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Monday – Saturday: 9.00am to 5.30pm, Sunday: 10.30am to 4.30pm (Viewing from 10am). Check Café opening hours here.

Children’s Play Areas in Redbourn

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Over 45 years of trusted service

Carefully selected plants for quality and performance

Friendly advice, always freely given

Café, lake, play area and miniature train for a whole family experience

A Family-Friendly Place for Outdoor Play, Adventure and Relaxation

Looking for children’s play areas in Redbourn where little ones can stay active while adults enjoy a relaxed day out? Vanstone Park Garden Centre offers a range of family attractions within a spacious parkland setting, creating an enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages.

From outdoor play equipment and a bouncy castle to a miniature railway and wildlife lake, our children’s areas provide opportunities for play, exploration and time outdoors. Whether you are visiting for a few hours or making a day of it, there is plenty to see and do across the site.

Family Attractions and Activities at Vanstone Park

Outdoor Children’s Playground

Our outdoor playground provides a dedicated space for children to climb, slide, swing and play safely in the fresh air.

Features include:

  • Swings
  • Slides
  • Climbing equipment
  • Interactive play structures
  • Open space for active outdoor play

The playground is suitable for children of various ages and encourages physical activity, imagination and social interaction.

Bouncy Castle Fun

Children can also enjoy our bouncy castle attraction, which provides an additional activity during visits to the garden centre.

The bouncy castle offers:

  • Safe inflatable play equipment
  • Space for energetic play
  • A colourful attraction for younger visitors
  • An extra activity alongside the playground and railway

Miniature Railway Experience

One of the most distinctive attractions at Vanstone Park is the miniature railway operated by Scenic Railways Ltd.

The railway features:

  • A 10¼-inch gauge railway
  • Woodland routes through the park
  • A fleet of diesel and petrol-powered locomotives
  • Passenger rides suitable for children and adults

Originally opened in 1986, the railway remains a popular attraction for families and railway enthusiasts alike.

Wildlife Lake and Outdoor Spaces

Visitors can also explore the wildlife lake and surrounding parkland.

The outdoor setting offers opportunities to:

  • Observe local wildlife
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk
  • Spend time outdoors with family
  • Relax away from busy town centres

Greenhouse Café

After exploring the children’s areas, families can visit the Greenhouse Café for refreshments.

The café offers:

  • Tea and coffee
  • Light meals
  • Cakes and pastries
  • Indoor and outdoor seating

This provides a convenient place to take a break during your visit.

Garden Centre
Garden Centre
Garden Centre

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

Outdoor play remains an important part of childhood development and provides opportunities for children to build confidence, coordination and social skills.

Children’s play areas can support:

❤️ Physical activity and movement

❤️ Balance and coordination

❤️ Problem-solving skills

❤️ Creative and imaginative play

❤️ Social interaction with other children

Time away from screens and digital devices

Our combination of playground facilities, open spaces and family attractions creates a varied environment where children can enjoy active outdoor experiences.

Gardening with Kids- Simple Tips to Grow Fun and Learning Outdoors

More Than a Children’s Attraction

Garden Centre Shopping

Browse our selection of:

🌿 Outdoor plants

🌿 Houseplants

🌿 Trees and shrubs

🌿 Compost and garden care products

🌿 Pots and planters

🌿 Garden accessories

Outdoor Living Products

Discover products including:

🌸 Garden furniture

🌸 Decorative garden features

🌸 Outdoor lifestyle accessories

🌸 Seasonal garden displays

Wildlife and Pet Care

We also stock:

🐾 Bird care products

🐾 Wildlife supplies

🐾 Pond equipment

🐾 Pet accessories

This makes Vanstone Park a destination that combines family activities with gardening and outdoor living inspiration.

What Families Say About Visiting Vanstone Park

Families regularly visit Vanstone Park to enjoy the combination of outdoor attractions, open space and garden centre facilities.

Many visitors appreciate being able to combine children’s activities, café dining, shopping and outdoor leisure in a single location, making it suitable for family days out throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the children’s playground suitable for different age groups?

Yes. The playground includes a variety of equipment designed to accommodate children of different ages and abilities.

Do I need to book the children’s play areas?

The playground areas are generally available during normal opening hours. It is advisable to check ahead for any seasonal changes or special events.

Is the miniature railway suitable for adults as well as children?

Yes. The miniature railway is designed for both children and adults and remains one of the most popular attractions at Vanstone Park.

Can we visit the café during our trip?

Yes. The Greenhouse Café is located on-site and provides meals, refreshments and seating areas for visitors.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available for visitors to the garden centre and children’s attractions.

Can dogs visit Vanstone Park Garden Centre?

Yes. Vanstone Park is a dog-friendly destination, although owners should follow any site guidelines regarding pets.

How long do families typically spend at Vanstone Park?

Visit lengths vary, but many families spend several hours enjoying the play areas, miniature railway, café, wildlife lake and garden centre facilities.

Serving Families Across Redbourn and Nearby Areas

Vanstone Park Garden Centre welcomes visitors from throughout Redbourn and neighbouring towns and villages. Many families travel to visit our children’s attractions, enjoy the outdoor setting and spend time exploring the wider facilities available across the site.

Whether you live locally or are visiting the area, our children’s play areas provide a convenient destination for outdoor family activities.

Stay Connected with Vanstone Park

Whether you are planning a family day out, looking for seasonal events, or interested in the latest offers from the garden centre, there are several ways to stay connected with Vanstone Park.

Join Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on seasonal activities, family attractions, gardening advice, upcoming events and special promotions throughout the year.

Join Our Free Rewards Club

Become a member of our free Rewards Club and enjoy access to exclusive offers, member benefits and updates from Vanstone Park Garden Centre.

Visit Vanstone Park

Come and explore our children’s play areas, miniature railway, wildlife lake, garden centre and café in a relaxed parkland setting.

Vanstone Park Garden Centre

Hitchin Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4 8TH

Whether you are visiting with family, meeting friends for a coffee or browsing our gardening ranges, we look forward to welcoming you to Vanstone Park.

Gardening with Kids