Playmill in Cromford

We have tested quite a couple of play centers around here and one of our favorites is the Playmill in Cromford. It is a genuine hidden treasure, not only because it is so great for little kids, but also because it is rather difficult to find. I am really glad that one of my friends took us there, because we would probably still be cruising around, had we been by ourselves. The place is located in a fantastic building, squeezed into the valley that surrounds it and feels a bit off from everything else. To reach the parking lot you have to drive up a very narrow, curvy and steep driveway and I had several moments when I silently questioned Ls state of mind, because it looked nothing like a place where you would expect a play area.
 

 

And yet it was and a very nice such indeed. Not enough with being located in a cool building, it also gets a bonus for its free parking, which is quite rare around here. The entrance fee of 3.80 P/child is also acceptable, given that you are unlikely to do it every day.

What I really liked about the Play Mill is it´s open space. It is roughly subdivided into 5 areas, the climbing frame, an open area where kids can ride little tractors, trikes and the like, a big sandpit, a place for babies and really small children and a cafe, where the parents can sit down and sip a cuppa, while being able to overlook the whole area.

 

Our kids went straight to the sand pit and played happily with the little diggers, spades and buckets for a really long time. With no fights at all! It was awesome, not only because the kids got along so well but also because L. and I got to have a proper adult conversation, with complete sentences and no interruptions or lost threads.

The thing the kids enjoyed second most was the climbing frame with nets, "bumpy stairs-cases" and a twin lane slide, where they could slide down next to each other, holding hands.

We had a marvelous time and I really hope we manage to go there again before we leave England for good. (Whenever that is, but that is a different story.)