SUPPLIER INTERVIEW - WALL EDEN FARM
Introducing Wall Eden Adventure! Based in beautiful Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, their fantastic staff have been providing Experience Days customers with incredible outdoor activities from Archery and Axe-Throwing to Overnight Glamping adventures since 2019. As the recent winners of the "Holiday Park of the Year" at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, we felt it was right we found out a little bit more about our long term partners at Wall Eden!
We sat down with Co-Founder and current Managing Director of this stunning ex-dairy farm, Dave Wall, to hear his take on the journey that led Wall Eden Adventure from humble target sport provider to award-winning outdoor adventure park! We were also keen to hear how they plan to expand and bring an even greater range of activities to Experience Days customers in 2024 and beyond...
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the history of Wall Eden Adventure and your own personal background that led you to your current role?
Dave: Wall Eden Adventure officially started in 2014 as a father and son enterprise, with the original combination of archery and target shooting. we're very fortunate to have our own launch access to the river Brue which runs through our site, so in 2015 Kayaking and Canoeing was added to our list of offerings - bringing in people from across the country to explore the Somerset Levels. In 2016 we added one of our most popular options, Axe Throwing, which has been a customer favourite ever since. Over the years we've added a range of other activities and developed the adjacent holiday retreat, so we can now offer adventure escapes with accommodation.
I've worked with Andy (dad) throughout the years, and in 2014 I left my role as Apache Contracts Officer within helicopter manufacturer 'Leonardo' to help the growth of the holiday retreat and to officially start Wall Eden Adventure. It's been a steep learning curve over the last decade but we're super proud of what we have achieved over this period.
Q. As the Managing Director, what aspect of your role do you enjoy the most and why?
Dave: It's such a varied role, truly no day is the same. As we're a small team, it could be anything from marketing to carpentry, and that's what makes the role so suited for me, a good mix of office and outdoor jobs.
Q. Can you share a personal favourite among the activities offered by Wall Eden Adventure? What makes it special to you?
Dave: Personally it's the axe throwing - I enjoy the challenge and the 'feel' of throwing axes, there's something about it that's been lost with the modern age, letting our your 'inner Viking' I suppose - it's also great stress relief.
Q. Are there any memorable stories or customer experiences that stand out to you? Any unique ways in which Wall Eden Adventure has made a lasting impact on your customers?
Dave: There's so many, from entertaining the large make up company 'Benefit Cosmetic' and similar companies to supporting local special education needs schools with extracurricular activities - our staff are the reason we have built so many great relationships and have customers return year on year.
Q. Are there any plans for expanding the range of activities at Wall Eden Adventure in the future?
Dave: We are always looking at how we can develop and add to our offerings, we're hoping 2024 will see the introduction of 'knife throwing' and after school clubs.
Q. You were recently crowned 'Holiday Park Of The Year' at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards! What does winning this title mean to you?
Dave: It means everything - we entered knowing it would be a long shot with so many great holiday parks in the region, however we were ecstatic when we were announced as winners in November. The team has put so much in to Wall Eden, both the accommodation and adventure side of things, so it's a real pleasure to be able to share this accolade with everyone here.
Q. In a market filled with various outdoor activities, why should Experience Days customers visit Wall Eden Adventure? What sets you apart?
Dave: We genuinely care about the customer experience, from the moment customers step on site to the moment they leave. We also offer something unique, such as our brand new bar and cafe added in 2022, where you can relax pre or post activity, and make a real day of it. And if you're after accommodation for an adventure getaway we can provide high end options to make it a memorable break away.
I would also add that our water sports options are all based on the same site, so once you park up there is no more driving or jumping on a minibus, you start and end at Wall Eden - making it a relaxing experience.
It was so wonderful for us to get this opportunity to learn more about Wall Eden Farm, and we left the conversation confidently assured that Experience Days customers are in safe hands with Dave and his fantastic team. So if you're looking for an adventurous experience gift in Somerset, then your search ends now! You can browse the full range of products from Wall Eden Adventure for outdoor activities and Wall Eden Farm Holiday Centre for glamping and overnight getaways. Be sure to watch this space in 2024 as we hope to hear from Dave regarding his exciting new knife throwing activities which he talked about above!
On behalf of Experience Days and Wall Eden, have a wonderful Christmas and we hope to see you in 2024!
