Our second visit, a sunny Saturday in October following on from a sunny weekday in August. I have asked around and I am surprised this attraction doesn't seem to be better known in the area as it is really excellent for toddlers up to primary school age, say age 8 or 9, though I imagine older siblings who get dragged along as well will find it too small-scaled and tame. I was there with a 7 year old and 6 year old; they love it now but the 7 year old might outgrow it soon (except for the petting zoo). At the moment they both love the bouncy cushions and the 6 year-old is crazy for mini-golf (note, that's one attraction where children have to be accompanied by an adult, to ensure a proper flow from hole to hole). Other things they enjoy are the mini log flume and little quad bikes; the place hasn't been overcrowded so queues are quite short. There are also 4 impessive diggers to operate; one of the four out of action both times we were there.
Back in August there was a foam party in session; we had to say no as we didn't want them getting wet and messy. This time we took a towel but it wasn't running; sensible I suppose on a cool autumn day.
There are lots of picnic tables where, with the slightly older age group, it is possible for the adults to set up a sort of permanent base and just let the children run, knowing where they have to get back to. They love the freedom and the park isn't huge; it's mostly possible to keep an eye on them.
We very much appreciate that it isn't a timed entry system; you book online and can turn up whenever you want and stay all day. It's quite expensive but isn't everything these days. Food available or take your own.
Some things to note; no car park, road-side parking only but we go early and have managed to park quite close. There are a few disabled spaces close to the entrance, which is not actually through the cafe, it's a little way along the road. The cafe is divided in two; on the outside (road-facing side) it's quite good with nice seating and a varied menu whereas on the park side the catering is much more limited (pizzas, burgers, chips) and seems expensive for indifferent quality (£12 for a whole pizza or for an adult burger and few chips for example, though £4.50 for a children's meal consisting of a slice of margherita pizza and chips seems OK). Ice cream (from a separate kiosk, many varieties) is excellent quality.
The park is well staffed, everything clean and dry, litter-free. Clean toilets.
I would give five stars but have taken one off for the rather disappointing park-side catering. Wristbands are issued on entry so you can come and go and next time I think we'll take advantage of that to go out and round to lunch at the road-facing part of the cafe which is so much better. We will certainly be going again.