A visit to Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

When our boys heard we were planning a trip to one of the filming locations for Star Wars and Merlin they were beyond excited. We were spending half-term in the Wye Valley and a day out at Puzzlewood in the nearby Forest of Dean was top of our list of things to do.

Read on for everything you need to know about a visit to Puzzlewood.

Excited though we were, our first stop was the picnic area and lunch.  From here we could see the farm area, which houses small farmyard animals including goats, ducks, and donkeys. The boys enjoyed a quick meet and greet with the animals and then we were ready for our forest adventure.

Firstly, we followed a muddy path which led into Puzzlewood Forest.  A few steps in all seemed normal and we questioned whether we’d just paid to go for a walk in the woods.

But then we turned the corner and completely changed our minds.  “This was not just a walk in the woods, this was an M&S walk in the woods!”  Quite honestly, Puzzlewood forest is unlike any we have ever seen.

With its ancient woodland, gnarly roots and moss-covered rocks, Puzzlewood has a very otherworldly feel.  The forest trail follows for about 1.5 miles over stepping stones and wooden bridges, leading through gorges and under large, twisted trees.  It has a dramatic, natural landscape and its no wonder it’s been the set for so many fantasy films.

A combination of unusual roots, deep ravines and gigantic yews provide the perfect set for a primeval world.  The paths wind round corners, so you never know what to expect next and at each turn the landscape is more magical than the last.

Our kids just loved it.  And what’s more, so did we!

The curious archaeological features that create this mystical feel are Scowles.  They are the labyrinthine hollows that run between the rocks.  They are unique to the Forest of Dean and can be attributed to its long history of iron-ore mining.

The Forest of Dean is an ancient forest, just south of Coleford in Gloucestershire.  People have mined iron-ore at the site since the Roman times, when they used it to make weapons.

Today Puzzlewood is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Forest of Dean.   It is also a fantastic day out if you are staying nearby in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

However, it is not a new attraction.   In fact, a local miner laid the forest pathway in the 1800s to provide entertainment for his friends and family.  And we are so glad he did.

Later, it became open to the public, with an honesty box to raise money for the local Clearwell Church.  Despite its popularity, Puzzlewood did not at any time feel busy and at most times we had the feeling that we were in our own private enchanted world.

The boys were keen to spot the film locations at Puzzlewood.  The unusual features of the forest have inspired many film producers.  It’s easy to see why they would choose this setting.  Some of the popular films include Star Wars, Merlin, Dr Who and more recently The Secret Garden.

And the landscape is not exclusive to the film world.  Apparently J.R.R. Tolkien took his inspiration for his Middle Earth from here.

Once we’d completed the forest trail, we decided we’d loved it so much we wanted to go back round again.  The trail has several junctions where you choose between 2 options, such as the low bridge or high bridge.  We wanted to see what you’d see if we chose the other option.

A visit to Puzzlewood is one of the best family days out in the Forest of Dean.  And it’s not just for children.  Whether you love a walk, stunning natural scenery, or fantasy films, Puzzlewood is worth a visit whatever your age.  It definitely gets our vote!

Puzzlewood is just south of Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire in England.

The postcode is GL16 8QB.

The nearest train stations are Lydney and Chepstow, but you would then need to take a taxi.

For details of the opening hours and admission prices at Puzzlewood please click here.

Pin for later:  A visit to Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, UK