Thursday 23 May 2024

Devon’s largest adventure play village - Hobbledown Bay – is now open!

The Hobblers have landed in Devon… and brought with them a whole world of fun!

Watermouth Castle is thrilled to announce the official opening of its brand new adventure play village, Hobbledown Bay.

Local schools were invited to be the first to experience the magic of the new attraction - the largest outdoor play village in Devon.

Nestled within the Castle grounds, Hobbledown Bay marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for the family theme park.

The playground features role play towers, castles, huts, bridges, slides nets and anunique water pillow. Kids can immerse themselves in endless hours of exploration in the Pixie Roleplay Village and the interactive Mining Village.

Hobbledown and the Escapade Group
Watermouth Castle was acquired by the Escapade Group in early 2023, and Hobbledown Bay is just one part of a £1.2 million investment into the site.

The new area marks the arrival of the Hobbledown style of play village to Devon.

With two other existing sites located in Surrey and London, the Hobbledown family is defined by its groundbreaking style of innovative, explorative play where imagination comes to life.

A thrilling addition
Nick de Candole, founder of the Escapade Group, said: "We couldn't be more excited to unveil Hobbledown Bay. It's a thrilling addition that promises to spark wonder and adventure for all our visitors, young and old alike.

Inviting our affiliated schools to be the first to explore this magical realm is just the beginning of the unforgettable memories we hope to create here. Come and join us as we embark on this exciting journey together."

The Tides of Watermouth: A Children’s Fantasy Novel
Also new for 2024 is The Tides of Watermouth – a beautifully illustrated tie-in storybook telling the tale of how the Hobblers came to Devon.

Go back in time to 1912, and meet Edith Penderford: the only daughter of kooky Professor P. Penderford, a daydreamer, and friend to the fairies. When her smuggler friend Littlejohn arrives in Watermouth Harbour with a mysterious package, she’s about to be thrust into a world of magic and adventure. A tale of fairies, Hobblers, sailboats, smugglers, forest spirits, and so much more…

Other Improvements to the Castle
Other new additions to the site include the Fairy Museum, opened in March 2024, which invites guests to uncover the secret magical history of Watermouth Castle. This fictional museum is a wonderland of leaves, crystals, spyglasses, potions, mushrooms, mirrors, and much more. Step into a world where magic is real, pixies scurry among the shelves, and fairies flutter overhead.

Alongside the new play areas, visitors can also look forward to exploring the four newly-renovated castle apartments. The Big River ride has also been transformed with new animatronics and boats.

Wider landscaping works including the installation of bird and bat boxes and the planting of trees will further enhance the Castle's natural beauty and wildlife habitat.

Cutting the ribbon. Official opening at Hobbedown Bay, Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Jack & Adrinna cutting the ribbon at the official opening at Hobbedown Bay,
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Pupils from Berrynarbor & West Down Primary Schools at the official opening of Hobbledown Bay on the 22nd May 2024
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe

Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe

Media Release Watermouth Castle 23rd May 2024

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