Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn
BEST FOR
Ages 1-12
ENTRY
from £3
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Stafford
What it’s like
A big outdoor and indoor play barn built around a climbing tree, with go-karts, a zipline and a toddler corner too.
The Great Oak tree is the centrepiece here, a huge climbing structure with towers, bridges, tunnels and walkways built around it, plus a big slide tucked inside that the site says needs a bit of agility to reach, so they recommend it for age three and up rather than a wobbly toddler. Outside there's a racing zipline, go-karts, a climbing wall and a sandpit, and if you've got a one or two year old in tow, Little Acorns is the indoor bit just for them with a small slide, magic mirrors and a blackboard, well away from the bigger kids charging about.
It runs one to twelve, and honestly that's the sweet spot, though a one-year-old will mostly camp in Little Acorns while the older ones disappear off round the tree. A child ticket is £8.50, toddlers £5, adults £4, and that's not pocket change for a family of four, but parking's free and you can dip in and out of the barn on the same slot if you fancy a break at the car. You can't bring your own picnic though, which stings a bit if you'd packed sandwiches, so budget for the café's sourdough pizza and pastries instead.
You don't need to book for a normal visit, you can just turn up and buy on the day, though during their annual events they do want you to pre-book, so that's worth bearing in mind if you're planning around something seasonal. Opening hours shift a bit through the week, shorter on a Sunday and on bank holidays, so check which day you're going before you set off. Shoes stay on throughout and every adult needs a child with them, there's no dropping the kids and nipping off.
Parties run at £25 a head with a two hour slot of unlimited play, food included and a host running things, based in a tipi in the warmer months or an indoor room over winter, and they'll want a minimum of twelve children for that. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the car park and the front garden if you're bringing the family dog along for the walk in.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 1 to 12, though the big slide suits age 3 and up
- Booking
- Walk-ups welcome most times. Pre-booking required during annual events
- Parking
- Free on site, with designated blue badge parking bays near entrance
- Food
- On-site café with barista coffee, fresh pastries, artisanal sourdough pizza, and full menu
- Dogs
- On a lead with responsible owners allowed in carpark and front garden
- Getting there by bus or train
- 10 minutes from M6 Junction 12
- Parties
- Weekday and weekend parties £25pp (min 12 children), 2 hours unlimited play, food included, party host
- Shoes have to stay on the whole time, no socks-only play here
- Tickets are non-refundable once bought
- You get a stamp to leave and come back to your car during your slot
- There's one EV charging point on site, but it's first come first served
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
A child ticket is £8.50, toddlers £5, adults £4. Carers, blue light and over 65s get a reduced £3 rate.
Do we need to book in advance?
Not for a normal visit, you can buy on arrival. During their annual events programme they do want you to pre-book.
Is it any good for a toddler?
There's an indoor Little Acorns area just for ages one to five, with a small slide and magic mirrors. The big slide in the main tree structure needs some agility, so they suggest age three and up for that one.
What about the go-karts and zipline?
Both are part of the outdoor play, alongside a climbing wall, sandpit and the usual swings, towers and bridges built around the Great Oak tree.
Is parking free?
Yes, and there are blue badge bays close to the entrance.
Can we bring a picnic?
No, outside food and drink isn't allowed. There's a café on site doing barista coffee, pastries and sourdough pizza.
Can adults come without children?
Every adult needs to be accompanying a child, there's no drop off.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday it's 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm, and bank holidays 9am to 4pm.
Do you do birthday parties?
£25 per person for a two hour slot of unlimited play with food and a party host included. They need a minimum of twelve children and it's based in a tipi in summer or an indoor room in winter.
Are dogs allowed?
On a lead, in the car park and the front garden only, not inside the play barn.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
There's a level access car park, accessible toilets and designated blue badge parking near the entrance.
Can we pay by card?
Card or cash both work, though American Express isn't accepted.
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