Magical woods...fantastic place for kids to run,play,shout and have fun in safety.Only downside was the mud but to be expected for feb half term....will def revisited in better weather
The reason you have to pay, is that this part of the forest is privately owned, as is some other places that I know within the forest. This is an ancient iron ore mine, the iron age man and the romans just followed the iron ore that was just below the surface, creating what we now know as Puzzle Wood. It is a very good walk around the whole site and you can leave the children to run about as they want and great for hide and seek. Some parts can be a bit muddy and good stout footwear is required. To me this has always been a magical where as a child you can lose in pure fantasy. I can't wait to take my grandchild there.
A wonderful place for a walk, though it's not buggy or wheelchair-friendly as the paths and steps are uneven. That said, it made for a very interesting walk for all of us (3 adults, a pregnant lady and a 2.5 year-old) especially as it was quite muddy when we went. The stone steps were slippery at times but we enjoyed jumping in the puddles and winding our way through the paths, enjoying all the fallen trees, mosses and lichens. There were some animals too which my son enjoyed, and little 'road' with bikes and little cars for under 5s and an outdoor playground. We should have brought a picnic as there were plenty of places to sit and eat but the ticket was valid all day anyway so we could have just popped out to get lunch and return. We'll be back!
A very unusual place for a walk, not suitable for people with disabilities/very elderly as paths can be tricky and slippy. Children love it and it is very pretty in the spring. Some animals and a young childrens' play area so can make a morning or afternoon outing for the family. Lovely, reasonably priced cafe with freshly made sandwiches and refreshments and picnic area.
This place is amazing. I'm not saying it's like Yosemite or Yellowstone in the US but it's like nothing I've experienced in the UK before. It is a Middle Earth wood and there are rumours that Tolkien based some of his woods in his books on it. It really is an amazing day out. Take your top yomping boots. Also, not for the infirm, it is up and down rock and wood. Wheels won't work here.
Great place to take the family for a day in the fresh air, plenty to keep the kids amused, beautiful woods and parkland, lovely seasonal colours. Need to have wellies or sturdy boots especially on damp days. Cafe OK but it is better to take a picnic.
Took a group of nine here over February half term. Enjoyed the wood but the overall trip was only average. The admission price was very expensive , the ladies toilets were disgusting and looked like they hadn't been cleaned for ages. One toilet door lock was broken and you couldn't shut the door, one toilet was blocked up , there was paper covered in faeces all round the floor in one cubicle and on the toilet bowl. Decided not to eat in cafe when we saw the toilets.Overall wood was great it was just the other bits that seemed really run down and neglected.
This was part of my wife's secret birthday weekend she prepared for me and it is definitely one of the most fairy-tale style forests I have ever seen. I now understand why people are saying that this was the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings. From the moment you enter the forest you feel like you're in a different realm, a world of knights and magic, where there is a high chance you would meet some fantastic creatures. The huge rocks covered in green moss, the twisted ancient tree trunks and the almost 2 mile long paths push you to go further and further, just so you can see what's hiding around the next corner. It is a great experience for families with children but also for adults who want to feel like adventurous children again. The only negative point for Puzzle Wood is their early closing times (5pm on a Saturday and 4:30pm on a Sunday) but this might be extended closer to summer.
Wasn't quite sure what to expect, but this is quite a magical place and has a lovely feel about it. We went on a rather damp day so there weren't many people around which was good. I'm not sure how Puzzlewood would be in the summer with plenty of visitors. The area isn't huge but there are lots of pathways to walk around and some really fascinating formations from tree roots and stone,that you are convinced that goblins, fairies or trolls will appear any minute. Outside of the woods are some animals, donkeys, a pig and some chickens, a strange indoor maze and a small play area. There is an adequate cafe serving hot drinks and cakes.
Loved wondering round the different paths.Well thought out and sympathetic to the environment.We really enjoyed Puzzlewood and recommend it to anyone looking for a walk out in some fresh air.