A NEW adventure playground has opened at Castle Howard, inspired by the stately home’s “Skelves”.

Legend has it that Skelves have been inhabiting a secret world over the home’s Great Lake for centuries and cause mischief and mayhem high up in the trees.

The new playground features a series of tree top nest structures, connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment suitable for all ages.

John Hoy, CEO of Castle Howard, said: “The area of land across Castle Howard’s Great Lake is the original Medieval site of Henderskelf, the settlement that predates Castle Howard.”

Access to Skelf Island is included within the gardens admission ticket.