Natural playgrounds
beautifully made for real play.
We’re TouchWood. We design, manufacture, install and maintain custom natural playgrounds that amaze, engage and excite.
Whether you need something small and functional or bold and adventurous, our beautiful wooden equipment is designed to suit every setting. Each playground is built using high-quality materials, with a strong emphasis on natural, sustainable design.
Our dedicated team works closely with clients to turn their ideas into safe, durable and inspiring outdoor and indoor playgrounds.
If you’re planning a new playground, expanding an existing one or replacing outdated equipment, you’re in the right place. We’re proud to be trusted designers, manufacturers and installers who combine creative flair with technical expertise.
As one of the UK’s leading playground equipment manufacturers, we’ve been helping communities, schools, parks and commercial sites create unforgettable play spaces since 2002. Our reputation as a reliable partner comes from our hands-on approach, quality craftsmanship and a real passion for play. From consultation to completion, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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.
All of our playground equipment is made in the UK and enjoyed by children across the globe.
Wherever you are in the world, whether you’re a world-class leisure park, a bustling city school, a commercial shopping centre or a family-friendly hospitality venue, we can work with you to design and deliver the best possible playground experience. As experienced playground equipment manufacturers, we offer a play solution tailored to your needs, your space and your budget. There’s nothing like real play.
As leading playground equipment suppliers since 2002, we have the experience to bring your vision to life.
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
Spending just a few minutes with the TouchWood team enables you to feel their passion on what they are designing and creating.
Steve Atkins RIBA RIAI Director, LYONS+SLEEMAN+HOARE, Architects
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
Come and look around some of our bespoke playgrounds
Harewood House: where history meets imagination DISCOVER MORE
Inclusive wetland fun at WWT Martin Mere DISCOVER MORE
Towering Play and Woodland Thrills on the Isle of Wight DISCOVER MORE
Frequently asked questions
TouchWood Play works with clients in both commercial and residential settings to design, manufacture and install wooden playground equipment. Clients include visitor attractions, historic houses, town councils, parish councils, schools, shopping centres, private landowners and retail and home developers.
TouchWood Play was established in 2002 in the Bower Ashton Woodyard in Bristol, primarily dedicated to designing and manufacturing playgrounds for local schools. Twenty three years later we are still in the same woodyard, with a few local satellite sites, and have worked on over 500 projects.
At TouchWood Play, we prioritise sustainability and durability in our playground designs. We predominantly use locally sourced hardwoods, including Robinia, larch, chestnut and oak. These materials are selected for their strength and natural resistance to wear, ensuring our playgrounds withstand years of active play, offering our clients a great return on their investment.
We also incorporate other natural elements such as sand, bark and pea gravel for surfacing, as well as glacial boulders sourced from local quarries, to enhance the sensory experience and safety of our play areas.
Our commitment to using high-quality, sustainable materials reflects our dedication to creating play environments that are both engaging and environmentally responsible.
Yes, TouchWood Play is a turnkey business. We design, manufacture and install our playground equipment. We also offer maintenance packages to our clients whereby we arrange the annual play safety inspection and address any issues that come to light to ensure our equipment stays in the best condition to be enjoyed for years to come.
Wooden playground equipment offers numerous benefits, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. Its natural sturdiness ensures long-term reliability, while the organic texture blends seamlessly with outdoor environments, creating visually pleasing play spaces. Wood is eco-friendly, renewable and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice, especially when sourced responsibly.
Wooden structures remain cooler in sunlight compared to metal, enhancing safety and comfort for children. The material's versatility allows easy customisation, expansion and repairs, which simplifies ongoing maintenance. Moreover, wood naturally absorbs sound, reducing noise levels and creating calmer play environments, while its tactile nature enhances sensory development for children. Overall, wooden playground equipment effectively balances practicality, sustainability, and aesthetic value.
TouchWood Play stands out for its deep commitment to creating play spaces with genuine play value. Rather than simply building structures, we design environments that optimise opportunities for children to explore, socialise and learn through play. Every element is thoughtfully crafted to encourage curiosity, creativity and connection with the world around them.
Our approach goes beyond physical activity, supporting emotional, cognitive and social development through richly layered, open-ended play experiences. By combining natural materials with a strong understanding of how children play and grow, we create unique, sustainable spaces where imagination thrives and learning happens naturally.
Yes, TouchWood Play works with organisations across the UK, Europe and further afield. Visit our Case Studies page for some examples of previous projects.
Yes, TouchWood Play can design, manufacture and install its timber play equipment into an indoor or outdoor space. We have previously installed equipment in indoor environments as diverse as barns, shopping centres, schools and attractions. You can browse a selection of our indoor case studies on our case studies page. Please get in touch to discuss your space.
Whether a playground requires planning permission depends on several factors including its size, location, and the local planning authority’s regulations. In many cases, small-scale playground installations in public parks or existing recreational areas may be exempt from formal planning permission.
However, larger or more complex projects—especially those involving significant landscaping, structures, or in sensitive areas—often do require planning consent. At TouchWood Play, we work closely with clients and local authorities to determine the specific requirements for each project and assist in navigating the planning process to ensure full compliance.
We also provide detailed designs and supporting documentation to facilitate a smooth planning application where needed, helping you avoid delays and meet all legal obligations.
The budget for a TouchWood playground can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and accessibility of the play area environment, the complexity and bespoke nature of the design, and the nature and extent of the safety surfacing that you require. We typically require clients to have a minimum budget of £50,000 before commencing work on a concept design. If your budget is below this threshold, we may still be able to supply our equipment on an ex works basis, allowing you to manage the installation at your site independently.
We work closely with clients to understand their needs and financial constraints, offering flexible options to create beautiful, natural and engaging play spaces within a range of budgets. Whether you’re looking for a smaller, simpler installation or a large, bespoke playground, we can tailor the design to suit your investment.
To get an accurate estimate, we recommend discussing your project goals with our team so we can provide a detailed proposal and budget outline tailored specifically to your requirements.
