Step into a realm of boundless family fun at Temple Newsam’s Play Barn in Leeds, where a historic cow byre on the Home Farm estate has been spectacularly transformed into a vibrant indoor play facility, opening its doors on September 20th. Prepare for an adventure featuring two age-specific play zones, a tranquil toddler sensory hut, and delightful on-site café and shop, all included with a Home Farm ticket for an unforgettable 90-minute session.
What is Temple Newsam’s Play Barn and what can families expect when visiting?
Temple Newsam’s Play Barn is a newly renovated indoor play facility on the Home Farm estate in Leeds, offering two age-specific play zones, a toddler sensory hut, a café, and a shop. Admission is included with a Home Farm ticket. Sessions are 90 minutes and advance booking is required.
A Historic Home Transformed for Play
Nestled within the scenic estate of Temple Newsam, the Home Farm’s historic cow byre has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a bustling milking parlour delivering over 70,000 gallons of tuberculin-tested milk annually to Leeds hospitals, the byre dates back more than a century. Its original role made it a beacon of innovation, as the building boasted state-of-the-art facilities for its era and played a vital role in regional public health.
After dairy operations ended in 1968, the cow byre and surrounding buildings saw a variety of uses. The site served as a vehicle depot for the city council’s parks department and, during the 1970s, even housed the West Yorkshire Police’s stables. This rich tapestry of community service set the stage for the barn’s latest chapter: an exciting indoor play facility for children.
On 20 September, following extensive renovations, the play barn is opening its doors to the public. The renovation project carefully balanced preservation and innovation, breathing new life into the historic space while honoring its agricultural roots. The revamped barn is now ready to welcome a new generation of families eager to explore, play, and learn.
Designed for Discovery: Play Areas and Facilities
The new play barn features two distinct play zones, each tailored to different age groups and inspired by the surrounding farm and park landscape. One area is designed for children up to age twelve, providing ample opportunities for energetic and imaginative play. Here, children can slide down oversized slides, tackle challenging puzzles, and scale castle-like structures, all within the safety of the barn’s main room.
For younger visitors, the toddler area offers a gentler experience. This space includes soft play equipment, a separate seating area for parents and guardians, and a dedicated sensory hut designed to stimulate and engage the youngest minds. The thoughtful layout encourages social interaction, safe exploration, and sensory development, making it a favorite spot for families with little ones.
Complementing the play experience is a cozy café located within the barn. Visitors can enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks in a relaxed setting. The on-site shop offers a range of farm-themed souvenirs and local produce, allowing guests to take a piece of the experience home. All amenities have been arranged with families in mind, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the visit.
Admission, Booking, and Visitor Information
Entrance to the play barn is included with a Home Farm ticket, making it an integrated aspect of the broader farm experience. Sessions at the play barn are structured to maximize enjoyment and safety; each session lasts for 90 minutes, and advance booking is required. This system helps manage the number of children in the space at any given time, ensuring a positive and uncrowded experience for everyone.
A standard admission ticket for the farm and play barn is £9 per person. However, to celebrate the launch, an introductory offer is currently available. During weekdays in term time, general admission is reduced to £4.50 per adult or child, while children under three always enjoy free entry. This special pricing aims to make the new play barn accessible to as many families as possible during its early months.
Both the farm and play barn are open seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Families planning a visit are encouraged to book their sessions in advance through the official booking site: Home Farm and Play Barn at Temple Newsam. The all-day farm admission allows visitors to explore the broader estate before or after their play barn session, offering a full day of activities.
Rare Breeds, Green Spaces, and Community Impact
Temple Newsam’s Home Farm is recognized as one of the largest working rare breed centers in Europe. Visitors can encounter over 400 animals, including sheep, pigs, poultry, and goats, many representing some of the oldest and rarest breeds in the UK. This living heritage center plays a crucial role in conservation, education, and public engagement.
The combination of the new play barn and the farm’s established attractions makes for a compelling family destination. As Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, commented: “We’re very excited for the play barn to be opening to the public. I’ve been there to have a peek at it and I’m sure it will prove a big hit with Temple Newsam’s younger visitors. Combined with the farm and estate grounds it makes the perfect family day out.”
The estate’s expansive grounds and parklands offer even more reasons to visit. Families can enjoy nature walks, picnics, and seasonal events throughout the year. The new play barn adds another layer to the visitor experience, blending modern play with the rich agricultural and community traditions that define Temple Newsam.
- Temple Newsam’s Play Barn, an indoor play facility, opened on September 20th in a transformed historic cow byre on the Home Farm estate in Leeds.
- The facility features two age-specific play zones, a toddler sensory hut, and an on-site café and shop.
- Admission to the Play Barn is included with a Home Farm ticket, with sessions lasting 90 minutes and requiring advance booking.
- The renovation balanced preservation of the historic cow byre, which dates back over a century, with innovation for its new role as a play facility.
- Temple Newsam’s Home Farm is one of Europe’s largest working rare breed centers, complementing the new play barn to create a comprehensive family destination.