24 August,2010 02:32 PM IST | | AFP
A British holiday chain is offering "sandcastle masterclasses" for those who want to improve their skills with au00a0 bucket and spade.
Butlins, which runs three resorts and three hotels in the UK, has enlisted the help of sand craftsman Mark Anderson to teach parents and children the secret to a good sandcastle.
Visitors to its resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness will be able to join Anderson on the beach for hour-long workshops on how to layer, tap and pat their sand masterpieces to perfection.
The secret to a great sandcastle is damp sand and a dry bucket, filled with layers to ensure the maximum density of sand, says Anderson.
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Then, a good tap on the side should ensure the bucket slips away easily, producing the perfect monument, at least until the tide comes in.
Visitors can at least be sure they're getting tuition from an expert -- in 2008, Anderson built an entire hotel out of sand as a marketing stunt for holiday booking site LateRooms.com.
Although sand castle lessons might sound like a crazy idea, Butlins isn't the only place in the world tourists can get them.
On Texas' South Padre beach in the US, there are three instructors who vie for business on the beach, which is renowned as a sandcastle destination.
Local resident Lucinda Wierenga, who also goes by the name "Sandy Feet", has even written a book about her experiences.
