A popular Suffolk attraction has announced it will open a brand-new adventure playground this summer, offering an immersive outdoor experience for families.

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Set within a stunning four-acre woodland in the grounds of Helmingham Estate, Guildenacre will bring together imaginative play and nature-inspired storytelling. The new attraction has been designed and created by world-class playground designers CAP.CO and will feature four distinct themed play areas.

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Children of all ages will be able to step into a magical world where a glimmer of gold hints at untold stories, joining four special guardians who protect the forest alongside the mystical Whispering Oak Tree.

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Each of the four play zones is themed around a guardian animal and its natural habitat — from underground burrows to treetop adventures. Alongside physical play, children can also take part in educational activities, including stamp stations, as they complete an accompanying trail sheet.

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Edward Tollemache, custodian of Helmingham and co-founder of Guildenacre with his wife Sophie said:
“This meticulously considered new addition to the Helmingham Estate will be an exciting mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for all its visitors, both young and the young at heart. Inspired by the estate’s beautiful surroundings and the animals you would expect to find in the neighbouring habitats, you will see references to our family’s coat of arms in the form of a magical flying Pegasus which we hope our visitors will enjoy discovering too.”

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The first play area, Flint’s Hollow, is home to Flint the Badger and features tunnels, burrows and two-storey lookout points, complete with a twisting enclosed slide. High in the trees, Eira the Owl’s Canopy Keep offers elevated walkways, rope climbs, a stargazing deck and talking tubes for sending secret messages.

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The largest structure, Elderglade — watched over by Atlas the Stag — includes climbing walls, ladders, tunnels, bridges and multiple slides. Meanwhile, Vex the Vixen’s Ember Den provides more adventurous challenges, including a zip line, racing slide, balance beams and ground-level trails, with elements suitable for both older and younger explorers.

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All four areas will be connected by bark pathways suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. A dedicated den-building zone will allow children to create their own woodland hideouts, while refreshments and toilet facilities will be available within the woodland setting.

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Celia Deeley, estates director for Helmingham said:
“Construction of the playground is being carefully managed to cause minimal disruption to the estate’s woodland, to preserve habitats and to ensure that ancient trees are undamaged during the build.

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“We’ll be using estate materials as much as possible and have chosen a wood-themed design to complement and blend into the surroundings, so that our visitors feel even more immersed in nature.”

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In addition to the playground, new refreshment and retail facilities will be introduced at the Grade II listed Wades Barn, which will serve as the main entry point for visitors.

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Edward added:
“With the introduction of our new playground, visitors will have even more to experience during a day out at Helmingham. Guildenacre will be a wonderful accompaniment to our Grade I listed gardens, 400-acre deer park, shops and seasonal events.”

Construction of Guildenacre, including a new dedicated car park, will continue into early 2026 ahead of its planned summer opening.

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For more information, visit: www.guildenacre.co.uk