History in motion: from English croquet to the Karelian towns of kyukkya
The main Manor Games
Kyukkya, melkki, petanque and Russian towns are games that have become the hallmark of Ladoga Manor. They are held on a schedule, and can also be organized individually — just contact the sports equipment rental area.
Each guest of the Estate is complimented with a master class on the game of kook, an ancient Karelian game that is now part of the regional component of the TRP of the Republic of Karelia. An experienced instructor will explain the rules, show you the throwing technique and help you feel the excitement of this authentic game.
Karelian towns (kyukkya) are an authentic tradition of the region
Kyukkya (that's how the name sounds in Karelian and Finnish) is an ancient folk game that differs from Russian towns in rules and excitement. The playing field consists of two squares with 10 meters of space between them. Your task is to use a wooden bat to knock out special kyukka figures. The atmosphere of the cup is special — according to an old tradition, the defeated team rolls the winners on their backs around the court. At Ladoga Manor, of course, we do not insist on such a custom, but we guarantee the spirit of friendly rivalry!
Melkky is a Finnish mobile gambling game
Originally from Finland, this game is rapidly conquering the world. It's simple: you need to use a wooden bar to knock down pins with numbers. Points are awarded based on the numbers of pins knocked down or for each pin knocked down (if there are several of them). The winner is the one who gets exactly 50 points first. Melkki has it all: excitement, luck, calculation, and a touch of athletic anger. The perfect choice for any company.
Petanque — the French philosophy of leisurely rivalry
South of France, Provence, 1907. A local resident, Jules Lenoir, a champion in the game of Provence balls, could no longer take a classic throwing stance due to a leg injury. It was then that he came up with a new way: to throw balls while standing still, "legs together" (from the Occitan ped tanco). This is how petanque was born, a game that has become a symbol of the laid—back French lifestyle. Today, petanque is played by more than 50 million people in 165 countries around the world. Strength is not needed here — precision, strategy, and the ability to read the game situation are important here.
Russian towns — native Slavic prowess
Gorodki is an ancient Slavic game with a history dating back more than a century. Both the common people and the aristocracy enjoyed playing it. Among the fans of the towns were Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Chaliapin. The rules are simple: by throwing a bat, you need to knock out figures made up of five wooden cylindrical towns from the "city". There are 15 figures in total, and each has its own name: "cannon", "star", "arrow", "well", "machine gun nest". Here, not only the strength and accuracy of the blow are important, but also an excellent eye.
Croquet is a classic pastime of English gentlemen
Croquet is a real English aristocratic game, whose history dates back more than a century and a half. In 1868, the All England Croquet Club was founded in Wimbledon, the same one that later gave the world the famous tennis tournament. Hitting with special hammers, passing balls through narrow gates — there is everything for an exciting tactical duel. This game is equally fascinating for both children and adults.
Badminton is a game with an aristocratic pedigree
Few people know that the modern badminton tradition was born in the old English Badminton House estate, where the Duke of Beaufort equipped the first playground for this game in 1873. Badminton is an Olympic sport today, but for us it remains an easy, elegant and democratic game. Shuttlecock floating in the clear forest air makes you forget about the hustle and bustle and fully concentrate on the rapid flight.
Sports entertainment for team spirit
If you want a more dynamic activity, welcome to our lawns.
The volleyball ball is for those who miss the team spirit. Serve, pass, throw — get your friends out of their deck chairs and have an impromptu outdoor match.
Scandinavian walking is an ideal way to explore the picturesque surroundings of the Manor at a comfortable pace, keeping fit. On the territory of the Estate there is a special forest path — mushroom trail. It winds through ancient pine trees, passes glades with fragrant herbs and leads to quiet corners where time seems to stand still.
Nordic walking here turns not into a sport, but into the practice of conscious movement. Rhythmic steps, soft work of sticks, breathing to the beat of nature — you go not to get somewhere, but to slow down, listen to the silence, inhale the scent of pine needles and moist earth. It's like the Japanese art of "forest bathing" (shinrin-yongk), only in motion. You're not just walking—you're watching the light change, the leaves fall, and the moss grow on the rocks. No fuss, just you, the forest and the gentle rhythm of walking. The perfect way to restore balance, relieve tension and at the same time maintain tone. Nordic walking poles can be rented at the rental point for free.
Important
All games, bicycles, scooters and sports equipment are provided to our guests free of charge. Inventory can be obtained at the on-site rental point.
We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes according to the weather for maximum enjoyment of walking and playing.