National White Water Centre Reviews Summary

Cafe and Food

Pros:

• "Manon's Cafe was excellent, there was a good choice of food at reasonable prices, friendly service, inside and outside seating and Dogs 🐶 are welcome."
• "The cafe run by Manod is great good food and the new pizza option is great."
• "Afterwards, lunch at the cafe, seated outside and with great view of the river and activities."
• "Had a very nice pulled pork bap and a generous slice of lemon sponge prepared and served by two very jolly and friendly ladies."
• "The centre has a lovely cafe that serves a whole range of food and drinks."
• "The cafe breakfast was good too. Plenty of good options for spectators."
• "There is a café on site, which does food and beverages all day."

Cons:

• "Regular kayaker here and always have enjoyed and they generally do a good job maintaining and shuttling people about. The cafe there could do better cakes are nice but rest price rise for quality just isn't what you would hope for."
• "Note that pizza is advertised on site however its not served on Mondays."
• "The only negative thing I would say is I think for the prices they should include the hire of the wetsuit which we had to pay on top."

Rafting Experience

Pros:

• "The river was amazing to raft on, such a thrill after 2 trips we were exhausted but loving life."
• "George was our guide and made sure we were all safe and thrilled by the end."
• "Osian gave really clear safety instructions and made the whole experience so much fun."
• "They do whitewater rafting which is very entertaining, all the kit is available and a cafe to warm up in after a good soaking."
• "We had an amazing experience white water rafting, which was made even better by our amazing guide."
• "Absolutely awesome rafting - already looking forward to the next time 👌"
• "Had the best time white water rafting."

Cons:

• "Not what it used to be the £22 river access fee is extortionate which is charged even when not using the facilities and just paddling the lower."
• "Only downside is that you can't take your GoPro."
• "They even charge full price without explaining half the upper is closed off for slalom paddling and do not explain this resulting in getting shouted at by the slalom paddlers for paddling through unaware."
• "Charges are too high .. £350 for boat and £90 per person for water surfing of just 400yards by walk 8mins only.."
• "I'm very displeased about, staff invading my privacy by taking photos of me, which may be shared among other members of the group."
• "Then got sarcastic comments from one of the raft guide upon the return of the van about how annoyed we all look. Bad customer service."
• "Rafting is dependent on the release of water from the reservoir above. The site has no control over this so cancellation of your day is a possibility."

Facilities

Pros:

• "The facilities are good, although the area for showers and changing clothes was a bit small and we were a bit crowded at times and with little space."
• "Nice changing rooms and cat parking to boot."
• "Great set up and professionally run. Changing facilities in great condition and plenty of resourceful information on the walls."
• "The on site changing rooms are clear with free lockers and showers, and the centre and it's surrounds are well set up to ensure everything runs smoothly."
• "This place has changing rooms, lockers, hot water showers, a cafe and swimwear rentals too."
• "Cafe and toilets clean and serviceable."
• "The toilets were well-maintained. There were adequate social-distancing measures."

Cons:

• "The facilities are good, although the area for showers and changing clothes was a bit small and we were a bit crowded at times and with little space."
• "There seems to be only two toilet stalls (female)."
• "Changing rooms could do with a deep clean."

Staff and Instructors

Pros:

• "A big thanks to Oli out mentor and guide. Friendly staff members throughout the site, a very welcoming environment."
• "We had Emily as our pilot. Everything was explained clearly and we had a fantastic time."
• "Rhona was a super instructor. She was helpful, supportive and made this so much fun, we all felt very safe in her hands."
• "Our instructor James was professional and friendly and we had an excellent experience."
• "George was a fantastic mix of fun and professional, and made you feel at ease and excited for the experience."
• "Our guide Ollie was brilliant.....needs to work on his jokes though 😉 highly recommend."
• "Had a great instructor (Holly) on the raft, and a wonderful time!"

Cons:

• "I'm sure the guides (Emily and Nathan) would call it 'banter', but their attitudes were teetering on cocky, so would advise them to turn it down a bit."
• "My boat's instructor Phil did seem a little bit bored which was a shame."
• "Then got sarcastic comments from one of the raft guide upon the return of the van about how annoyed we all look. Bad customer service."