Since hearing that The Children’s Play Village had opened in Warwick, Emma and her two pre-schoolers aged 2 and 5 have been dying to go visit – we’re pleased to say that they weren’t disappointed! Here’s their review…
We arrived a few minutes before our afternoon session was due to start and were directed over to the café area to get settled (in the lovely comfy leather sofas!). The children were then invited to go over to the village green, by the wonderfully animated staff, for a little welcome song. They were informed that today was the King’s birthday and that there would be several occasions throughout the day that they would need the children’s help!
The children were then free to explore the village and believe me when I say, this village has it all! There is ‘Lottys Tea Rooms’ where children can either serve behind the counter or sit at a lovely little table and enjoy a cream tea! ‘Orlys’ next door is a hair dresser and beauty parlour (where my daughter spent most of her time) with two ‘customers’ who are in need of a ‘cut’. There is also a theatre (with a super costume department!) where children can take to the stage and entertain the audience!
The post office is very busy with lots of letters and parcels which need sorting and delivering! There is also a village school for those ‘scholars’ wanting to brush up on their A, B, C’s! The village shop is a wonderful little place where children can For Example, choose fruit and veg, weighing it out and ringing everything up on the shop till! My son spent a lot of time in the construction area (helping to rebuild a wall) and fire station, wearing all the gear and driving the fire engine, but I think both children’s favourite area was the Vets-where they had to look after several poorly animals!!! They also got to wash and groom a Dalmatian that was bigger than my daughter!
As a parent, it was a delight to let them wander around, creating their own role plays. I felt a little like a fly on the wall, watching them at play and both kids were completely content in their own little worlds. I even had time for a coffee in their lovely café! We all ate lunch there as well which was really delicious-the range of items on offer was varied and healthy and wasn’t too expensive, unlike many other soft play centres. Food is served throughout the session but be aware that the kitchen closes 30 mins before the session ends. As you would imagine they have great baby change facilities and there is loads of room in the café area around the tables for buggies/pushchairs.
Getting there was fairly simple as I’d checked on the website under ‘where to find us’. I understand that some people have struggled to find the place when using a sat nav. It’s also worth mentioning that the sign for the centre is a little on the small side (I believe an issue with the council) so you have to really look out for it!!
“I was so impressed with the centre, I’ve even emailed them for info on booking my daughters 3rd birthday party there!! I’ve been told they aren’t yet taking party/group bookings but will be very soon!
A huge thumbs up from all the family – we will definitely be regulars at this village!!!”
GETTING THERE
Pre-book your session on the website and follow the directions not your sat-nav.
The Children’s Play Village