Birch Farm

Have been a loyal customer to this place for years, spending a lot of money here. However, today I had my 7 yr old with me who had broken his arm and was going to sit with me and eat lunch whilst his 3 yr old brother played and also ate lunch. I was also meeting a friend and her daughter here who were also eating! They told me my son was not allowed in the barn area to sit with me and eat. They said he had to sit in either the reception or the food area, away from us due to insurance reasons. Under no circumstances am I going to have my 7 yr old sit abandoned else where! Ridiculous!!! What's the insurance on adults in there then? I would have paid for him or taken responsibility but he wasn't going to do anything anyway with a broken arm! So they've lost 3 lunches today and snacks and drinks and a regular customer too. But they've gained this amazing review! So let hope they're really pleased with themselves.

Visited today for the first time in over a year. Lots to do for my 2 year old, very reasonably priced food and friendly staff as always. Read a lot of negative comments about this place but it's a lot cleaner that other soft play places in the area and you don't have older kids running over the little ones

My kids love this place, it's not the most exciting of play areas but it really does cater for the five and under age range. Nice staff, quiet, good range of play stuff, bouncy castle, double slide and castle, indoor and outdoor pay areas. Food is not good but the fish pie is worth a punt. I have been here loads with my kids and we will be going again. Saturday's are mostly quiet so you can hear yourself think, Sunday's are kids party days so closed to the general admission.

We really enjoy coming to the play barn. It's not as big as some of the play centres in town (which is half of its charm) but it has a climbing frame with slide which my three year old likes, bouncy castle, toys to play with and imagine play like kitchen and cars etc. Plenty for under fives to do lots of space to run around. Someone has left a review to say it's unsafe not sure how, definitely haven't found it to be unsafe. We use the swimming pool as it's quiet and clean, we hire it for an hour a week for about £22 a week which I deem to be good value for money for a family of five. Changing rooms are clean and sufficient for a quick change. Staff are friendly and helpful and we are always greeted with a smile. Good place to play and swim.

A friendly, family run play center. It isn't the newest and some things are a bit dated, but it's very fairly priced and perfect for under 5's. It's great that you can see the children wherever they are and there aren't big ones running around, potentially knocking them over.
A range of food, priced reasonably.

Nearly 7 years experience of using Birch Farm and I can't recommend it enough. The staff are caring and know each and every child's needs and wants. Times are flexible, and supportive of working parents. There is understanding and knowledge of developmental stages and how children are individuals and don't always conform! Meals are basic but home made on the premises and they always manage to get my children to eat things I cannot! The space is good, and the variety of activities also good. Of course things could be better if they had more money but with the government offering pittance for 30 hours of free childcare I am overjoyed with the personal service I get. You can't put a price on personal and caring staff. Great place.

I've heard horrendous rumours that the play barn at Birch Farm is no longer open. This place has genuinely been a god send for rainy days with my two kids and I hope someone reading this has the ability to find some investment to keep it running. The staff have always been friendly and it's always been a safe and fun place for my two toddlers to let off some steam, especially in the winter.

I am so glad this place has shut down. Thank God. Found a mouldy sandwich in changing area and mouldy cake in play area. So dirty, pool area was disgusting and not professionally looked after. Surprised if no one had skin complaint after using it.Their antics were ridiculous and they were very intimidating. They slandered my name and almost ruined my career. I found my feet and moved on. Only now they have closed will I offer the same treatment with this review. I offered that descency to them that they couldn't to me. Problem was none of them were particularly good with children (one woman was like the mother in law that always annoys you with her ideas of how your child should be looked after) and letting the place just run and watch was their favourite past time. Time to lean, time to clean! I cleaned the ladies changing facilities myself one week as I was fed up with the grime. I hope they never run a childcare establishment again. I was dreading my child being invited to a party here. Worry no more!