Playtime has just got bigger and better as Speke Hall opens new 30-foot-long zip wire and bigger play area.
The newly-installed play area equipment has landed at the National Trust’s property’s historic Home Farm, along with a brand new woodland zip wire for all mini-thrill seekers to enjoy.
Home Farm was once filled with the latest Victorian farming innovation when it was built in the late 1800s, including a Hornsby-Akroyd Engine to power the farm machinery. Some of the new play equipment is inspired by this part of Speke Hall’s story, which also incorporates a wheelchair accessible roundabout to allow everyone to join in the fun.
While children play and climb to their heart’s content, parents and carers can take a seat back and rest with a snack from Home Farm restaurant at nearby picnic tables, overlooking the colourful gated play area with assurance.
“Seeing families enjoy the wheelchair-accessible roundabout has been a real joy, as does the play equipment we invested in for much younger children, both of which we are demand from our visitors,” says Simon Osborne, general manager at Speke Hall. “We believe every child should have access to enjoy nature in a safe and welcoming environment, so we’re always looking for opportunities to improve our facilities for children of all ages and abilities. The gardens and play areas are open every day of the week, so come and explore Speke Hall soon.”
As well as the updated play area at Home Farm, little daredevils can rejoice and experience the exciting thrills of a brand new 30-foot-long, hair-raising zip wire, hidden away in the magical woodland play area. The new zip wire is bigger and better than before and will keep all mini-adventure seekers happy for hours. Children can run wild exploring other exciting challenges such as a den building area, outdoor balancing obstacles, a wobbly wooden and chain bridge.
With the mind-boggling hedge maze close by, visitors can also begin a woodland adventure with Speke’s much loved sculptured Giant Childe of Hale outdoor trail, which links both play areas together. Families can follow the story of John Middleton, and discover giant buttons, optical illusions and some larger-than-life vegetable musical instruments to play with along the way. This trail is suitable for all ages and is pram and wheelchair friendly.
Entry to Speke Hall is free for National Trust members and under 5s, admission charges apply to non-members. For more information, go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall
Images David Jones
