Many castles are now starting to realise the immense value parents and children bring to their businesses and have started to include adventure playgrounds as a way of enticing them to visit. Below are some of our favourites who have really leaned into this:

Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

This castle in the South of Scotland is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Buccleuch and has embraced the concept of the adventure playground in a big way. The adventure playground incorporates two tunnel slides where children are sent speeding through the darkness from 13 metres toward the ground. What kid doesn’t love a thrill ride? It might be a bit scary at first but they will be begging for a second go and a third after that! 

There are also swings, a suspension bridge, 6m high space net and many more pieces of play equipment to enthuse and delight parents and children alike.  

Leeds Castle, Kent

The “knights’ stronghold” adventure playground at Leeds Castle is based around the same design as the real castle and has climbing walls, cargo nets, fireman's poles, zip lines and rope bridges. It really has to be seen to be believed and children will love it. 

As well as the adventure playground, there is a shop and seating area for parents to keep an eye on their offspring as they lay siege to the gigantic, intricate wooden fortress.   

Fun fact: Leeds Castle is said to be the loveliest castle in the world.

Hever Castle, Kent

Known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle boasts an impressive adventure playground among all the other attractions in its extensive grounds. 

The adventure playground is called “Tudor towers” and it is in the shape of a castle. The theme of castle defenders and invaders is strong with this one and there are ingress and egress points aplenty for children to have fun chasing each other. 

There are netted walkways high above the ground, hidden passageways and secrets aplenty to discover. This is the kind of playground that makes parents wish they were children again.  

Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Gloucestershire

This particular castle is most famous for being the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. 

The adventure playground is award-winning and it is easy to see why. There is a huge wooden fort with many nooks and crannies to hide in, as well as all of the zip lines, cargo nets, fireman's poles and climbing walls that make adventure playgrounds such compulsive fun for children.  

Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire

This castle and its grounds are a great day out for all of the family. The adventure playground is set in the woods surrounding the castle and there is a roving coffee van to keep parents up to speed with their lively offspring. 

There are a great many fun obstacles such as zip lines, cargo nets, slides, swings, chain bridges and see-saws with which to occupy the kiddos and burn off some energy. Grimsthorpe Castle has a really great family-friendly environment. 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash