I heard about Hocus Pocus Play near Fairford in a Facebook group and was curious to find out more. It opened in September 2018, adjoining the Magic Beans Cafe, it’s perfect for babies, toddlers and youngsters.
Hocus Pocus Play is quite unique, with a mixture of soft play, sensory experiences and imaginative play. It’s not huge so I was able to relax while my 2 year old set off to explore.
The wooden castle was a definite highlight with tunnels to climb through, steps up to a landing where you can feed balls down tubes and a cool slide which has padded rollers to descend. My son particularly liked the door bell. There’s also a light up sensory tube, mini trampoline and padded floors. The edges of the wooden imaginative play castle are all smoothed off and I liked the fact that the whole creation wasn’t padded soft play allowing the chance to be safe but also know your limitations.
Adjacent to the sensory soft play, I was able to sit down and enjoy a cuppa while my son explored everything else on offer from tactile boards to rockers, jigsaws and a mini soft play area.
You can order anything you like from the Magic Beans Cafe and enjoy it in the soft play area. My son scoffed down a sausage sandwich while I had a loaded brie and cranberry sandwich.
There’s a conservatory area too which overlooks the Fairford Waterski Club lake and garden.
Hocus Pocus Play is good value too as you just pay by the hour, ideal if you are just looking for a little trip out.
Prices as of May 2019: Adults £1 flat fee, Under 1 year old free, 1 year olds £2 per hour, 2 and 3 year olds £2.50 per hour, Age 4 and above £3 per hour
Magic Beans Cafe
The Magic Beans Cafe is a perfect family friendly cafe which you can use separately to Hocus Pocus Play. I loved the quirky decorations which makes it magical for kids but not too over the top for grown ups.
Using quality ingredients from local suppliers, the food is great with a good variety, plenty of child friendly options and generous portions.
What makes it particularly relaxing is that they have a great range of toys to keep little ones occupied from a big train set to a wooden fire station. The rocking ram at the counter was very much loved by my son.
Customer service at the Hocus Pocus Play and the Magic Beans cafe was excellent. I was greeted with a huge smile and nothing was too much trouble.
I’d highly recommend a visit with your little one.
Do you love soft play? Find more great ideas in the Red Kite Days’ guide to the best soft play centres in Oxfordshire.
