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New children's play area featuring iconic buildings opens at Sandringham
The Children's Play Area at Sandringham is now open. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
A new playground featuring replicas of iconic buildings from around the Queen's Royal Estate at Sandringham has opened.
The opening of the new play area was postponed due to the death of Prince Philip but Sandringham Estate announced it is now open to the public following the period of Royal mourning.
The Children's Play Area at Sandringham is now open. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
Its centerpiece is a replica of the Appleton Water Tower which is inspired by the nearby Victorian landmark that was originally built to improve the quality of water supply at Sandringham House in 1877.
Appleton Water Tower, which has supplied water to the Royal Estate at Sandringham for almost 150 years - Credit: Chris Bishop
The 26ft wooden structure has a water play feature and a slide. And a toddler specific play area has also been installed, along with high-level walkways, improved walkways and new seating areas.
Sandringham Estate tweeted that the facility would reopen on Friday along with the Estate's shop and terrace café, and that Sandringham Gardens is set to reopen on Saturday, April 24.
The Children's Play Area at Sandringham is now open. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
Sandringham Estate posted on Facebook on Thursday evening saying the play area aims to create a memorable experience for family visitors.
The Children's Play Area at Sandringham is now open. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
Arlo Blackmore (5) having fun at the Children's Play Area in Sandringham. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
The post said: "Following the period of Royal Mourning, Courtyard facilities at Sandringham will reopen on Friday 23 April.
"The Children’s Play Area - located in the Royal Parkland - will also reopen on Friday, April 23, following improvement works.
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"Using wood from the Sandringham Sawmill, the improved area now features structures such as the 26ft tall Water Tower, inspired by a local water tower at Appleton in Norfolk.
Jessica Gledhill (6) on the Children's Play Area at Sandringham. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
"New footpaths and planting around the visitor car parks have also been introduced, to enable better accessibility."
The Children's Play Area at Sandringham is now open. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
Ottilie (2) gets a push from her big sister, Elodie Blackmore (8). Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
The playground is also set to include replicas of Sandringham church, where the Queen and members of her family traditionally attend Christmas Day service, Queen Alexandra's Nest - a secluded summer house built in the grounds at Sandringham in 1912, and the ruined Church of St Mary near West Newton.
Picture of the replica tower at Sandringham in February as it was taking shape. - Credit: Chris Bishop
The playground, designed by the Barton Turf-based Creating Adventurous Places Company, is said to have been inspired by the Back to Nature garden designed by the Duchess of Cambridge which was exhibited at the last Chelsea Flower Show.
