Bespoke Playgrounds
Beautifully Made For Real Play.
We’re TouchWood.
Natural Indoor and Outdoor Playgrounds Designed for Real Play
At TouchWood Play, we’re experts in designing natural playgrounds that inspire movement, imagination and a closer connection with the world outdoors. Since 2002, we’ve combined creative design, skilled craftsmanship and durable timber to create spaces where children can climb, balance and explore through play.
Whether you need a compact play space or a larger adventure area, our play equipment can suit a wide range of settings. Each installation uses high-quality timber and blends with the natural environment to create a wooden playground that feels welcoming, safe and exciting.
PLAY ON
Here at TouchWood, we design, manufacture, install and maintain bespoke natural playgrounds, from single primary school towers to world-class leisure installations – that amaze, engage and excite.
TouchWood have been such collaborative partners and have helped us create something which could only be found here at the Manor – reflecting so much that is distinctive about our wonderful site.
Pippa Shirley Director
TouchWood has been absolutely brilliant to work with. They understood us from the get-go and we couldn't be happier with what they have delivered us.
Darren Hoare Head of Programme Delivery
The children are loving the new equipment and the outdoor classroom has already been used in so many different ways.
We are so very grateful.
Kevin Hawkins Headteacher, Hannah More Primary School
Touchwood have created something special to help children learn through active play. William's Den inspires and challenges children with a natural play experience, giving them freedom and space to play inside and out, whatever the weather. It's the stuff our childhood memories are made from.
Tor Carver Co-Founder, William's Den
Bespoke Natural Playground Equipment for Every Setting
Every project is unique. We design bespoke indoor and outdoor playgrounds that inspire children to run, climb, explore and return time and again.
Tailoring every aspect to your setting, audience and commercial goals, our team creates memorable play experiences that strengthen your visitor offer, encourage longer stays and support repeat visits.
From individual play structures to large-scale indoor and outdoor play attractions, we design and build durable, high-quality environments for children of all ages and abilities. Every playground is shaped around your space, brand and operational needs.
With physical challenges, imaginative features and sensory details built in, our playgrounds deliver lasting play value while helping visitor attractions, leisure destinations and family venues attract more families and create experiences visitors remember.
Trusted UK Play Equipment Built with Sustainability in Mind
Our team manages every stage of your project, from the first idea through to final installation. We work closely with each client to create an environment that feels safe, engaging and built around real play.
Whether you need one climbing frame, a set of balance beams or a full natural playground installation, we can help turn your ideas into a practical design.
We manufacture our wooden playgrounds in the UK using responsibly sourced materials. This helps us create reliable, sustainable playground equipment while keeping the natural look and feel that shapes our play spaces.
From small school projects to large destination playgrounds, we design every structure to suit its setting and help children to develop a connection with the natural world through play.
Diversification to drive visitor numbers - Harewood House DISCOVER MORE
Crafting immersive water play to draw visitors - WWT Martin Mere DISCOVER MORE
Towering Play and Woodland Thrills on the Isle of Wight DISCOVER MORE
Frequently asked questions
TouchWood Play works with a wide range of clients across commercial, school and residential settings. We design and install natural playground equipment for visitor attractions, historic houses, schools, town and parish councils, shopping centres, developers and private landowners.
TouchWood Play was established in 2002 at the Bower Ashton Woodyard in Bristol. The company began by designing and building wooden playgrounds for local schools.
Today, more than twenty years later, we remain based in the same woodyard and have delivered over 500 projects across the UK and internationally, creating high-quality natural playgrounds for a wide range of organisations.
We prioritise durability and sustainability in every design. Unlike traditional playgrounds, our natural playground equipment is primarily built using locally sourced hardwoods such as robinia, larch, chestnut and oak.
These materials are chosen for their strength and natural resistance to wear, making them ideal for long-lasting, sustainable playground equipment.
To enhance the play experience, we also use natural surfacing materials such as sand, bark and pea gravel. Glacial boulders sourced from local quarries are often incorporated to create sensory-rich and engaging nature play areas.
Yes. TouchWood Play provides a complete service from concept to installation. We design, manufacture and install natural playground equipment as part of a turnkey process.
We also offer maintenance packages that include annual play safety inspections and ongoing care to ensure your natural playground remains safe, durable and enjoyable for years to come.
Wooden playgrounds offer a balance of durability, sustainability and natural beauty. Timber structures blend easily into outdoor environments and create inviting play spaces that connect children with the natural world.
Wood is renewable and environmentally responsible when sourced correctly, making it a strong choice for sustainable playground equipment. It also stays cooler than metal in sunlight and naturally absorbs sound, helping create calmer play environments.
The tactile qualities of timber also support sensory-rich play experiences that encourage exploration and development.
Our focus will always be on exploring genuine play value. Rather than simply installing structures, we create engaging play environments that encourage exploration, creativity and social interaction.
By combining natural materials with thoughtful design, we produce bespoke playgrounds that support physical activity while helping children connect with the natural world.
Yes. TouchWood Play works with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally to design and deliver natural playground equipment.
Explore our case studies to discover the world of play we’ve created for people everywhere.
Yes. Our team can design and install wooden playgrounds in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
We have delivered projects in shopping centres, schools, barns and visitor attractions, creating engaging nature play areas that bring elements of the outdoors inside.
Planning permission for natural playgrounds depends on the size, location and local planning regulations. Smaller installations in existing recreation areas may not require approval, while larger or more complex projects often do.
TouchWood Play works closely with clients and local authorities to determine planning requirements and support the application process where needed.
The cost of bespoke playgrounds varies depending on the size of the space, design complexity and surfacing requirements.
Most full projects for natural playground equipment start from around £50,000. For smaller budgets, equipment can sometimes be supplied on an ex works basis, allowing clients to arrange installation independently.
