Review: Orchard Toys pirate snakes & ladders and ludo game

Orchard Toys

We have been fans of Orchard Toys for years, ever since Gemma was old enough to play with games and puzzles. Someone gave us an Orchard Toys game for Christmas when she was about 2, and we were impressed with the quality, the family friendly features and the bright, engaging layouts. From there we have built up quite a stash, with the children’s current favourite being the Greedy Gorilla game.

We have recently been sent the Pirates Snakes and Ladders and Ludo game – a lovely little set of two games in one, priced at just £9.50. Both these games are classic family games, but they have been made that little bit more fun with the addition of pirates. 

Orchard Toys

Orchard Toys

Orchard Toys

The game pieces are popped together like a puzzle, with snakes and ladders on one side and ludo on the other. The board is tough and glossy, and would withstand some rough handling from little people. The pirate figures simply slot into plastic holders to allow them to move around the board, and everything is bright and appealing for all ages. My 3 eldest played together, so it easily suits a wide age range – even Max at age 2 could play with a little help.

Orchard Toys

Orchard Toys

Orchard Toys

On the opposite side of the board is the ludo game. The ludo counters are made from the same coated card as the board, and simply need to be pushed out of the packaging before play. This game was too hard for Max, but perfect for my older 2 – the game is marketed for those aged 5-9. It encourages basic number and counting skills as well as being great fun and a lovely social activity the older children can do together or with us. This has been something we have played a lot over half term while Max was at nursery – it is ideal for family time and I have really enjoyed spending some time with Gemma and Jacob. 

As usual we have been impressed with Orchard Toys. This game is high quality, well thought out and aimed at children. Everything is bright, engaging and easy to follow and I love the option to flip the board over and change the game. Snakes and Ladders has been perfect for Gemma, Jacob and Max and it is lovely to see the older 2 helping Max learn the rules and count the numbers on the dice. Ludo is definitely a favourite with the older 2, and they have played it endlessly, often taking it up to their bedrooms to play so Max can’t run off with the counters (the perils of having a toddler brother!).

If you are looking for inspiration for Christmas gifts, then check out the Orchard Toys website – there is something on there for all ages from tiny tot to grown up!

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43 Comments

  1. November 10, 2015 / 3:43 pm

    We love Orchard Toys but I hadn’t seen this game before! One to look out for when Noah is older!
    Jenna Parrington recently posted…My Autumn FavouritesMy Profile

  2. November 10, 2015 / 4:27 pm

    We have some Orchard Toys board games and the kids love them. I think it’s the bright colours and clear designs that attracts them. #TriedTested
    Gina Caro recently posted…Adagio Teas Review & GiveawayMy Profile

  3. November 10, 2015 / 5:57 pm

    These look really appealing and looks like you had fun playing them! I have never played ludo before but remember as a child I loved snakes and ladders and my 2yr old likes pirates at the moment so she would enjoy that element 🙂

    #TriedTested

  4. November 10, 2015 / 6:14 pm

    I’ve recently bought 3D snakes and ladders from chad valley, but seeing this one, it’s even more amazing as it has two games in one board. Board games are a good way to entertain the kids, isn’t it? as well as they learn maths and the value of patience too. Lovely Review! will definitely check orchard toys… #TriedTested
    Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby recently posted…Children’s Belts from Easybelts – Review and GiveawayMy Profile

  5. November 10, 2015 / 8:21 pm

    Orchard toys have a lovely selection, especially the classics.
    This would be a perfect stocking filler! thanks for sharing 🙂 #TriedTested

  6. November 10, 2015 / 11:26 pm

    Oh we’re huge fans of Orchard Toys, and this ludo snakes & ladders game looks so robust and solid. Sometimes we’ve experienced games which aren’t up for the rigours of competitive play.
    This is a lovely present which could work for a birthday present or stocking filler.
    Thnx for the review
    xx
    tracey at Mummyshire recently posted…Chalkola – No more dusty old chalk! #TriedTestedMy Profile

  7. November 11, 2015 / 7:11 pm

    We are very fond o Orchard Toys games, fun, practical and they are of pocket money value. Great review. #TriedTested

  8. November 11, 2015 / 9:32 pm

    Ah, N loves Ludo, although we’ve not managed to get into snakes and ladders…mainly because I get really exasperated with it too!
    Emma T recently posted…Rough and tumble – in the warsMy Profile

  9. November 11, 2015 / 9:51 pm

    We love Orchard Toys, we’ve been playing shopping list lots lately. Looks like a great game
    Mummymelton recently posted…23 month updateMy Profile

  10. November 12, 2015 / 1:17 pm

    I love Orchard Toys puzzles though my 4 y/o got a couple of games for her 3rd birthday and didn’t “get” them** so I put them away – you’ve reminded me to get them back out!
    ** by that I mean I I’m a stickler for playing games “properly” and she wanted to do her own thing!
    #TriedTested
    Sian recently posted…Settling Into Pre-school – The First Half TermMy Profile

  11. November 15, 2015 / 7:58 pm

    What a great twist on two very traditional games. I’m sure this would be a big hit in our house too x
    Colette B recently posted…Siblings – November 2015My Profile

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