Making the most of open space is so important when you've got kids to entertain. Here Local Mums recommend Priory Farm, an outdoor party venue offering fish feeding, fresh air and fun.
"I highly recommend The Discovery Walk, Priory Farm to all Local Mums. We love the way The Discovery Walk changes with the seasons.”
Local Mum of Lucy, aged 4
“I recommend The Discovery Walk, Priory Farm to all Local Mums. It's a really lovely afternoon with interest for the kids and grown-ups.”
Local Mum of Freya, aged 6
“I highly recommend The Discovery Walk, Priory Farm to Local Mums. My son Freddie loves it, especially feeding the fish!”
Local Mum of Freddie, aged 10
“I highly recommend The Discovery Walk, Priory Farm to all Local Mums. The children loved the challenge of having to work out the answers to the questions and at the same time learning about the environment. As an Early Years teacher I am very aware that children are not often allowed to think and work things out for themselves so places like Priory Farm are well worth a visit to allow children to be free and explore the natural habitat while parents have the comfort of knowing their children are safe. The Discovery Walk is a super place to visit and I love the fact that it has not been spoilt with an abundance of commercialisation!"
Local Mum and grandmother of two
The Discovery Walk, Priory Farm
Choosing a children’s party venue can be a real headache and sometimes it’s hard to avoid going down the “been there, done that” route. So it’s refreshing to hear about an outdoor venue that’s truly unique and still something of a secret among mums in the know!
The Discovery Walk at Priory Farm is set in lovely countryside at Nutfield, just outside Redhill, and is a fabulous party venue. Think loads of exciting space for running around, an indoor area for lunch and off-road tractor trailer rides that appeal to all ages.
But there’s much more to The Discovery Walk than just an outdoor space. Firstly, there’s an interactive nature quiz which is skilfully designed on two levels to fascinate pre-readers and challenge older kids, who’ll love following the “extra action” clues to work out the answers to countryside questions. Then there’s more fun at every turn: deep, dark dens that kids love to squeeze into; a labyrinth that’s just made for scrambling through and, in high summer, the sunflower maize which looks every bit as good as it sounds.
All this and a hand-built, wooden pirate galleon (open weekends, school holidays and by arrangement for parties). There’s nothing to beat play swash-buckling on the gangplank and navigating those imaginary choppy seas from the bow.
Which brings us to the fish. In what must be a ‘first’ for a children’s attraction (or even an adults’), Priory Farm has built a railed, low bridge over the lake. At the end of the bridge is a bell. Ring it and watch as the water becomes alive with hundreds of hungry fish waiting to be fed on the special food, provided in bags by the farm. It really is magical - and amazing to watch the looks on the kids’ faces as the fish emerge from the seemingly lifeless depths.
Far from mainstream, The Discovery Walk is well worth discovering.
The Discovery Walk party lowdown
Priory Farm’s Discovery Walk hosts children's parties for any occasion, so whether it's a birthday celebration, family gathering or a post-natal class reunion, this will definitely be a party with a difference. There's plenty of space and undercover seating available for groups of up to 50.
The farm is happy to organise party food boxes, tractor and trailer rides, bouncy castle, nature trail, bug hunt, craft activities ... and is open to ideas.
Prices start at just £50 for use of the facilities but it's best to give them a call or email as each party is different.
Contact:
Ian Ford
Discovery Walk,
Tel: 01737 823304 ext 263
Email: ian@prioryfarm.co.uk
Priory Farm,
Sandy Lane,
Nutfield,
Surrey
RH1 4EJ
www.PrioryFarm.co.uk
Twitter: @Priory_Farm
Facebook: Priory Farm Surrey
