The Doves Play Barn

The Doves Play Barn is an indoor play space aimed squarely at younger children, with wooden climbing and balancing equipment plus inflatables when you visit off-peak. It sounds more like a proper exploratory play barn than a generic soft play warehouse, which is always a relief. Parents repeatedly mention that it’s clean, well looked after and not overcrowded, which is half the battle won. Little ones seem to love the freedom to clamber about, and the inflatables are a clear hit when they’re available. There’s also an ice cream parlour next door, which is the sort of detail that can rescue an afternoon. The main caution is that the wooden equipment can be hard and slippery for very small children, with a few head-bang opportunities if you’re not hovering nearby. It also sounds best for the under-fives; older children may find it a bit limited, and mixed ages mean keeping a close eye on the smallest ones.