Piers

Yup. The playroom was great - it meant that the children could eat with us, and between courses and after the meal we got some time for some "grown-up" conversation while they played.

And the food's nice too ;)

I love this place! It's got everything from masks to whoope cushions to stink bombs and the like. I used to save up to buy stuff from here when I was younger, and now, whenever I'm back in Oxford and in need of a present for a nephew I'll always pop in here as a first port of call.

It was a while ago, but I used to love going here. Every Saturday after school my dad drove me off to South Parade and I could choose a new Tintin or Asterix book. It's still a sweet little bookshop - no skinny cafe latte's in sight - and still has the odd Tintin :)

Definitely recommend it if you can't face the trog into town.

Can only judge by the concert I was invited to (my girlfriend's 5 year old nephew was playing drums), but was really impressed.

The children seemed to love it, the teachers seemed fun - youngish and enthusiastic - and the music was actually really good.

Only slight drawback for me (and this was only for the concert) was that lots of people left after their kid had played - which I thought was kind of rude.

Still, as a neutral observer, was very impressed.

Worth the walk from Oxford Street if you're having to shop there. It's much quieter. Standard "Giraffe" fare - ecoburgers etc and bizarre juices, but probably more of a full meal than a snack at the prices.

Make sure you let your kids have a drink of the "healthy" bath springwater in the Pump rooms.

Not to put too fine a point on it, it's warm, sulphuric gross-me-out puke city. But it does make you appreciate how nice normal water is ;)

Very pretty but the walk we found was a little there and back (rather than a circuit), so the children got a little bored.

Probably nicer in the summer, though don't know how crowded it gets. Hiring a boat looked fun.

This looks like a really good idea. Would be interested to hear any feedback.

Met with Jane Cameron, the head of NHP, today and was shown round. Jane's background is nursery school, and she seems to be fashioning a school with a wonderfully warm feel. Met a couple of staff, who seemed to be approachable, fun, and have a real sense of the individual children.

Also quite fun to wander along the canal on the way back in to town, if you're headed that way. Often spot a narrow boat or two to keep the children's interest.

We've put this page up for one reason really: feedback.

We'd love to hear what you think we can improve, what we're doing wrong, and maybe even what we're doing well ;)

Went there over Easter for tea. Had a great feel to it, and was a welcome relief from the heft of St Ives proper. Food looked delicious, and what seemed a real bonus was that because it's right on the beach, parents can let kids play in the sand and keep an eye on them without leaving their tables.

I took my 2 year old 'odd-son' - or whatever the secular equivalent of godson is - there a couple of days ago. He loved it - especially the sharks and the "Nemo" look-a-like.

We went on a hottish day, and it did become stuffy down there, so were glad we had some water. Also, the cafe upstairs is fine, but it might be worth taking a short walk down the river to the South Bank Giraffe (by the Royal Festival Hall)

I haven't been but I've just noticed Emily's great review.

"Druidstone is good for an afternoon or morning activity and children will enjoy feeding the animals, watching the displays, looking for sculptures and playing on the climbing frames. The toilets are a problem and bring a picnic, but these problems are countered by the cheap entrance fee and lack of in-your-face commerciality. The shop is hidden away in the café so there is no dragging a screaming child wanting a stuffed toy on exit."

I've added some details for it, but things can be double checked here

Went there for lunch last weekend. Really nice atmosphere - child-friendly, but not child-only if that makes sense. The tiles on the floor alone make it worth a visit :)

Rosa was kind enough to let me know that the owner of this place has been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on April 23 2007 after pleading guilty to three charges under the Trade Description Act 1968 for falsely describing holiday accommodation and to two offences under the Theft Act 1968 relating to the theft of property from guests.

More details

More bad experiences at Howle Hill, I'm afraid. Mr & Mrs Frost have just emailed me "We are one of a party of 8 that had a horrendous week at HOWLE HILL over this last New Year.. We have a court case pending mid September."

Very good but very expensive. £100 a head for dinner minimum.

This is a local gem. Loads to do for all ages, and even though football is played in the main bit, you can sit down and chat or walk past without feeling like you're going to get a ball kicked at you.

[Disclaimer: it's my local, and I'm biased :) ]

Good basic caff, and cheaper alternative to Fait Maison down the road.

Slightly mixed reports: one mum says it can get a bit full of builders in the mornings. Weekends and other times though it's a popular hangout for local parents.

Delicious but at a price. Weekends are buggy-tastic.

Lovely pub with good food, but always busy, so perhaps not an easy option with kids/prams unless you've booked a table beforehand.

Simon Dye has contacted me with the following comment:

"Very good play school for 3 year olds. Wonderful environment and facilities."

Do you know if it's moved? Or should we get rid of this place from the listings?

Beautiful, even if just for a picnic staring at the deer.

Southwark Council may well shut this place down, which would be a horrendous loss. Please help save the Livesey may be shut down, either through the Facebook group here or signing the online petition here or both.

Thanks for the heads up, HH. I've removed the email, and will call them tomorrow to see if I can find out theirs. Sorry for any bother!

I had a quick look online on other sites and found the 01234 766934 number, so I really hope that helps. If you find any more info do please let us know.

Hot days can see queues round the block, but it's always worth the wait. Delicious Italian ice-cream. A little local legend

Really helpful and friendly staff. They've got a good blend of old-fashioned wooden toys (that you think children ought to like) and new-fangled brand name toys (that children think they will like).

A definite life saver round these parts as far as toys and presents are concerned

Thanks Sam (and sorry!) Made the corrections for you.

If you're interested, Jennifer Howze has a video of the experience here