In a nutshell
A family activity farm with “a fun-packed programme whatever the weather”, provided you have a car (to minimise travel hassle) and it’s sunny. Off season, a lot of the toilets and outdoor features are closed, and it’s so quiet you can hear the M25. But go in summer – and for its Easter events – and you’ll get your money’s worth.
Best thing about it
Tractors, farm animals … what’s not to like for younger kids? Currently, running until 28 March, there are Easter shows, egg hunts, stories and a meet-and-greet with the Easter bunny. On 2 April, it also launches a Peter Rabbit-themed adventure playground. Wholesome outdoorsy activities, such as baby animal handling, pig-racing and lamb bottle-feeding demonstrations, make a good antidote for kids who have had too much iPad time recently.
Fun fact
You mix with the great and good at Willows. Recent visitors include Premier League footballer Andy Carroll and Towie’s Billi Mucklow – seen picking pumpkins. Other famous fans include Mrs Tom-from-McBusted Giovanna Fletcher and sprinter Dwain Chambers.
What about lunch?
Bring your own, unless you mind forking out for something from the varied, if unimaginative, canteen menu. Hot plate food includes the likes of macaroni cheese, jacket potatoes, 1980s-style salads (iceberg, sweetcorn) and panini – but whatever you pick, you’re looking at an average of a fiver per child without drinks, and £7 for an adult. Bags of fizzy cola bottles and mini fried eggs line the counter, so be prepared for less-considerate parents to indulge their little mogwai and let them loose as gremlins in the vast soft play area next to the restaurant.
Exit through the gift shop?
Peculiarly, most of what’s on offer is aimed at parents: colourful children’s anoraks, distressed nursery furniture and the sorts of toys and gifts you’d drool over in JoJo Maman Bébé.
Getting there
Being within earshot of the M25, it’s easy for drivers. By train, St Albans City station is less than 20 minutes from London St Pancras, then it’s the 84 bus (a 15-minute bus trip; do ask the driver to stop at the Bull pub, you’ll never spot it in time to ring the bell) which, on Sundays, only runs every half an hour.
Opening times
Open daily except for Christmas and New Year, 10.30am-5.30pm, willowsactivityfarm.com
Value for money
At £14.50 a child, at peak times (which includes all activities, theatre shows, craft stuff and adventure play), it’s good value for kids. Parents, however, pay the same price.
Verdict
6/10
