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Craft Nurseries Play Barn

Ardleigh, United Kingdom•4.4(522)•Play Café, Soft Play Center

Enjoy indoor soft-play fun in a fully air-conditioned venue with an on-site restaurant and coffee shop for the whole family.

Craft Nurseries Play Barn is a fully air-conditioned indoor soft-play center offering daily entertainment for families with children aged 0-15. The venue features extensive soft-play equipment designed to keep children active and engaged across a range of ages. Located within Craft Nurseries garden center in Essex, the Play Barn benefits from an on-site Restaurant & Coffee Shop where parents can relax while children play. The family-run business has been operating for two generations and prioritizes creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. Advance booking is required for all visits through their online booking system, ensuring a smooth and organized experience. Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, the Play Barn provides a year-round destination for family days out. The combination of quality soft-play facilities and refreshment options makes it an ideal choice for families seeking indoor entertainment and quality time together.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 15:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 15:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 15:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 15:00
Friday: 09:00 – 15:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 16:45
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Book in advance

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn) – 15 years

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Freshly cooked seasonal dishes using organic and free-range ingredients sourced from local producers, plus coffee and homemade cakes

Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-16:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00

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Google Reviews

4.4(522 reviews)
L
Laura Holder

Laura Holder

a month ago

Lovely little play barn with a nice atmosphere, but unfortunately it's overpriced for what it offers. We paid £21 for two adults and two children. Although the adult entry fee is only £3 each, I still don't really understand why adults are charged at all when we're not using the play equipment. A coffee and two small packets of sweets came to another £10, which quickly adds up. I also noticed that the children's snacks are displayed within easy reach of little ones, which inevitably leads to them asking for treats. It's a clever sales tactic, but as a parent it's quite frustrating. It's a lovely place, and the children had a great time, but sadly it's priced itself out for families like ours who are just looking for an affordable way to entertain the kids without spending a fortune every time.

B
BMFC Chairman

BMFC Chairman

2 months ago

What a great place to spend a couple of hours with our grandsons on a saturday afternoon. I saw this place whilst making deliveries in the area, so I checked it out online, £21 for 2 children and 2 adults, plus £10 for 2 coffee's and 2 fruit shoots.Clean and bright, 3 different slides, lots of obstacles for climbing, jumping, swinging and spinning, plus hanging obstacles for pushing and running through, our 5 and 3 year old absolutely loved it and were well and truly run out. We could watch them have fun whilst settling down with a coffee, knowing they were safe, a magnetic lock system means they cannot go off away from the room on there own, not even to the toilet. All in all I would give this 9/10, the only negative would be the seating could be a tad more comfortable, but think of this as a cafe with a great play area and its a winner in my book. We will definitely be returning.

A
A Dickens

A Dickens

6 months ago

A gem of a find! Clean, bright, warm, and lots to do and explore for all ages. Would recommend for children up to 5 who need to let of steam and for grownups who want a coffee while they do so!

C
Courtney Shergold

Courtney Shergold

a year ago

Me and my daughter are regulars at the play barn. It is a lovely place to take them in all kinds of weather. My daughter especially loves it as she can run round like a mad man. They have a wide range of snacks and Have a lovely menu that offer delicious toasty Panini’s jacket potatoes, and other things. It’s one of the cleanest soft place I’ve been to in awhile, all the staff are incredibly friendly and make you feel like you’re at home. Not only do they have soft play they have an incredible garden space. Where you can feed the friendliest goats, play in the mud kitchen. And jump on the big bouncy pillow.

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Phil Pleasance

Phil Pleasance

7 years ago

A really good garden centre with good flat parking and disabled friendly entrance. Large selection of plants, pots, chemicals, tools and garden accessories. Lots of plants raised on site and good value. As per the norm they also stock cards, furniture, clothing and garden ornaments. Very nice cafe that you can sit in or outside serving scratch made food at a reasonable price, toilets are in the cafe. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, allow at least an hour for a good walk around.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Craft Nurseries Play Barn

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Craft Nurseries Play Barn

Is Craft Nurseries Play Barn free to visit?

Craft Nurseries Play Barn is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Craft Nurseries Play Barn suitable for?

Craft Nurseries Play Barn is suitable from newborn up to age 15.

Is Craft Nurseries Play Barn dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Craft Nurseries Play Barn.

Is there parking at Craft Nurseries Play Barn?

Yes, Craft Nurseries Play Barn has on-site parking.

Is there food at Craft Nurseries Play Barn?

Yes — Restaurant & Coffee Shop is on site at Craft Nurseries Play Barn. Freshly cooked seasonal dishes using organic and free-range ingredients sourced from local producers, plus coffee and…

Is Craft Nurseries Play Barn pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Craft Nurseries Play Barn is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Craft Nurseries Play Barn?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Craft Nurseries Play Barn.

How do I get to Craft Nurseries Play Barn by public transport?

Craft Nurseries Play Barn isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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