Families visiting English Heritage’s Stokesay Castle in Shropshire this summer will discover a brand-new, thoughtfully designed playground created to welcome and inspire every child.

Constructed from highly durable, chemical-free Robinia logs and sawn timber, three of Stokesay Castle’s most iconic structures come to life in this design. The castle-inspired South Tower evokes the grandeur of a throne room, whilst a creative fusion of the Gatehouse and North Tower forms a dynamic play tower, offering countless ways to explore and navigate.

The new play area blends natural materials with purposeful design to support children’s physical, sensory, cognitive, social and emotional development. Accessibility sits at the heart of the playground. The space features accessible surfaces, gentle ramps, wide pathways and play equipment specifically designed for children who use wheelchairs, prosthetics or other mobility aids. The playground also offers a rich sensory experience. Carefully selected textures, sounds and visual features encourage exploration and engagement.

One of the finest fortified manor houses in England, Stokesay Castle offers a unique insight into medieval life. Standing in a peaceful Shropshire valley outside Craven Arms, the castle has survived remarkably intact since its construction in the late 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, a local merchant who had made his fortune in the wool trade. His fortified manor house was both comfortable and impressive, designed as a statement of his wealth and power.

Stokesay Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry starts from £10.79 per adult and £5.35 per child, with discounts available for concessions and family groups. English Heritage members go free.

For more information, visit english-heritage.org.uk