The Saracens Head - Eden Play

The Saracen’s Head Case Study

The Brief:

The Saracens Head, a popular gastropub in Ormskirk, Lancashire, wanted to revitalise its outdoor play area to attract more families and encourage them to stay longer while enjoying the pub’s hospitality. The existing play equipment and fencing were outdated and offered limited entertainment for children, reducing opportunities for families to remain.

The goal was to create a safe, engaging, and versatile play space that would enhance the family experience, complement the scenic riverside setting, and reinforce the venue’s reputation for high-quality food and hospitality.

By transforming the outdoor area into a vibrant, family-friendly environment, the Saracens Head aimed to encourage families to stay longer, attract repeat visits, and establish the venue as a go-to destination for local families.

Our approach:

We wanted to create a play space that truly added to the experience of visiting The Saracens Head – a place where children could explore, climb, and imagine while parents relaxed and enjoyed the pub’s scenery.

Working closely with the pub’s owners, our approach focused on carefully selecting and adapting play equipment to suit the Saracens Head’s high-traffic outdoor area, ensuring it would withstand heavy use while providing maximum play value between different age groups.

We reviewed the space to identify opportunities for active, engaging features that would appeal to children of all ages, while keeping safety and accessibility a top priority.

We also designed bespoke equipment to meet the pub’s specific needs. Such as creating a Hexagonal Tower featuring a fireman’s pole to cater for older children and adding a bespoke traversing wall and atmospheric roof sections to our Linked Towers.

By combining thoughtful design and bespoke customisations, we designed a play area that not only complements the pub’s riverside setting but also turns the outdoor area into a true family destination within the heart of Ormskirk.

Before

After

What we delivered:

We completely revitalised the Saracens Head’s outdoor space, creating a vibrant, family-friendly play area designed for children of all ages and abilities. The centrepiece of the design is our Linked Towers, featuring two tunnels, a slide, a clamber ramp, and a traversing wall to enhance climbing opportunities. This key play feature encourages active, imaginative play while standing up to the high use and demand of a busy pub environment.

Complementing the Linked Towers, we installed a Hexagonal Tower with climbing holds, seating, and a fireman’s pole, offering a mix of physical challenges and social play opportunities.

To further engage the children and encourage balance, coordination, and active play, we added a balance beam and twirl bars to increase play for a variety of different ages. The space was completed with a new picket fence to enclose the area, providing a safe, secure environment where families can relax while children play.

Every element was designed to be durable, visually appealing, and in keeping with the pub’s scenic riverside setting, creating a welcoming and engaging destination for families.

The Outcome:

The new outdoor play area has completely transformed The Saracens Head’s garden, establishing it as a popular destination for families in Ormskirk and across the wider Lancashire region. The bespoke design has brought fresh energy to the space, encouraging families to spend more time enjoying the pub’s welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Children now benefit from a safe, stimulating environment where they can explore, climb, and play creatively, while parents can relax nearby with peace of mind. The durable, high-quality equipment ensures the area can withstand frequent use, making it perfect for a busy pub setting.

Overall, the upgraded play area has enhanced the Saracens Head’s appeal to families, increased dwell time, and strengthened the venue’s reputation as an inclusive, engaging, and memorable location. It perfectly complements the pub’s scenic riverside setting and high-quality hospitality, offering a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors.

View more of our pictures from The Saracen’s Head below…