Welcome to Hobbledown the website said, a place I was not familiar with, but from the look of the website I felt we were in for a treat!
Booking was straightforward and the helpful map meant we could now plan for our fun day out. Then before our trip we received a welcoming and helpful map.
The directions led us straight to the spacious, grassy car park close to the entrance. Upon entering we were given a card for the easter egg hunt to duly complete, this would be easy we thought as the eggs were large, decorative blown-up eggs with the first one being by the entrance to help us on our way.
Eunice Wilson
There was also an information point with the map and useful information. Also here was the picnic area had wooden quirky tables and some cover, The Hobnosh Restaurant, Pizza Cottage and a firepit for the deliciously large marshmallows. Our first impression was of a country, rustic feel with old style fencing and quirky buildings. We were intrigued to see more.
We had some much-needed refreshments in the Hobnosh Restaurant. As it as Easter they had an abundant display of delicious easter cakes and treats. A child’s lunch box was good quality for the price.
Then it was off to see some animals through their pens to the children’s play area including rabbits, goats and Guinea pigs We thought the Hoddler Huts, the Climbing Towers with Lookouts, Fens Castle and Tunnel Slides were well made in wood, willow and traditional materials instead of plastic.
All had a traditional quirky feel which reminded me somewhat of Disneyland.
Eunice Wilson
The jumping pillow was popular with the little ones. We enjoyed searching for crystals in the Crystallite Mine area. There were many picnic tables in this area, ideal for a restorative top-up. The only thing to note was no toilets in this area, but they were not far away.
After lunch we set off for the Imaginarium, not knowing what to expect but intrigued. We were pleasantly surprised as this was a sensory overload for both our baby and his little brother. The area included fish tanks, reptiles, insects, a large water play area, and a Creepy- Crawly Caves climbing area all with a jungle feel.
Very good use of lighting in a dark area brought the feature to life and heightened the senses.
Eunice Wilson
The best part of the day for us was the interactive Savannah, where you chose an animal on paper and put this under the camera and the animal is projected onto the floor beneath your feet as a vivid graphic brought to life in the interactive oceanarium. This was amazing to see.
This was followed for a quiet walk round the outdoor animal paddocks seeing Shetland Ponies, Camels and surprisingly pigs with woolly coats which is a rare species, all looking health and happy in their large paddocks.
On to the birds of prey and owls, basking in the sunshine. It was onto the Zorbs, family fun all in one zorb.
Eunice Wilson
The indoor play barn was highly rated by the children who enjoyed letting off steam on the vertical trampolines while we enjoyed refreshments on one of the many picnic tables next to the Hobnosh restaurant.
We could not say goodbye until we had seen the Easter bunny burrow, he was friendly and posed for the family photo, a perfect souvenir for our happy day out. A trip to the shops to get our prize for finding all the Easter eggs combined with some goodies from the well-stocked shop and we were on our way home. All the staff were friendly and eager to help.
We all enjoyed our day out at Hobbledown, a traditional fun day out that provides good value for money. The activities I have highlighted were for young children, but that there is a variety of activities for older children and everyone looked to be having fun.
I have no hesitation in highly recommending Hobbledown for all ages. Learn more.
