New multi-sensory playground unveiled at IWM Duxford

The state-of-the-art playground aims to extend beyond the typical boundaries of outdoor play, offering children of all ages and access needs a collaborative play experience inspired by Duxford's rich aviation history.

The Weston Play Zone, which opens on Saturday, July 27, has been made possible through a generous £1.5 million donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Award-winning landscape architects, Davies White Ltd, were called in to convert the vision into reality.

Lauren Moore, IWM Duxford project manager, said: "After years of research and planning, it is fantastic to see our vision for a new state-of-the-art play area at IWM Duxford brought to life.

"Every little detail has been meticulously researched and considered in line with feedback from parents and, the harshest critics of all, children.

"The result is an inclusive and highly varied play zone which will ignite little imaginations while embracing the history which makes IWM Duxford such a unique and special place to visit."

One of the main attractions is a bespoke 'playful plane' climbing structure, with a wingspan of more than 15m, filled with special features, sounds, and puzzles.

Other attractions include an elevated walkway with climbing frames, an area designated for younger children, seesaws and ziplines, and resilient, playful plants designed to introduce camouflage patterns and stimulate the senses.

IWM Duxford worked closely with families from the charity, Little Miracles, to make the Weston Play Zone inclusive for children with disabilities and additional needs.

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The charity's guidance greatly influenced the design process, leading to the inclusion of features such as quieter sheltered areas, wheelchair-accessible ramps, ground-level trampolines, and roundabouts.

The launch of the Weston Play Zone signifies the start of 'Transforming IWM Duxford', a 10-year plan set to enhance the overall visitor experience through new exhibitions and facilities, including a second play zone being planned adjacent to the American Air Museum.

To coincide with the summer holidays, IWM Duxford has lined up a host of activities for children, including story sessions from veterans and a variety of live-action flying events designed for the whole family.