This woodland was featured in a Star Wars movie and is also thought to have inspired Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien
Puzzlewood is in the Forest of Dean(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
Just an hour’s drive from Bristol, the Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland so enchanting it appears to have stepped straight out of the pages of a fantasy novel. And in many ways, it has.
Welcome to Puzzlewood, a magical forest where twisted trees tangle above moss-covered rocks and narrow ravines dip into shadow. It’s no wonder that this location has featured in everything from fantasy blockbusters to science fiction sagas, attracting directors, location scouts, and storytellers seeking a bit of movie magic.
This captivating forest landscape is so unique that Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm (famed for the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises), has even called it ‘the most magical forest on the face of the earth!’.
It’s easy to understand why Puzzlewood has become a go-to location for filmmakers. Its surreal landscapes provided the ideal setting for productions like Merlin, Star Wars, and The Secret Garden (2020), reports Wales Online.
The enigmatic forest is renowned for being a crucial filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).
Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean(Image: Adam Fradgley / Exposure)
The Star Wars team transformed the ancient woodland into the lush, green forest world of Takodana, where key scenes from the sci-fi saga take place. Among these is the dramatic lightsaber duel between Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
Puzzlewood’s natural, mystical atmosphere made it the perfect setting for this iconic scene. Star Wars location manager Martin Joy described the forest as ‘like nowhere else, it’s an otherworldly space’.
What can you find in the forest?
Puzzlewood opens its doors daily from 10am with adult tickets priced at £9.90 and children’s tickets at £8.50.
Spanning 14 acres, paths meander through trees, descend into gullies and traverse old wooden bridges. Some lead to peaceful lookout points, others vanish into the undergrowth.
The woodland’s 14-acre stretch boasts miles of winding pathways that guide visitors through its most tranquil spots, down steps and over bridges into lookout areas.
A scene from Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens(Image: Dumfries Standard)
As you wander, you’ll encounter rocky ravines carpeted with moss, bridges that seem to lead to nowhere, and lookouts that offer glimpses into the dense, mysterious forest beyond.
It is believed that Puzzlewood inspired J. R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. A regular visitor to the area, Tolkien may have drawn inspiration from Puzzlewood and the Forest of Dean when he created the Old Forest, Mirkwood, Lothlorien, and other locations in his Middle-earth, which includes descriptions of dense forests, ancient trees, and eerie atmospheres that mirror Puzzlewood’s unique landscapes.
While Puzzlewood’s forested beauty is undoubtedly its main attraction, there’s much more to explore beyond the twisting paths and ancient trees.
Throughout the forest, you’ll find a variety of intriguing features, including bridges, lookouts, and even a few dead ends, adding a touch of mystery to your woodland stroll.
Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean(Image: David Broadbent)
Once you’ve had your fill of forest adventures, there’s still plenty more to discover. Little ones can greet Highland cows, donkeys, ducks and chickens on a mini woodland safari with a farmyard twist.
There’s a playground for burning off any leftover energy, plus picnic tables if you’ve packed lunch.
Alternatively, skip the preparation and pick up something from the on-site café, which offers hot drinks and snacks ideal for refuelling after a hike. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave – everyone loves a memento!
Accommodation and events at Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood provides delightful accommodation options within the forest for those wishing to extend their visit.
Puzzlewood Patch and Puzzlewood Cottage are ideal for smaller groups, each sleeping four people, while Puzzlewood House can host up to eight guests.
Staying in these snug cottages allows you to experience the forest at various times of day, from the gentle light of dawn to the tranquillity of the evening, when it takes on an even more enchanting quality.
Scattered throughout the forest are a series of intriguing features, including bridges, lookouts, and even a few dead ends, that add an element of mystery to your forest walk(Image: www.wyedeantourism.co.uk)
Puzzlewood also organises a range of annual special events that add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.
From seasonal festivities like Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails to festive activities during Christmas, there’s always something going on in the woodland for families.
For those with a passion for photography, Puzzlewood provides photography workshops and residential courses, where budding photographers can learn from a professional wildlife photographer.