The world’s biggest children’s play park has opened here in the North East following a huge £15m investment.

Lilidorei was the concept of the Duchess of Northumberland, who had the idea for the play park 12 years ago hoping to entice children off their phones and encourage them to explore.

The magical village is home to nine clans who worship Christmas, and features a 26m tall tower, known as Elfwin Drin, with six slides.

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Adventure pathways, catwalks, tunnels, roofed and elevated structures weave between the towers.

The Northern Echo: Staff at the Lilidorei play park in character.Staff at the Lilidorei play park in character. (Image: PA)

The park at Alnwick Gardens, next to the castle famously used in the Harry Potter films, opened this week, and it is hoped it will bring in 200,000 visitors a year.

It is open for all ages with adults also able to explore the mammoth structure, although it is aimed at children aged 11 and under.

Admission tickets cost £15 for a child and £12 for adults, with a selection of other discounted rates available for entry to the park and Alnwick Gardens. Under 3s go free of charge.

The Northern Echo: Lilidorei is located in the ground of Alnwick Gardens.Lilidorei is located in the ground of Alnwick Gardens. (Image: PA)

Anyone wishing to visit must book into one of three 2hr 45minute slots to explore the park with sessions in the morning, over lunchtime and in the late afternoon.

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Bosses recommend leaving at least 90 minutes to enjoy the park.

Food will also be available with treats including BBQ sausages, gourmet mac and cheese, fried sprial potatoes, churros and waffles all on the menu.

The Duchess, Jane Percy, said: “Lilidorei has lived in my imagination for the past 12 years and I am delighted to bring my creative vision to life.

“We want to encourage children away from screens and into this magical giant playground where their imaginations can run wild.

The Northern Echo:

“Our ambition is for Lilidorei to be accessible to all children regardless of their background which is why we have committed to Free Fridays, ensuring that every schoolchild in Northumberland and the surrounding areas have the chance to visit the attraction for free during their primary years education and enjoy all that Lilidorei has to offer.

“We cannot wait to open the doors to Lilidorei and release the magic.”

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Dehenna Davison MP, Levelling Up Minister and Bishop Auckland MP, said: “I am delighted to see our ambitious plan to level up the Borderlands region come to life with the opening of a fantastic new visitor attraction in Alnwick.

“Our £5.5 million investment in this exciting project will see Lilidorei create new local jobs, activities for local children and bring even more tourists to the local area.

“This is part of a huge £452 million investment from the UK Government, Scottish Government and partners through the Borderlands Growth Deal to grow the local economy and transform communities across the Borderlands and beyond.”