King Charles closes area of royal residence over safety fears as Storm Chandra pummels Britain

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 27/01/2026

- 14:22

The notice was published on the Sandringham website, ensuring visitors are aware before travelling to the grounds

Storm Chandra has prompted the King to shut down the Children's Play Area at Sandringham Estate today, with visitor safety driving the decision.

The monarch's team announced the closure through the estate's official Instagram page, responding to extreme weather warnings affecting the region.


The popular playground, which typically draws families to the Norfolk estate, will remain closed while dangerous wind conditions persist.

The notice was also published on the Sandringham website, ensuring visitors are aware before travelling to the grounds.

King CharlesKing Charles closes area of royal residence over safety fears as Storm Chandra pummels Britain |

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The Instagram Stories message stated: "Notice: Due to high winds, we have made the decision to close the Children's Play Area for the safety of our visitors. We advise you to take extra care when exploring the Estate grounds today."

Despite the playground closure, the wider estate remains accessible to the public, though visitors have been urged to exercise caution while walking the grounds.

The play area is understood to be among the most frequented attractions at Sandringham, meaning the temporary shutdown is likely to disappoint many families.

The Met Office has warned that Storm Chandra will bring powerful gusts and heavy rainfall across the country throughout Tuesday.

Sandringham

The notice was published on the Sandringham website, ensuring visitors are aware before travelling to the grounds.

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Instagram

Forecasters have indicated that flooding and disruption to travel networks are expected in various locations.

Northern regions face additional challenges, with significant snowfall predicted for higher ground areas.

The storm's combination of hazardous conditions has prompted authorities across the UK to issue safety guidance, with the Sandringham closure representing one of several precautionary measures being taken by venues and attractions nationwide.

The woodland playground features an extensive range of equipment crafted primarily from wood, lending it a natural aesthetic that visitors have praised in online reviews.

Children can enjoy a tower complete with slide, a castle structure, log swings, elevated bridges and various climbing frames throughout the space.

Entry to the play area is free, and it has attracted numerous positive reviews from families who appreciate its peaceful forest setting.

One reviewer described it as "a fantastic, free spot for families" where children can remain "happily busy for hours."

This closure is not an isolated incident, as royal estates have faced an increasing number of weather-related shutdowns in recent years due to the growing frequency of storms affecting the UK.

While the estate grounds remain open year-round, Sandringham House and its gardens will welcome visitors from March 28 through to October 9, with some closure periods during the summer months.

Advance tickets for the house tour, which includes access to eight ground-floor rooms displaying royal artefacts and décor, are priced at £26.