Located just outside Taunton, Little Farmers has achieved an impressive milestone by selling out its opening month. Founded by Colette and Dylan Durden, aged 26 and 23, this unique outdoor play centre was born from their own search for engaging and nature-based activities for their children after moving to the area last year.
Little Farmers invites children up to age ten to explore and learn through a variety of outdoor experiences. Features include a greenhouse, potting station, mud pit, potion station, water trays, car racing zones, balancing beams, wobble boards, and much more—all designed to spark creativity and imagination.
Each activity serves a specific purpose in childhood development. For example, using wheelbarrows and rakes helps strengthen children’s arm muscles, making learning an active and fun process. Colette emphasizes how kids “get to learn as they play,” blending education seamlessly with enjoyment.
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Central to Little Farmers' philosophy is the value of ‘messy play.’ Children are encouraged to get as hands-on as they like, whether covered in mud or keeping clean—a concept Colette, with her background in art therapy, passionately supports: “Here, they can get as messy or as clean as they like.”
This venture is truly a family affair for the Durdens. Having attended Kingswood School in Bath together, Colette and Dylan reconnected as adults while working in a care home. Their own three children—aged seven, three, and nine months—are enthusiastic about the centre, embodying the outdoorsy spirit they aim to instill in others.
Supporting the local community is a priority for Little Farmers. Ingredients for the potion station come from a local florist, and the play equipment was expertly crafted by a nearby construction company. “We’ve made it a point to champion small businesses in the area,” says Colette.
Situated on land rented from Sheppy’s Cider Farm in Bradford-on-Tone, Little Farmers offers visitors the added bonus of combining outdoor play with a visit to the cider orchard. Guests can also enjoy the café and restaurant or sample local offerings at the cheesemonger.
Little Farmers operates with a ticket system: adult admission is £3, children’s tickets cost £6.95, and kids under 12 months enter free. Due to supervision requirements, children must be accompanied by an adult, and all tickets are to be booked in advance online.