A FAIRYTALE farm attraction in the UK is one you might not have heard of - despite winning awards. Fairytale Farm first opened in the Cotswolds back in 2013, by by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. Inside are seven zones, including Jack's Yard with a sandpit, beanstalk and wishing well.
If the weather doesn't play ball, then there is also the new-look indoor play area, Rapunzel’s Kingdom with castles and slides. There is also the enchanted walk, where kids can explore the Mermaid Garden, Giant Camera and Fairytale Street as well as water play and interactive zones. Last year, the park opened it's new £250,000 Fairy Dell play area, which has giant toadstools for kids to explore as well as bridges, slides and walkways.
Also new is the £100,000 Dino Valley area, with a huge T-Rex and water dinosaurs . The other zones include Huff and Puff Adventure Playground, Wilderness Walk and the animals at Alfie and Friends with ponies, pigs, birds and alpacas. There is also an on-site cafe serving light lunch and snacks, and a Fairytale Festival running until the end of the month.
And according to VisitEngland, it is the fastest-growing farm attraction in the UK. Visitor numbers increased from 130 per cent between 2019 and 2023, and then another 74 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Not only that, but it it was given a Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor last month.
Fairytale Farm owner Nick Laister said they were "thrilled" with the growth. He told local media : "The past 12 months have been truly fantastic for Fairytale Farm. "We are already excited about the positive response to our new 2024 attractions, including a unique new dinosaur in Dino Valley that promises to surprise visitors.
..It is an exciting time for us.
" Previous guests have raved about it too. One parent said: "Absolutely beautiful little place for kids. Loads of different areas and things to do.
" A second agreed: "It's a really good value small venue with something for everyone." A third added: "My granddaughters favourite place, we visit 3-4 times a year." The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Tickets range from £7.19 to £9.99 for both adults and kids, depending on time of year and if booked online.
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. Kids under 20 and carers go free.
If you fancy a bigger magical experience, here is a fairytale-themed adventure park in Europe to visit..
