As the owner of four very feral children who cause utter chaos if they’re not entertained every minute of the day, I can confidently say I have tried every soft play, trampoline centre, crazy golf course, climbing wall, water park, adventure playground, etc in the UK. And the one I return to again and again is Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire.

It is expensive, but I have happily spent a full day, from 10am–5pm, there many, many times over because there is so much to do: animals to pet and feed, a tractor ride that even my 11-year-old secretly likes, Peter Rabbit shows and meet-and-greets, different playgrounds, sandpits, fairground rides, a mini splash park (it’s very mini – I don’t want to oversell this), a giant soft-play area, bouncy pillows, trampolines…. I could go on.

And while many versions of this exist, the majority are a bit tired and grotty, whereas Willows is clean and well kept and is always being updated. Plus there are regular extras, like pumpkin picking for Halloween, potato picking in autumn, a Christmas extravaganza (it’s really very lovely!). Just make sure to take your own food though.

Alix Walker, editor
Mum to an 11-year-old, eight-year-old, seven-year-old and a three-year-old

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