Today we’ve been for an afternoon out to The National Herb Centre. It’s just outside Banbury in the village of Warmington. It is primarily known as a garden centre but there’s a lot more to explore, especially with children. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours and it’s absolutely FREE.

If you follow the path through the beautiful plants right to the far end, you will find the first children’s play area. This is more of an agility/obstacle course with balance beams and wobbly bridges. Just around the corner is a beautiful labyrinth that’s the perfect height for little ones and a wooden climbing frame.

The boys spent a good couple of hours playing with their friends on the climbing frame and in and out of the labyrinth. It’s only small but is perfect for make believe play.

There are also nature trails that you can follow through the valley and woodland. We didn’t try them this time as the boys were so busy playing but you can pick up a guide for the trails from the shop.

There is a cafe on site but I can’t comment on it as we didn’t go in.

Dogs are allowed on a lead but are not allowed in the cafe.

The area is pushchair and wheelchair friendly but just note that there is a very steep hill on the way back up from the nature trails.

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