Experience: Lappa Valley’s new soft play area

LAPPA VALLEY

Lappa Valley has opened a new purpose-built indoor soft play centre and café as part of a significant investment that will transform the much-loved attraction into a year-round, all-weather destination.

For almost half a century, families have enjoyed fun-filled days with train rides, outdoor play areas and attractions set on and around the picturesque boating lake at St Newlyn East, between Truro and Newquay.

The site was founded in 1974, and visitors still begin their visit with a trip on a narrow-gauge steam train, from Benny Halt to the site of the former lead and silver mine at East Wheal Rose, complete with its imposing 1830s engine house and chimney.

Keith & Sara Southwell acquired Lappa Valley in 2014 and The Engine Shed, which is central to their plans to improve the attraction, opened to visitors for October half-term. At the heart of the new energy-efficient building is a multilevel soft play area with two play zones, one for under-fives and the other for children aged five to 12. A 100-cover indoor café features an expanded food and drink offering, with a large decked area overlooking the boating lake.

“It has always been our ambition to become the number one tourist attraction for under 10s in Cornwall, but without a wet-weather facility this could not be achieved,” says Keith. “The Engine Shed turns Lappa Valley into an all-weather destination, and we’re excited to be open all year round.” dedicated party rooms with direct access to the soft play areas, so young partygoers can get straight into the action. There are also unisex toilets with touch-free taps and flushes and a Changing Places toilet to cater for visitors with disabilities.

“One of our core values is to ensure everybody can enjoy a day out with us so we’re particularly pleased to be able to upgrade our facilities with everyone in mind,” Keith adds. “The Engine Shed lays the foundation stones of our vision of the next 50 years of Lappa Valley.” l Advance booking is highly recommended as tickets are limited in number. Visit www.lappavalley.co.uk