Showing posts with label Hampshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hampshire. Show all posts

Thursday, March 21, 2024

A minigolf move in Basingstoke

There are plans for a new Great Wolf resort in Basingstoke, Hampshire.


A proposed Great Wolf resort in Basingstoke would be created on the site of Basingstoke Golf Centre and would feature a mini golf course

The proposed Great Wolf resort in Basingstoke would be created on the site of Basingstoke Golf Centre.

The new Great Wolf resort is an indoor water park - that would also feature a mini golf course as one of the activities.

Basingstoke Golf Centre is home to a Knights Realm Adventure Golf course. We haven't played the Knights Realm course yet, but did play the course it replaced several times, including some tournaments.

Visit the Basingstoke Golf Centre and Great Wolf Lodge resort websites for more information.


Hopefully we get back to Basingstoke to play the Knights Realm Adventure Golf course on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour before it is removed. And we'll have to return again to have a game on the new Great Wolf mini golf course when that opens in the future.

Work is underway on the first Great Wolf Lodge in the UK that is set to open in Chesterton, Bicester, Oxfordshire. Like the US locations, that site looks set to be home to a miniature golf course too.

Friday, March 08, 2024

Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton

Visiting the old Toys R Us store on the Western Esplanade in Southampton, Hampshire.


Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021


Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021

There was still a lot of signs on display at the large old unit.

Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021

Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021

Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021

Toys R Us on the Western Esplanade in Southampton. May 2021

Toys R Us closed in the UK in April 2018.

It's been very interesting to find that there are still remnants of the brand on some retail parks in the UK and we've visited a number of these closed, abandoned, derelict and demolished Toys R Us locations on our travels.

My first job while at university in the year 2000 was as one of Geoffrey's helpers at the Luton store. I worked on the video game and electronics section.

Former Toys R Us locations we've visited on our travels:

Wednesday, March 06, 2024

Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

Visiting the old Toys R Us store at the Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke, Hampshire.


Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke


Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

There was still a lot of signage on display at the former store.

Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

Toys R Us at Brighton Hill Retail Park in Basingstoke

Toys R Us closed in the UK in April 2018.

It's been very interesting to find that there are still remnants of the brand on some retail parks in the UK and we've visited a number of these closed, abandoned, derelict and demolished Toys R Us locations on our travels.

My first job while at university in the year 2000 was as one of Geoffrey's helpers at the Luton store. I worked on the video game and electronics section.

Former Toys R Us locations we've visited on our travels:

Saturday, February 03, 2024

The old Blockbuster Video store in Southampton

A look at the former Blockbuster Video store in Southampton.


Blockbuster Video in Southampton

We visited the old Blockbuster Video store on Portswood Road in Southampton, Hampshire back in May 2021.

Blockbuster Video in Southampton

Blockbuster Video in Southampton

Work was underway to open the location as a new business. Luckily there were still some traces of the Blockbuster brand.

Blockbuster Video in Southampton

Blockbuster Video in Southampton

Blockbuster Video in Southampton

Finding other old Blockbuster Video shops.


It's always fun to see ghost signs, remnants of old & dead brands and interesting signage while out and about on our travels. Since I found the remains of the Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester in October 2019 I've been intrigued to see the brand still has a lingering presence on the high street. The last Blockbuster Video shop ceased trading in the UK in December 2013!

Our travels have taken us to several former Blockbuster stores:

Saturday, September 30, 2023

17 years of our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Celebrating 17 years of our minigolf adventures.


Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea
Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

We played the Victory Trail course at Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire on this day in 2006 and at the end of our 9-hole round on Saturday 30th September I won a free game by firing the cannon on the lucky last hole!

My free game card from Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea - never used!
My free game card from Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea - never used!

We've been putting on our crazy golfing adventures ever since.

When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. There are now more than 1,000, and there are lots of new places to play the game opening all the time.

We've now been to 1,030 courses overall in the last 17 years, with 983 of those courses in the British Isles.

You can see all of the courses we've visited on this Crazy World of Minigolf Tour list.

Saturday, August 05, 2023

New Crazy Golf at Clarence Pier in Portsmouth

A new Crazy Golf course has opened at Clarence Pier in Portsmouth, Hampshire.


A new Crazy Golf course has opened at Clarence Pier in Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Putt Hutt is an 18-hole indoor Crazy Golf layout and opened at Clarence Pier today (Saturday 5th August).

Check out The Putt Hutt website for more information.

The new course is next door to Treasure Island Adventure Golf, the first place we played crazy golf back in 2006 on what would become our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

It'll be interesting to play The Putt Hutt on our next visit to Portsmouth and Southsea.

Sunday, March 26, 2023

East Park Mini Golf in Southampton

A look at the East Park Mini Golf course in Southampton.


My friend and minigolf rival Simon Brown sent me these photos of the East Park Mini Golf course in Southampton from his visit last month.

East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023
East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023

East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023
East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023

East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023
East Park Mini Golf in Southampton. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort

A look at the South Downs Way Adventure Golf course at Marwell Resort.


Thanks to my friend and minigolf rival Simon Brown for this snap of the South Downs Way Adventure Golf course at Marwell Resort from his visit earlier this year.

South Downs Way Adventure Golf course at Marwell Resort. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023
South Downs Way Adventure Golf course at Marwell Resort. Photo by Simon Brown, February 2023

Visit the Marwell Resort website for more information.

Friday, September 30, 2022

16 years of our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Celebrating 16 years of our minigolf adventures.


We played the Victory Trail course at Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire on this day in 2006.

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire
Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

At the end of our 9-hole round on Saturday 30th September I won a free game by firing the cannon on the lucky last hole.

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire
My free game card from Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea - never used!

We've been putting on our crazy golfing adventures ever since!

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire
Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. There are now more than 1,000, and there are lots of new courses opening all the time.

We've now been to 1,004 courses overall in the last 16 years, with 959 of those courses in the British Isles.

You can see all of the courses we've visited on this Crazy World of Minigolf Tour list.


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Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Putt Club opening in Eastleigh, Southampton

A new Putt Club indoor crazy golf course is opening in Eastleigh, Southampton in October.


A new Putt Club indoor crazy golf course is opening in Eastleigh, Southampton in October 2022

You can find Putt Club minigolf course in Hull, Leicester, Edmonton, London Docklands and Watford.

Visit the Putt Club website for more information.

Thursday, May 05, 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort

A look at the new South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort in Hampshire.


A big thank you as always goes to our fellow minigolf explorer Matt Dodd for sending over these photos from his visit to the South Downs Way Adventure Golf course at Marwell Resort in Hampshire earlier this year.

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022
South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort. Photo by Matt Dodd, March 2022

The South Downs Way Adventure Golf course opened at Marwell Resort last year.

Visit the Marwell Resort website for more information.


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

Thursday, April 07, 2022

Crazy Golf at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex

There are plans to refurbish the Crazy Golf course at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex in Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire.


There are plans to refurbish the Crazy Golf course at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex in Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire

We visited the sports-themed Adventure Golf course at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in May 2019.

Adventure Golf at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex in Southampton
Adventure Golf at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex in Southampton

Visit the Romsey Rapids Sports Complex website for more information.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

15 years of our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Celebrating a decade and a half of our minigolf adventures.


We played the Victory Trail course at Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire on this day in 2006.

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire

At the end of our 9-hole round on Saturday 30th September I won a free game by firing the cannon on the lucky last hole.

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire

We've been putting on our miniature golfing adventures ever since!

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire


When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. There are now more than 1,000, with new courses opening all the time.

We've been to 973 courses overall in the last 15 years, with 934 of those courses in the British Isles.

You can see all of the courses we've visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour post.


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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Zingers Adventure Golf in Portsmouth

A new indoor adventure golf course is opening in Portsmouth, Hampshire.


Zingers Adventure Golf is opening at The Bridge Shopping Centre in Portsmouth in August 2021

Many thanks to our friend Dave Ronchetti for letting us know about Zingers Adventure Golf in Portsmouth. The new 9-hole UV glow-in-the-dark indoor minigolf course is opening at The Bridge Shopping Centre in Fratton, Portsmouth on the 28th August.

Check out the Zingers Adventure Golf website for more information.


Shopping centre minigolf

Zingers Adventure Golf is the latest miniature golf course to open in a shopping centre. Overall the game is booming and lots of former retail space is now being used as entertainment space, with minigolf, crazy golf and adventure golf a popular choice.

Minigolfing in Portsmouth and Southsea

Our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour began down in Southsea back in 2006 when we played the Treasure Island Adventure Golf course on the seafront. Dave still lives locally and has tipped us off about a few other courses he's seen and heard about over the years.

We're looking forward to our next trip down to Portsmouth and Southsea.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs

I didn't realise there were Nathan's Famous hot dog restaurants in the UK until I spotted this one on a recent trip to Southampton.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs in Southampton

This is one of two Nathan's Famous in the UK - it's in Portswood, Southampton. The other is in Bournemouth.

We saw Nathan's as we were on our way to check out the Only Foods and Sauces food van in the area.

It's always fun finding US brands where you wouldn't expect to see them. We saw quite a few 7 Elevens in Sweden on our last visit.

Thursday, July 01, 2021

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

A revisit to Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea, Hampshire.


Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

Emily swung by Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea on the way back from her trip to the Isle of Wight last month.

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea
Some of the Covid-19 signage at the course

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea
Times have certainly changed in the last 15 years!

Treasure Island Adventure Golf in Southsea
A closer look at some of the Covid-19 signage and measures in place at the course

We played the Victory Trail course at Treasure Island Adventure Golf on Saturday 30th September 2006. I won a free game by firing the cannon on the lucky last hole and our minigolfing adventures have been rolling ever since!

Check out the Treasure Island Adventure Golf website for more information on the two 9-hole courses, opening times and prices.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort

Marwell Resort in Winchester, Hampshire is home to a new adventure golf course.


Marwell Resort in Winchester, Hampshire is home to a new adventure golf course

A new adventure golf course is now open at Marwell Resort in Hampshire.

The 18-hole South Downs Way Adventure Golf course is themed on the local area.

Visit the Marwell Resort website for more information, opening times and prices.


The South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort was created by the team at Greenspan.

South Downs Way Adventure Golf at Marwell Resort is another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Thursday, June 03, 2021

Adventure Golf advertising

We spotted this advert for the Dino Islands Adventure Golf course at Sandham Gardens in Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight at the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal in Southampton.


Sandham Gardens Adventure Golf advert in Southampton

We're yet to play the Dino Islands Adventure Golf course at Sandham Gardens on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, but did play the course that was on the same spot before it.

Visit the Dino Islands Adventure Golf website for more information.

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

Pac-Man at Southampton Inside/Out

We spotted Pac-Man and a blue ghost while walking around Southampton last month!


Pac-Man at Southampton Inside/Out

They were created as part of the social distancing floor markings as part of the Southampton Inside Out dining campaign to create more places to dine out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pac-Man at Southampton Inside/Out

Blue Ghost at Southampton Inside/Out

Pac-Man at Southampton Inside/Out

Only Foods and Sauces in Southampton

I've spotted a few different homages to Only Fools and Horses on my travels over the years - the latest being Only Foods and Sauces in Swaythling, Southampton.


Only Foods and Sauces in Southampton

Only Foods and Sauces in Southampton

Only Foods and Sauces in Southampton

Check out the Only Foods and Sauces Facebook Page for more information.