Thanet’s historic Viking connections will be celebrated with the opening of a one of a kind coastal play area in Cliftonville today (April 3).

Situated on the cliff top green along Ethelbert Crescent, the play area features timber equipment with a large unique Viking play ship, thought to be the only one in England, which boasts panoramic views out to sea.

Aimed at children up to the age of 14 years old, it also features a giant balancing snake in the grass, maze, double width slide, hard carved Viking figure roundabout, sand play area, King’s throne and basket swing.

Funded by £240,000 from the Margate Renewal Partnership and Safer Stronger Communities Fund, the project has been undertaken by Thanet council’s leisure services and regeneration teams and is the first dedicated play area in Cliftonville West.

Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “It celebrates our historic links with the Vikings and that’s especially appropriate as it’s now 60 years since the Hugin Viking replica ship arrived on the beach in Broadstairs.

"I’m sure children are going to love this area and, in particular, I can see the Viking ship being a huge attraction, especially as we think it’s the only one of its kind in the country.

"I have no doubt that this will be well used, especially over the upcoming Easter holidays, and hopefully it will be well looked after by everyone.”