
Puzzlewood
Step into a magical, ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean, famous for its fairytale landscapes and film locations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more magic

Puzzlewood
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a magical, ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean, famous for its fairytale landscapes and film locations.
"It is like stepping into another world. The forest is magical."

Wear Sturdy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths are muddy & slippery with 300+ steps. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is essential.
Book Tickets Online :ticket:
Secure your entry, though on-the-day tickets are available. Check entry time details.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magical Meandering Paths
Throughout Puzzlewood
Explore a mile of winding, moss-covered trails through ancient woodland, feeling like you've stepped into a fairytale.

Filming Location Fame
Various points
Discover spots where blockbusters like Star Wars and Harry Potter were filmed, adding a touch of cinematic magic.

Nature's Artistry
Throughout Puzzlewood
Marvel at gnarled trees, rocky gullies, and abundant fungi, inspiring Tolkien and captivating visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Enchantment
Dress for the Woods
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths are muddy & slippery with 300+ steps. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is essential.
Book Tickets Online :ticket:
Secure your entry, though on-the-day tickets are available. Check entry time details.
Allow Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring every nook and cranny.
Picnic Spot Available :sandwich:
Enjoy lunch amidst nature; there's ample space for picnics.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths are muddy & slippery with 300+ steps. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is essential.
Book Tickets Online :ticket:
Secure your entry, though on-the-day tickets are available. Check entry time details.
Allow Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring every nook and cranny.
Picnic Spot Available :sandwich:
Enjoy lunch amidst nature; there's ample space for picnics.
No Dogs Allowed :dog:
Due to farm animals and terrain, pets are not permitted.
Capture the Magic :camera_with_flash:
Perfect for nature and macro photography, especially mushrooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Puzzlewood for its magical, otherworldly atmosphere, comparing it to stepping into a fairytale or a movie set. The ancient woodland's beauty, with moss-covered trees and winding paths, is a major draw. However, some find the ticket prices a bit high for the experience, and clarity on booking times could be improved.
"We spent a wonderful morning in this enchanting, magical forest. We wandered through there for about 3 hours, trying to make sure we didn't miss any of it, and back tracking to see views from different directions. We were lucky to go on a day with some sunshine, the sun light light hitting the mossy trees and lighting them up was just beautiful.
Good facilities too, and friendly staff."
Karen Hall (Kaz)
"Dropping a star because the booking info wasn't clear..
Given two booking times, 10am and 2pm.. it's not explained until after you've booked that it's "any time from 10am..."
Plus.. it is a little pricey when you can access other parts of the forest for free..
BUT...
It is like stepping into another world. The forest is magical. Even with other people there, it was quiet and beautiful. Lots of places to sit and enjoy nature. Steps are a little slippery so wear good shoes.
There's also some farm animals to look at and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Gift shop shuts at 5pm though the actual place shuts at 6pm.. something to keep in mind if you're saving your gift purchases until the end."
Denise Collins
"This is a must visit in the UK. So peaceful and calm. There is ample space to park your car. You will have to have a look at the photos for you to get a glimpse of what you will experience, if you happen to plan a trip. A small play area designed for toddlers and also a range of farm animals, your toddler will be excited to see these. Some outdoor play facilities have been arranged as well."
thushti sri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Puzzlewood from London without a car can be challenging. The most common advice involves a combination of train and taxi. You can take a train from London Paddington to Gloucester or Lydney, and then arrange a taxi to Puzzlewood. This can be time-consuming and costly, as one Reddit user noted. Consider checking local bus routes from nearby towns like Coleford, though these may be infrequent.
Yes, Puzzlewood offers free parking for visitors.
The postcode for Puzzlewood is GL16 8QB.
Puzzlewood is approximately a 2-hour and 10-minute drive from London Heathrow, or about 2 hours and 45 minutes from central London.
Visiting Puzzlewood solely on public transport from major cities like London is difficult and time-consuming. It typically involves multiple train and bus changes, often requiring a significant taxi ride at the end.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are around £9.50 for adults, with concessions and children priced slightly lower at approximately £8-£8.50.
Yes, you can buy tickets on the spot, but booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid potential confusion about booking times.
Puzzlewood typically opens around 10 am and closes at 6 pm, with the gift shop closing at 5 pm. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current hours, as they may vary seasonally.
Due to the uneven terrain, numerous steps, and narrow pathways, Puzzlewood is not generally considered suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Puzzlewood sometimes features special displays, such as a Kadoma (Japanese folklore creature) display mentioned previously. It's worth checking their website for any current or upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring Puzzlewood, allowing time to fully appreciate the magical atmosphere and take photos.
The terrain is natural woodland with raised walkways, over 300 wooden and rock steps, and can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Yes, Puzzlewood has good facilities, including a gift shop, picnic areas, and play areas for toddlers and children.
Puzzlewood is a photographer's dream, especially for nature and macro photography. Its moss-covered trees, fungi, and unique landscapes offer stunning opportunities.
Puzzlewood has a small collection of farm animals, including a toddler play area.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere in Puzzlewood offers incredible photo opportunities! Focus on the moss-covered trees, twisted roots, natural bridges, and the play of light through the canopy.
Absolutely! Puzzlewood is renowned for its fungi and intricate natural details, making it an ideal location for macro photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the overall enchanting forest scenes, while a macro lens is perfect for the detailed flora. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural reserves and filming locations like Puzzlewood to protect wildlife and maintain the visitor experience. It's best to check their specific policies.
Mornings, especially on sunny days, offer beautiful dappled light filtering through the trees. Late afternoons can also provide a warm, golden glow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
✨ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Woodland Experience
This enchanting environment has not only inspired writers like J.R.R. Tolkien but has also served as a popular filming location for major productions. Blockbusters such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Huntsman: Winter's War, and Doctor Who have all utilized Puzzlewood's mystical setting. The presence of these familiar cinematic backdrops adds an extra layer of wonder for visitors.
When visiting, it's crucial to be prepared for the natural terrain. The paths can be muddy and slippery, and there are numerous steps, so wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Despite the potential for crowds, many visitors find the experience peaceful and can spend hours exploring, enjoying the natural beauty and the unique atmosphere.
Puzzlewood's Cinematic Legacy
Iconic films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows have featured Puzzlewood, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters. Other notable productions include The Huntsman: Winter's War, Jack the Giant Slayer, and episodes of Doctor Who. The forest's ability to evoke a sense of ancient magic and mystery is a key reason for its frequent use in fantasy and adventure genres.
For fans of these films and shows, visiting Puzzlewood offers a tangible connection to the magic of the screen. It's a chance to explore the very landscapes that brought these stories to life, adding an extra dimension of excitement to the visit.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
The terrain within Puzzlewood is natural and can be challenging. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy, non-slip, and waterproof footwear due to the prevalence of mud and over 300 steps. This makes it less suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The walk through the woodland can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much you wish to explore. There are benches scattered throughout for resting.
Facilities at Puzzlewood include a gift shop, picnic areas, and play zones for children. However, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted on the premises, primarily due to the presence of farm animals and the nature of the pathways. The gift shop typically closes earlier than the main attraction, so plan accordingly if you intend to make purchases.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit