Thorpe Farm

In 2025, Harvey and Paul Barkes, owners of Thorpe Farm Centre in North Yorkshire, approached Play Creations to transform an underutilized building attached to their thriving farm shop into a vibrant, farm-themed soft play area. With a rich family legacy since 1936, the Barkes sought to enhance their family-friendly offerings with a two-level adventure play space for children aged 0-8, complementing their Courtyard Café and holiday park. Our team conducted a thorough site visit to understand their vision for a safe, engaging, and rustic play environment that would captivate young visitors and align with Thorpe Farm’s commitment to quality and community. Following the initial consultation, Play Creations collaborated closely with the Barkes family to develop a tailored design brief for a two-level, farm-themed soft play structure. Our detailed building survey ensured the underperforming space was optimized for safety and fun, addressing the challenge of underfloor heating by mounting the soft play frame on a custom timber raft for secure floor fastening. The design incorporated a custom-crafted front facade, featuring a fully interactive windmill, to serve as the centerpiece, reflecting the farm’s rustic charm. The structure was planned to include a dedicated baby area for ages 0-5 and a dynamic junior frame for older children, ensuring inclusivity and excitement for all young explorers. The soft play area was meticulously designed and manufactured by our skilled team using premium, UK-sourced materials. The baby area featured a ball pond spinner, interactive sensory wall games, and soft play toys like cushioned climbing blocks, creating a safe and stimulating space for toddlers. The junior frame boasted balancing beams, interactive wall games, slides, bouncy ball boards, and rope features, with the standout custom facade and working windmill adding an immersive farmyard feel. Our expert team executed a seamless installation in early 2025, ensuring the structure was ready for Thorpe Farm’s grand opening, perfectly integrated into the farm shop’s adjacent building. Since the installation, Play Creations has maintained a strong partnership with Thorpe Farm, providing regular maintenance to ensure the soft play area remains safe and inviting. The vibrant, farm-themed space has become a hit with families, offering a dynamic indoor attraction that complements the farm’s outdoor activities and holiday park. The Barkes family’s vision for a memorable, family-focused experience has been realized, with the soft play area drawing visitors to create lasting memories, reinforcing Thorpe Farm’s reputation as a premier North Yorkshire destination.