A brand-new play area based on a key period of Coombe Abbey’s history has opened for the school summer holidays.
Hermit’s Hollow, a new fun and engaging play area set deep within the woods of Coombe Abbey Park, has been created by Coventry City Council and is the latest new attraction designed to enhance the visitor experience.
It will be managed by No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM), which also operates Coombe Abbey Hotel and The Avenue at Coombe. Hermit’s Hollow offers a wide variety of adventure play features incorporated into the play structures, allowing visitors young and old to navigate the Hollow’s various bridges, walkways, ramps and tunnels.
Visitors will also find the Hermit’s talking tube to send secret messages to friends, clamber high amongst the treetops on the upper level of the Canopy Spire, or whizz back to the ground on the spiralling tube slide or the accessible-to-all companion slide.
Toddlers have their own mini-adventure to enjoy and accompanying adults or caregivers - when not climbing in the play structures themselves - can enjoy a tasty treat and hot drink from Hermit’s Cafe, which is located within the woodland playground.
The theme of the new play facility is based on a notable period of Coombe’s nearly 900-year history when it was the residence of Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I in the early 1600s.
During her time there, the princess was gifted an ‘island’ within the grounds where she ordered the creation of a cottage for a widow and her children, where fowls would be kept, and it was given the appearance of a type of building known as a hermitage.
The new play area has been created by the team at Creating Adventurous Places Ltd (CAP.Co) and is inspired by the natural setting of the woods and the nearby Smite Brook.
It is the latest in a long line of added attractions at Coombe Abbey, including The Avenue which is home to The Sundae Club, The Abbey Artisan Market, Coombe Florist and Café in the Park.
Tickets for timed slots for Hermit’s Hollow are £3.95 and can be booked online in advance or at the on-site kiosk. Online advance bookings are encouraged to avoid disappointment. This new facility will complement the newly refurbished play area at the Visitor Centre and the Climbing Forest, which are both free to use.
Ron Terry, Group Operations Director of NOHM, said: “We are thrilled to be able to open Hermit’s Hollow in time for it to be enjoyed throughout the school summer holidays – we are sure it is going to be a real hit.
“Coombe Abbey is one of the most popular places to visit for families across the region and our new play area – based on a piece of unique history – will add to that. It’s always exciting to open a new attraction and to see families enjoying it!”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We have worked with partners to create Hermit’s Hollow, a unique and bespoke play facility linked to the site’s history, and will continue to make improvements in the future.
“The play area at the Visitor Centre was replaced last year, and the Climbing Forest remains open - both of these are free facilities, so there is something on offer for everyone.
“Hermit’s Hollow is another wonderful facility for visitors to enjoy and it means there is even more choice for people when they visit Coombe Abbey Park.”
For more information or to book tickets go to https://www.theavenueatcoombe.co.uk/hermits-hollow-play-park/
Pictured: NOHM’s Ryan Hobday (back) with Coventry City Council’s Emma Cosgrove (left) and NOHM’s Rebecca Freeman