‘Sky High’ Play Tower to Open This February Half Term

We are delighted to announce that a brand-new play structure is set to open during February half term following a successful government grant application.

The brand new, state-of-the-art playground featuring a giant tower and slide, is designed to create an exhilarating and inclusive play experience for children of all ages. This latest significant development follows the successful integration of an inclusive accessible playground at Adventure Valley in late 2024. The new play structure has been designed by playground specialists Kompan, with only one similar structure currently existing elsewhere in Europe.

The giant tower at the heart of the new play structure stands as a spectacular centerpiece, combining elements of climbing, sliding, and social interaction. Described by the manufacturer as “sky-high,” the tower structure offers children a variety of thrilling experiences with speedy slides, gentle swings, and challenging climbing features, all encapsulated within a transparent design that encourages safety and parent visibility.

Scheduled to officially open during the upcoming February half term period, the new playground will include features that foster social-emotional skills such as self-regulation and empathy, helping children build vital interpersonal connections during physical play.

Accessible ground-level play features, including play shells, a talking tube, a hammock, and tic-tac-toe, create a welcoming space for collaboration and creativity. Additionally, low climbing structures and ropes with pods will provide further options for children to socialize and participate, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to engage in active play.

The development of both the upcoming new playground and the already open accessible playground on the site have been made possible to a grant from UK government. Adventure Valley made a £100,000 grant application to the Rural England Prosperity Fund, funded by UK government in 2023, with Adventure Valley’s owners contributing the remainder of the funds towards the £350,000 total investment.

Adventure Valley’s owner, Janine Calzini, shared her excitement about the new addition, “We are thrilled to introduce our second new playground in quick succession. 2025 is going to be a year for both exciting new adventures and play. This playground will not only elevate our offering but will also promote active engagement and social interaction among children, reinforcing our mission to make Adventure Valley a welcoming space for everyone. We’re grateful to Visit Durham and the UK Government for their support in obtaining the grant to ensure that we can continue helping families to make memories at our site.”

Our Accessible Playground and Talon Towers are part-funded by UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund / Rural England Prosperity Fund.