Discovery Village
Christchurch, DorsetAbout Discovery Village
Discover the Magic of Imaginative Play at Discovery Village Role Play Centre
Discovery Village is a one-of-a-kind role play centre created especially for families with children aged 1–8 years. Nestled in a warm, welcoming indoor setting, our play centre is built around the power of imagination, where every visit brings new adventures, friendships, and fun. From themed play zones to interactive performances led by live actors, Discovery Village is more than just a play centre — it’s a vibrant world where creativity comes to life.
A Unique Role Play Experience with Live Performers
What sets Discovery Village apart from other indoor play centres is the magic of live performance. Every two-hour session is guided by one of our friendly professional actors, who bring stories to life through themed role-play adventures full of songs, dance, and imaginative activities. These performers invite children to become part of the story, whether that means helping to save the day as firefighters, preparing delicious dishes in our Italian restaurant, or caring for poorly pets in the vets.
Each session is crafted to spark imagination, build confidence, and gently encourage even the shyest of children to take part — although all participation is completely optional and child-led. It’s not just about playing — it’s about becoming part of a world of make-believe, where children are free to explore, express themselves, and create their own storylines.
Nine Beautifully Designed Role Play Areas
Discovery Village features nine unique and lovingly designed play zones, each created to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Our spaces include:
Fire Station – Put on your uniform and race to the rescue in our mini fire engine!
Beauty Salon – Get glamorous with pretend makeovers, hair styling, and pampering fun.
Italian Restaurant – Cook up a storm in our wooden kitchen and serve pizzas to friends and family.
Farm Shop – Stock the shelves, shop with tiny trolleys, and explore farm-to-table play.
Theatre – Dress up, perform on stage, and let your star shine with props and costumes.
Vets – Care for cuddly animals and help make them better with gentle vet play.
Construction Site – Put on your hard hat and build, dig, and create with our tools and bricks.
Post Office – Sort, deliver and post mail around the village.
Home Corner – A cosy space for quieter play, full of pretend family fun.
Each area is filled with high-quality wooden toys, costumes, sensory materials, and learning-inspired activities to encourage open-ended play. Every zone has been thoughtfully planned to reflect real-world environments in a child-friendly and exciting way.
Themed Play Sessions That Change with the Seasons
We love keeping things fresh and exciting at Discovery Village! Our live-led play sessions follow seasonal and themed adventures that rotate regularly throughout the year. Children never know exactly what to expect, and that’s part of the magic.
Our performers tailor each session to suit the age and energy of the group, with a gentle structure that includes songs, dancing, storytelling, and themed games woven into the free-play time. There’s plenty of space for children to explore independently too — the balance between guided and free play allows every child to engage in their own way.
A Calm, Welcoming Environment for Every Family
We know that quality matters — especially for young children and their grown-ups. That’s why we take great care to ensure that Discovery Village offers a calm, clean, and family-friendly experience from the moment you walk through the door.
We limit capacity at every session, meaning it’s never too crowded or overwhelming. Children have room to roam and explore safely at their own pace, and parents can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of traditional soft play centres. We also take pride in our attentive staff, who are always on hand to help and make sure everyone feels welcome.
A Woodland-Themed Café for Grown-Ups and Little Ones
While the children play, parents and carers can unwind in our beautiful woodland-themed café, designed to be just as welcoming as the play areas. With clear sightlines to every corner of the village, you can enjoy a barista coffee, tea, or a sweet treat while still keeping an eye on your little ones.
We offer a range of family-friendly food and drink options, including snacks and light lunches, with something for even the fussiest of eaters. Our café space is pram-friendly, warm, and calm — a lovely place to catch your breath, read a book, or chat with other local parents while the kids are busy exploring.
Free Parking and Easy Access
We want visiting Discovery Village to be as stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer free on-site parking, and our centre is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs. Whether you're popping in for a midweek treat or making a special day of it on the weekend, everything is designed with family convenience in mind.
We also run seasonal events throughout the year, including Halloween specials, Christmas experiences, Easter adventures, and summer holiday fun. These limited-time sessions often feature new characters, themed décor, and extra surprises to keep things exciting for returning visitors.
Why Families Love Discovery Village
Families return to Discovery Village again and again because it’s more than just play — it’s a place where imaginations soar, friendships grow, and memories are made. We’re proud to offer a space where every child is welcome, where creativity is celebrated, and where playtime feels like a magical adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a fun morning out, a relaxing way to spend time together, or an enriching experience for your little ones, Discovery Village is the perfect destination for young families.
Plan Your Visit Today
Come and discover why Discovery Village is one of the most loved role play centres for families in the area. With live performers, themed play, free parking, a cosy café, and beautifully designed spaces, it’s a magical day out for children and grown-ups alike.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the village!
Immersive Play Guided By Live Actors
At Discovery Village, every role play session is brought to life by our talented live performers, who guide children through an exciting Story of the Day adventure. From brave firefighters and and caring vets to circus performers and Captain Recycle, each session is filled with imaginative twists that spark creativity and curiosity.
Our performers gently lead the experience with songs, dancing, and themed activities designed to encourage confidence, teamwork, and joyful play. Children are invited to join in, but there’s never any pressure — we believe in child-led play, so little ones can take part as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. Whether they’re centre stage or quietly observing, every child is valued and included.
The sessions strike a perfect balance between guided storytelling and free play, allowing children to explore our nine beautifully themed play zones at their own pace. Each area—from the theatre and fire station to the farm shop and vets—is designed to inspire young minds and support imaginative development.
Our live-led sessions make every visit different, exciting, and truly magical. It's more than play — it’s an adventure waiting to unfold, and your child is the star of the story.
Family-Friendly Woodland Themed Cafe
Our woodland-themed café is the perfect place for parents, grandparents and carers to relax while their little ones immerse themselves in imaginative play. Designed with families in mind, the café offers a warm, welcoming space that’s calm, comfortable, and just a few steps away from the action.
With clear views over the entire role play village, grown-ups can unwind with peace of mind, knowing they can keep an eye on their children at all times. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a quiet moment with a coffee, or supervising siblings, you’ll find the café a safe and convenient base throughout your visit.
We’re proud to offer a delicious menu featuring a selection of fresh food for both adults and children, alongside a great range of hot and cold drinks — from barista coffees and herbal teas to smoothies and juice boxes. There’s something for every taste and appetite, whether you’re after a quick snack or a more filling bite.
The café is fully accessible, pram-friendly, and designed to be part of your Discovery Village experience. It’s not just a place to sit — it’s a cosy woodland retreat where the grown-ups can enjoy themselves, too.
The Power Of Learning Through Play At Discovery Village
At Discovery Village in Bournemouth, we believe in the incredible power of learning through play, especially in the early years. Our immersive role play centre is designed specifically for younger children aged 1–8, giving them the space, time and freedom to explore the world around them in a way that feels natural, exciting, and meaningful.
Unlike larger, crowded play centres, we operate with limited capacity, ensuring every child has the room they need to move at their own pace, build confidence, and fully engage with their surroundings — whatever the weather, come rain or shine.
Each of our nine unique play zones has been carefully designed with purpose. From the fire station to the vets, the farm shop to the theatre, every space offers opportunities for children to problem-solve, cooperate, communicate and imagine. These environments aren’t just fun — they are thoughtfully created learning spaces where children take the lead and grown-ups see their imaginations come to life.
Through dressing up, storytelling, role play and hands-on exploration, little ones develop key skills while simply having a brilliant time. At Discovery Village, play isn’t just play — it’s a powerful way for children to grow, connect and thrive.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:30 - 11:30 12:00 - 14:00 15:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
Weekdays Term Time Prices (off peak)
Crawling child £7.95
Walking child £9.95
(Up to two) Adult £2.75 (each)
(3+) Additional adult £4.25 (each)
Babies in arms – Free*
Parent & baby in arms - £5.25
Weekends & School Holiday Prices (peak)
Crawling child £9.95
Walking child £12.85
(Up to two) Adult £2.75 (each)
(3+) Additional adult £4.25 (each)
Babies in arms – Free*
Parent & baby in arms - £5.25
Please book ahead to avoid disapointment. We limit the number of children and adults at each play session to give children the space they need to play, explore and grow.
*free with a full paying child
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Discovery Village by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Verification & Last Updated
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This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 15:54 22/04/2026
Discovery Village Reviews
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