Heritage Farm Nurseries has been one of Wallington’s best-kept secrets for mums in the know. With a fab new indoor cafe, comfy sofas, log fire and play-area for kids, owner Fiona is keen to let more families know about it.
Ever since one Local Mum reviewed Heritage Farm Nurseries as a ‘family-friendly little gem’ and her favourite place to take her kids for a day out, local mums have been keen to check out the award-winning aquatic centre and its original, family-oriented cafe.
“I love Heritage Farm,” explains Local Mum Kelly Neal. “I’ve been coming here for years with my kids. The model dinosaurs and amazing selection of fish and marine animals are a big hit with my boys. I love the tropical garden cafe with its enormous sandpit for kids to play in. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours and the staff genuinely welcome families and young children.”
This year the centre has even more to offer local families with a wonderful new indoor cafe area. The new log fire, leather sofas and attractive children’s play area are perfect for busy parents to relax and enjoy themselves in the chilly winter and early spring months.
Diversity
Heritage Farm Nurseries is an independent, family-run business which opened in December 2004. Following the success of their specialist, award-winning Marine Centre, owner Fiona Daniels decided to diversify into tropical and cold water fish. The Freshwater Centre began selling an abundance of different products ranging from tropical fish, terrapins and tanks to ponds and Koi.
In 2008 the family diversified again into reptiles and small pets and Heritage Farm now boasts an incredible selection of reptiles including snakes, bearded dragons and geckos. Their indoor small pets area houses the more cute and fluffy variety of small animals, including hamsters, squirrels and chipmunks. Meanwhile the outside pets area has adorable fluffy rabbits, giving the centre baby rabbits for the first time this year. The farm is also populated by amazing chickens and ducks that wander freely around the grounds entertaining the visitors.
Cafe central
In April 2010 the Daniels created the Tropical Garden Cafe. The cafe was originally a glasshouse that was converted to cater for their customers during the summer months. However, as the grape vines grew and wound their way around the ceiling, the cafe quickly became a popular and original venue for visitors to enjoy.
As well as offering a tasty selection of fresh, locally sourced food, the cafe also became home to life-size dinosaur models and a brilliant sandpit for the children, making the venue a great place for families to visit.
The indoor cafe now houses an impressive model railway where children can watch their favourite ‘Thomas and friends’ trains go round while the adults sit back and relax.
Cosying up
“We've created a really warm and inviting environment for everyone to enjoy over the winter,” explains Fiona, “with our comfy leather sofas and log burner to keep you toasty during the colder months. A new floor has been lain, a feature wall has been painted red with stunning pictures and there is a fantastic indoor play and activity area for the children.”
There is also an attractive garden for warmer days where visitors can sit and enjoy the sun as they eat while the children play in the huge sandpit. The cafe’s own strawberry patches produce berries you can buy or sample as part of the traditional afternoon cream tea. And to add a modern touch to the traditional charm, WiFi is now live in the Tropical Garden Cafe and free for all customers to use.
Success story
So what is the secret to the Daniels’ success? “Heritage Aquatics and Heritage Farm Nurseries' attention to service and detail has made us an industry leader,” explains Fiona. “But we’ve also created an enjoyable oasis for the young and old to visit. That’s why families keep coming back.”
If you’ve never sampled the many delights of Heritage Farm, why not give this exciting aquatic centre and nurseries a visit? Not only are there loads of things for the kids to explore, it’s a wonderful place for mums to relax and recharge too - and all this on our doorstep!
Read Local Mums’ reviews of Heritage Farm Nurseries
Edit 15/01/13: Heritage Farm is currently closed due to negotiations with Surrey County Council about rent. Read our news story.
Or contact Heritage Farm direct:
Heritage Farm Nurseries,
38 Telegraph Track
Little Woodcote
Wallington
Surrey SM6 0SH
www.heritagefarmnurseries.co.uk
Phone:
Marine Centre 020 8669 1382
Tropical Centre 020 8669 7845 (inc reptiles & pets)
Tropical Garden Cafe 020 3441 3361
E-mail: info@heritagefarmnurseries.co.uk
aquatics@heritagefarmnurseries.co.uk