For safety reasons we ask that all children be 3 years and over.

The Cardboard Shed is a small space. To ensure everyone has a room to create freely we only take a maximum of 5 people per booking. We ask that when booking 5 people that no more than 2 of the 5 are adults.

Yes. The Cardboard Shed is all about connection between families. We require a parent or guardian to be present with the children at all times. You will also be accompanied in the shed by our founder Claire Gillespie. Adults don't have to make something, but we do ask that you stay present and engaged. Most parents end up making something themselves once they see their children happy and absorbed. Some parents enjoy the time to be creative, some act as assistant to their child, and others work on a family collaboration together.

We're always surprised by how quickly it flies by. Most children don't want to leave at the end. One recent visitor wanted to stay all day! We break up the time with a mid-session snack and play in the garden (weather permitting). Because the space is so flexible and free, you can make lots of things or one complex thing. Children can play and make, explore the space and their ideas, work on things together, chat, and take their time. This is not a rushed activity and that works for the kids.

Some people come with an idea, others don't. Usually within 5 minutes in the shed you're ready to go. There's so much inspiration around you, and looking at the cardboard resources usually gets ideas flowing. Some children, especially younger ones, like to play before they make. Chatting, asking questions, drawing ideas, it's all good. There is no rushing and no set way to do things in the shed. I can also offer suggestions or set a mini family challenge if that helps. Some people like to explore the tools and see what they can do before they get stuck into a making project. Others start by playing with the marble run, adding to our creatures wall, or making something to feed to the cardboard monster. There's so much to see, do and explore. The Cardboard Shed is an experience, not just making stuff.

Yes! You can take your creations home, or leave them in the shed to inspire others. That's the joy of The Cardboard Shed - you can add to the walls or change them as you build. Top tip: come with an empty car so you have room to take your makes home.

Yes please. The Cardboard Shed is open during the school holidays and you will see all our available times and dates when you click the link to our BookWhen.com page. You can also visit during term time but will need to email claire@cardboardshed.co.uk for availability.

Please wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and are happy to get messy in. The Shed has a little heater but can be cold sometimes so on a cold day we suggest a jumper. No need to bring anything else with you, the Shed has all the tools and resources needed for creative fun.

We use child-friendly saws by Makedo, a Chompsaw, hot glue guns and scissors, tape, and colouring tools like Sharpies and paint. Everyone will be shown clearly how to use the tools safely and supervised throughout the session.

Yes. When you book your family session you will be asked if anyone attending has an allergy that we need to be aware of. We provide a drink and biscuit to guests during the session. If allergies are present we will provide suitable alternatives or you are welcome to bring your own.

Yes! Email claire@cardboardshed.co.uk and let us know how many people you want the voucher for. Claire will send you a payment link and post the voucher to you. It's a full colour A5 voucher in a gift envelope with ribbon, so you can hand it straight to the recipient. Vouchers are valid for one year after purchase.

Yes! Email claire@cardboardshed.co.uk to arrange a party. We can accommodate a maximum of 5 People, and we ask that at least one adult is present (for example, one adult and four children). You're welcome to bring your own cake. Weekend slots are available at an extra price.

We have some amazing local contacts and all our cardboard is donated. We also have amazing friends who collect cool bits of cardboard for us. The Shed is always bursting at the seams with cardboard. Big flat sheets, boxes of all sizes, tubes, multiple layered pieces, corrugated, textured pieces and more. When we are finished all our cardboard is recycled or added to our compost.