If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids in the Congleton area, Castaway Play is a large family play centre with a mixture of indoor and covered outdoor activities. It is aimed at children from babies through to around 10 years old, so there is a good range of activities for different ages.

Rather than being one large soft play area, Castaway is split into different themed spaces. Children can explore pirate-themed play, jungle adventures, a magical kingdom, a covered beach area with sand and water play, and a sports area. There are slides, climbing areas, tunnels, adventure play, a zip line and other activities, with some areas particularly suited to younger children and others aimed more towards older children.

There is also a café on site serving things such as pizza, paninis, toasties, sandwiches, cakes, ice cream and hot and cold drinks. The centre doesn't allow visitors to bring their own food to eat on site.

One of the newer additions is the Ice Cream Parlour, which is there in partnership with Snugburys. You don't necessarily have to be visiting the play centre to get an ice cream, as there is access from outside too.

SEN & Additional Needs

Castaway has put a particular focus on making its play centre more accessible for children with additional needs. The centre has a dedicated Space Sensory Room, which provides a quieter environment away from the main play areas. It includes sensory equipment such as tactile surfaces, a ball pit, fidget toys and a fish tank. The sensory room can also be booked separately and is aimed particularly at younger children.

There are also dedicated SEN sessions throughout the year. These sessions have a reduced capacity and lower noise levels, making them more suitable for children who can find busy or loud environments overwhelming. Children attending a SEN session can use the play areas and sensory room, and siblings can attend too.

Castaway also states that its access routes are wheelchair accessible and that accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available.

So, if you're a parent looking for a play centre where you can check the SEN arrangements before you go, Castaway has specific facilities and sessions in place rather than simply offering general admission.

Suitable for: Babies and children up to around 10 years

Facilities include: Indoor play, covered outdoor play, sand and water play, adventure play, sports activities, sensory room, café, baby changing and accessible facilities.

SEN provision: Dedicated SEN sessions, reduced capacity sessions, sensory room and accessible facilities.