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.

Babies & Pre-Toddlers

Toddlers

Pre-School Mini Farmers

A Day in the Life of a Mini Farmer

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

Book a Show around

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

Book a show around and see it for yourself.

Visit our Day Nursery

Enrolment Week: Saturday 30th May – Saturday 6th June (excluding Sunday 31st)

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:

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.

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.

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

A countryside nursery where childhood feels like an adventure and learning comes from nature and real-world experiences. Each season brings new discoveries and new ways for children to build their confidence, empathy, and friendships.

Being based at Willows Activity Farm gives children access to almost 500 acres of fields, gardens, trails, and animal areas. Their week might include:

• Meeting ponies, goats, pigs and more
• Exploring the A-maize-ing Maze in summer
• Visiting the pumpkin patch in autumn
• Planting seeds in our allotment

Your fees are all-inclusive, so there are no hidden extras. Every child at Willows enjoys:

• Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks made on site
• Daily adventures and learning experiences at Willows Activity Farm
• Formula milk for babies and cow’s milk for older children
• Nappies, wipes, and nappy cream
• A dedicated team of qualified, caring early years professionals
• Regular parent evenings and progress updates
• Willows Activity Farm Membership for them and one parent*

Full Day (08:00am- 6:00pm) – under 3s:
Weekly Price: £470.60
Monday: £104.10
Tuesday to Thursday: £106.30
Friday: £99.60

Half Day (08:00am-1pm or 1pm-6:00pm) – under 3s:
Monday: £68.30
Tuesday to Thursday: £69.40
Friday: £64.10

Full Day (08:00am- 6:00pm) – over 3s:
Weekly Price: £400.80
Monday: £89.20
Tuesday to Thursday: £90.90
Friday: £83.20

Half Day (08:00am-1pm or 1pm-6:00pm) – over 3s:
Monday: £55.30
Tuesday to Thursday: £56.10
Friday: £51.30

We do offer the option to add an Early Club (7:30am–8:00am) or a Late Club (6:00pm–6:30pm) for a small additional charge.

If you are eligible for government funding; you can work out your weekly fees using our fee calculator HERE.

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 Albans, London Colney, Radlett, Barnet, Potters Bar, Chiswell Green, and other parts of North London and Hertfordshire. We’re just minutes from the M25 and easily accessible from both town and countryside.