Wolseley Bridge, nr Rugeley - swans and scones

This review is a combination of two place next door to each other. 

Firstly we visited Wolseley Centre. This is the headquarters of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, set in a large wildlife reserve and it's a fun place to spend an hour with a small child.  We particularly liked the board walk area, set between the river and the ponds, where we watched ducks and their chicks and a couple of swans.  There is also a play trail - where you can play a tune on a fish or a dragonfly, a wildlife garden (look out for the bug hotel) and a sensory garden.

The centre hosts a range of children's activities - see the website for details of Nature Tots and themed birthday parties.


We didn't go into the centre building itself, but moved to the garden centre next door.  There is a large café here with a wide menu including hot food.  The main attraction for my son was the indoor soft play area within it.  At £1.50 for an hour's play it gave him chance to play happily while I drank (pretty decent) coffee.  It's not the biggest area, but it looked fairly new.  It's aimed at ages 8 and under.

We also shared the largest scone I have ever seen (think National Trust proportions), with cream and jam.  I almost couldn't finish it.

**UPDATE**
We had a great visit on a sunny day this school holiday and discovered more of the Wolseley Centre, including the rock garden and the meadow area on the right hand side of the drive. It made a great picnic spot. We also tried the coffee from within the Centre, and still recommend the garden centre for refreshments.

Round up
Café Latte price: £2.29 for a small one
Favourite cake: That amazing scone.  And the cream and jam.  All for £2.69
Child friendly highlights: The play trail at the Wolseley Centre, the indoor play at the garden centre.  Lunch box - £4.49 for sandwich, drink and 3 other items.  Same price for hot food.
Buggy friendly: Wolseley Centre boardwalk is very good, some steps in other areas. Garden centre is all easy access.
Car parking: Free at the garden centre, £1 donation at the Wolseley Centre.

Verdict
Taken together we spent a happy couple of hours at Wolseley Bridge.