Blenheim Palace to open giant new outdoor adventure play area

The large-scale attraction will cover a site bigger than a football field and plans to celebrate the heritage of the palace, its surround parkland and the natural world.

The new play area will use natural materials in order to be as sustainable as possible.

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It will be aimed at different age groups, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, and will incorporate a series of different features.

Pat O’Callaghan Project Manager, Heather Carter, Operations Director, Kelly Whitton Head of Built Heritage and James Smith Special Projects Director

The 5,000-metre site will see quirky wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways come to the palace.

Specifically, plans include a viewing platform, an interactive sensory garden walk, and an oversized kitchen garden-inspired secret play area - including giant carrots, sunflowers and plant pots.

At the centre of the new attraction will be a replica of Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge and a large seating terrace overlooking the central water play feature.

An elevated wilderness play area featuring aerial walkways, rope bridges, tunnels and triple racing zip lines will appeal to older children and provide extensive views across the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland.

There will also be a refreshment kiosk with outdoor seating.

The maze and Walled Garden at Blenheim Palace

The play area is being designed by Norfolk-based CAP.Co design, which creates unique play spaces, and built on site by Kidlington-based Kingerlee Ltd

The new attraction is set to open to visitors early next year.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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