Popular Nottinghamshire tourist destination officially opens new play area

The opening of the all-wooden play area at Adventures at Mill Waters on Saturday 25 July is another milestone in the development of the popular site, which is nestled on the picturesque shore of Kings Mill Reservoir at Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Dignitaries from Nottinghamshire County Council, Ashfield District Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund attended a special ceremony to mark the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of the site into a leading destination for outdoor recreation, heritage and family adventure.

The play area, which has been open to the public since May, has been created to encourage active outdoor play and features a climbing frame alongside a bespoke wooden train with three carriages, which pays tribute to the site’s rich railway heritage.

Trains once ran through the site along the historic Mansfield and Pinxton Railway and crossed over England’s oldest railway viaduct – which visitors can still explore today.

The attraction forms part of the Mill Waters Next Steps project – a partnership led by the county council and Ashfield District Council, hosted by Adventures at Mill Waters and Notts Outdoors – and made possible thanks to funding from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It complements the wide range of activities at Adventures, including the High Trek Plus ropes courses, Net Park and the popular dual zip line experience, helping to ensure there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Councillor Rory Green, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“We are delighted to officially open this fantastic new play area, which is another exciting addition to Adventures at Mill Waters.

“It provides a safe, high-quality space where children can play, explore, challenge themselves and enjoy the many physical and mental wellbeing benefits that spending time outdoors brings.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities for children and families to be active together while celebrating the unique heritage of the site.

“The railway-themed play equipment offers a wonderful link to the proud history of England’s oldest viaduct and helps create a play experience that is both fun and educational.

“After visiting and seeing this first-hand, it made me smile to see so many families visiting and using the new Play Area with no prompts.

“Especially as an alternative provision, particularly for toddlers aside from the water, high trek, and zip line activities.

“We hope the new facility will encourage even more families to visit Adventures at Mill Waters throughout the summer and beyond, supporting the local economy while creating lovely, lasting memories for residents and visitors alike.”

Councillor Chris Huskinson, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“This is a fantastic addition to Mill Waters, and I know our younger residents will have great fun playing, exploring and going on exciting adventures on this new play area.

“The railway theme is a great touch as it links to the heritage of the area. It is important that we remember our past and this helps children learn about our history in a fun way.

“This is part of our commitment to helping the people of Ashfield live healthier and happier lives by making the most of what is available right on their doorstep.

“It has opened just in time for the summer holidays, and I know many children will be able to enjoy this new equipment during the break.”

More information about Adventures and its attractions are available on its website.