Business, Christchurch | Posted on September 8th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset play centre celebrates first birthday

Discovery Village in Hurn marked its first year of business with a free play session for regular customers.

An immersive role play centre for children celebrated its first anniversary with a birthday party and invited its regular customers to a free play session.

Located at the former Adventure Wonderland site opposite Bournemouth Airport, Discovery Village allows children aged 0–8 to play in colourful high street shops including a vet, Italian pizzeria, theatre, fire station, shop, post office and beauticians. Each two-hour play sessions features a performer who leads the children in songs, dances and games.

The attraction opened in September last year, and to mark the occasion, owner Chris Sampson invited friends, family and repeat customers to come along for a free session and celebrate with a free drink, cake and balloons.

Sampson said the first year has been a success. “We opened with over 4,000 visitors in our first month, and it’s been going from strength to strength. Children seem to love it, and as long as they keep coming, we’ll keep doing it.”

Prior to opening Discovery Village, Sampson worked at Bournemouth International Centre for 20 years and in youth services. He added that the Discovery Village anniversary party went well. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Lots of cake went out and coffees. It was lovely.”

Looking ahead, Sampson is working on a Halloween adventure and taking bookings for Christmas-themed play sessions in December.

To find out more about Discovery Village or to book tickets, visit discoveryvillage.co.uk.