Circular storytelling ring seating hand-built from solid Douglas Fir — purpose-designed for outdoor classrooms, story circles, and school grounds.
When Wakefield Council commissioned a set of circular ring seating for the grounds of Pontefract Castle in West Yorkshire, they wanted something that could hold a whole class and feel rooted in the landscape around it. The brief called for sturdy, weather-resistant seating that would serve the castle's visitor programme for years to come — and so this design was born. Each ring is built in solid Douglas Fir, with curved sections that slot together around a central space, drawing every child's gaze inward toward whoever is holding the story.
The frame is built from full-section Douglas Fir with solid hand-built joinery throughout, then sealed with Epifanes matt varnish — three coats — for long-term outdoor durability. The curved bench form is shaped to encourage eye contact and natural focus: no child has their back to the teller. Whether it's a class reading circle, a forest school session, or an outdoor performance space, the ring seating makes the act of gathering feel intentional.
Dimensions
- Overall diameter: approx 250 cm (contact us for custom sizing)
- Seat height: approx 40 cm
- Accommodates: 20–30 children depending on configuration
Key Features
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Solid Douglas Fir construction — strong, stable, naturally weather-resistant timber
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Epifanes matt varnish, 3 coats — premium outdoor finish for lasting protection
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Solid hand-built joinery throughout — built to last on school grounds
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Circular configuration — draws focus inward, ideal for storytelling and circle time
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Modular sections — can be configured to suit your space
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Commissioned by Wakefield Council — proven in public heritage settings
Your Version
Ring seating can be sized to your outdoor space — larger or smaller diameter, higher or lower seating, with or without a central feature such as a storytelling throne or carved totem. We can carve a school name, a motto, or a nature motif into the backrest. Tell us your space and your story and we'll design around both.
Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we're flexible if you have a deadline. Prices include VAT. Schools can order by purchase order — we'll supply our VAT number, bank details and address for supplier registration.
Browse our full range of outdoor storytelling chairs and school outdoor furniture, or view the Giant Storytelling Bench for a complementary piece.
