Cumbria isn’t renowned for it’s sunny weather, more the rain and cold weather, so we always need to have days out up our sleeve where there is plenty to do inside. Walby Farm Park is a fun filled day out with plenty of things to do whatever the weather. We love it so much that we have purchased annual passes, which offer excellent value for money.
The park boasts the largest indoor play area in Cumbria which includes the demon drop slide – red in colour it is a near vertical drop and not for the faint-hearted – you certainly wouldn’t get me on it for any amount of money! There are three separate play areas for different age groups from tiny babies to adults (we know we all love a soft play centre). Despite visiting on a regular basis thanks to our passes we can happily spend hours playing inside without tiring of the facilities.
Outside there are no end of activities including a large sandpit, two play parks, a wooden maze, Go karts and trampolines to name but a few. The maze is a personal favourite for Leo even though he insists on completing it backwards and going against the crowd! There is also a large animal barn where you are able to get up close and personal with a host of farm animals as well as numerous open fields containing different animals from goats to reindeer.
The park run a daily timetable of activities free of charge for visitors which allow them to have hands on experiences pony grooming, meeting the guinea pigs & rabbits and lamb feeding (seasonal). They also have sheep & goat racing – pick the winner and you can claim a prize – and a ferret show too. Weather dependant they also operate a free Tractor trailer ride which takes you on a tour of the farm fields and includes a talk from a staff member – we saw a baby deer when we went so cute! Also need to mention that Walby offer free Wifi – great to know when you have teenagers, it’s a real plus for us when they have had enough of playing with their brother!
As with most places there are a few activities which attract a small cost and including the miniature golf, mini quad bikes, mini land rover driving & barrel train but are very reasonably price at only a pound or two.
During school holiday’s the park operate free sessions daily ranging from children’s entertainers, bug experts and a real life circus including big top. They also special activities and Santa visits over Christmas.
The Curly Tails café for me is definitely a highlight and I would highly recommend a visit. The café use locally sourced produce and the quality is top notch. The food is homemade and always fresh – my kids all adore the chicken nuggets which are made of real chunky chicken and the children’s pick and mix lunchboxes are great for those picky eaters. We quite often go just for an hour with the full intention of returning home for lunch, but are lured by the delicious smells from the kitchen! The park also has a massive outside space with picnic benches ideal for picnics.
Although rural in location it is only a stone’s throw from bustling great border city of Carlisle and not far from junction 44 of M6 making it easy to get to.
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Fraser’s Fun House 