A forest near Wales has been described as 'magical' due to its resemblance to a setting straight out of a storybook.
Visitors with vivid imaginations will relish exploring this enchanting spot, which features winding staircases, cascading petals, and mushrooms that are best appreciated from afar rather than touched. Twisted Routes, known for highlighting hidden gems, identified the breathtaking site as Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean.
An 'otherworldly' ancient woodland
According to its website, Puzzlewood is an extraordinary and historic woodland possessing an "otherworldly" atmosphere. It's also around two hours away from Wales, so it makes an ideal family day out for everyone.
The website also notes that "Puzzlewood is a rare temperate rainforest and a popular filming location, which has featured in Star Wars, Doctor Who and many more". Located around 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Wales by car, it merits a visit due to its distinctive character compared with other natural areas across the UK.
Admission fees and visitor guidelines
Nevertheless, some online commenters have voiced concerns regarding Puzzlewood's admission fees, suggesting they are rather steep. In 2026, adults will be charged £9.90 for entry, while children aged two and under can enter without charge. Children above the age of two face an £8.50 admission fee. Those aged over 65 pay £8.80, as do disabled visitors and their carers, while disabled children are charged £7.50.
"No pets on site to protect the woodland, for the safety of all visitors on narrow paths and steep steps and due to on-site animals," the website reads, meaning those hoping to bring their dog along will unfortunately have to leave them at home. The attraction does offer on-site pet sitters; however, these must be booked well in advance of your visit.
An important notice also states: "Puzzlewood has over 200 narrow, uneven steps that can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Sturdy footwear with sufficient grip is essential."
Visitor experiences and reviews
The woodland attraction proves enormously popular with visitors, earning countless glowing Tripadvisor reviews. One visitor wrote: "We really enjoyed Puzzlewood. It's a walk around the woods where there are rock formations and moss/forest undergrowth all around, and it makes the area feel like an alien planet, but all natural."
"So much so that sci-fi programs have used it as a site for filming foreign planet scenes. It was used by no less than a Star Wars film. That aside, it was fun wandering around. They don't give you a map, probably deliberately, as part of the fun is working out where you are, though in reality, it's 3 or 4 paths into the forest with some wiggly routes in between, and you are mostly in a fenced-in path, so you can't get that lost."
"There's some seating within the woodland, but also a bit of uphill and downhill walking and tree roots in places, so avoid bringing a pushchair. There are also a few farm animals outside the woodland. I think we spent approximately two hours exploring. We visited during high summer, and while it wasn't overly busy, the deeper we ventured, the more peaceful it became and the more pleasant our experience was."
