Birch Farm Complex, Hintlesham by Becky Spall

There are several indoor play centres in Suffolk, but I’d say one of the best for young children in the Ipswich area is Birch Farm in Hintlesham. We have been coming to Birch Farm with our son Joe, nearly 4yrs, since he was only a few months old, and he still loves it. The thing I like most about Birch Farm is the size – not because it’s massive but actually because it’s relatively small compared to competitors such as Snakes & Ladders. There is plenty of equipment to play on, but everything is in easy view from the seating area, unlike the larger centres where you can easily lose sight of your little one. Because of the size however, the centre is really best for younger children, and they do have an age limit of 5 years and under.

Birch Farm is found off the A1071 road that goes from Ipswich to Hadleigh, and just before you enter Hintlesham from Ipswich you’ll see the sign on your left with an entrance to the complex. If you follow the drive down you come to a large car park where we’ve never had a problem parking, even on a busy day. The complex has three elements, the play barn, a nursery school and a swimming pool. We’ve only used the play barn but have heard good reviews from others on the swimming pool too. The play barn costs £3.75 for 2 hours (£1.75 under 12 months & under 6 months are free), but although you sign in on arrival we usually stay longer than 2 hours and have never been asked to leave! You can also combine a play and swim which costs £5.75. As the name suggests the play barn is one large barn, filled with soft play areas, a ball pool, slides, a bouncy castle and lots of trikes/play cars etc. Also there is a separate carpeted area for babies and a small outdoor area that is open in warmer weather.

In addition to the main play barn there is a cafe that sells hot & cold food and drinks. They ask you not to bring in your own food & drink, which is fair enough as they have plenty of choice for a light lunch etc. They will also kindly warm up bottles for babies if required. There are clean toilets that are combined with the swimming pool changing area, and baby changing facilities. The toilets also have potty’s in the cubicles. We were so impressed with the centre and the helpful staff that we decided to hire the barn for Joe’s 3^rd birthday party. Parties can be booked on Saturdays and Sundays; on the Saturdays you get a reserved table in the play barn and it is still open to the general public, whereas for Sunday parties you get exclusive access to the barn for your time slot. There are a few different party options to choose from, but the standard Sunday party that we went for is for 2 hours and costs £9.95 per child (minimum £100 spend). This includes and hour and 15mins play, followed by 45mins for party food. Birch Farm supply a good amount of party food and drink, and you take along the cake, party bags etc as you wish.

Verdict.

Birch Farm is a small but well equipped play barn that is great for ages 5yrs and under, especially on a rainy day. There is plenty to keep the kids occupied for a good couple of hours, the only problem is they usually don’t want to leave! We have met friends there many times and Joe always has fun, and for the parents it is good value and a safe environment for your children to play while you enjoy a hot drink. It is a shame that Joe will only be able to go there for another year, following which we’ll have to embrace the more chaotic larger play centres!