Fun in the new play barn

We are big fans of Sacrewell Farm, as I’ve already written about in a previous blog post. It is one of those fail-safe days out – I always know Little Miss will enjoy herself there. I have heard so many good reports of the new indoor play barn that opened in April, but I hadn’t actually been myself. So on Father’s Day we decided to take Little Miss so; 1) Dad could look at all the tractors and farm machinery, and 2) Little Miss could try the new play barn. A win-win situation for everyone!

The play barn at Sacrewell Farm

The first thing that struck me about the play barn was how much lighter it appeared. And there’s a new entrance porch. Great idea; especially for winter as the old barn was so draughty every time people went in and out.

The whole barn has been given a makeover. The old barn was used for machinery storage as well, but now it has all been developed into a play area. Little Miss was very impressed and did ask ‘Have I been here before?’

There is a brand new soft play structure and it is amazing. There is a big wavy slide, ball pits, punching bags, monkey grips, tunnels, a ball volcano and a lot more that I can’t begin to describe. Being the mother of a toddler, I spend a fair bit of time at soft play places, and I have to say that I actually enjoyed romping around the play barn!

Walking the rope bridge

The ball volcano

The wavy slide is very fast

Swinging ball things

For anyone familiar with the old soft play frame at Sacrewell Farm – it’s still there. It was looking a bit sad compared to the bright new play frame, but good to see that they’ve kept it. There’s also a new area for babies with soft mats and foam shapes. And the little racing track for the push along tractors is still there as well.

Another new feature is the café area selling snacks and hot and cold drinks. There are also a lot more picnic tables. The day we visited the barn was packed, but the play frame was not crowded at all. There’s a lot of room for everyone to play.

Other events at Sacrewell Farm

What have we caught in here?

With school holidays fast approaching, there are plenty of activities planned for kids including:

• Pond dipping
• Rubber ducky racing
• Pony grooming
• A pirate-themed Teddy bears’ picnic on 24 August

See the Sacrewell Farm website for more details.

All the important bits

Location

Sacrewell Farm is located off the A47 near the junction with the A1 at Wansford. Their website says to use the postcode PE8 6LB and follow the brown tourist signs on the A47 and A1.

Car parking

There is plenty of free car parking on site.

Tickets

The prices have gone up since I last reviewed Sacrewell Farm. Now (high season) it is: adult £7.50, child £5.50 and family (2+2) £23.

Eating and drinking

There are new caterers in the main cafe (the one by the main entrance) and I haven’t eaten there, so can’t comment on the food. The new cafe in the play barn serves light snacks (sandwiches, muffins, scones, cookies etc) and drinks. And you can bring your own food to eat in the play barn – there is a lot more space than previously.

Facilities

There are toilets (with baby changing facilities) at the main entrance by the café. There is another toilet in the Mill House (at the bottom end of the farm). They are all clean (the Mill House one is uni-sex).

DISCLAIMER: I was given a free ticket to Sacrewell Farm to visit the new play barn. However, every other time I have visited, I have paid my own way. All words and opinions are my own.