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Project

Speke Hall Play Project

Last updated:
28 July 2026
Visitors exploring the Hedge Maze at Speke Hall, Liverpool
Visitors exploring the Hedge Maze at Speke Hall, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Play is being reimagined at Speke Hall to create welcoming new spaces that encourage adventure, exploration and outdoor play.

You may have noticed that the play areas at Speke Hall are not looking as expected at the moment. This is mainly due to repeated incidents of vandalism and the need to remove some play equipment to keep visitors safe.

An exciting project is now underway to improve play at Speke Hall. The aim is to create welcoming spaces where families can spend time together, enjoy play and make lasting memories.

Plans are continuing to develop, and more information will be shared as the project progresses. Watch this space for updates.

What’s happening with the play areas at Speke? 

We’re working hard to bring some new and exciting play features to Speke Hall. These will be a new tower for the maze, a refreshed theme for what is currently the Childe of Hale Trail and an adventurous play area in the woodland clearing at the end of the trail. 

Visitors playing in the gated play area at Speke Hall, Liverpool
Visitors playing in the gated play area at Speke Hall, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Who is doing the work

We are working with a team of external play specialists, called Earth Wrights. They will design and construct the new play areas for us. They have been working closely with the team at Speke Hall and carrying out consultation locally. Along with information and feedback gathered from our visitors over several years, this has helped shape the designs. 

Who has been consulted

Earth Wrights have spoken to children, parents and carers who visit Speke Hall or live in the local area. Children from a local primary school and members of a youth group have been asked for their opinions. Consultation has also taken place with parents, children and young people with accessibility needs to ensure inclusivity is built into the designs. 

What are the timescales

Earth Wrights are currently working on the designs, and these will be finalised by September. After that, we will be applying for planning permission. If permission is granted, construction will take place in 2027. 

Will it all get built at once

Currently, we have funding to build the new maze tower and the woodland clearing play area, so these will be built in 2027. We will then fund raise to build the refreshed trail as soon as possible. 

When can we see the designs 

Once we have a set of designs that have received planning permission, we will share them with you on this page. 

Contact us

Email

Get in touch to share your feedback or ask us anything about the Speke Hall Play Project.

spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk