Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Puzzlewood - A Magical Day Out in the Forest of Dean. Why is Puzzlewood magical? Is it the maze of pathways winding through deep gulleys of moss covered rocks, the twisted roots of the Yew trees or the bridges, ‘lookouts’ and features to find on your way round? Puzzlewood is enchanting; it has an atmosphere quite unlike any other woodland. Here you can imagine that you are in a fantasy film, and that fantastic creatures lurk round every corner. Puzzlewood is used for Merlin, Dr Who and recently for a new Warner Bros movie called Jack the Giant Killer (release date June 2012). Also onsite are farm animals, willow maze, indoor maze, playground, picnic tables, café and gift shop.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- malcolm79London, United Kingdom372 contributionsEnchanting and magical for sure, but extremely expensive, badly mapped and with terrible cafe foodThis is definitely a brilliant and singular location that is magical and unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been. That being said it’s very expensive considering it’s size, there are parts of Epping forest that are similar and that is 1000x bigger and free so it feels a bit harsh to charge people so much for a small patch of albeit enchanting land. Also the panini toasted sandwiches are unbelievably bland and expensive to boot. With a map, a more realistic price, some nice food and better animals in the tokenistic farm area this could be exceptional. As it is you feel that someone is doing pretty well out of this as a cash cow rather than working to cherish a national treasure for future generations to enjoy.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 10, 2023
- maidencrew86 contributionsA magical experience I won’t forgetWhen people review and say they can walk around similar woods for free, don’t believe them. We are regular woodland walkers and I have never seen anything like puzzle wood before, it is truly a one off experience and the reason it is used for so many major films. Yes it is a bit of a puzzle to wander round but each corner reveals something new and wonderful. The way the trees and forest plants behave in this surrounding is truly spectacular. We were more than happy to pay the entrance fee to this magical woodlandVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- Abby HRedditch, United Kingdom15 contributionsFairytaleIt was incredible, I can only assume that the bad reviews are because they visited on a bank holiday, weekend or hot week day. We visited on a Monday and had it more or less to ourselves. We had squirrels running everywhere, so quiet, just amazingVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2023
- ClaireSmith1Birmingham, United Kingdom41 contributionsMagicalWhat a magical place to visit . Following the previous days rain ( Storm Babet ) we arrived for opening . We’re greeted by a friendly lady who warned us of potential puddles and mud prior to paying. We were prepared for this . Following the directions given to us . Past the animals - we loved the donkeys . And then entered the Forrest - what can I say except wow , we were fortunate to have the place to ourselves ( except the squirrels ) so could take our time & really take in our surroundings and the peace and quiet . Plenty of signs letting us know about sticking to the paths but there was no need to stray from the paths at all. Having the place to ourselves - alongside the squirrels & birds was amazing and so peaceful . Toilets were clean , cafe had plenty of seating & a choice of hot / cold drinks and sandwiches etc . Worth a visit & we will be backVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 22, 2023
- jonamurBournemouth, United Kingdom16 contributionsEnchanting forest and farm animalsWe visited we with a teenage family and the teens enjoyed it way more than we expected. The forest is just stunning, with so many different paths to take and so many different photo opportunities. On a wet day it can be slippery on the steps so do take care, but there are handholds all over it make it as easy as possible without distracting from the natural beauty. Added extra was finding where the various different films and TV shows were shot.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 23, 2023
- Thomas FNottingham, United Kingdom73 contributionsNatureLite™Puzzlewood is an awkward combination of man and nature. On the one hand it has some amazing ancient woodland with a peculiar and unique geology. On the other hand, it feels very much like a bit of a theme park with its fenced off walkways, its relatively expensive entry fee, gift shop and activities for children. As a consequence, the natural beauty of this forest is somehow reduced to feeling a bit like you're walking through someone's instagram stories. I understand this kind of thing needs to be protected from the public who cannot be trusted to preserve such a beautiful natural landscape (see the recent atrocity at the sycamore gap for example) but I'm not sure the owners of Puzzlewood have found the right way to do it. Salt in the wound, the ghastly Halloween "decorations" (see picture attached) just uglified the forest. A weird idea.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Karen Durban-HaskinsPeterborough, United Kingdom281 contributionsNice little trip but expensive for what it isWe had a pleasant hour or so here. We took our five year old and my 11 week old who I carried in a baby sling. There are lots of slippery steps and it was a wet day so fairly muddy. As it was a rainy day, it was really quiet. I don’t think it would’ve been so fun when busy as the paths are narrow. I also feel it is over-priced. I paid nearly £30 to look round some woodland. Nonetheless, it is very interesting woodland.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 14, 2024
- Exiled_in_BristolBristol, United Kingdom45 contributionsPerfect little woodlandIt’s perfect, almost like a movie set (!). Contrary to what some have said, I think it’s good value for money … the woods aren’t huge but they are perfectly formed and you can spend hours there, just taking it all in. The owners have done a great job with the set up, loads of little nooks and crannies to explore. Be warned, if you go during school holidays, there are kids everywhere (if you own children, there’s plenty for them to do, including a playground, games, ‘petting zoo’ type set up)!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 4, 2024
- annbO5690NM17 contributionsOther-worldlyEnchanting, mystical, atmospheric, other-worldly, fascinating, entrancing, muddy, beautiful, eerie, enthralling; am running out of words but you get the gist. You need a certain level of fitness as most of the steps are steep and can be slippery. Wear good walking boots or wellies. Decent food in the clean cafe. Animals looked adorable, clean and well cared for.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2024
- Emily BDunstable, United Kingdom205 contributionsGreat placeGreat place to visit! The woods were really cool; It was like an adults playground! Would definitely recommend a visit. The only one thing I would say is that if they could have given us an actual map that would have been good. A bit far for us but would like to go back again one dayVisited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Laurageary
Neath, UK274 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
It's only a family day out if everyone is included and this stopped us from Including everyone!!
Bitterly disappointed with out visit.
Firstly, the car park is an absolute nightmare!!! They've for some bizarre reason put wooden markers to mark spaces, which if you drive a mini you'll be absolutely fine, but anything bigger you've got no hope of parking, and if you get someone who parks next to you the you have no hope of ever getting back I your car!!!
Check the FAQ to ensure that we could take the buggy onsite (plan then to leave it nr. The cafe and walk 16m old into the woods).
Nothing in the FAQ to say we couldn't take a buggy onsite, the only comment regarding buggies is that the terrain in the woods is uneven and unsuitable, which is completely understandable.
Got our tickets through and only after payment is there a note to say no buggies allowed onsite at all!
I am now sat in the car with my 16month old, unable to even go in as it's such a long walk to even get to the entrance, then with a long one way system into the woods its virtually impossible to be able to walk him into the woods as he would t be to walk the whole route and due to the one way system we can't stop and return.
People on the front desk wouldnt refund my ticket, so I've spent £10 to sit in my car, is 22 degree heat while my husband and daughter hopefully enjoy the woods.
I'm not even going to comment on the woods, had this been a trip for just me and my 16m old then I would not have been able to tell you want was in there!
They've implemented a one way system, which I suppose I partly understand due to Covid but it also means you can't enjoy the space at your leisure as you have to keep moving (granted you could go through a 2nd or 3rd time).
While sitting in my car (for 1.5hrs) I saw alot of people leaving so I suppose it's not somewhere you can spend the whole day, from what I've gathered there are picnic spots but nothing in the shade so perhaps that put people off staying.
I emailed asking for a refund, because ultimately my ticket wasn't used. Their customer service is pretty much the same as the venue 'tough luck'
Really disappointed in the service, the attitude and the lack of communication, thankfully there are plenty of other wonderful places around and I certainly won't be returning here.
If your looking for a lovely say out, and at a cheaper price Perrywood railway is 200yards down the road and is amazing!!!
Bitterly disappointed with out visit.
Firstly, the car park is an absolute nightmare!!! They've for some bizarre reason put wooden markers to mark spaces, which if you drive a mini you'll be absolutely fine, but anything bigger you've got no hope of parking, and if you get someone who parks next to you the you have no hope of ever getting back I your car!!!
Check the FAQ to ensure that we could take the buggy onsite (plan then to leave it nr. The cafe and walk 16m old into the woods).
Nothing in the FAQ to say we couldn't take a buggy onsite, the only comment regarding buggies is that the terrain in the woods is uneven and unsuitable, which is completely understandable.
Got our tickets through and only after payment is there a note to say no buggies allowed onsite at all!
I am now sat in the car with my 16month old, unable to even go in as it's such a long walk to even get to the entrance, then with a long one way system into the woods its virtually impossible to be able to walk him into the woods as he would t be to walk the whole route and due to the one way system we can't stop and return.
People on the front desk wouldnt refund my ticket, so I've spent £10 to sit in my car, is 22 degree heat while my husband and daughter hopefully enjoy the woods.
I'm not even going to comment on the woods, had this been a trip for just me and my 16m old then I would not have been able to tell you want was in there!
They've implemented a one way system, which I suppose I partly understand due to Covid but it also means you can't enjoy the space at your leisure as you have to keep moving (granted you could go through a 2nd or 3rd time).
While sitting in my car (for 1.5hrs) I saw alot of people leaving so I suppose it's not somewhere you can spend the whole day, from what I've gathered there are picnic spots but nothing in the shade so perhaps that put people off staying.
I emailed asking for a refund, because ultimately my ticket wasn't used. Their customer service is pretty much the same as the venue 'tough luck'
Really disappointed in the service, the attitude and the lack of communication, thankfully there are plenty of other wonderful places around and I certainly won't be returning here.
If your looking for a lovely say out, and at a cheaper price Perrywood railway is 200yards down the road and is amazing!!!
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carina W
Bristol, UK20 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Visited last week.
Ok, so I understand things are limited etc due to Covid but to advertise this as a magical day out is very misleading.
As a family of 4 we got around the whole woods within 45 minutes. Disappointed at the amount of people allowed in the woods as it’s a one way system, you’re constantly having to stop/ start. Frustrating that it’s a single path to follow - wouldn’t recommend for children under 5.
The views are lovely but there’s really not a lot else going on aside from the few farm animals on the way in which the children enjoyed.
We paid £25 for a family entry which I think is overpriced.
In all honesty around 10 minutes down the road theres another forest. Within that forest there was a bridge, stream, flowers, rope swing and it was all FREE!! Few parking spaces on the roadside and plenty of room to picnic. Not a soul in site!
Ok, so I understand things are limited etc due to Covid but to advertise this as a magical day out is very misleading.
As a family of 4 we got around the whole woods within 45 minutes. Disappointed at the amount of people allowed in the woods as it’s a one way system, you’re constantly having to stop/ start. Frustrating that it’s a single path to follow - wouldn’t recommend for children under 5.
The views are lovely but there’s really not a lot else going on aside from the few farm animals on the way in which the children enjoyed.
We paid £25 for a family entry which I think is overpriced.
In all honesty around 10 minutes down the road theres another forest. Within that forest there was a bridge, stream, flowers, rope swing and it was all FREE!! Few parking spaces on the roadside and plenty of room to picnic. Not a soul in site!
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen R
London, UK16 contributions
Jun 2021
Amazing place, such a beautiful place to walk around. My Mum whose 75 managed it with some care. My 5 and 11 year old loved it. Ensure you wear study shoes, as can be wet underfoot. Small number of donkeys and sheep on site, who come and say hi. Plenty of places to sit and eat. Cafe was offering limited coffees, food and lollies, so would recommend taking pack lunch. It takes about 2 hours, so if you have time pop across the road to the Perry Grove railway which is little narrow gauge trains that take you up the hill, with a slow walk down - play area / den building / tree top houses on the way. Can also spend another 2 hrs here. Again cafe was limited so take your own packlunch. We all loved both attractions, Children couldn't be happier.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dizzychick2013
Cardiff, UK18 contributions
Jul 2020
I went to puzzlewood as it had been recommended to me on a number of occasions.
We really enjoyed walking through the woods, as they are unusual and have a magic feel to them.
Covid 19, means that one way routes are in operation, so there are a couple of areas they cannot open yet, we didn't feel we lost out. We used their cafe and had freshly made sandwiches and a drink and it was worth every penny, but you are allowed to take your own food and they have plenty of picnic tables you can use.
For us, seeing the animals, wild birds and watching other peoples children really enjoying themselves proved that puzzlewood is worth spending your money on.
We really enjoyed walking through the woods, as they are unusual and have a magic feel to them.
Covid 19, means that one way routes are in operation, so there are a couple of areas they cannot open yet, we didn't feel we lost out. We used their cafe and had freshly made sandwiches and a drink and it was worth every penny, but you are allowed to take your own food and they have plenty of picnic tables you can use.
For us, seeing the animals, wild birds and watching other peoples children really enjoying themselves proved that puzzlewood is worth spending your money on.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ladyyy2013
Grantham, UK239 contributions
May 2022
First of all Puzzlewood needs to be booked in advance online. There is no indication of this until after you had parked up and then there was a sign. If you are not normally connected to the Internet then you’ll need to gain access to the Internet to make your booking. If you have an Internet connected device that is portable you can bring that with you and make your booking at the ticket checkpoint.
The area of Puzzlewood takes about one hour to do thoroughly and slowly.
Entry was £25 for two adults and one child.
You get a leaflet- a paper leaflet, weirdly given the digital access - with 20 things to tick off as you go around. This hints at the fact that puzzlewood has been used for film and TV locations in the past. However as you go around there are no indicators at all whatsoever of where these are, so you can’t go to the location of your favourite film or TV programme that was filmed there and take a photo of yourself for, which if that’s always a for going would make the £25 you just felt a bit pointless.
This place is not suitable for wheelchair users or buggies. It is best for families. You will inevitably negotiate your way around a number of families who are comforting crying children, cleaning made off children, tending to injured children.
There is a CAFE and as my diabetic child needed carbohydrates we went there afterwards but we could not get to it partly because of injured children being treated with first aid there. Thankfully my child is a little bit older so I gave him some money go and get an ice cream from the gift shop while I put the pen back in the Darth Vader head. The gift shop does not take money. And there is a rope between you and the Darth Vader head. So be warned if you have an urgent need for sugar simple carbohydrates the person buying them needs to have access to digital money in some form. If you are addressing a hypo and they will not take money I suggest you just eat the ice cream right there and right then.
The area of Puzzlewood takes about one hour to do thoroughly and slowly.
Entry was £25 for two adults and one child.
You get a leaflet- a paper leaflet, weirdly given the digital access - with 20 things to tick off as you go around. This hints at the fact that puzzlewood has been used for film and TV locations in the past. However as you go around there are no indicators at all whatsoever of where these are, so you can’t go to the location of your favourite film or TV programme that was filmed there and take a photo of yourself for, which if that’s always a for going would make the £25 you just felt a bit pointless.
This place is not suitable for wheelchair users or buggies. It is best for families. You will inevitably negotiate your way around a number of families who are comforting crying children, cleaning made off children, tending to injured children.
There is a CAFE and as my diabetic child needed carbohydrates we went there afterwards but we could not get to it partly because of injured children being treated with first aid there. Thankfully my child is a little bit older so I gave him some money go and get an ice cream from the gift shop while I put the pen back in the Darth Vader head. The gift shop does not take money. And there is a rope between you and the Darth Vader head. So be warned if you have an urgent need for sugar simple carbohydrates the person buying them needs to have access to digital money in some form. If you are addressing a hypo and they will not take money I suggest you just eat the ice cream right there and right then.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine C
Gloucestershire, UK103 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a truly lovely place. You can spend as long or as little time as you wish here and each time you go round, you will see something different. I took a 12 year old and an 8 year old and they loved every minute. The animals are well cared for and friendly and the woodland is just beautiful. Yes, there are deep, rugged steps and some muddy areas - it’s not suitable for people with serious mobility issues but if you are reasonably physically able you can manage with no problem. There are lots of fences you can use to help stabilise yourself and it’s all in keeping with the forest. Be aware that any children need to be closely supervised as yes, there are some areas which are potentially hazardous but that’s the case anywhere you go with youngsters
surely !?
We cannot comment on the cafe as we didn’t use it but the playground equipment was appreciated by the 8 year old.
It is not an expensive entrance fee and the young people manning the gate and office were lovely - friendly and helpful, even though there was an issue with me not having received a confirmation email for the visit. Thank you for a lovely experience. I hope many more people visit and enjoy this wonderful place as we did.
surely !?
We cannot comment on the cafe as we didn’t use it but the playground equipment was appreciated by the 8 year old.
It is not an expensive entrance fee and the young people manning the gate and office were lovely - friendly and helpful, even though there was an issue with me not having received a confirmation email for the visit. Thank you for a lovely experience. I hope many more people visit and enjoy this wonderful place as we did.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kit T
44 contributions
Sep 2019
Really beautiful place and great for photographers.
We visited very early at opening hour to avoid as many visitors - worked! Would recommend it but doing it early in day to ensure good photographs.
A must see for the area.
We visited very early at opening hour to avoid as many visitors - worked! Would recommend it but doing it early in day to ensure good photographs.
A must see for the area.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
idris60
Edinburgh, UK15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We live relatively locally to Puzzlewood and have never visited before....now we know why! It was extremely muddy under foot, with the website only advising sturdy shoes, when the only footwear that is suitable is wellies! Very uneven and slippery, our young children struggled. This is a very expensive walk through a, albeit ancient, woodland! There are no information boards whilst in the woods, so, just a walk really! The website advertises the fact that many films have been made here, and yet, there's no mention of these whilst in the woods?? The kids did enjoy the small play area and musical/willow play area....very expensive few hours and we won't be recommending to friends.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert
London, UK36 contributions
May 2021
Waste of money. Visited last weekend with my daughter. Queue of people in the woods meant it was very unpleasant and we ended up leaving shortly after we arrived. Not really what we expected. Toilets were filthy too. Shame really as it sounded really nice.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsCBristol
Chamonix, France15 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Beautiful woods but overpriced and busy. We’d been before a few years ago with toddlers and recalled it being beautiful. Returned today with slightly older kids and were very disappointed.
Whilst the woods are beautiful and somewhat magical (can understand why filming has taken place here), it’s certainly not worth the cost. You have to book online and there were lots of spaces available, so we hadn’t expected to have to queue to walk around. Be warned, it also becomes a slippery mud Bath if it’s been raining due to the number of people walking through- come prepared!
We wish we had saved our cash and just gone for a walk elsewhere.
Whilst the woods are beautiful and somewhat magical (can understand why filming has taken place here), it’s certainly not worth the cost. You have to book online and there were lots of spaces available, so we hadn’t expected to have to queue to walk around. Be warned, it also becomes a slippery mud Bath if it’s been raining due to the number of people walking through- come prepared!
We wish we had saved our cash and just gone for a walk elsewhere.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be coming with my family, inc a 17 ye old and 15 year old and their grandfather. Is this only suitable for young families or can older teenagers/ grandparents enjoy?
Thanks
Written November 5, 2019
I’m sure older teenagers would enjoy it also. As long as their grandfather is strong on his feet he will be fine. It’s very slippy in places with quite a few steps.
Written November 5, 2019
No dogs are not allowed unfortunately, there is a sign on the car park.
Written October 14, 2019
If you wish to see Puzzlewood properly you need to spend around 3 hours if elderly or disabled it's not suitable. You could spend longer if you took a picnic or if you had younger children. Hope this helps.
Written August 22, 2019
Do I stand any chance with a wheeled walker?
Written July 22, 2019
No, it’s very rough terrain pretty much all the way round with rocky uneven steps and muddy areas with plank walks.
Written August 3, 2019
Would this be possible to negotiate with a pram?
Written May 24, 2019
No. Not in the woods. If a child needs to be in a pram, then I would say that they are too young to really enjoy the woods. There are lots of steps, in places it is narrow. It can be slippery when wet.
Written May 27, 2019
I'll be coming from Gloucester. Which is the closest stop to alight at? I see there are a few stops nearby (3?) however the online directions drop me off a ways away (I note that the maps seems to show a shortcut through the woods from town centre though?). thanks! (ps, any filming going on mid-April?)
Written March 26, 2019
Is this place suitable for adults or is it predominately for children? Thanks
Written October 24, 2018
Predominately for children but if you like a walk around woods then it's fine for adults. Quite pricey to get in though.
Written October 26, 2018
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