A brand-new ‘London Under the Sea’ Magic Space has been unveiled at St Ann’s School in Hanwell, thanks to the charitable efforts of Merlin’s Magic Wand in collaboration with Merlin Entertainments.
On Friday, 7th March, students and staff at the school witnessed the transformation of their outdoor area into an interactive and sensory-rich playground designed to encourage creativity and exploration. The project, which took a year to complete, was made possible by the dedication of 40 corporate volunteers from Merlin Entertainments.
Rebecca Hudson Betts, Project Manager at Merlin’s Magic Wand, remarked: “We are so proud to be able to offer this London Under the Sea sensory space to the children of St Ann’s School. It’s our mission as a charity to create Merlin themed experiences that spark joy, foster connection and create lasting memories for everyone to enjoy. This project is an example of the magic Merlin can make for children who need it most. We hope the space inspires wonder for every child at St Ann’s!”
The London Under the Sea playground offers a dynamic environment that engages students through a blend of tactile, soothing and ocean-themed features inspired by the city’s unique character. Features include: a London skyscraper sensory seating circle, a Tower Bridge climbing wall, music chimes, a water wall and a London Underground-themed sensory tunnel.
Headteacher Timmy Holdsworth expressed his appreciation, saying: “On behalf of everyone at St Ann’s, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Merlin’s Magic Wand and their incredible volunteers for creating our new sensory area.
“This thoughtfully designed space is a transformative gift for our students—a place where learning, exploration and connection with the natural world come alive in vibrant and engaging ways.”
The official unveiling was attended by students, families, and representatives from Merlin’s Magic Wand, Merlin Entertainments, and Merlin Magic Making, who joined in celebrating the opening of this exciting new sensory space.
