Nothing beats a trip to the park for banishing children’s boredom. With over 27,000 green spaces across the UK, one destination towers above the rest: Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. This fantastical realm boasts the world’s largest play structure, captivating young adventurers and drawing even adults into the fun.
A Magical World of Play
Visitors step into a vibrant village inhabited by fairies, elves, and hobgoblins. Children up to age 11 explore a towering 26-meter-high castle, navigate 170 meters of rope bridges, climb ladders, swing across gaps, and zoom down six slides—the tallest reaching 24 meters.
The realm features nine clans ruled by Lord Elfwin, King of Lilidorei, who resides in Elfwin Drin, the planet’s biggest play structure. Staff members, known as ‘secret keepers,’ guide guests through the lore while ensuring safety. The design keeps kids engaged for up to three hours.
Created by the Duchess of Northumberland at a cost of £15 million, Lilidorei opened in May 2023 and sits within the grounds of Alnwick Castle, famous for exterior shots in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts.
Options for All Ages
Adults enjoy food and drink lodges, a gift shop for souvenirs, and special over-18s nights for grown-up play after dark. The expansive area sparks imaginations in a fairytale setting.
2026 Opening Schedule
Lilidorei reopened on February 11, 2026, operating Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Starting February 14 for half-term, it opens daily from 10am to 4pm. From February 23 to March 26, hours return to Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm. From March 27, it runs daily from 10am to 5pm.
Ticket Prices and Booking
All children require adult supervision. Tickets vary by date and duration, with online booking available. For February 18 half-term, a full-day pass including the play park and gardens costs £15.40 per adult and £11.55 per child. Prices and details appear on the official Lilidorei website.
What Visitors Say
Reviews highlight the magic. One TripAdvisor visitor noted, “The whole experience exceeded all expectations. The staff were incredible, entering into the spirit of the adventure at all times. We were there for 4.5 hours.”
Another shared, “Lilidorei is an enchanting place that feels like a fairytale come to life. The play structure is incredible and appeals to children’s imaginations and sense of adventure.”
On TikTok, a video by @dayoutwiththekids garnered over 227,000 likes. Commenters raved, with one saying, “Sod the kids, I want to go,” and another joking, “Will it look weird if I, an unmarried, childless grown woman, go alone?” Some note the cost, with a reviewer calling it “decent and clever but possibly not the greatest value for money.”
