Custard Town Opening in June!

Located on Level One in the heart of Exeter city centre, Custard Town has been designed to encourage creativity, sensory exploration and interactive play, while also creating a welcoming space for families to connect and spend time together.

The new attraction will feature a series of themed play areas tailored to different ages and stages of development. Young visitors can enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic in the park, explore a mess-free art studio, or dance in Custard Town’s very own disco space. Sensory play experiences using touch, sound and light are woven throughout, combining guided activities with imaginative free play.

Custard Town will be open seven days a week, with morning and afternoon sessions available for children aged 0–6, alongside dedicated SEN sessions. An on-site café will serve hot drinks and cakes, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks.

Accessibility, affordability and safety are central to the project, with entry prices and café treats kept as affordable as possible. A monthly pass will also be available, with free entry for babies under nine months old.

Custard Town builds on the legacy of Little Exeter, which operated from 2023 until its closure in March 2026. The venue played a vital role in the city, providing an affordable, welcoming space where children could play and adults could connect.

Following the announcement of its closure, Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) sought a way to sustain a service so valued by families and children’s services across the city. As a charity with a strong track record of delivering family-focused projects, including Family Resource, the Jelly Children’s Charity Shop and Exeter Children’s Centres, ECI recognises the essential role that community play spaces have in supporting early development, wellbeing and social connection.

The charity has thanked both Exeter City Council and Guildhall Shopping Exeter for their support in bringing Custard Town to the city centre.

A striking new mural celebrating Devon’s wildlife, featuring two entwined otters, has been created by Exeter artist Chloe Farrant.