Brand new outdoor adventure play facilities now open at Hainault Forest

We have some incredible news here at Hainault Forest! The brand-new playground at Hainault Forest is now officially OPEN and ready for action, bringing an explosion of fun and adventure for kids of all ages!

This week marks the finale of Redbridge Council’s £1.7 million investment to supercharge play areas all across the borough. The unveiling of this playground gem is the icing on the cake, with brand new new play areas popping up at Clayhall Park, Brocket Way Park, and Ray Park. Plus Christchurch Green, Valentines Park, Loxford Park, Seven Kings Park, South Park, and Westwood Recreation Ground have all received upgraded playground equipment – talk about a playground revolution!

The new play setups at Hainault Forest are like stepping into a storybook wonderland, where history and adventure collide. Imagine kids delving into the tales of beacon towers and hermit’s huts while experiencing a whirlwind of sensory excitement. This is more than just a playground; it’s a space for active, imaginative, and collaborative play that’ll leave your youngsters absolutely thrilled.

As expected being surrounded by this wonderful ancient forest, all the play equipment is crafted from natural wood, channelling the natural forest and the royal history of this Tudor hunting ground. And that’s not all! The outdoor play installations are perfectly in sync with the stories waiting to be discovered in the Woodland Trust Visitor Centre and Café 1856. Oh, and did we mention we’ve got the biggest slide in all of Redbridge?

The new play paradise is perfectly nestled beside the Forest Centre, Woodland Trust Visitor Centre, and a family-friendly indoor interpretation space – it’s a one-stop-shop for family entertainment.

The new Hainault Forest Visitor Centre, which opened its doors in April, is making waves as the first of its kind for the Woodland Trust. Along with the beautiful barns and revamped children’s farm, the forest is now home to:

• Events space for weddings, corporate gigs, and celebrations
• An interactive visitor hub that’s the gateway to adventure
• A brand-new Café for those all important snack breaks
• Craft Courtyard for local artists to let their creative flags fly

Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “The transformation of Hainault Forest is another example of the work we’re doing to make Redbridge the best place to live, work and visit.

“The opening of the new playground marks the final stage of our ambitious £ 1.7 million playground investment programme, giving local families fun, safe and interactive spaces to enjoy across our borough.

“Hainault Forest is one of London’s hidden gems, and thanks to our investment, we’re now offering families a richer and more rewarding experience with brand-new facilities that people of all ages will enjoy for years to come.

“We’re sure children will be over the new moon they see the new playground for the first time, giving parents a chance to unwind with a coffee or snack in our new cafe surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. Hainault Forest provides the perfect day out.”

Chair of Vision Trustees Martin Solder said: “I would like to personally thank all the staff involved for all their hard work and dedication to ensure the new play area is open in time for the children to enjoy over the summer holidays and beyond.”

“With the cost of living crisis, this new adventure play facility gives the children something new to enjoy over the holidays for free!”

George Lewis, Visitor Experience Manager at Hainault Forest for the Woodland Trust, said: “how exciting to have the adventure play area open for everyone to discover over the rest of the summer. Well done to our partners at Vision for their hard work in creating such a great space for child-led exploration, it’s a real asset for the Forest and one we think our visitors will really enjoy.” 🌳🎉

If you are travelling by car, please remember that car parking charges apply; prices start from £1.40 for one hour and are payable by the RingGo app.

This new playground is thanks to funding from Redbridge Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Mayor of London, all part of the Hainault Restoration Project.