Conkers Discovery Centre
A vibrant adventure and discovery centre in the National Forest, offering indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family with playgrounds, trails, and a ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Conkers Discovery Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant adventure and discovery centre in the National Forest, offering indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family with playgrounds, trails, and a train.
"It truly offers something for everyone – from young kids to adults. "
Pack a picnic lunch :sandwich:
Plenty of spots available for a picnic, saving money and enjoying the outdoors.
Check opening times :clock1:
Some attractions may close early or be unavailable during event preparations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adventure Playgrounds
Both sites
Spacious and well-equipped outdoor play areas with climbing structures and sandpits for endless fun.
Conkers Express Train
Connects both sites
A charming miniature train ride offering scenic views and a fun way to travel between activity zones.
Enchanted Forest & Trails
Woodland areas
Explore magical woodland walks, discover hidden features, and enjoy nature's beauty on various trails.
4D Cinema Experience
Discovery Centre
An immersive cinematic adventure with special effects that bring movies to life for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
+1Dress for Adventure
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a picnic lunch :sandwich:
Plenty of spots available for a picnic, saving money and enjoying the outdoors.
Check opening times :clock1:
Some attractions may close early or be unavailable during event preparations.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring across both sites.
High ropes cost extra :moneybag:
The high ropes course is a separate charge but offers great value.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a picnic lunch :sandwich:
Plenty of spots available for a picnic, saving money and enjoying the outdoors.
Check opening times :clock1:
Some attractions may close early or be unavailable during event preparations.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring across both sites.
High ropes cost extra :moneybag:
The high ropes course is a separate charge but offers great value.
Toddlers may prefer specific areas :stroller:
While there are toddler-friendly bits, some play areas are better suited for older kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Conkers Discovery Centre is widely praised as a fantastic family day out, offering a wide range of activities from adventure playgrounds to a 4D cinema and nature trails. Visitors appreciate the value for money and the opportunity for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Some older areas could benefit from updates, and certain attractions may have age restrictions or extra costs.
"We visited this place recently, and my son said it’s his favourite attraction so far! It truly offers something for everyone – from young kids to adults. There’s a lot of walking involved, but it’s well worth it. We enjoyed a variety of activities including a train ride, a maze, climbing areas, a 4D cinema, and several fantastic play zones. There’s so much to explore that you could easily spend the whole day there without getting bored.
We had some food on-site and were pleasantly surprised by the quality – it was much better than we expected for an attraction like this. The ice creams, in particular, were excellent and a real highlight for my son.
One small downside was that my son wanted to ride his bike during the visit, but unfortunately bikes are not allowed inside. It’s understandable for safety and space reasons, but worth knowing in advance.
Overall, the tickets were very reasonably priced considering how many attractions are included. It felt like great value for money. We had a brilliant time and will definitely go back one day – there's still more to see and do!"
Monika awx
"Went there on 7th Nov, most things were closed which (due to them preparing for fireworks) we weren't told about it just told they closed early today, I asked at the desk and the staff wasn't aware things were closed?! Equipment is very old and lots of broken things, could do with a complete overhaul safety nets had holes in etc. I can see this place used to be good but definitely needs money reinvestment now, lots todo there if it's all open unfortunately for us it was not."
Eddie Grice
"We visited with 3 kids (2,11 & 12) and there was a variety of activities and attractions to keep the whole family busy.
It was a nice refreshing change from rides and electronics and was great to see the whole family out in the sun enjoying the environment.
The older kids used the high ropes which was £7 a go and we think that was fantastic and very cost effective compared to other places we have been recently.
Plenty of places for a packed lunch, plenty of places for the kids to be busy and adults also.
Highly recommend 🙌
Indoor play area is at the waterside part of the venue which you can walk or catch the small train to.
Only reason it was a 4 star and not 5 star review was due to parts of the older side of the place (waterside centre) was looking quite outdated and warn out completed to the main area and building."
Yorkshire adventurer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Conkers Discovery Centre is located at Rawdon Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote, DE12 6GA. It's easily accessible by car with free parking available.
Yes, Conkers offers free parking for visitors, which is a big plus for families arriving by car.
Absolutely! You can walk between the two sites or take the Conkers Express train, which is free and offers a fun way to get around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally around £9.95 per person, with a slight discount if you opt out of gift aid. Toddlers often get in for free.
Yes, annual tickets can offer good value, especially if you live locally or plan multiple visits. Some discounts may apply for National Forest residents.
Entry typically includes access to the adventure playgrounds, nature trails, the 4D cinema, and the train ride between sites. +1
While tickets can often be purchased on the day, it's best to book online in advance, particularly for special events like Winter Wonderland, to guarantee entry.
Some activities, like the high ropes, may have age or height restrictions. The 4D cinema and play areas are generally suitable for a wide range of ages, though some play equipment is geared towards older children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Conkers boasts extensive outdoor adventure playgrounds, woodland trails, a miniature train, a 4D cinema, and indoor play areas.
Conkers has some areas suitable for toddlers, including a sandpit and parts of the indoor play area. However, many of the larger play structures and trails are better suited for older children.
You can explore various nature trails, enjoy the wildflower meadows, and discover the woodland environment. It's a great place for kids to connect with nature.
Unfortunately, bikes are not allowed inside the main attraction areas for safety and space reasons.
Conkers frequently hosts special events, particularly around holidays like Christmas (Winter Wonderland) and Halloween, which are very popular. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are on-site food options, including an ice cream parlour and cafes. The quality of the food has been noted as surprisingly good.
Absolutely! Conkers has plenty of designated areas for picnics, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
You can find snacks, meals, and treats at the on-site eateries. The ice cream parlour is a particular hit with visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture moments on the Conkers Express train, amidst the woodland trails, at the adventure playgrounds, and during festive events like Winter Wonderland.
The wildflower meadows and woodland areas offer lovely opportunities for nature photography, especially during blooming seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider bringing a picnic to make the most of the designated picnic spots.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Bringing your own picnic lunch is highly encouraged and widely practiced by visitors, significantly cutting down on food costs. With so many included attractions like playgrounds, trails, and the 4D cinema, you can easily spend a full day entertained without needing to pay for many extras. The train ride between sites is also included, adding to the value.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts
+1 You can explore wildflower meadows, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the natural beauty of the area. The park is designed to encourage interaction with nature, making it a refreshing escape. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna during your walks. The peaceful atmosphere of the trails provides a lovely contrast to the more active play areas, allowing for a well-rounded experience of the park's natural setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Two Sites of Conkers
The Woodland Park site offers a more nature-focused experience with extensive outdoor adventure playgrounds, climbing frames, sandpits, and access to the beautiful woodland trails and the enchanted forest.
+1 The train ride between the two is a highlight for many families, adding an extra layer of adventure to the day. +1Visitors often recommend exploring both sites to get the full Conkers experience, as they offer distinct but complementary activities. Planning your visit to include travel time between the sites is a good idea to maximize your day.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playgrounds, the 4D cinema provides an exciting cinematic experience, while the Conkers Express train offers a scenic journey between the two main sites.
+1 For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the nature trails and wildflower meadows offer opportunities for exploration and appreciating the natural environment. Special events, such as the popular Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season, transform Conkers into a magical festive destination with Santa's grotto and light trails, making it a memorable outing for families.
+1Value for Money and Visitor Feedback
Reviews often highlight the positive experiences families have, with children frequently declaring it a favorite attraction.
However, some feedback points to areas that could benefit from modernization, particularly in the older sections of the venue.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit