There may be a heatwave on, but managers at Kenwood House are already thinking about their winter programme.
JM Barrie’s timeless tale will be brought to life with a magical illuminated walking trail and accompanying soundscape through the grounds of the English Heritage mansion.
Famous characters and locations from the story will be brought to life as the historic estate is transformed with lights, lasers and projections to evoke Tinkerbell’s flight across the rooftops of London – and a glowing Big Ben.
The Darling family home, the Lost Boys’ hideout, Skull Rock, and Captain Hook’s Ship will also pop up on along the trail which runs from November 21 until January 3.
Visitors will be able to buy street food, winter warmers, and hot chocolates along the trail.
The iconic story of the boy who never grew up has strong connections to Hampstead.
JM Barrie wrote the tale for the sons of Sylvia and Arthur Llewellyn Davies after befriending the boys during their walks in Kensington Gardens with their nurse.
Sylvia was the daughter of writer George du Maurier, who lived in Hampstead Grove, and she and Arthur became close to the writer – taking holidays with him, during which the playful adventures of George, Jack, Peter, Michael and Nicholas fired his imagination.
When first Arthur, then Sylvia died young of cancer, Barrie became guardian to their ‘lost boys’.
George du Maurier, his son Gerald – who became the first actor to play Captain Hook in 1904 – Arthur, Sylvia, and their sons are buried in Hampstead Parish graveyard.
JM Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in 1929 and Neverland At Kenwood are pleased to be supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity in raising vital funds for seriously ill children.
For every Neverland at Kenwood ticket, £1 is included in the price as a charitable contribution.
Zoe Bottrell, Managing Director of Culture Creative, the creative content producers of the new trail said: “Neverland is a truly magical tale of adventure and perfect for the outdoors.
“We are delighted to be working with GOSH Charity again, after successfully creating Neverland for the inside of Blenheim Palace last year. Our creative team excel at making great ideas happen, and this has been a dream project for them to work on, to bring this timeless story to life.”
Head of Partnership Development at GOSH Charity, Chris Carter, said: “Neverland at Kenwood is set to be a magical experience, where people of all ages can immerse themselves in the wonderful world of Neverland this festive season.”
Tickets are on sale now at NeverlandAtKenwood.co.uk price £20-£32 (Adults), £12-£22 (Children), £60-£104 (Families)
