How to… Build the perfect sandcastle

Sand sculpturer Mark Anderson, advises parents on how to keep their child happy by avoiding common pitfalls and producing magnificent castles.

1. Damp Sand
 
If you are on the beach, start by scraping the dry top layer of sand away to get to the wetter layer underneath – this is the Rolls Royce of sand and perfect for castle creation. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the beach. Sandpit lovers can mix two buckets of sand and a ¼ bucket of water to get the same effect.

2. Dry Bucket         
 
Make sure your bucket is completely dry, the best way to do this is to put dry sand into your bucket, swirl it around and tip it out again. Now you can be sure the sand won’t stick and you’re one step closer to perfect turrets!
 
3. Layer and Pat  
 
Add the damp sand to the bucket. The trick is to add it layer by layer making sure you pat it down each time before adding the next. Overfill the bucket and finish with a hard pat!
 
4. Tap Side  
 
Now, make sure you have a nice flat spot ready to turn your bucket over, otherwise your castle could end up looking more leaning tower of Pisa!
 
Then (this is the exciting bit!) in one ultra-quick movement, turn your bucket upside down. The best kept secret in sandcastle making is to tap the bucket on the side, not the top (no matter what dad says)!  
 
Finally Centre the Flag
 
Finally you can add some bling to your castle with a few finishing touches. But remember – don’t be too heavy handed! If a flag is your decoration of choice, make sure you place it flag in the centre of your castle and not near the edge, otherwise you risk cracking the sand.

Mark will be visiting The Beach Courts at the Butlins resort at Skegness on Thurday 26 August at 2pm – 3pm and the Shoreline Hotel Sandpit at Bognor Regis on Tuesdau 31 August at 1pm – 2pm to help families with their own castles.