Butterfly World Project

Rang BW today as we plan to visit tomorrow. They told me that Phase IV includes The Dome and work is planned to start at the end of 2011. [Jul 11]

28 Jul 11 Butterfly World Project

I run music classes at Butterfly World and it's a joy to do my class in such lovely surroundings. Particularly when the wild flowers bloom it's a joy to behold! The butterflies are gorgeous and exotic too. When it's finished I think it will be amazing. [May 11]

22 May 11 Butterfly World Project

Went to Butterfly World today with my husband and 2 children and had a great time. £5 for me and other half and one of the children free! You don't get many days out for that price! Yes it is work in progress, but the kids loved the butterflies and the insects, and running around the gardens. Had a sneaky look at the leaf cutter ants and they look really interesting. We ate lunch in the cafe - paella and salad so all nice and healthy. Looking forward to going back when the wild flowers are up. [May 11]

01 May 11 Butterfly World Project

We attended the Butterfly World Easter Fun Day on Monday 25 April 2011. Having attended last year, when the site was a work-in-progress, I was expecting some......well......progress. There isn't really any. Big queue for the (very small) butterfly house, cafe not terribly organised and a little over-priced. There was a sign up saying that the gardens 'fully open in May, but enjoy the work in progress!! ' Activities for kids were nice but we had to pay extra for them, which wasn't apparent until we got over the threshold. If you went last year, I would say not really worth another visit til the dome gets completed. Having just read the local press online, I only hope they get their funding problems sorted and this actually happens. [Apr 11]

26 Apr 11 Butterfly World Project

This will be great when it is finished. But it isn't. I'd be pretty cautious about paying for this. [Apr 11]
16 Apr 11 Butterfly World Project

I wasn't sure if we were a bit early taking our seven month old, but having heard good things we thought we would give it a go before the end of the season. The gardens were well past their best as the first frosts had taken their toll, but there were lots of interesting things there like the mirror balls etc which she loved. The best part was the butterfly house itself which she was mesmerised by. The only thing that would have made it better would be swings etc in the play area as she would have enjoyed this. There was a big slide and a sand pit with tight rope which were obviously for bigger kids. Will definitely be returning to see the Biome next year, and hopefully this will be improved for her age group. [Oct 10]

24 Oct 10 Butterfly World Project

We came along with our two young children (aged 5 and 3) and spent several happy hours wandering the gardens and exploring the site. We found it such an exciting project and look forward to signing up as season ticket holders next year. It's fascinating to be able to come and see a 'work in progress' that is already taking shape but gives more than a hint of what is to come. It was obvious from beginning to end that so much thought had gone into making the visitor experience hassle free (esp with young kids in tow, we thank you for making the main site easy to navigate and never far from the facilities). The cafe-fare was simple but just right and well priced. I could go on but I'll just say well done and we look forward to coming back soon! [Aug 10]

16 Aug 10 Butterfly World Project

If only I'd spotted the 'kids go free' voucher before visiting!!! :-) Actually it was still worth the money. We had a great afternoon. The children were amazed at all the butterflies in the butterfly house and fascinated by the caterpillars and cocoons in the maternity house. The kids play area will open in the next couple of weeks. It's sensibly placed next to the cafe so mum's and dad's can relax with a coffee while the children exhaust themselves! In addition to all the family oriented stuff, it was nice to take a look around the designer gardens. Some of them were really fantastic - I meet even try to steal one or two ideas for my own garden! I look forward to seeing how it develops over the next year or so. When it's fully open it might even compete with Willows for the position of must-have-annual-membership prize! [Jul 10]

28 Jul 10 Butterfly World Project

As part of the outside broadcast team of Radio Verulam providing the entertainment on an open day - I was very impressed with the vision of what has been created. The very small Butterfly area was magical and I didn't expect to see such large and beautiful butterflys. It was a pure delight to have them land on me - and even more seeing the childrens faces light up. The cafe is well designed and the food very good also. The staff were most helpful too. I look forward to returning when the dome has been completed. You can see a photo of the 'butterfly competition' on our website www.radioverulam.com under the blogs. We look forward to returning again. Ashlyn Kaye - Radio Verulam [Jun 10]

04 Jun 10 Butterfly World Project

I kept seeing the brown tourist butterfly signs and wondered what it was all about. Then I read an interesting newspaper article about Butterfly World. I also spotted a 'Kids Go Free' voucher, so one afternoon during half-term holidays, we decided to visit. It's a beautiful setting and we enjoyed strolling around in the sunshine. We particularly liked the exotic butterfly house and the different gardens. There is still a lot of work to do and I'm sure it will be even better when the Biome is finished next year. Excellent value at £6 for the whole family with the 'Kids Go Free' voucher. [Jun 10]

02 Jun 10 Butterfly World Project

Last day on the family roadshow ended with an afternoon at butterfly world. Top afternoon but will be truly great when the final phase has been completed with the construction of the glass biome. Inspiring with bags of imagination and quirk thrown into the mix and thats ontop of the butterfly house. Great 1/2 day and not expensive. [May 10]

22 May 10 Butterfly World Project

Went with the kids to Butterfly World last weekend and was really impressed with how it's coming on. It's much cheaper than last year and there's more to do for all the family. The kids really loved the butterfly house and the fact that the butterflies landed all over them. The food in the cafe was good too. Looking forward to getting back there next year to check out the full size butterfly house. [May 10]

05 May 10 Butterfly World Project

It was really windy when we went, so be prepared! To be honest, work in progress is kind. Most of the place was just unfinished - bull dowzers, builders sheds, bare earth - a real mess. The show gardens were really great, but the butterfly house was tiny. Food was ok - watch out for wasps - toilets fine. Shop and plant area ok. Be careful as you leave - horrible exit and you have to drive straight into fast moving traffic. [Jan 2010]

01 Jan 10 Butterfly World Project

We went on a Sunday morning and took advantage of the two for one offer*. It helped that the weather was good because you are mainly outside. For us the butterfly house itself was worth the visit and I would go back to see that. However I don't think you need more than a couple of hours to go round leisurely at the moment because it is still a work in progress site but it shows promise and it is a good chance to see some of the gardens whilst they are still quite peaceful. Toilets are clean and plentiful. Catering looks good quality rather than cheap and cheerful but there is a picnic area if your budget won't stretch. Coffee queues could be a problem but I am sure these are teething problems to iron out. I would recommend it and will go again - next time I will force my children to come too!! * would be over priced for single entry at the moment in my view so the 2 for 1 policy rather than half price entry is a bit of a shame. [Jul 09]

21 Jul 09 Butterfly World Project