Enjoy a flight of fancy

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, September 15, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

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Enjoy a flight of fancy

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to … Perriswood down the Gower. 

WHY? Located on the A4118 in the heart of the Gower overlooking the stunning Oxwich Bay, Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre is only a 20 minuet drive from Swansea. The centre provides a range of activities that can be enjoyed by individuals and groups of all ages. Whether you are looking to try something new; relax and take in the surrounding scenery; have fun with the family; or celebrate a special occasion, Perriswood is a good place to visit.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Archery lessons are available all day everyday on the centre’s outside range, or inside if the weather is not good. The lessons are suitable for the whole family from 6 years old up and for all abilities. At the end of an hour lesson you get the chance to win a solid gold, Celtic design ring! All you have to do is shoot an arrow into the centre of a ring on your target. There are also 38 different birds of prey to see at Perriswood, including owls, hawks, and falcons. And visitors get to hold the birds for themselves. You even get the chance to see one fly to your own gloved hand! Very few falconry centres let members of the public so close to their birds, setting Perriswood apart from other centres. For a more relaxing option you can enjoy a herbal tea or freshly ground coffee with a cake in the Perriswood coffee shop. You can also take a look around the rest of the centre’s animal attractions, including monkeys, micro pigs, honey bees, and others.
ANY HISTORY? Brian Williams and his family have lived at Perriswood Farm for over 200 years. In 2004 Brian decided to diversify into teaching archery. The centre originally started off with seven bows and two targets in one of the fields. Over the last seven years the centre has developed and today Perriswood can have up to 80 people shooting at one time! By spring 2007 it was decided that changing the way that archery is taught wasn't enough and Brian struck out to bring birds of prey to the masses.
WHAT TO TAKE? The centre offers visitors three different length lessons. A 15 minute archery lesson costs £6, and 30 minuets costs £8. An hour lesson costs £14. Whereas “Arrows, Talons & Tea” costs only £12 per person.
LOOK OUT FOR? If you would like to try archery and falconry then “Arrows, Talons and Tea” is the best package. An introduction to archery is followed by a hot drink and cake before you take part in a bird display.
WHEN TO GO? Perriswood is open seven days a week. The opening hours are 10am to 7pm.
TELL ME MORE: You can contact Perriswood by going to www.perriswood.com or phoning 01792 371661. The address is: Perriswood Farm, Penmaen, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2HN.
Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomas.eu.