Bowood House and Gardens upgrades famous adventure playground for 50th Anniversary

The refurbishment of the much-loved playground is part of Bowood House and Gardens celebrating 50 years since it first opened to the public in 1975.

In the 1980s, the Woodland Garden, containing a nationally important plant collection, opened to the public and an adventure playground was built. The 1990s and beyond saw the phased creation of a hotel, spa and golf resort.

A new 30m zip wire has been installed for thrill-seeking children, while a giant dragon swing offers a fun and social experience for groups. Children under the age of seven can enjoy a new 15m zip wire in The Den, alongside additional play features including a mini climbing wall and a slide from the Wendy House.

Lord Kerry, Chief Executive and 11th generation custodian of Bowood, said: "The Adventure Playground has thrilled many thousands of families over the years. Continuing to offer an exciting destination for children and families to explore, learn, and enjoy imaginative outdoor play gives us great pleasure.

"Two or even three generations of the same family have used the adventure playground since it opened and this creates a special intergenerational continuity.”

The works have been completed by Sam Guy, son of Alastair Guy, who originally built the Adventure Playground. Sam has drawn on decades of experience and his father’s legacy to create a space that encourages children to play and explore the outdoors.

His work builds on a longstanding family connection with Bowood, ensuring that the playground continues to provide memorable experiences for generations to come.

Lord Kerry said: “As we celebrate 50 years of welcoming visitors to Bowood, it's great to see Sam Guy lead these exciting additions, continuing the work his father brought to the estate many years ago. I’m delighted that their remarkable experience and skill will continue to create lasting memories for generations to come."

The Adventure Playground has been a cherished destination for families since its creation. Enjoying the playground has become a rite of passage for local families and those visiting Bowood.

Inspired by Lord Lansdowne's childhood memories of playing on a pirate ship, it was one of the first playgrounds in the UK to feature high walkways, a space dive, and a pirate ship. Built using wood sourced from Bowood's estate, it remains one of the most sustainable and locally sourced playgrounds in the country.

Bowood House & Gardens will reopen to visitors on 1 April, when guests will be invited to explore the new playground features alongside the estate’s 50th anniversary exhibition, which details landmark moments in Bowood's 250-year history.

It is an ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark for Joseph Priestley’s discovery of oxygen in Bowood House in 1774 and also Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

For more information, people can visit https://bowood.org/.