Bespoke Galleon Pirate Ship Climbing Frame for Houldsworth Primary School
A little about this project
At Everyday Play, we love bringing imaginative outdoor play ideas to life, especially when they are as exciting as a full-sized pirate ship. Houldsworth Primary School approached us with a bold vision for their playground, wanting a bespoke galleon-style climbing frame that would capture children’s imaginations and provide a wide range of physical play opportunities.
This project began, as all our bespoke builds do, with a conversation. We worked closely with the school to understand their vision, space requirements and budget. From there, our design team sketched out initial concepts based on the idea of a classic wooden pirate ship, complete with climbing elements, slides and lookout points. The goal was to create a structure that not only looked impressive but also supported physical development, group play and creative exploration.
Once the concept was approved, our in-house 3D designer produced detailed CAD drawings to bring the idea to life. These digital models allowed the school to visualise exactly how the finished pirate ship would look within their existing playground. This made it easy to make refinements and ensure the design worked perfectly with the space available.
See the process in pictures below
See the process in pictures below
With the design finalised, the project moved to our workshop, where every element of the climbing frame was built using high-quality timber and materials. Because all our equipment is made in-house here in the UK, we are able to control the quality and durability of every detail. From curved hull features and deck rails to rigging-style climbing nets and slides, each part of the pirate ship was crafted with care to reflect the original concept and ensure it was safe, sturdy and long-lasting.
Once completed, the entire structure was delivered to site by our team and installed by our own DBS-checked installers. As with all our projects, we handled the full process, from design to delivery and installation, entirely in-house. This ensured consistency throughout and gave the school complete confidence in the outcome.
The final result was a stunning galleon-style pirate ship that quickly became the centrepiece of the playground. With a range of climbing routes, decks and imaginative play zones, it provides a rich environment for both physical activity and storytelling. Whether pupils are scaling the rigging, sliding down from the lookout or pretending to sail the seas, the pirate ship offers endless opportunities for play.
We are proud to have helped Houldsworth Primary School transform their playground with a bespoke structure that reflects their creativity and commitment to inspiring outdoor learning. This project is a great example of how our in-house team can take a single idea and turn it into a fully realised, exciting and practical play space.
If you are considering a bespoke playground feature, whether it is a pirate ship, castle, train station or something completely unique, Everyday Play is here to help design, build and install it all under one roof.
Testimonials
Everyday Play have undertaken several projects for us. There was excellent communication, administration and delivery of the projects to specification and on time. Sites were left clean and tidy and any snagging issues dealt with immediately.
Maidstone Borough Council
Mary Ann Winterman, Parks Project Officer
You’ve sent a lovely team over and they are working diligently in getting everything completed to a good standard.
Uxendon Manor Primary
Jashu Vekaria – Deputy Headteacher
Our experience with Everyday Play has been faultless. From beginning to end, communication around the project has been excellent and the team worked really hard to make sure that the equipment design met the aims we had for the space, making excellent use of the available space. The finished product is of an extremely high standard in terms of both the products used and the finish.
Allington Primary School
Mrs Howson, Headteacher
We had ideas of what the play area would look like but Everyday Play went beyond our expectations. They shared a detailed visual drawing of the fully bespoke area with us and after a couple of alterations, it was agreed and the design came to life.
Communication was one of their priorities and it was great to see such a qualified and enthusiastic team.
They were quick to overcome any issues related to working on such a large site. Lewis and all the team at Everyday Play involved us at all stages, ensuring we were happy with each phase prior to works moving forward.
It has been a pleasure to work with such a lovely company and I would highly recommend them.
Valley Invicta Academies Trust
Pete Sargent, Estates Director
At Sussex Road School we strive to develop bespoke outdoor environments on a fairly small site. The Everyday Play team have been working closely with us, using their knowledge and skills to safely interpret our somewhat fanciful suggestions, and create imaginative solutions in keeping with the ethos of the school.
It is a pleasure to work alongside Luke and all the members of the Everyday Play team. We look forward to their continued support on future projects, including those currently in the design phase.
Sussex Road School
Alison D’Alton, Business Manager
We are absolutely thrilled with our new nursery garden! Everyday Play were amazing, totally professional from start to finish. Lewis and the team kept everything on schedule and the build went so smoothly. The bespoke climbing frame is perfect and great quality. Lewis kept me informed with every part of the install and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. A fabulous garden and delighted children!
Acorns Day Nursery
Jo
We are extremely pleased with the three play areas and miniature adventure golf course that Everyday Play designed and installed which caters for families of all ages.
The whole team, from the Director level to the installers were very professional in the way the work was carried out from start to finish.
We established a terrific relationship with Everyday Play, and they listened and discussed any issues or concerns we had during the works period.
They strived to keep disturbance to the public to a minimum including working adaptive hours to suit our needs.
We would have no hesitation in recommending, or using this company again and would like to thank the whole team at Everyday Play.
St Johns School
Heidi Downey
I have worked with Luke and his team at Everyday Play on many occasions. He is highly professional, hard working and will always run the extra mile to ensure that his work is carried out to the highest standard. He is keen to ensure that we are happy with progress and will work with us to change and adapt as necessary.
Everyday Play employees are respectful and easy to trust to be on the school site. They understand our risk assessments and are always very keen to ensure that they comply with our wishes. DBS information is provided prior to arrival.
After care is an important part of what Everyday Play provide and they are very willing to return to complete any inspection remedial work as equipment ages. This helps keep equipment in good working order for many years.
I would not hesitate to recommend Everyday Play and I will certainly use this company again both for new installations and for remedial work.
Wingham Wildlife Park
Scott Binskin, Finance Director
