I’m feeling rather pleased with myself as the instructor commends my excellent hand-eye coordination. My first foray into air pistol shooting has been a resounding success, with me consistently hitting the bullseye.
This unexpected achievement has left my sports-enthusiast teenage children and partner Tim utterly astounded. To be honest, I’m quite taken aback myself.
However, it doesn’t take long for the others to get the hang of it and soon we’re paired off, engaged in a fierce competition to knock down a shelf of objects the quickest. Despite our best efforts, Tim and I are defeated, with the kids claiming victory.
Our shooting adventure was inspired by Yusuf Dikec the Turkish air pistol competitor who gained internet fame during the Olympics with his relaxed and composed manner. We were at Top Targets, a shooting experience specialist located at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight.
The establishment is run by Katie Bishop and her husband Dan, both of whom have won numerous medals. Dan was recently chosen to represent England in clay pigeon shooting.
We honed our skills by aiming at various targets such as paper bullseyes, old cartridges, and even rocks positioned 7.5 metres and 10 metres away.
Alongside my son Freddie and his friend Archie, both 15, Tim and I found the pistols light enough to handle one-handed, much like Dikec.
After mastering the pistols, we all progressed to air rifles longer and heavier, naturally, but surprisingly effective thanks to their excellent sights.
As a unique way to keep the entire family entertained and challenged, it was an outstanding experience.
The Isle of Wight proved to be a fantastic family playground. Our holiday began with a delightful 45-minute ferry journey across the Solent from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, courtesy of Wightlink, who also offer vehicle-carrying crossings between Lymington and Yarmouth.
We set up camp on the bustling east coast, renowned for its golden beaches and vibrant resorts such as Ryde and Sandown. However, our chosen base was the more tranquil St Helens Coastal Resort, nestled in the village of St Helens near Bembridge.
This immaculate site, part of the Away Resorts group, was compact yet welcoming, boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a relaxed vibe. A short stroll away, we found a convenient grocery store and the Vine Inn, a local favourite for hearty pub meals and a weekly quiz night.
Further along, we discovered a charming harbour and picturesque houseboats.
A slightly longer walk led us to the enchanting Duver Beach, complete with soft sand, calm waters, vibrant beach huts, and a snack bar. We spent leisurely days here, sunbathing and swimming, which seamlessly transitioned into enjoyable evenings watching the sunset and enjoying a beach barbecue.
Back at St Helens Coastal Resort, we settled into a roomy two-bedroom luxury lodge equipped with a private hot tub. The addition of home comforts such as a washing machine, dishwasher, and en-suite bedroom ensured a truly relaxing stay.
One sight we were eager to see was The Needles, a series of striking chalk stacks located at the island’s most westerly point.
For a breathtaking view of the Needles and the wider Solent, take a ride on the Needles chairlift. The journey offers a stunning panorama of Alum Bay, famous for its multi-coloured sand cliffs that boast 21 different shades.
These were formed 10 million years ago when movements in the bedrock pushed quartz, mica and feldspar sediments into a vertical formation. For an up-close look at these geological wonders, boat trips or RIB rides are usually available.
Tapnell Farm, once a dairy farm housing 800 cows and producing 6,300 gallons of milk annually, is now a popular family adventure zone. It offers a range of activities from a farm park and animal experiences to archery and footgolf.
During a sudden downpour, we took shelter in a large barn to watch ferret racing. Afterwards, Freddie and Archie donned wetsuits to try out Tapnell’s aqua park (£22pp).
The only one of its kind on the island, the aqua park features a massive water-based obstacle course complete with slides, monkey bars and slippery poles. With daunting names like Neptune’s steps, ninja jump and the 3.8-metre high Mount Rainier, it’s a thrilling challenge.
Despite their initial confidence, the adventurous pair struggled to stay upright on the obstacles but their laughter and smiles showed they were having a fantastic time.
As my children entered their teenage years, the challenge of keeping them entertained during holidays became increasingly difficult. However, the Isle of Wight provided a unique solution in the form of Goodleaf Tree Climbing.
This back-to-basics activity offers a refreshing alternative to traditional climbing walls, allowing participants to scale a 300 year old English oak tree located in Appley Park on the outskirts of Ryde. With ropes secured around its towering branches and aerial hammocks for relaxation, Goodleaf’s expert guidance ensures you’ll be up in the tree in no time.
Equipped with hard hats and harnesses, my sons Freddie and Archie learned how to hoist themselves up using acorn knots for safety before being set free to explore. They managed to ascend various ropes to an impressive height of 14 metres.
Despite the physical exertion, they agreed that the stunning views and sense of liberation made the experience entirely worthwhile (prices start from £29 per person, visit goodleaf.co.uk).
The Isle of Wight is renowned for its array of festivals, and our trip coincided with the Garlic Festival. This large country fair celebrates the versatile bulb and showcases its myriad uses.
We sampled an assortment of garlic-infused treats, including chocolate ice cream, fudge, and even beer. The verdict?
Surprisingly delicious!
Book the holiday
To book your holiday, sail from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Isle of Wight, with Wightlink Ferries. Prices start from £82.50 for a car and up to four people.
Visit wightlink.co.uk for more information.
Away Resorts is offering a three-night weekend stay in a luxury lodge with a hot tub at St Helens Coastal Resort, Isle of Wight, starting from £237 for two people. For more information, visit awayresorts.co.uk.
Additional details can be found at visitisleofwight.co.uk.