We are delighted to announce the opening of a new adventure playground, Skelf Island. Magically inhabited by the otherworldly Skelves, this new addition to the Yorkshire tourist attraction will enhance its family offer and encourage children to reconnect with nature.
Legend has it that Skelves have been inhabiting a secret world over the water of the Great Lake for centuries. They are said to cause mischief and mayhem high up in the trees, interact with the birds and protect the wildlife. This summer, young visitors will be invited over to Skelf Island to take part in an adventure like no other while learning about the special wildlife and ecology of the estate.
John Hoy, CEO of Castle Howard, comments, "The area of land across the Great Lake is the original Medieval site of Henderskelfe, the settlement that predates Castle Howard. This has been the inspiration for the design team working on this brand new adventure playground and developing the concert of the otherworldly Skelves. This fantastic addition to the family offer will be included in the Gardens admission ticket and we expect it will attract a lot of visitors from both the local area and holiday makers from further afield."
Built be Adventure Play Development company CAP.Co, the development will see a series of ingenious treetop nest structures, connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment suitable for all ages. In addition to the new playground, families can learn all about the magical gang of Skelves on the island, which have been brought to life by illustrator Steve Pearce.
We are committed to our environmental stewardship and aim to carefully work in harmony with the environment and safeguard it for future generations. Creating sustainable wildlife habitats is a major priority for the estate, and this latest family-orientated addition will allow young visitors to learn, through play, the importance of the environment around them and encourage participation with the wider wildlife projects across the estate.
Access to Skelf Island will be included within the Gardens Admission ticket which can be purchased on site or via the website to receive a 10% discount.