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Activites to do in the Forest of Dean days out in Gloucestershire visitor attractions

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Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood
Nr. Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL16 8QB

01594 833187

 

‘The Most Magical Forest on the Face of the Earth’ Kathleen Kennedy, President, Lucasfilm

Puzzlewood

A magical woodland in the Forest of Dean

Puzzlewood is a unique and magical ancient woodland in The Forest of Dean just outside Coleford. You can explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations.

Also onsite there are farm animals, a playground, outdoor and indoor mazes, picnic areas, a small cafe and gift shop.

What is the magic of Puzzlewood?

Puzzlewood is a maze of pathways winding between moss covered rocks and gulley over twisted Yew tree roots, rickety bridges and leafy ‘lookouts’.  JRR Tolkien is reputed to have taken his inspiration for the fabled forests of Middle Earth from Puzzlewood, and it is easy to see why. Puzzlewood is a truly enchanting place and has an atmosphere quite unlike any other wood you will have visited.

Puzzlewood has a fascinating history too; it was used for the mining of iron ore in Roman times, then nature reclaimed the workings until the early 1800s.  At this time,  a local landowner laid down a mile of pathways which meandered through the trees and gulleys to open up this ancient forest; originally for the amusement of his friends and children. Since then Puzzlewood has remained essentially unchanged, maintaining the same pathways and bridges as in earlier times, but with the addition of visitor facilities on the Puzzlewood site.

Puzzlewood by Gemma Osbourne
Puzzlewood by Gemma Osbourne

Puzzlewood - TV & Film Location

More recently Puzzlewood has been seen by TV and film producers worldwide as a unique and remarkable setting - ideal to set the scene for many television and film productions. BBC's 'Merlin' and 'Doctor Who' have been filmed here as well as top film blockbusters including: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', 'The Huntsman' and 'Jack the Giant Slayer'.


Puzzlewood by Gemma Osbourne
Puzzlewood by Gemma Osbourne


Facilities at Puzzlewood

Cafe: Yes
Shop: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Parking: free
Coach parties: Accepted
Dogs: Not accepted (except guide dogs)


Disabled Access at Puzzlewood

Not suitable for the less physically able due to many uneven steps or pushchairs - child carrier needed.


Star Wars image courtesy of Stepping Through Film
Star Wars image courtesy of Stepping Through Film


Getting to Puzzlewood

From Coleford follow B4228 towards Chepstow, half a mile along Puzzlewood is on the right hand side.

Important
Please note that in severe weather conditions or if winds are above 25mph, Puzzlewood will be closed for Health & Safety reasons.
Facebook and Twitter pages will always be updated so please check these before you travel when severe weather warnings are in place.

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