Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-school

Nature-Based Day Nursery in St Albans & London Colney

Farm-Based Childcare and Forest School for Babies, Toddlers & Pre-schoolers.

Set within Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire, our nature-based nursery is a place where children have the space to explore, play, and truly thrive. Days are spent outdoors as much as possible with daily visits to the animals, free-flow access between indoor and outdoor spaces, Forest School sessions, and our much-loved Mini Farmers programme.

Here, children enjoy the best of both worlds: high-quality early years education with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, alongside the freedom, adventure, and joy of life outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for a baby nursery in St Albans, toddler childcare in London Colney, or a pre-school near North London, Willows offers a calm, nurturing start – surrounded by nature and just minutes from major commuter routes.

Book a show around today to see how we combine nature, nurture and learning.

0124 Kp5

Learning Through Nature, Every Day

  • A peaceful countryside setting filled with fresh air, open space, and room to explore
  • Daily supervised visits to our friendly farm animals
  • Forest School sessions and our much-loved Mini Farmers programme
  • Fresh, healthy meals and snacks cooked on-site every day
  • FREE membership to WillowsActivity Farm* t&c applies.
  • A proven, engaging curriculum shaped by children’s interests
  • Government-funded childcare available for 9 months, 2, 3 and 4-year-olds, including 30 hours
  • Long opening hours from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
  • Full-day childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Visit our Day Nursery

Open Day: Saturday 7th March 2026

The perfect opportunity to experience Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School in action. Attending will allow you to be shown around the site, meet the team, and ask any questions you may have! Please book only one ticket per family:

Open Day

Book a Personal Show around

Can’t make the Open Day? No worries. We offer mid-week show arounds for you to come and view the nursery. Just book an appointment below!

Should our weekday show around appointments not be convenient, please feel free to register your interest here and a member of our team will be in touch.

Book a Show around

Are you eligible for FREE funded childcare?

Are you missing out on free government-funded childcare? Download our FREE funded childcare eBook, telling you everything you need to know regarding the new government grants and eligibility criteria.

Willows fdn ebook

Download our funded childcare ebook

 

Nursery & Pre-School Virtual Tour

Take a look around our fantastic new nursery building and room, prior to touring and meeting the team! 

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, with age-appropriate rooms for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers.

We accept funding for children aged 9 months, 2, 3, and 4 years, including the government’s 30-hour scheme. To see if you qualify, download our eBook below to check eligibility.

 

Yes! At our nature-based nursery in St Albans, children take part in Forest School sessions and enjoy daily outdoor play, including caring for farm animals and gardening.

Areas we serve

Willows Farm Day Nursery is conveniently located for families in St AlbansLondon ColneyRadlettBarnetPotters BarChiswell Green, and other parts of North London and Hertfordshire. We’re just minutes from the M25 and easily accessible from both town and countryside.