What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

TouchWood Play

Home
United Kingdom
Bristol
TouchWood Play

We design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature. Bringing timber to life.

Since 2002, we’ve created hundreds of play experiences for parks and public spaces, schools, visitor attractions, trusts and charities. We’ve always had an ecological approach to what we do. Since starting out in 2002, our timber has been sourced locally – and even today it comes from sustainably managed woodlands in the nearby Forest of Avon. Part of that is about helping keep our environmental f

ootprint as small as possible. But it’s also to do with creating structures that blend in with the natural environment – and in some ways actually enhance it. So wherever possible we use sedum and shingled roofs, cob walls and round pole construction. It’s an approach we think makes us unique, and our customers do too.

26/05/2026

One of our favourite projects to date ⚔️🌿

A bespoke Viking-inspired play space created for the brand new Valgard area at Paultons Park.

Designed for climbing, exploring and getting completely lost in play, with storytelling and detail woven throughout every corner.

Really proud of what we've created alongside the brilliant team at Paultons Park.

06/05/2026

We’re off to the Historic Houses of Ireland AGM and exhibition next week 🇮🇪

Designing play for heritage settings is all about creating something exciting for families while respecting the landscape and history around it. From outdoor adventure play to immersive indoor spaces, every TouchWood project is designed to reflect the place's unique story and surroundings.

Here are some of the bespoke play spaces we’ve created for Harewood House, Leonardslee Gardens and WWT Castle Espie.

Come and chat to us next Friday if you’re attending!

30/03/2026

Play spaces quietly shape the school day.
They influence how children explore, interact and how they return to the classroom.

It’s often around now that schools begin to reflect on how their playground is really working.

Looking to make some improvements? Talk to our education team about how we can transform your outdoor space ready for September.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0t3zRW0

18/02/2026

What if the same park could encourage toddlers to explore and adults to stay active?

In South Molton, the answer has been a mix of playful climbing structures for young children and an outdoor calisthenics gym for older kids and adults.

A great reminder of how public spaces can do more when they reflect the needs of different users and are shaped by real community input.

10/02/2026

Rain forecast? Play on! 🌧️

Indoor play becomes the hero when the weather turns. Families stay longer, plans don’t get cancelled, no one’s checking the forecast every five minutes.

Built for days when the sun doesn’t show up.
Designed to be worth the drive.

20/01/2026

We’re heading to the National Farm Attractions Conference in Wales next week – and our work is part of the visit!

Delegates will be visiting NFAN member Greenmeadow Community Farm, where we’ve recently completed a brand new adventure playground designed to inspire imaginative, active play in a beautiful farm setting.

It’s a great chance to see our work in action and connect with fellow members.

If you’re attending, come and say hello 🤩

14/01/2026

The play spaces people remember?
They’re usually the ones that had time to be thought through – designed with imagination, shaped around their setting and enjoyed long after the first visit.
If play’s on your mind for the seasons ahead, let’s talk 🤩

17/12/2025

***Colour***

Our third trend prediction for 2026 is a thoughtful return of colour to natural play spaces. Natural playgrounds are known for their simple, earthy look, but the coming year is expected to bring a more considered use of colour that enhances rather than overwhelms.

Research shows that colour can help children recognise and differentiate objects, supporting memory and early cognitive development. Certain colours can also help maintain attention and focus.

Where colour was once mainly delivered through synthetic surfacing, 2026 is likely to see it introduced through painted timber details, subtle wayfinding elements, seasonal planting and coloured play items that still feel at home in natural surroundings.

Used well, colour adds interest and supports sensory engagement without diminishing the natural character of the space. Check out some of these photos demonstrating our use of colour in some of our 2025 play spaces, and a recent concept design that could become reality in 2026!

12/12/2025

Today, the TouchWood team have donned their Christmas jumpers to support Save the Children UK's Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser. All money raised will help children in the UK and all around the world stay safe, healthy and learning - and change their future for good. Please support our fundraiser at the link below, and comment with pictures of your Christmas Jumper Day antics!
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0qnQzM0

11/12/2025

The second of our trends for 2026 is increased planting of sensory play!

Sensory play is a vital component of childhood development. Playing in an environment that has natural elements to explore by touch, smell and sound, in addition to the traditional climbing structures for active play, builds nerve connections that develop the architecture of children's brains.

In 2026, we anticipate seeing the inclusion of plants becoming one of the main sensory activities for natural playgrounds. The activity of planting simultaneously stimulates several senses resulting in a fully immersive experience. Additionally, plants attract pollinators to the flowers, encouraging exploratory play that stimulates children's curiosity and sense of wonder.

Amongst the most popular plants we expect to see, will be those with highly fragrant leaves (e.g. rosemery, lavender and mint) paired with bright and bold coloured flowers (e.g. sunflowers, tulips and marigold).

As an example, check out some of these concepts our creative design team recently developed for a sensory play garden...

Address

Kennel Lodge Road
Bristol
BS32JT

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+441179638222

Website

http://www.touchwoodplay.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TouchWood Play posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Government Service in Bristol?