World's largest £15m kids park is in UK and features incredible fantasy tower

If you’re running out of ideas to keep little ones occupied, the UK is home to a magical village that will keep kids endlessly entertained.

Lilidorei (pronounced Lil-ee-door-ee) is based at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, and proudly boasts the world’s largest play structure. The Alnwick Garden is a registered charity and was the brainchild of the Duchess of Northumberland. The development cost an approximate £15 million to build, receiving funding from the Borderlands inclusive Growth Deal.

The project created 50 new jobs, according to the Northumberland County Council, and was part of an initiative to create sustainable economic growth opportunities across the North of England. Construction for the children’s park began in 2019 and was completed in 2023 after the pandemic caused significant challenges. The village was brought to life by the Danish design group, Monstrum. Since opening, the play park has won the 2024 Judges Choice Award at the regional North East RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) and was nominated for the Building Project of the Year award at the Constructing Excellence Awards.

The magical Christmas-themed children’s park is open all year round and features 170 metres of rope bridges, ladders, swings and slides. The village is best known for its 26-metre tall play structure, which was designed and checked by experts to ensure children’s safety.

Part of the Duchess’ objective with the park was to encourage children to use their imaginations during play, and Lilidorei takes its storytelling incredibly seriously. On-site “Secret Keepers” are available to explain the village’s elven history to children, describing the nine invisible clans who spend the entire year preparing for Christmas. The play park is said to be ruled by Lord Elfwin (the owner of Lilidorei’s high tower).

Peckish visitors should be sure to pop into the savoury hut for barbecue sausages and fried spiral potatoes or visit the village shop to enjoy locally handcrafted sweets—including delicacies like Troll Snot and Fairy Dust ice cream. There is also a sweet hut for churros and waffles and a muffin hut.

The park is best suited for children ages 11 and under and was designed to be as accessible as possible. The Bamboo Labyrinth and Poison Garden of the Alnwick Gardens offer additional entertainment for the entire family. But keep in mind dogs are not allowed at Lilidorei.

The play park is opening for the 2025 February half term, from Wednesday, February 19 to Sunday, March 2 from 10am to 4pm. Be sure to secure tickets in advance of arrival, as space is limited.