in Thursford

An Adventure Golf course has opened at The Pumpkin House at Brookhill Farm in Thursford, Norfolk.

Opening days/times for the 9-hole farm-themed minigolf layout will vary so please check the farm's website for more information.

It's another new course for us to check out on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Crazy Golf at the Gaggle of Geese pub in Buckland Newton, Dorset

There's a Crazy Golf course at the Gaggle of Geese pub in Buckland Newton, Dorset.

Check out the Gaggle of Geese website for more information.

It's another course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour next time we're down in Dorset.

Adventure Golf plans for the Lake District

A new adventure golf course could be created at Windermere in the Lake District.

Choices Health Club have plans to build an 18-hole adventure golf course at Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool in Windermere.

It'd be another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

New Adventure Golf course in Penrith

Foxy's Adventure Golf is opening at Penrith Golf Hub.

A new 18-hole outdoor adventure golf course is opening at Penrith Golf Hub in Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria.

The course opens on Sunday 26th May.

Check out the Penrith Golf Hub website for more information.

It's another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Mini Golf at Ballers and Hackers Driving Range in Nottingham

There's a new Mini Golf at Ballers and Hackers Driving Range in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.

Ballers and Hackers Activity Centre in Hucknall, Nottingham is now home to an outdoor mini golf course.

Check out the Ballers and Hackers website for more information.

It's another new course for us to check out on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Twilight Zone Mini Golf in Las Vegas

Playing the Twilight Zone Mini Golf course in Las Vegas.

Emily recently returned from a holiday to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA where she played the Twilight Zone Mini Golf course at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino.

The venue is home to an 18-hole indoor minigolf course.

Visit the Twilight Zone Mini Golf website for more information.

The Twilight Zone Mini Golf course was the 574th played and 1,053rd visited overall on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

A wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man in Las Vegas, Nevada

Spotting a wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Emily saw this wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man at Tom's Watch Bar while on holiday to Las Vegas recently.

PopStroke in Las Vegas

A look at the new PopStroke miniature golf courses in Las Vegas.

Emily recently returned from a holiday to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA where she swung by the new PopStroke courses at Town Square.

The venue opened in April 2024 and is home to two outdoor 18-hole minigolf courses - the black and blue courses.

Check out the PopStroke website for more information about PopStroke Las Vegas.

Swingers Las Vegas

Swingers Crazy Golf Las Vegas is opening at the Mandalay Bay.

Swingers Las Vegas is opening five 9-hole indoor crazy golf courses at MGM's Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Emily recently returned from a holiday to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA where she swung by the new Swingers Las Vegas indoor minigolf venue where five 9-hole indoor crazy golf courses are being created at Mandalay Bay.

The new Swingers Las Vegas crazy golf location is set to open this fall.

Visit the Swingers Crazy Golf website for more information.

A wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man in Boulder City, Nevada

Spotting a wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man in Boulder City, Nevada, USA.

Emily saw this wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man while on holiday to the USA recently.

Jurassic Adventure Golf at Grimsby Golf Centre

The new Jurassic-themed Adventure Golf course is now open at Grimsby Golf Centre in Lincolnshire.

The Jurassic Adventure dinosaur-themed adventure golf course is now open at Grimsby Golf Centre.

Check out the Grimsby Golf Centre website for more information.

The 18-hole outdoor adventure golf course is another new place for us to play on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Mini Golf Adventures at Activity for All on the Wirral

A new indoor mini golf course has opened on the Wirral.

Mini Golf Adventures is an 18-hole indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course at Arrowe Commercial Park in Upton.

Check out the Mini Golf Adventures website for more information.

It's be another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour on a return trip to the Wirral Peninsula.

Coca-Cola Street Golf at Gravity MAX Westfield Stratford City

There's a Coca-Cola Street Golf course at Gravity MAX Westfield Stratford City.

The new Gravity MAX Westfield Stratford City indoor entertainment centre will be home to a Coca-Cola branded indoor street crazy golf course.

Gravity MAX Westfield Stratford City opens on Friday 17th May.

Check out the Gravity MAX Westfield Stratford City website for more information.

We visited the Urban Street Golf at Gravity MAX in Liverpool last November.

The Coca-Cola Street Golf course will be a new one for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Urban Street Golf at Gravity MAX in Liverpool

Prestatyn Crazy Golf

A revisit to Prestatyn Crazy Golf.

I revisited and replayed the excellent Prestatyn Crazy Golf in Prestatyn, North Wales on Saturday (National Miniature Golf Day).

I managed to capture this shot of the superb course and its classic crazy golf colours during a gap in players on the course during a busy and very warm summer afternoon

The course was originally the 147th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in 2009.

As one of our local seaside towns we used to head to Prestatyn a few times a year. We went there in December 2021 during the pandemic and before that the last visit was in June 2019! Where's the time gone since then!

The Prestatyn Crazy Golf is one of our favourite courses and is an excellent Arnold Palmer Putting Course.

I very much enjoyed my two rounds on the 18-hole layout and scored a 40 (+4) on each round. Not too bad considering how rusty my putting is!

It's a course that is well worth a visit and I'm very much looking forward to another game there this summer.

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.

Since 2006 Emily and I have visited more than 1,000 minigolf courses in the UK and overseas. This has given me an insight into many aspects of minigolf including course operators, pop-ups, competitions, equipment, national associations, international federations, clubs, suppliers, designers, builders and technology providers.

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; Glory Holes art-based Crazy Golf in Saltaire; 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.

My sports, games and travel blog at the Ham & Egger Files contains over 5,500 posts that have attracted 3.3 million page views. Read my posts about the next normal rules of minigolf, competitive isolation, social distancing, the boom in minigolf and competitive socialising, artainment, the concept of retailtainment, as well as the increase in shopping mall and garden centre miniature golf courses. You can also sign-up to receive my minigolf enewsletter.

My specialist knowledge and experience in the worlds of minigolf and marketing were demonstrated in InterGame’s discussion of the opportunities and challenges of operating a mini-golf venue amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the Let’s Talk Leisure feature with Briq Bookings.

You can read my top 20 must-do tips for venues in the InterFun Guide for Operators.

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

You can buy my ebook, The Minigolfer’s Guide to Marketing, on Amazon.

Please do get in touch to find out how I can help with your minigolf, crazy golf and adventure golf activities.