About Us
We are the longest established multi activity provider in the North East of England and the closest to Newcastle upon Tyne. Operating on the Matfen Hall Estate, near Hexham, a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Transport can be arranged, whether for a corporate day, stag/ hen/ sports club party, we bring the experience of a lifetime for all.
Typical scenarios could include shooting, blindfold driving, quadbiking – or even our notorious “Jungle Challenge” (Big bikes, Big mud, Big fun) which continues to draw quad bike enthusiasts from all over the UK.
With over 30 years’ experience, we craft bespoke events to your requirements and are totally independent. Turboventure is NOT an agency and we enjoy building up a rapport with our customers prior to their arrival: this is reflected in both our service and staff.
Where:
Our HQ and most of the action takes place at Standing Stone Farm Matfen (near Corbridge). We can arrange minibus transport for you and have negotiated a special price £160 return to and from Newcastle for a 16 seater.
Tank driving events take place at an amazing former colliery site just off the A1 just south of Alnwick. Considered by many to be the best in the UK.
The Turbo Team
Instructors:
As well as our own staff we employ freelance instructors who are all specialists and respected in their chosen discipline, be it rock climbing, kayaking, mine exploration – and flying! Totally independent, we aim to operate like a family firm both in the care of customers and staff.
The 1980’s and Turbochargers:
More than twenty years ago we grafted weekend paintball onto our existing garage / engineering and music businesses, and then further diversified into more outdoor activities – all of which reflected the interests of the owner, Richard Wilson. He had, and continues to have, an intense interest in turbochargers, and in 1982 turbo-powered the Army and RAF Airportable Land Rovers to success in the World Himalayan Rally through India, under Squadron Leader Dick Lewis of the RAF Regiment. It was a small step therefore to come up with TURBOVENTURE to encapsulate the excitement evident in our outdoor business.
Military Vehicles:
These have been a huge interest since Army days and several in the collection are available to be driven. From time to time we assist in Defence related trials using both our own and others’ equipment. We have tested a Battlefield Casevac System (casualty evacuation) and a revolutionary design of tank track: most recently we supplied and crewed a gun tractor for a short trial with the Army in the Jordanian desert.
Events:
Amongst the more unusual, we have run a charity abseil at Bamburgh Castle, provided logistic support for TV/Film companies operating in challenging terrain (esp. for the new 3D film ‘Edge of Empire’ high on the Roman Wall), operated a climbing tower and archery event for the Great North Run, a day of team building for senior RAF officers from various UK bases, and tested mine clearing equipment over 800 miles of Kielder Forest tracks – and concluded by bogging 10 tons of gear at Druridge Bay on an incoming tide (but don’t tell the National Trust). On several occasions we have made APC’s available to the Army for recruiting demos, and have also sold several to other paintball operators, one each to France and the USA (and a fire engine). You can now pop into the local brewery for a session on the way back to Newcastle!
