Bluebell Diary

As part of me blogging more I'm going to be including a review each month of a local place or business, which is good (or not) for a family day out. Places that are created with kids and families in mind.

So, here's my first review and its for one of our favourite places................

BLUEBELL DAIRY
(Spondon)

Cost: Free of charge BUT donations can be given to help with costs.

We first visited Bluebell Dairy in November last year and have probably been another three or four times since. One trip included our first time seeing Santa with Joseph!

What is it and what's there?

Bluebell Diary is a working and active dairy farm with the addition of a tea room, education room (where you can also have parties) and a variety of animals to see and feed.

The tea room is big and airy with the great addition of a children's corner that is equipped with toys, colouring sheets, crayons and books. There's also plenty of highchairs to choose from and the added bonus of a jug of water to help yourself to, which is handy to fill up the kids drink cups! The food is fresh, reasonably priced and yummy. The last time we visited the three of us had a meal and drink each, which came to around £20.00, and we're not talking about a tiny overpriced meals. We all had the homemade sausage roll with chips and beans. It was delicious, possibly the nicest sausage roll I've had!! I've also had the steak sandwich before and hubs has had the burger, which again were super tasty. If you can squeeze in dessert or just fancy something sweet there are some amazing cakes and trying the ice cream is a definite must! Its made from the milk of the cows that you pass on the way in! One scoop is £1.90 but its a big scoop and fills the pot it comes in. Joseph and I were meant to share a scoop of the strawberry flavour but sharing with a two year old doesn't really happen does it!?

   

   

There's cute finishing touches with flowers on each table and the milk served in small glass bottles. On a practical note there's toilets in the tea room, along with baby changing facilities in the disabled loo. It's the usual pull down table but with a comfy clean mat ready and waiting for you.

Outside there's a mix of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and a pig, of course named Peppa. The giant rabbit, Arthur, is a must see for us and we always pay him a visit. If you're there at the right time you can also see feeding time and one of the dairy staff gives a brief chat on the animals as you follow her around. Food for the animals is available to buy from the shop and cabin so you can join in the feeding fun. There's sinks and soaps to wash your hands and there's even an area for washing muddy wellingtons and shoes.

   

   

Don't miss the amazing play park, which has areas for smaller and older children, with picnic benches close by so grown-ups can keep watch and enjoy a cuppa in the sunshine.

   

   

There's the added bonus of a couple of parking areas, so no getting stressed trying to find a spot with excited kids in tow! 

*Top tips*
Visit our friend Arthur, the giant rabbit!
Try the ice cream!!!
Wear closed shoes. It is a farm after all. There will be dirt, mud etc. I've lost count of people I've seen in flip flops complaining!!
Try one of their special events

Bluebells is a great day out for the family! Especially for those in the Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire area. All of us thoroughly recommend it! The only downside is its so lovely that I want to buy a farm after every visit!

For more information such as opening times, season activities (there's going to be a Pumpkin Patch!!) take a look at their Facebook page and website.

Enjoy

Mummy Snowy Owl
x

UPDATE - Bluebell Diary has expanded and there is now a charge for entry