The pubs with best playgrounds & soft plays across the UK mapped – featuring zip wires, petting zoos and free kids meals
Across the country, some kind-hearted landlords have given as much thought to swings and slides as they have to their beer kegs - giving mums and dads some much-needed peace and quiet to enjoy a pint.
7
7
7
If you're dreaming of sunny afternoon s at the pub, free from cries of "I'm bored!", we have put together a guide to the ultimate family-friendly pubs with playgrounds across the UK this summer.
From thrilling zip wires and petting zoos to soft-play and pirate ships, these spots offer endless fun for the kids...
NORTH
The Saracens Head, Warburton.
Jurassic Park? More like Jurassic Larks at The Saracens Head. Your little dinosaur hunters will have a roar-some time in their onsite soft play barn, Kiddisaurus (subject to an entry fee).
For the grown-ups, there's a large, lawned beer garden with an abundance of shaded areas, outside seating and lots of space for older children to play. The double treehouse-style play area features a slide, a climbing wall and spring riders.
Paddock Lane, Warburton, WA13 9TH greenekingpubs.co.uk
The Airport Pub, Heald Green
Situated just fifty feet from the runway at Manchester Airport, this family-friendly pub is ideal for both grown-up plane spotters – and kids who love to watch aeroplanes take off and land.
There's even a plane-themed play area with slides, tunnels, climbing frame and ropes.
The Airport, Ringway Road, Heald Green, M22 5WH airport.pub
New seafront playground with unreal view and incredible theme opens minutes from busy city
The Blue Bell, Smallwood
If your kids think they're kings and queens of the castle, they'll have a royal ball at The Blue Bell.
Just a couple of miles off the M6, the tiny Cheshire village of Smallwood feels like it could be from another time, especially when you discover the unique, gigantic wooden play fort in The Blue Bell's swish beer garden.
Go on a Monday, and the kids can eat free with an adult meal.
The Blue Bell, Spen Green, Sandbach, CW11 2XA bluebellsmallwood.co.uk
The Vicarage, Cranage
Clarkson Farm fans rejoice – at The Vicarage in Cranage, Cheshire, kids can clamber onboard Travis the Tractor, an orange vintage tractor.
There's also a wooden playhouse, climbing frame, a slide, and swings in the pub's playground, which sits on the banks of the River Dane overlooking the stunning Cheshire countryside.
Every Monday-Wednesday 4pm-7pm, for every adult main meal, enjoy a kids' main meal for free.
Knutsford Road, Holmes Chapel, CW4 8EF vicaragecheshire.co.uk
The Beehive, Tyne and Wear
In view of St. Mary's Island and the golden Longsands of Whitley Bay, this Grade II-listed pub was built in the 18th Century. But wander round the back, and you'll find a sneaky entrance under the archway of bushes into the secret garden!
A fully enclosed space with a wooden playground, surrounded by picnic benches where parents can supervise nearby. You'll even hear music playing through hidden speakers around the garden.
Hartley Lane, Earsdon, Whitley Bay. NE25 0SZ beehiveearsdon.co.uk
The Little Mill, Rowarth
Fancy a paddle? Grade II-listed country pub The Little Mill has a shallow stream running through its playground, ideal for splashing about in on a hot summer's day.
There's also a huge slide that even big kids will love, and the pub keeps pygmy goats, chickens, rabbits and a large pond with Koi carp and goldfish.
The Little Mill, Hollinsmoor Rd, Rowarth, High Peak SK22 1EB thelittlemillinn.co.uk
The Black Swan, Hollins Green
A beautiful pub and hotel in the picturesque village of Hollins Green, The Black Swan has a fabulous menu of British classics.
After a slap-up meal, head to the gardens, where you'll find a duck pond, zip wire and spider-web climbing ropes.
550 Manchester Road, Hollins Green, WA3 6LA theblackswan.co.uk
7
7
Puss In Boots, Offerton
This Stockport pub boasts a big outdoor play area with cute, colourful wooden climbing frames and balancing beams. It also has a bouncy, foam floor, so little ones won't get hurt if they fall.
147 Nangreave Road, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 6DG almond-pubs.co.uk
The Beach, Rochdale
Found on the edge of Hollingworth Lake next to Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre, this cosy pub is an ideal spot for those days out by the waterside.
There are tonnes of outdoor seating, so you can watch your kids in the playground and enjoy the stunning view over the lake (and their superb carvery!) at the same time.
Lake Side, Littleborough, OL15 0DD greeneking.co.uk
The Rope & Anchor, Altrincham
Nestled in the leafy hamlet of Dunham Massey, The Rope & Anchor has a lawned beer garden and a wooden playground featuring a treehouse, swings and a slide.
If your little ones love an ice cream (and let's face it, what kid doesn't?), The Dunham Massey Ice Cream farm is nearby, as well as the Bridgewater Canal and Bollin Valley Way for waterside walks.
Paddock Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5RP theropeandanchor.co.uk/
The White Horse, Chester
Ahoy there, shipmates! With its huge nautical-themed play area, fully decked out with a pirate ship, The White Horse is an oasis for kids and parents alike.
And, when your little pirates are all pooped out, they can create their very own pizzas with the 'Build Your Own Pizza' option on the kids' menu.
Chester Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY thewhitehorsechester.co.uk
The Golden Pheasant, Plumley
Situated in the village of Plumley, a couple of miles from the market town of Knutsford, The Pheasant's landscaped beer garden offers guests a covered terrace area, ample picnic benches and a vast lawn ideal for kids to play with stunning countryside views.
The pub's garden also has a wooden play area complete with two swing sets for both younger and older children, a slide, and a wooden climbing frame.
Plumley Moor Road, Plumley, Knutsford, WA16 9RX
THE SOUTH
The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent
The Old Neptune is one of only a handful of pubs to be found on the beaches of Britain.
Located in the heart of Whitstable, a charming fishing town, it doesn't have a traditional playground, but you can let the kids build sandcastles and collect stones and shells while you savour the sunset.
Marine Terrace, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1EJ thepubonthebeach.co.uk
7
7
The Cricketers, Woking
Rain or shine, The Cricketers pub garden has you covered – literally! The pub garden not only has a tent, but a range of garden pods where patrons can shelter from a passing shower with a board game.
When the sun's out, there's a big playground with climbing frames, a rocking horse and a slide to enjoy.
The Cricketers also has a fab children's menu around, with dishes like fish finger tacos and strawberry and marshmallow kebabs.
Horsell Birch, Woking, GU21 4XB BaronsPubs.com
The Castle of Comfort, East Harptree
In the heart of the Mendip countryside, close to Cheddar and Wookey Hole, is the curiously-named Castle of Comfort (so-called for serving death row prisoners back in the 1600s).
Outside, there's a huge beer garden with lots of seating and a large grassy children's playground overlooking lush green fields.
The Castle of Comfort, East Harptree, Bristol, Somerset, BS40 6DD
Bel & The Dragon, Farnham
It may not be Hollywood, but this small country-style pub in the scenic Surrey Hills is surrounded by movie magic.
Stop off after a stroll in Bourne Woods – where scenes from Gladiator, Robin Hood and the Harry Potter series were all filmed – and then let your kids reenact the scenes in the pub's spacious children's play area, which is open year-round.
There's a Wendy house, a climbing frame, and bat and ball games.
Jumps Road, Farnham, GU10 2LD BelAndTheDragon-Churt.co.uk
GREATER LONDON
Timber Lodge, Stratford
This cosy café and bar is nestled in the stunning landscape of London's Olympic Park. Serving craft beers as well as arabica coffee, there's also hand-stretched Italian-style pizza and hot chocolate for the little ones.
Best of all, it's right next to Tumbling Bay adventure playground with its treehouses, rock pools, sand pits, aerial walkways, rope bridges, and zip wires.
1A Honour Lea Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1DY queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
The Rosendale, West Dulwich
Known for its good-value food and laid-back vibe, The Rosendale is one of the best child-friendly pubs in South London.
Alongside a great kids' menu, it has a children's climbing frame and several kids ' trikes in a playground outside, along with a boules area.
65 Rosendale Rd, Norwood, London SE21 8EZ therosendale.co.uk
The Plough Inn, Ealing
This cosy country pub is just down the road from Hanwell Zoo, so after checking out the flamingos, pop in for a pint while your little monkeys let out their wild side on the climbing frame and slide next to the beer garden.
297 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 4XB PloughNorthfields.co.uk
The Anglers, Teddington
Anyone for tennis? Well, this pub can't quite offer that, but it does have two ping pong tables for any aspiring racqueteers.
There's also a spacious beer garden with a huge outdoor play area including a climbing frame, monkey bars and table football.
3 Broom Road, Teddington, TW11 9NR Anglers-Teddington.co.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Harbour Brewers Fayre, Carrickfergus
With a huge soft play open 12 to 7pm that's free for children under one, The Harbour Brewers Fayre is the perfect place to stop in for some tasty pub classics and drinks after a fun day exploring Carrickfergus Castle.
Alexander Pier, Rodgers Quay, Carrickfergus BT38 8BE brewersfayre.co.uk
SCOTLAND
The Beech Tree, Glasgow
You can spot noisy woodpeckers, cute red squirrels and even a pine marten in The Beach Tree's wildlife garden.
But the real Top Guns are the inhabitants of their mini-zoo, including pygmy goats named Maverick and Goose. There are also quails, chinchillas, and even a tortoise.
Kids can then hit the pub's adventure play park while the adults have a well-earned drink!
Dumgoyne, By Killearn G63 9LA thebeechtreeinn.co.uk
WALES
The Cedar Tree Farm, Cardiff
This Cardiff pub is perfect for a rainy day, because the games section is stocked with a Wii, a PlayStation and Gameboys, plus a huge stash of video games.
Toddlers aren't left out either, as there's a soft play section too, not to mention a large selection of cakes and ice-creams on the menu.
Ferry Road, Grangetown, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, CF11 0JR farmhouseinns.co.uk
The Crossways, Caerphilly
Have you got a house full of little menaces? Then head to The Crossways!
Their outdoor Dennis the Menace-themed, fully supervised play area is perfect for Beano and comic book fans. You can even host your child's birthday there.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘There will never be another Ozzy Osbourne': Fans gather for funeral of rock legend
Fans have lined the streets of Birmingham to pay their respects to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne as his funeral takes place. The Black Sabbath frontman's hearse will make its way down Broad Street on Wednesday (30 July), ahead of a private funeral attended by close family and friends, including his wife Sharon. Dressed in full Black Sabbath clothing, fans Karen and Steve Brookhouse, aged 54 and 65, travelled to Birmingham to pay their respects to the man who has been 'the soundtrack of their lives'. 'There will never be another Ozzy,' Karen said. 'Ozzy's music has been there through the good times and the bad.'
The Guardian
18 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Mario Day dies aged 69
Paul Mario Day, the original vocalist for Iron Maiden, has died aged 69 after living with cancer. His bandmates in his subsequent band, More, shared the news, acknowledging Day as 'a huge part of the new wave of British heavy metal' and 'a well-loved figure in British rock music'. Maiden bassist Steve Harris recruited Day in late 1975; the band gave their first live performance in Poplar, London on 1 May 1976 and then held a residency at a pub in nearby Stratford. Day remained with the group for 10 months, but left after being accused of lacking energy and charisma. His replacement, Dennis Wilcock, was similarly short-lived, ultimately replaced by Paul Di'Anno, who was fired for drug and alcohol abuse and replaced by long-term vocalist Bruce Dickinson. In 2019, Day said of his firing: 'Steve was saying, 'You've got to get better. You've got to be more in the audience's face. You've got to be commanding. You've got to be a hero.' And I agreed with him, but I didn't actually know how to make that happen. 'I got a warning for maybe three months: 'Get it together. Get it together.' And I wanted to, I just didn't know how to do it. So the funny thing is, the worst experience was the best lesson because when I got that notice and I felt so gutted, it changed me. 'Iron Maiden at that time were nothing, honestly … What Steve was doing was trying to make the band big. He knew what he wanted. What he wanted is what he got. He got one of the biggest bands on the planet. As much as it hurt, as much as it upset me, I learnt a big lesson that day. I really did. I used that emotion, I guess, in my singing.' In 1980, Day formed the heavy metal group More and remained with the band until 1982, playing at the famous Donington Monsters of Rock festival in 1981. During his time with the group, they also supported Maiden on the 1981 Killers tour. He later joined the band Wildfire and then fronted the reformed glam rockers Sweet, whose guitarist Andy Scott paid tribute: 'We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition we looked no further.' After moving to Australia, Day remained active as a musician. He spent some of his later years being cared for in a hospice. He is survived by his wife Cecily.
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Sun
We bought a fixer-upper in Bulgaria for £6.5K but it was a disaster – 6 warnings if you're buying a ‘dream home' abroad
A BRITISH family who thought they'd found their 'dream' house in Bulgaria for just £6,500 have revealed how it quickly went sour. The couple behind the @ therollingrucks account gained a legion of fans after revealing they had purchased the house and relocated from the UK having never seen it before. 2 2 After arriving in Bulgaria, the family, from South Wales, admitted they had no idea what to expect from their incredibly cheap property. The initial reveal left them "really, really overwhelmed," with the mum confessing, "I thought oh my gosh we might have made a mistake." But it turns out that it wasn't theirs to buy in the first place. In a new video, the mum shared: 'We bought a house in Bulgaria for six and a half thousand pounds — or so we thought so. 'We travelled from South Wales to Bulgaria to view a property that we thought we purchased. 'Turns out it wasn't ours to purchase in the first place.' Stating that the home has now already been sold on to someone else, she said they are 'taking some downtime at the minute to sort of recuperate and gather our thoughts.' However, she did share six things she's learned through the process about buying in Bulgaria. CHOOSE A REPUTABLE ESTATE AGENT The mum shared: 'First things first: get yourself a reputable estate agent and ensure that you've got a Bulgarian lawyer. 'These are called advocates, and what they'll do is check all the legal agreements on the property, check your preliminary contract to make sure there's no outstanding mortgages or finances left on that property — especially before you start working on the land and clearing it, because most Bulgarian houses do need a bit of work.' OPEN ACCOUNTS She next advised that you open some personal accounts during the process. The mum advised: 'You don't necessarily need to, but they are helpful when you wanna transfer funds back and forth.' RESEARCH LOCATION The next piece of advice was to choose your location carefully. She added: 'Do some proper research about the location you want to be in as well, because not everyone wants to be out on the sticks.' VIEW IN PERSON The mum shared how they bought the house without viewing it first, and advised against anyone else doing this. She said: 'View your property in person — that goes without saying. 'Don't trust anybody and buy online, because you're just gonna get burned.' FACTOR IN FEES While a house price may seem cheap in a foreign country, there are other fees to factor in, she stated. These include notary fees, registration fees, and all the other legal fees that come with buying a house — including taxes, which can be 'up to 10 per cent.' LAND DEBATE The TikTok user shared that you may find yourself confused about what you actually own. She explained: 'If you're buying a property in your personal name, bear in mind you may not own the land that's associated with it.' REGISTER A BUSINESS She said that most people who go over there to buy property will need to make sure they register their own business. The mum continued: 'Doing this does entail to you to the land and the house — but remember, it's the business's property, not yours, and extra fees are included for that to go ahead as well.' She said that although they have thankfully received their money back now, they are working on their 'new dream.' The social media user concluded: 'We will be looking for something else for sure not sure if it will be Bulgaria or something else just yet taking some time to think.' Moving house hacks 1. Declutter Before You Pack Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load. 2. Create an Inventory Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move. 3. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move. 4. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized. 5. Pack a 'First Day' Box Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day. 6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place. 7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury. 8. Colour-Code Your Boxes Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home.
