going UNDERGROUND
AN East Midlands visitor attraction is about to open an incredible new underground experience – and we’ve had a sneak peak.
Conkers, 40 minutes from Nottingham, is opening The Warrens – 70 metres of tunnels for children to explore.
Work is nearly finished on the new feature, which is due to open later this month.
Young visitors will be able to explore the labyrinth of tunnels, which lead to four pods. Each will provide a sensory experience, with lights creating a kaleidoscope of colours, and sounds such as wind chimes.
We had a look, and, although it’s not quite finished, it’s fair to say it’s lots of fun!
Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, you can head off in whichever direction you want – following the path a fox or badger may take when heading home.
There’s the pods, which are sure to add to the excitement of the adventure, and in the centre of the labyrinth of tunnels is a big open space where children will be able to have fun playing.
Overall, the mound and tunnels cover an area 65m in diameter and provide space for around 50 visitors at a time.
Nicky Carlton from Conkers says: “Children and their families love the outdoor adventures at Conkers but this is the first time that we’ll be taking visitors underground.
“The new Warrens underground adventure offers a unique view of the site and young explorers will love this new challenge.”
The experience has been mainly paid for by a £120,000 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust. Money has also come from Next plc and the Maud Elkington Charitable Trust.
Entry will be included in admission tickets to Conkers.
Mike Ballantyne, project director of the National Forest Charitable Trust, says: “Since 1998, my role has been to transform the derelict mine and slag heaps of the former Rawdon and Marquis Collieries and Bath Pit into a visitor attraction for people to enjoy adventures, whilst learning a little about the environment and the creation of the National Forest.
“Deep underground are the remnants of the tunnels used by miners for over 100 years. We are now creating new tunnels in the Conkers landscape but this time they form part of our new Warrens project – a partially underground experience replicating the tunnels and communal areas of a ‘rabbit warren’.”
Lizzie Cooke, from the Veolia Environmental Trust, said: “The imaginative nature-themed design of the Warrens fitted our flagship funding criteria perfectly, allowing children and their imaginations to run wild, this definitely stands out as one of the best play areas we’ve supported!”
Conkers offers 120 acres of adventures, with indoor and outdoor activities including an Enchanted Play Zone, High Ropes, and a 4D cinema.
Adult admission is £9.95, and for children it is £8.95. Under twos are free.