The Playbarn Fenstanton Review

Reviewed by DT (initials used for privacy reasons)

I am always on the look out for fun things to do with my children. I was therefore delighted to discover this gem of a playbarn in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire.  The playbarn is a spacious indoor and outdoor play area.  It is situated at Crystal Lakes Leisure. The location is easy to find using a sat nav.  There is a free car park on site with a generous amount of spaces.  The playbarn looks warm and inviting.   Upon entering we were served quickly.  The entrance fee is £2.50 for babies aged 6-12 months, £6.00 for children aged up to 3 years and £7.00 for children aged 3 years plus.  There is a generous 15% discount available to those people who are staying on the campsite.  I just mentioned that I was to staff at the playbarn.

Once we had paid our entrance fee we sat down at one of the many available tables and had a look at the menu as we fancied some food. There was a menu aimed at children with a good variety of choices as well as one aimed at adults, again with a good variety of choices.   I ordered us some food and drink while my children excitedly explored the play areas. I felt that it was reasonably priced. The indoor play area part of the playbarn has a good sized soft play structure.  I think that my sons’ favourite part of the play area was the bumpy slide as they could race down it alongside some other children.  There is a separate well equipped and cosy room for babies and toddlers.  There is a smaller section of the soft play structure for children aged under 4 years old.  The toilets have always been clean and well stocked with toilet roll whenever I have used them. There are smaller toilets and sinks for children. The whole premises is so well thought out.  The final part of the indoor play area is a generous sized area with books, seating and toys.  My sons loved spending time in this area. The outside play area is a good size and has a climbing structure, playhouse and some other fun outside activities. My sons’ seemed to enjoy playing outside just as much as playing inside.

Our food and drink arrived quickly. It was the perfect temperature and all portion sizes were just right.  There were plenty of cutlery and sauces on hand too.  Play sessions last 2 hours which was perfect for us.  I must mention the staff now.  Every single member of staff my children and I have interacted with has been so professional, approachable and friendly.  They look so happy there at work which is lovely to see. 

Whilst I have not booked or experienced a party, both non-exclusive and exclusive hire party packages are available to book. An exclusive hire party package for 10 children costs £250.00  This silver package includes exclusive use of the soft play for 2 hours, unlimited juice, a lunch box and a birthday gift.  The birthday child is free of charge.  £50 non returnable deposit included in the £250.00 price.  There is also a bonus party package available which costs £370.00.  It includes what is included in the silver package plus 2 x 3 balloon bouquets (there is a choice), a number balloon and  a party bag for each child. Maximum 36 children and again the birthday child is free of charge.  As with the silver package, a £50 non returnable deposit is included in the party price.  A non exclusive classic party package costs just £8 a child.  (minimum 10 children, maximum 30) This package includes 1.5 hours of play and 30 minutes of food and cake (you provide your own cake), unlimited juice, a party room and a lunch box for each child. The price paid includes a £50 non returnable deposit.   

Finally I wanted to mention that the playbarn’s menu is available to takeaway.  I think that this is great for both campsite users and the local community.  There is even a picnic table and chairs outside where you can sit and eat takeaways purchased. There is even a SEN session once a month on a Wednesday evening. Local groups etc can book to hold events at the venue too.

I would highly recommend this business and I am in fact a very much repeat customer of theirs.  I do recommend checking with regards session availability before you visit to avoid disappointment.

Rating: 5/5

Please see here for the Playbarn Fenstanton’s facebook page: The PlayBarn Fenstanton | Facebook

To book entry tickets or a party please visit https://bookedit.online/the-play-barn-fenstanton