Big Bale Play!
Back May half term 2024
Scramble, jump, climb - welcome to the Big Bale Play 2024!
High Lodge Farm will become a giant pop-up playground during May half-term made up of hundreds of straw bales - and it promises to be even bigger and better than last year!
The main play maze will be perfect for children aged 5 - 12 and there will also be a mini bale play area for under 5s. Our trusty tractor will be back too, as well as our sandpit and wooden board games.
We’ll also be selling hot and cold drinks, including Oxfordshire roasted coffee and freshly baked brownies, cakes and flapjacks, Mr Whippy ice cream as well as burger, chips and hot dogs, including a children’s meal-deal.
Tickets cost £6.50 for children and £3 for adults. Under 1s are free. Stay all day and play for as long as you like!
Scroll down for our FAQS and what to bring / wear.
FAQs
1. When is the Big Bale Play open?
We will be open for nine days during May half term, from May 25th - June 2nd inclusive.
2. How do I book tickets?
Click here to book tickets and an entry time. Please note, this year our event is suitable for children up to including age 12.
3. How much are the tickets?
Online prices are £6.50 for children and £3 for adults. Under 1s go free. Tickets are non-refundable. Please note, tickets will be more expensive on the gate and aren’t guaranteed.
4. What if we can no longer make the event?
This is an all-weather event, so no refunds will be given unless we have to cancel the event for safety reasons. If you create an account when booking, you can log-in and move your tickets to another date, free of charge and subject to availability. Alternatively, email highlodgeevents@gmail.com at least 24 hours before your booking and we will do our best to accommodate you - but this is not guaranteed.
5. What if I am late for my session?
Don't worry if you're a bit early or late for your slot, the sessions are to roughly manage the flow of people on site. Stay as long as you like.
6. What are the opening hours?
The Big Bale Play will be open daily between 10am and 4pm with the last entry at 3pm.
7. Where are you based?
Please use this post code to find us: OX14 3BN.
High Lodge Farm is based at Culham, near Abingdon - not the farm of the same name in Chipping Norton! The field runs parallel to the A415 Abingdon Road. It is roughly 0.4 mile from the Europa School and the entrance will be well signposted.
8. Where do we park?
There’s plenty of free parking in our grass field just off the A415 Abingdon Road. If it’s been raining, please take care entering and exiting the site and expect some mud.
9. How long can I spend at the Big Bale Play?
You can stay all day or until your children are completely worn out - but please leave by 4pm.
10. What age is the Big Bale Play suitable for?
Toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy our Mini Bale Play for under 5s while everyone from primary-aged children to 12-year-olds will enjoy running and scrambling over our bigger play area. All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
11. What essential items should we bring?
The straw can be scratchy so we recommend long trousers and supportive trainers - definitely not sandals, flip-flops or wellies. Shoes must be worn at all times. Sun hats and sun cream if the sun appears. Bring lots of water because running and jumping is thirsty work. A picnic blanket is a good idea because seating is sometimes limited.
12. Are there refreshments available?
Our refreshment trailer The Toot will be selling coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold drinks, cakes, brownies and flapjacks. Mr Whippy ice cream will also be on sale and the Tasty Toot will be selling burgers, chips, hot dogs and breakfast baps. There will be a covered area with picnic benches to enjoy your food.
13. Do you take card and cash?
Cash and card payments are taken everywhere on site.
14. Is High Lodge Farm under cover?
This is an outdoor pop-up event. There will be two open-sided tents with picnic tables to shelter if it rains. The bale play area is not covered.
15. What is the disabled access like?
The bale play area is flat and grassy but it will get muddy if it’s been raining. Please ask our staff if you require assistance.
16. Are there toilets and baby-changing facilities on site?
There will be simple, temporary toilets on site including a disabled toilet with a baby-changing area.
17. Any other rules?
No dogs, smoking or vaping or ball-games are allowed.