A Worcestershire stately home has a tree-mendous new attraction for its young – and young at heart – visitors.

Witley Court is branching out and putting the finishing touches to its wilderness play area, which features a tree house, wobbly bridge and scramble net, slide and rope walks.

An ampitheatre has also been created at the house near Stourport, which is managed by English Heritage, with wild flowers sewn into grass to make it look like a natural hill.

Designed by leading play area architect William Hardie, it will be officially unveiled on May 4, coinciding with a children’s festival where youngsters can take part in plays, learn circus skills and try their hand at junior jousting.

“Children will want to play as soon as they see it – it’s the kind of place where childhood memories are made,” said English Heritage’s area manager Mark Badger.

“Although we have created different areas to appeal to children of different ages, this is designed to be a play area that children can return to many times.

“The grounds here at Witley Court extend over 40 acres and also include a lake, woodland and formal gardens, with the wilderness area that the new play area is situated in originally being developed back in the late 1700s.

“It’s great to see it being used, this time for something so different but very fitting for its surroundings.”

For more information, call 01299 896636, or visit english-heritage.org.uk/ witley.