Bulwell Community Toy Library

The Toy Library sits in Bulwell, just outside Nottingham, and it's one of those places that makes proper sense if you've got young children in tow. Rather than buying toys that'll end up in a cupboard gathering dust, families can borrow them - think ride-ons, building sets, puzzles, the lot. You can take them home for a week or so and genuinely test whether your kids will actually play with something before you commit to the expense.

It's staffed by people who actually know what they're talking about, not just shop assistants, which makes a real difference when you're trying to work out what suits a toddler versus a five-year-old. The selection rotates, so repeat visits turn up new things to try. Most parents reckon it pays for itself after a few trips if you're the sort who normally hires from those pricey party places.

Obviously this isn't a day out in the traditional sense - you're not going to spend hours here. Pop in, browse, chat to staff, choose what you want, and you're done within thirty minutes. It works brilliantly as part of a broader Nottinghamshire trip though. Bleinheim Farm Campsite is less than a mile away, so if you're camping with little ones, nipping into Bulwell to refresh the toy rotation keeps everyone sane during school holidays. Far better value than buying new stuff.