Bespoke wooden pirate ship - Peter Pan themed play area

Context

A bespoke pirate ship was created by Jupiter Play for a Peter Pan themed play area as part of a larger scheme to convert Moat Brae in Dumfries into a national centre for children's literature.

The £8m fundraising campaign, part of which funded the new play area, was championed by Joanna Lumley, a Patron of Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT).

Project details

PPMBT wanted the play area to evoke the enchanted land where Peter Pan began. The plans for The Jolly Roger pirate ship featured a tree-top walkway, tube slide, balance beam, accessible platforms and climing nets, all of which link to a ship's hull built over the Burns Walk pathway via a plank-like balcony overlooking the River Nith. There is also a storytelling space, mast with sail, crow's nest, hammock and net tunnelling.

The play space was designed to fit within the existing trees, terrain and the retaining structures at the lower level of the garden without impacting on the view from Moat Brae House.

Comments

"Moat Brae proves that dreams really can come true. Children and young people from Scotland and far beyond now have a place that's dedicated not just to Peter Pan, but to the love of children's stories and literature. They can come here to play, daydream and build their creative imaginations, just like J.M. Barrie did."
– Joanna Lumley, Patron PPMBT

"We had such an amazing first visit to Moat Brae, so much to do and see. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it especially outside on the Jolly Rodger!"
– Cheryl M, visitor