Hever Castle unveils Tudor Towers play area

A Kent castle has finally unveiled its much anticipated new play area - just in time for the half term holiday.

Henry VIII joined the official opening of Tudor Towers at Hever Castle.

Aimed at children aged seven to 14, the play area features three slides, two poles and numerous interactive elements split into three houses - Boleyn, Waldergrave and Astor - after the castle's most significant owners.

The nine-metre tall castle is said to be bigger than a four bedroom house with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets.

Children can experience a castle under siege with one side incomplete - constructed as if it has been attacked.

There are cargo nets to climb, noises of archers and a drawbridge plus a dining hall complete with sights and sounds and a special exit through a fireplace.

The playground, which is now open to the public, experienced some delays in construction after progress was slowed down by a shortage of good quality oak in Europe.

Tudor Towers was designed by FRLA Ltd and constructed by West Sussex-based Duncan and Grove to replace the former Tower Maze playground.

Duncan Leslie, CEO, said: “This has been quite an undertaking doing this project and a great team effort pulling it together.

"There is a good chance that one day this building might be listed because it’s built to last.”

For more details about visiting Hever Castle, including admission prices and opening times, click here.