Such a hidden gem and a rather gorgeous surprise!
Only 20 minutes from Oxford this sweet soft play is unlike any I’ve seen before! It is definitely one to bank for the younger children as it’s for under 7 ‘s only and they really limit the numbers in there – only 18 children (plus a grown up) per session. When we went there were only two other families and we had the whole place to ourselves for some of the time!
It’s small and set over two levels. The higher level has a pit with soft cubes and the main play structure with slide, obstacles and tunnels, then the connecting lower level has a climbing wall, tractor, reading nook, slide and sensory area. A very non soft play soft play with muted colours and animal illustrations. I can also confirm that there is no eau de feet in here either; it smells of wood and newness! Take a look at the pictures to get a better idea.
There’s a really great outdoor play area too with countryside views and we dipped in and out of the soft play and outdoor area and enjoyed an ice cream sitting in chairs overlooking fields. Bliss!
Clara’s Corner is part of the Walled Garden (dog friendly) and has a café serving simple food like pizzas, toasties and ice cream, plus a reasonably priced children’s menu. We didn’t try it as we bought a lunchbox but we did buy a coffee and ice cream from the café. There is a family dining area in a wisteria lined room next to the outdoor play area which was very welcome – I always find this a more relaxed experience as I’m not worried about disturbing anyone else’s lunch or flying breadsticks.
After, head to West Wycombe Hill across the road for more countryside views and a run around the perimeter of the Dashwood Mausoleum. This is right on top of the Hellfire Caves, which is a seriously mad underground adventure (complete with real bats!)
I like this set up where there’s lots of things very close together so you can make a visit into a whole day activity and one big adventure!
