“I can understand the hype now”
Walking around Puzzlewood
As a journalist working in the South West, Puzzlewood is one of those places I have repeatedly written and read about. An hour’s drive from Bristol, the ancient forest always gets very high praise – including being described as “the most magical place on earth”.
So the bar is set a bit high, to say the least, and a big part of me was expecting to be disappointed when I visited last week during a last-minute stay at a luxury cottage in the Forest of Dean.
However, I have to admit I fell in love with this piece of nature. Visiting mid-week, Puzzlewood was quiet when we visited; there were a few people about but certainly no crowds, which is what I had feared.
Entry is £9.90 per adults, and £8.50 for children aged two and above. I always feel a bit sceptical about having to pay to spend some time in the countryside, but I can see a woodland like this would require ongoing maintenance.
Before going into the forest, there are a few animals to pet which my nearly three-year-old loved – we spent a significant amount of time interacting with a couple of beautiful ponies.
The forest itself – which has been featured in Star Wars, Doctor Who and many more shows – is a stunning place to spend a couple of hours wandering about. Puzzlewood has more than 200 narrow, uneven steps that can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so sturdy footwear with sufficient grip is essential.
My son loved walking over the bridges and climbing onto the different benches, while I thoroughly enjoyed spending some time in nature with him.
Just across the road from the ancient woodland in Coleford is Perrygrove Railway Adventure, which we visited in the morning. With my son being obsessed with trains, I knew this would be a hit.
Paying £18 for an adult and child, I have to admit I was slightly disappointed by the length of the train journey. While the setting in nature is undoubtedly beautiful, the train ride itself was under 15 minutes and took us to a small playground.
Thousands of people have reviewed Puzzlewood on Google, giving it an average rating of 4.6. A recent reviewer said: “A must visit place in the area. I have been to loads of woods and forests but this is the best! We spent at least 1h30 walking the woods and it is so magical.
“So many good trails and paths to follow with good organic branch barriers. Makes the whole experience better. Good paths with stone steps and totally natural.
“Every tree covered in moss and fern, fungi everywhere, just the best. Spend the entrance money and come. Unfortunately no dogs allowed because of the other farm animals at the entrance area and the many steps, but that’s ok.”
Another one said: “Great place not to be missed.”