We’re delighted to share that the Wild Wood Adventure Playground at Waddesdon Manor, a brand new woodland play experience, will be opening on 1 August 2026.
Created in partnership with Waddesdon Manor and funded by The Rothschild Foundation, Wild Wood transforms a woodland hillside into a world of adventure, imagination and discovery. Inspired by the estate’s remarkable history, architecture and landscape, the playground invites children and families to climb, explore, play and connect with nature together.
Designed and built exclusively for The Manor, every element has been carefully woven into the existing woodland and crafted primarily from sustainably sourced timber. The result is a place that feels as though it has always belonged here – full of hidden corners, treetop routes and playful stories waiting to be discovered.
Waddesdon Manor is full of stories, and Wild Wood brings them to life in playful new ways.
At the heart of the playground is The Lost Mansion, an imaginative structure inspired by the Manor itself. Filled with hidden routes, unexpected spaces and playful details, it encourages children to explore, climb and create their own adventures.
Alongside it, The Plaviary takes play into the treetops. Linking to the estate’s existing hill slide, it offers children a journey through nets, tunnels and elevated walkways with a completely new perspective on the woodland below.
Across the site, visitors will also discover playful nods to Waddesdon’s wildlife and heritage – from a giant wooden Rothschild mynah bird to a stick insect and Poupon, the beloved poodle of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild.
George Ainsworth, Designer at TouchWood Play, said: “Our inspiration came directly from The Manor’s iconic architecture, landscape and the stories of the Rothschild family. We wanted children to feel immersed in a world that is uniquely Waddesdon Manor, where every corner offers something new to discover.”
From the very beginning, Wild Wood has been shaped in collaboration with the people who know Waddesdon best.
TouchWood worked closely with the The Manor team, local schools, community groups and families through a series of workshops designed to explore ideas, test concepts and build the playground together.
This process helped shape a space that is bigger, more adventurous and more inclusive – designed for children of all ages and abilities to play, explore and enjoy together in a natural setting.
Joe Cooper, Founder of TouchWood Play, said: “What excited us most about Waddesdon Manor was its incredible sense of place. We wanted to take everything that makes it special and translate that into play. Working alongside the The Manor team, local families and community groups allowed us to create something that feels like it truly belongs here – a place where families can experience The Manor in a completely new way.”
As specialists in natural play, we’re passionate about creating places where children can connect with nature.
Wild Wood has been carefully designed within an established woodland environment, with close attention paid to protecting trees, respecting wildlife and working with the natural contours of the site.
Sustainability has been considered throughout – from material choices and construction methods through to the long-term life of the playground. Built primarily from sustainably sourced timber, the design allows the structures to sit gently within the landscape and weather naturally over time.
George Ainsworth added: “One of the most rewarding parts of this project was working within such a beautiful woodland setting. By carefully responding to the landscape and using natural materials, we’ve created a playground that feels as though it has grown from the woodland itself.”
Beyond the physical structures, Wild Wood is designed to spark curiosity, imagination and a deeper connection with the natural world – a place where families can slow down, explore and enjoy time together outdoors.
Opening in time for the summer holidays, Wild Wood Adventure Playground forms part of the wider family experience at the estate.
Included within standard Grounds Admission and free to National Trust members, it has been created as a space families can return to again and again, with new adventures waiting on every visit.
We’re incredibly proud to have worked with Waddesdon Manor and The Rothschild Foundation on this project, creating a place that celebrates imagination, nature and a strong sense of place.
Pippa Shirley, Director of Waddesdon Manor, said: “I am so excited about the opening of the new playground and the way it will bring the garden and woodlands to life for children and families.
“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.”
We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about how we work, or offer advice on how best to successfully deliver your project.
