Willows Farm Village, St Albans

We went to Willows Farm Village in February half-term with a three-and-a-half year old and an eighteen-month old. It was easy to find and well signposted from the M25. The prices seemed a bit steep, they were higher for the school holiday, but we used some Tesco Clubcard vouchers so it wasn’t too bad! And we took a picnic lunch, there were plenty of places outside to eat, and there was indoor picnic seating as well, although that got a bit crowded around lunchtime. There was plenty to do, especially for our older daughter. She enjoyed seeing all the animals – baby lambs especially, but also the chickens, goats, pigs, bunnies and pony. Her favourite place was probably the indoor soft-play barn. There was a smaller area for 2-4 year olds in which she had great fun by herself, then she ventured into the older children’s area with my husband (to help boost her up some of the bigger steps) and it was very hard to pry her out! The toddler also had fun there, she played in the toddler area with some plastic balls on the soft floor. Outside there was a huge playground with swings, slides, climbing frames, trampolines and sand pits. There were two small fairground rides - a merry-go-round and a flying ride – that were free and very popular. We also went up to the Falconry Centre and looked at all the birds, we liked the owls best but there were also falcons, hawks, kestrels and vultures. We couldn’t see a flying demonstration as those only take place in summer but the falconer brought out a ferret and a skunk to look at. All in all a lovely day out, the girls loved it and would have happily stayed much longer! Everything looked clean and well-maintained and there were plenty of hand-washing stations, toilets and baby-changing facilities. We would definitely go back.

It is expensive to start with, especially for the little people. However as the days goes on I think you see the value - my son went on the bouncy castles and rides lots and lots. Covered picnic areas a big plus as is the indoor play barn

Willows is an ever expanding farm village where activities and improvements are added each year. On this particular occasion I went with my 5 year old son during the half term holiday using a 'one child goes free with a full paying adult' voucher which made our day more affordable as the entry fee is a bit on the high side. Saying that, there is absolutley tons to do: guinea pigs to pet, animals to feed, tractors to ride, trampolines, bouncy castles, shows to watch, a large sandpit complete with diggers, and a huge indoor play barn. There are also seasonal events such as the 'a-maize-ing maze' and the pumpkin festival. Toilet and baby changing facilities are well provided throughout and there is an abundant supply of picnic tables, along with a choice of eateries selling a wide range of snacks, drinks, and meals. On your way out you pass through a well stocked gift shop that includes plenty of farm related pocket money items. There's also a farm shop selling local produce. Enjoy!

Willows Farm is a great way to spend a day with your little ones. Check their website before you go as they have special events throughout the year. The entrance price is well worth the visit. The food wasn’t the best and expensive but you do have the choice of bringing a picnic so I would highly recommend that if you go. There is so much to do from tractors for the kids to ride on to petty the animals. There is a fabulous inside play area if the weather isn’t that great, which is separated into toddlers and older children. There are little shows throughout the day and some fabulous shops for the adults to look at after all the play has been done. There is plenty of parking and great changing facilities for the smaller members of your group. A fun day out for everyone.

The only thing not great about Willows is the food, but it is functional, and you will hardly have time to notice it. Start your day in petting area cuddling a rabbit or guinea-pig; watch chicks, piglets or lambs, depending on the season. Then head outdoors to the vast area of animal attractions, as well as rides, bouncy castles, trampolines, climbing equipment, diggers, assault course.... the fun is endless. Add to that the regular shows, sheep trials, falconry exhibitions, and you will never want to leave. If it does rain, the indoor soft-play is first-rate, with areas for all ages up to around 10. Good value for money - you will return again and again.

This is a great day out for children of all ages (6 months to 14/15 years). There is so much here - little tractors, lots of sandpits with play tractors, zip wire, trampolines, giant slides, lots of funny shows and informative displays and of course lots of lovely animals. There is a also a hust indoor play area with a specific one for under 3's.The list goes on. They have been very thoughtful in providing lots of shady areas for sunny days. I would take a picnic as the food is very expensive and not really great. Enought to keep you going for the whole day.