Our trip to Wroxham Barns

So we haven’t really been brave enough to venture anywhere that built up, crazy mad busy, during the Covid pandemic that has just happened to sweep the world this summer...But now that Lockdown rules have lifted a little, we decided we needed a family day out. No where to indoorsy- and somewhere where Rags could burn of some much built up steam!

When he starts to get bored I compare him to a Tiger at a zoo...he just starts pacing up and down...looking around for his next victim of destruction!

We booked our slot at @wroxhambarns, its 20 minutes from our house, and has a petting zoo!

All allocations are booked online before you go, to allow their social distancing rules to be maintained.

It cost £9 each for us, and the boys both went for free. I would think its more expensive for older children, however I would think you probably get more for your buck with older children, with use of the 'Fun Park' that's included. When we got there we were notified to collect our wrist bands, where we were explained the one way system to maintain social distancing, and we were ready to go! There were hand sanitizing stations everywhere, all prominently stood amongst the cobbled market area, and really safely marked out.

The shopping area, which are beautiful quaint little handmade, trinkety type shops were kind of a no go for us though, not because of Covid restrictions or anything like that, but our double pram is pretty big. We couldn’t let Rags walk through the shops as he'd try to touch EVERYTHING! And I wouldn’t be able to afford that many breakages to pay for! So we had to put him in a pram. But there were so many steps, and decorative displays, we felt it was easier to just avoid these areas and reduce the risks!

However, I didn’t personally think this diminished our day in any way. But, if my Mum had been with us, I could see I would’ve done a lot of sitting outside , trying to entertain the boys , waiting for her to peruse every single outlet!!

On the whole, we felt it wasn’t over crowded. People were very respectful of our space. All the fair rides were being anti-bacced in between each go. But, we were told there would be extra waiting, and as we'd been for-warned we didn’t mind at all. Rags was able to go on a lot of the rides, and attractions within the 'Fun Park'. There was a toddler roller-coaster, so I took him on there for his first ever ride! He absolutely loved it...safe to say there was quite the tantrum that followed when he was made to get off...yes made to get off...I had to prize him away .... finger nail by finger nail!

There were also giant toddler bouncing pillows, that were like giant trampolines of air built into the ground...like air filled bouncing mole hills! He got all the way to the top, just as the lady announced they had to be closed due to the rain :( Sadly we didn’t get to go back on, as it rained all afternoon...thanks August in the UK! But that didn’t.... dampen..... our spirits! Ahem....

There was a giant sandpit area with a small slide and that was pretty much the only area we could let Wolf play too (being 13 months now) he's pretty solid and confident on his feet, but wayyyy too short to get on any of the rides, but it was incredibly clean and they had it to themselves for at least 1/2 an hour.

Then we refreshed ourselves under the giant marquee , which had plenty of picnic tables free for everyone...And then hit the petting zoo up...(We took our own food and drink, but their restaurant and café were open...we're just cheap skates!)

The animal area was without doubt the best part for us. Rags could get right up close to all the animals, feeding the sheep, and stroking the goats. He was 'Moo-ing' all the way around in pure happiness! By the time we reached the Donkeys, he was in his element. It was lovely to watch his little face light up, and get up close and personal with the larger animals. He was so excited, and had no fear whatsoever! He even tried to pet a giant 6ft pig! I think all us parents were so fearful that our babies were going to be scared, clingy, nervous wrecks post lock-down - luckily that's just me - not my kids!

There were 2 indoor areas where all adults had to wear face masks, but this was no problem and everyone we saw adhered to the rules. Everyone kept their distance as we wondered around, and everywhere was really clean, with hand washing stations nearby. All the loo's were really clean too...I know its weird to say that, but majorly important for people these days!

The soft play area was still closed, as these hadn’t been allowed to open yet across the nation due to Covid restrictions, but the animals were all we needed and more.

It felt so lovely to get out all together, have some proper 'family fun'... and have a giggle....and give Ragnar an afternoon of enjoyment, which is what we'd all been craving so badly over the last few months of being so strict within lockdown.

Honestly, I cant wait to take them again, hopefully on a brighter sunnier day next time! Thank you Wroxham Barns for giving us a real safe, fun, treat of a day!