Inside family resort with soft play, pool, crazy golf & luxury for grown-ups

THE newly revamped — and soon to be renamed — Vegas lodge at Piperdam is a proper party palace but it’s also a surefire bet for family fun.

Despite many pals having been to the woodland resort, just outside Dundee, it was my first venture to the holiday hotspot.

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The lodge sleeps up to 12 people

It boasts incredible decor – and a snooker table Credit:

It was also our first multi-family break with my husband, son Jimmy and I heading away with some pals and their daughter, Molly.

And it must have been beginner’s luck as we struck the jackpot on both counts.

At reception I got the low-down on all the activities on offer. There’s a pool and spa, activity barn with soft play and crazy golf as well as an itinerary of crafts and events daily.

But while there’s tons to keep all ages entertained, the lodges are the main attraction.

There’s loads of room for relaxing and socialising Credit:

The incredible lodge even boasts its own sauna Credit: Unknown

Our two trios were staying in the largest cabin on offer, the 12-person Braveheart, soon to be called Vegas.

On the ground floor there are four double bedrooms and two twins. There’s also an indoor sauna and a outdoor hot tub. Talk about glam!

Upstairs there’s a games room with a snooker table and roulette wheel. That’s the Sin City calling.

But the most breathtaking space is the open-plan living quarters. I actually let out an involuntary nervous laugh at the grandeur of the room, which has a huge stag mural overlooking a dining table set beautifully for a dozen.

On-site there’s loads to do, including a great family restaurant Credit:

There’s a pool, crazy golf and soft play too

On one side there’s a dream kitchen with sparkling new appliances — perfect to cook for a big group — and on the other, a huge TV, cosy seating and a large balcony with a perfect vista across the woods.

The place is so vast we closed off one ‘wing’ — bar for one epic game of after-dinner hide and seek. We made good use of the lavish lodge on our weekend trip, playing snooker and relaxing in the sauna.

Meanwhile, the hot tub was a highlight for adults and kids alike, as it was big enough for the wee ones to swim in.

And talking of swimming, the pool — a five-minute walk from our accommodation — was a big hit with Jimmy and Molly. The pair of them splashed about happily while the adults took turns to have a steam and sauna sesh.

We spent a great day trip at blustery Broughty Ferry Credit:

The kids loved dolphin-spotting on the beach Credit:

Another great addition to the resort is the Room with a View Restaurant, so-named for its pretty panorama over the loch. It’s geared up for families with children eating for just £1 and a great pub grub menu.

My steak pie was generous on the pastry and the stew, just the way I like it, while my husband Ryan’s katsu chicken burger was super tasty and Jimmy enjoyed his chicken strips. Our pals’ meals were just as delish — and we even came second in the pub quiz that was running while we ate.

While we could have happily stayed on-site for the full break, Piperdam is also ideally located for lots of great day trips. One afternoon, we tried out Dundee Science Centre. It’s great for youngsters, with loads of hands-on activities.

Curious pair Jimmy and Molly loved the Fact or Fiction physics show, with both eagerly taking part in live experiments.

Dundee Science Centre was another great place to visit nearby Credit:

Back at the lodge, the hot tub was a big hit with everyone

And we spent a blustery afternoon on the beach at Broughty Ferry where we built sandcastles and spotted dolphins splashing in the sea.

There’s also a fab social enterprise eatery just off the shore, Braw Tea Cafe, where we had a smashing lunch.

My Bakewell scone was particularly sensational.

And Camperdown Park is just a 10-minute drive too, an epic place with stunning walks and a huge playpark, complete with pirate ship climbing frames, obstacle courses and a zip slide.

GO: PIPERDAM

FOUR nights in the 12-person lodge cost £1,349.

Back at the lodge, there was time for one last hot tub dip for Jimmy and Molly before we checked out.

Watching them play together was a total delight and having so much space and freedom meant our first trip with pals was a joy.

Even if you had a full house, the Vegas lodge would still be a winner.