I’ll admit to being a dragon fan. One of my favourite things to craft. I can’t resist a dragon legend. The fact that these legends seem to pop up in all corners of the world, is fascinating in its own right. So when we heard of a legend, practically on our doorstep, we had to investigate.
The Bishops’s Palace in Wells has opened a play area based around a dragon legend. Tucked between the allotments and the towering walls. It is so well planned. A place to explore and inspire imaginative play.
There is a tunnel that leads to a story telling area. We missed that day’s story, but something tells me that tall tales were still told and heard, as they hung out in the tunnel.
Seeing as this is Wells, with myriads of natural springs, it was only right that there would also be a water pump for the children to try.
Sending water down a zig-zagging route to a bucket that would never hold much.
There were bridges to cross,
mazes to escape,
trees to climb and
dragons to stroke and dream of keeping as a pet.
Not forgetting battlements to conquor.
I loved the natural materials and the open ended play that it provided. Plenty of room for imagination to fill in any gaps in the stories. To tempt all ages, me thinks.
I listened to a mother helping her young son to tell a story, as he rushed around acting it out. I smiled. My own children are older and don’t need my story telling encouragement so much now. They have their own stories to tell. Delightful and fun. Spurred on by each other. Very much their stories, not mine. Their stories are part of a game that they play together. It is fascinating to see them grow. In imagination too.
This is a play area to encourage imagination, rather than daring deeds. Especially as the dragon will never be forgotten now, so no need to worry about the 50 years curse….hey!
Or is there…? I mean, have you seen those teeth? I’m not sure. It could be a trick of the light, but I’m certain I saw the eyes move, a minute ago. Did anyone else? Just me. Ah. Well. I’ll leave you to it then. All the same, I wouldn’t get too close, if I was you. Up to you, of course. Oh look. That time already. Might just head home while it’s still light. Fare you well. See you soon….. I hope.
Dragons are always perfect for sparking imagination in the whole family, there’s a couple of Dragon legends locally to us too what with King Arthur’s castle close by too! This seems like the perfect place to explore and learn all about the local history and legends, it’s great that they could try a water pump too. That play area looks perfect too, a great place to let off steam after exploring the legend of the Dragon!
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
Beautiful place!
You must watch Game of Thrones then? 😉 … Looks like a fab place for day out with the kids. Love the tunnel that leads to story telling area. Just love places where kids can have fun with their imagination 🙂 #countrykids
That looks like just our sort of place to explore. Can’t beat a good dragon tale #CountryKids
Now that looks like such a fun place for the kids. I love anything that triggers off imaginative play. My two boys would certainly love it there 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing with #MMBC. Enjoy your afternoon and hopefully see you Monday x
This looks like a great place to explore and let your imagination run wild! #countrykids
What a lovely post, your own sense of story tellling is great. This looks like a fab place to visit. Mich x #Countrykids
The people behind those dragons are rather talented I think. It’s lovely to read that they spark imaginations at every age. #CountryKids
That play area looks fabulous and the perfect place to spark a little imagination. Love the carved dragon and the legend that inspired the play area 🙂 #countrykids
I loved the way you told us about this like a story too. It does sound a magical place for adventures and imagination. Those are great dragons. #countrykids
That looks like a really interesting play area. I know N would love going round that one #countrykids