This July, Dan’s Den at Christchurch in Ilkley will proudly celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing a warm, welcoming space for families in the community and beyond.

Since opening its doors in 2015, this not-for-profit indoor soft play centre has grown into a beloved social hub, offering a safe environment for children to play, explore and build friendships while parents, grandparents, and carers connect and unwind.
The dedication of its warm-hearted volunteers adds another invaluable layer, ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors feels heard, cared for, and connected to the wider community and other support services if needed.
Rooted in its commitment to inclusivity and support, Dan’s Den has continually evolved, offering dedicated private sessions for families and children with additional needs, ensuring that they have a safe, supportive space where they can engage in play, express themselves freely, and build connections with others who understand their journey.

This emphasis on inclusion and community-building makes the centre a real sanctuary for families seeking both joy and companionship.

It is little wonder that Dan’s Den is referred to as ‘soft play with a warm heart’.

Housed in the historic Riddings Hall, part of the Grade II listed Christchurch, its carefully designed layout ensures that children from 0-8 years have a place to call their own in the centre of the town.

From its three-level play frame with big and small slides, dizzy disks, and climbing obstacles to its sensory den and dedicated toddler area filled with books and toys, there’s something for everyone. And with a café serving refreshments and healthy snacks, parents and caregivers can relax while their little ones play.

Although independent from the church, Dan’s Den maintains strong ties to Christchurch, creating opportunities for those interested in exploring conversations about faith. The centre also supports Christchurch’s outreach programmes, including Smile, a unique worship service for families and their children with additional needs, and Messy Church, fostering creativity and community engagement.

In fact, it was a church member, Maggie Sharman, who, in 2012, inspired by the bible story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den envisioned a place with families queuing to find support, joy, and encouragement, just as Daniel found strength through faith.

The church and the congregation trusted her vision and the unanimous decision to transform Riddings Hall into a soft play centre and café, named Dan’s Den, reflects both courage and belief in the positive impact it could have in the community.
After a long period of planning and fundraising, led by volunteer Christine Henney, an incredible £300,000 was raised through local donations, businesses, and grants.

With architect Halliday Clark overseeing the transformation, construction began in January 2015. One final challenge arose when just one week before the play frame was due to be installed, £12,000 was still needed. Following prayers, in a remarkable moment of faith, a private individual stepped forward and covered the shortfall.

On 4th July 2015, Dan’s Den officially opened its doors, fulfilling the vision that started years earlier.

Dan’s Den’s impact over the past decade is truly remarkable. Beyond its daily play sessions and SEN provisions, it has continually evolved to meet the diverse needs of families. From offering baby natal and sensory support to help new parents navigate early parenthood, to SEN preschool sessions, the centre has been a place of guidance and growth for young families.

Its commitment to inclusion shines through in its summer meet-ups for children preparing for secondary school, helping ease that big transition, and in private group play sessions for asylum seekers and refugee families in Bradford, ensuring that every child and family feels welcomed and valued.

Dan’s Den is not just a place for children and families but also a space for growth and empowerment.

By offering volunteering opportunities for teenagers involved in Duke of Edinburgh programmes, the centre helps young people develop confidence, responsibility, and essential life skills. Additionally, providing work experience for adults with learning disabilities furthers its mission of inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn, contribute, and thrive.

Dan’s Den looks forward to many more successful years, fulfilling its mission as a focal point for the community. Every programme, every opportunity, every warm interaction is a reflection of this deeper purpose: to bring joy, connection, support and encouragement to all who walk through its doors.