Q: Is there anything worse than sitting down to play a game of Monopoly in a pub, but finding the board is falling apart and a bunch of the pieces are missing?
A: Yes, there are probably a million things that are worse than this... but we like to be dramatic and, honestly, the missing Monopoly pieces fill us with rage. That's why the games at The White Horse Disley are carefully selected for their simplicity, clean-ability, fun-factor, & limited amount of pieces!
Below you can find info & instructions for these classic wooden games & puzzles.
Fun & Games at The White Horse
Wooden Noughts & Crosses Game
Noughts & Crosses (or Tic-Tac-Toe, for our Landlord's sake) is a classic that needs no introduction. Whether you're 3 or 103, it's just a lovely little game that leaves space on the table for good conversation and cosy drinks.
What we like about this set:
This vintage-look wooden Noughts & Crosses game looks great on a coffee table. It is also sturdy, making it a good choice for a family with rambunctious kids, or for a busy pub!
The Xs and Os are attached to the frame, so no lost pieces (yay!) and they spin, making it tactile, fun & easy for young kids to engage with.
Best paired with:
A round of fancy hot chocolates if you're after some fun, screen-free time with the kids... Or a couple of bowls of chowder and a bottle of wine for an understated but charming date night idea.
Fun fact about Noughts and Crosses:
In 1952, one of the world's earliest computer games, OXO (Noughts & Crosses), was created by British computer scientist, Sandy Douglas for the EDSAC computer at the University of Cambridge.
Classic wooden maze game
This vintage wooden game, Labyrinth, is the ultimate test of patience, steady hands, and concentration. This game will have you hooked as you try to guide the small steel ball bearing from start to finish without letting it drop into any of the trap holes.
What we like about this set:
This wooden marble maze game grabs your attention and keeps it. As fun as it is frustrating, this vintage-style game is highly entertaining,
This Labyrinth maze comes with two small silver balls. It can be played happily by one person, or it can be passed around a big group making it perfect as a family Christmas game or a screen-free game for older kids. Plus, this game helps develop hand-eye coordination and
(Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts representing a choking hazard. Adult supervision required).
Best paired with:
Mulled Wine on Boxing Day.
Fun fact about Labyrinth:
The game was launched by BRIO (The little wooden train company) in Sweden, and was first released there in 1946.
Wooden Shut the Box game
Shut the Box is a simple dice game where you try to flip down numbered switches from 1 to 9. You win immediately if you flip every number down, or by having the lowest score at the end.
To play, start with all your numbers flipped up.
Roll two dice, add them together, then flip down any open numbers that add up to that number. For instance, if you roll a 7 you could flip down 7 by itself, or combinations like 5 and 2.
Keep going until you can't put down any more numbers. (Once the 7, 8 and 9 are all down, you can choose to switch to rolling just one dice).
When you can't put any more down, add up the numbers that are still left upright. That is your score. The lowest score wins. If someone flips all the numbers down, they have '0' and win automatically.
What we like about this set:
This classic wooden Shut the Box game is one of our favourites. It looks good, feels solid and the felt area in the middle means dice don't go flying off the table when rolled. Plus it's a great way for older kids to have fun with maths.
(Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts representing a choking hazard. Adult supervision required).
Best paired with:
Mulled Wine for a grown-up game night... Or juice for the kids and a no-alcohol beer for the adults for some screen-free family time.
Fun fact about Shut the Box:
The game is apparently a firm favourite with sailors!
Handheld wooden ball maze
If patience is a muscle, this handheld wooden ball maze will help you flex it. So, next time you're about to pull out your phone to scroll away the time, grab this game instead for a fun, brain-engaging challenge.
What we like about this set:
The game is enclosed, so there are no pieces to lose. It is highly mobile so can be taken on holiday or in the car. The game can be played alone (however your friends and family will stand over your shoulder telling you they would have chosen to tilt the board a different, far superior way).
(Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts representing a choking hazard. Adult supervision required).
Best paired with:
A Welsh Rarebit and a pint of Old Tom.
Fun fact about Ball Maze Games:
The Pigs in Clover handheld wooden puzzle became a massive national trend in the United States in 1889, with 8,000 units produced daily. The game was played everywhere from buses to politician's offices!