There are so many things to do at Hobbledown Heath, it’s hard to know where to start. It’s a magical, fantastical place, where imaginations and their respective mini humans can run wild. Seeing is truly the only way to believe, especially since its literally along the Piccadilly line. As well as an enormous outdoor play space filled with fairies and forest creatures, it’s also home to west London’s largest indoor play barn. So, come rain or shine, there’s always fun to be had.
vWithin the grounds, you’ll find four themed villages, set in acres of woodland. Kids can climb towers, weave their way through nets, whizz down slides, and scale aerial walkways. And, as if that wasn’t enough, you can also come face-to-face with the likes of highland cows, meerkats, lemurs, giant tortoises, and more.
West London’s largest indoor play barn
The Great Barn is a multi-level play frame filled with nets to climb, tunnels to scuttle through, a whole area made of croquet with swings and hammocks, slides to whizz down, blocks to build with, and plenty more. The world is their oyster inside this incredibly well-thought-out space, which also has a dedicated area for under 3s. And, of course, space for parents to grab a coffee and a bite to eat while the kids run riot.
What animals are there at Hobbledown Heath?
Hobbledown Heath has more than your average farm animals (although it does have those, too). There’s everything from highland cows to capybara, meerkats to macaws: literally dozens of different farm and zoo animals to say hello to. Each species has its own unique enclosure that encourages natural behaviours, and there are daily keeper talks and demonstrations.
Hobbledown looks to connect their guests to animals in order to inspire a care for the natural world. They are committed to research, conservation and the environment, whether that’s by advancing their knowledge of animal behaviour to improve welfare, partnering with local and national conservation groups, or finding new ways to lower energy use and reduce waste.
How to book tickets for Hobbledown Heath
You can purchase tickets to Hobbledown Heath here. There are two types of ticket depending when you choose to go: an off-peak anytime admission ticket, and a peak ticket for weekends and school holidays. Prices start at £21. Under 2s go free.
How to book the aerial adventures
Fearless thrill-seekers might be interested in adding on some extra, high-flying activities. Speed side-by-side through the trees on a dual zipline, whizz down the 50-metre long Speed Slide, or free-fall from the top of a 24-metre tower attached to a gravity defying Power Fan descender restraint system that will use your own body weight to allow you to land softly on the ground. (Not entirely sure I even understand what this means, but it’s a no from me.)
You can find out all about these activities over on the Hobbledown Heath website. If you dare.
How to get to Hobbledown Heath
The nearest tube station is Hounslow West, on the Piccadilly line. From there, it’s a 30 minute walk – or you can hop on the 116 bus to Green Lane, which is just three minutes away. If you choose to drive, you’ll need to pay for parking – more info on that below.
Hobbledown Heath opening times
Hobbledown Heath is open from 9:30am-5:30pm Monday to Thursday (or 9am -6pm during school holidays). 9:30am-7pm on Fridays (or from 9am during school holidays), and 9am-7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Parking at Hobbledown Heath
The car park costs £1 per hour, with 30 minutes free for cars dropping off or picking up. You pay on departure.