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“A disappointing day out...”

written by GThornhill on 27/08/2012

Was due to meet friends at Twinlakes today (27/08/2012) and they advised us to book online for a 30% discount. The Twinlakes website was down, and the entire site was unavailable. So after some searching, we found a 25% discount voucher online, but staff wouldn't honour it because today was a "special event day" (which we couldn't possibly have known due to the website being down). So reluctantly paid full entry price - £47 for two adults and one 11-year old. Please be mindful - we don't have ridiculously high standards or expectations, we just wanted a well-priced, fun, family day out. Alas, 'twas not to be.

Upon entry we found the pirate ship was closed for "essential" maintenance (despite the fact nobody was working on it), the outdoor dungeon/castle play area was closed off, and a section of the indoor play area was also closed! As if all this wasn't enough, we entered the "Farmhouse of Fear" which was simply a winding corridor plunged into darkness. No scares, no lights, no nothing... Other people were openly calling this poor excuse for an attraction "awful" and a "rip off". The petting/animal area was large, although water bottles were filled with algae and during one section, a handler inadvertantly let several ferrets escape. They were "encouraged" back into their cage with his boot. Questionable professionalism at best, and not a great example for the children watching.

We purchased lunch, but there was no salt available for the chips and staff informed us there was no Coca Cola available from the dispenser at the counter. Several of the "grabber" machines weren't working and refused to accept our change (several other customers also commented on this) and probably 75% of the flashing "bulbs" illuminating the Trauma Tower ride didn't work and needed replacing. Finally, one of our friends was pregnant, and there was only ONE ride which she could go on, which had a 20 minute+ wait time.

Upon leaving, we raised all these problems with staff at the reception area, who were generally uninterested. They claimed the website problem "wasn't their fault"(!) and they stated they could close any rides at any point without giving any notice. Generally a very uncaring attitude towards prospective repeat customers - they told me to fill in a photocopied form so our issues could be "raised" with the board of directors. Sadly no promise of any return communication.

Finally, it's worth noting that the "Twinlakes" logo features the dungeon/castle area (closed), the pirate ship (closed) and a loop-the-loop rollercoaster, which doesn't exist. Very poor mis-representation, and thanks to the high prices, ride unavailability and lapse attitudes from the staff we certainly won't be going back. We've had Drayton Manor recommended to us for a next visit. We spent over £100 today, and I generally wish I could say I'd got a lot more for my money. I'd certainly think carefully before YOU visit Twinlakes!