Adventure & Play

Adventure Playground

Looking for the perfect family day out? The Adventure Playground at Trentham Gardens offers an unforgettable outdoor play experience for children of all ages! 

Surrounded by natural beauty, this exciting play space features natural play equipment that blends seamlessly into the landscape, encouraging active, imaginative fun in the great outdoors. 

Play highlights to explore: 

• Altitude Tower – Climb to the top and slide your way back down. 

• Climbing Wall – A thrilling challenge for budding climbers. 

• Agility Course & Balance Challenge – Test coordination with tightrope-style walking and obstacle fun. 

• Swings – Including the ever-popular Queen of Swings. 

• Viking Rope Swing – Big, bold and built for older children who love a thrill. 

• The Whirlwind Roundabout – Spin, laugh, repeat. 

• Twin Zip Lines – Race side-by-side next to our famous Barefoot Walk, perfect for children who crave speed and excitement. 

The playground is a must-visit spot for energetic young explorers. 

Toddler Zone

Let your little ones dig, build and explore in Trentham’s ultimate sand play experience, specially designed for toddlers and young children. 

This natural and nautical-themed adventure area is packed with features that encourage motor skills, confidence and creativity which are perfect for early learners and imaginative play. 

Toddler Zone highlights to explore:  

• Giant Sand Play Area – A sea of sand where imaginations run wild, complete with: 

• Three adventure boats – including a wheelchair-accessible boat. 

• Sand play activity tower – for climbing, sliding and creative fun. 

• Large diggers – ideal for older siblings or grown-up helpers. 

• Quieter Play Spaces – Two smaller sand pits offer a gentle, calmer setting for younger toddlers. 

• Natural Play Features – Including willow dens, tunnels and wobbly balance leaves. 

• Toddler-friendly equipment – Such as nest swings, seesaws, a mini slide and baby and toddler swings. 

Whether they’re building sandcastles or sailing imaginary seas, the Toddler Zone is a safe and inspiring space for the smallest members of the family to play, learn and grow. 

Young Drivers Zone

Let your little ones take the wheel at the Young Drivers Zone! Specially designed for children aged 5 and under, this fun outdoor activity gives young drivers the chance to test their skills in safe, easy-to-drive mini vehicles.  

Kids can steer, turn and navigate gentle paths, helping to build confidence, coordination and independence in a playful setting.  

Barefoot Walk

Step, stomp, tiptoe and hop your way along Trentham’s Barefoot Walk, a sensory adventure for all ages. Treat your toes to a variety of fun and testing textures from cool mud and soft grass to crunchy bark and smooth pebbles. This unique trail promises giggles, squeals of delight and unforgettable memories for the whole family.  

 Shoe lockers and foot showers are ready and waiting for you at the end of your adventure. 

Hide and Speak Maze

Step into the maze discover an exciting natural play adventure for the whole family. Test out the special talking pipes as you shout through them to guide your way or send a message across the maze. Along your journey, explore beautiful flowering meadows filled with seasonal colour and buzzing with wildlife. Your maze adventure leads to the Treasure Chest meadow mound, where a spiral path takes you to the top. From this high viewpoint, enjoy the sights and sounds of the gardens and call out instructions to friends and family still exploring below.  

A perfect outdoor activity for families looking to connect with nature. 

Natural play spaces

Explore the natural play areas and outdoor adventure opportunities for children. Our beautiful gardens offer the perfect setting for outdoor play, helping young children develop essential motor skills, hand eye coordination, confidence and teamwork. Many families visit to enjoy activities like learning to ride scooters and bikes in a safe open space. Rolling down the grassy banks is always a favourite — a fun active way for kids to connect with nature and give your washing powder a real challenge. 

Outdoor Soft Play - New for 2025!

Perfect for toddlers aged 2–5, our Soft Play Area is a fun-filled, safe, and stimulating environment designed just for little adventurers.

With bright colours, soft surfaces, and engaging features, it’s the ideal space for children to climb, crawl, slide and explore at their own pace. Whether it’s their first play experience or a favourite weekend treat, our soft play encourages physical activity, imaginative play, and social interaction in a space built for comfort and safety. Parents can relax nearby, knowing their little ones are having fun in a secure, age-appropriate setting.

Autism Garden

We understand that busy play areas can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated Autism Garden, tucked just behind the Adventure Playground in our Show Gardens. 

This quiet, nature-inspired space offers a gentle alternative to the main play area, giving children and families a chance to enjoy play in a more peaceful, sensory-friendly environment. 

What to expect: 

• Sensory play elements designed to inspire curiosity without overstimulation 

• A quiet swing set apart from the main playground hustle 

• Soothing natural features and planting that support relaxation and calm 

• A space where children can regulate at their own pace and families can unwind together 

This garden is part of our commitment to making Trentham welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors, including those with additional needs or sensory sensitivities.