📍 Coleford
Puzzlewood
Magical ancient woodland maze near Coleford with mossy paths, bridges and film-set fame.
✦ We visited
It really does feel enchanted, the mossy rocks and bridges had the children playing make-believe for hours. Wear proper wellies, the paths are rooty and muddy, and leave the buggy behind.
Puzzlewood near Coleford in the Forest of Dean is a genuinely magical ancient woodland, a tangle of moss-covered rocks, twisting paths, wooden bridges and gnarled trees that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The natural maze of pathways through the gorge has been used as a film and television location, including Star Wars and Doctor Who, and children love getting happily lost among the strange rock formations.
It is more of an outdoor adventure than a built attraction. As well as the woodland walk there is a willow maze, a small farm area with animals to meet, an adventure play area and seasonal trails, including a popular spooky event near Halloween. The paths are uneven, rooty and often muddy, so sturdy footwear is essential and it is hard going with a buggy.
It suits toddlers up to older children who can manage the terrain, and imaginative children especially love it. Allow a relaxed half day and let them explore at their own pace.
Good for: outdoors, fairytale, sensory. Ages: 3–4, 5–7, 8–11, 12+.
Good to know
Has Puzzlewood been used as a film location?
Yes, the woodland has featured in films and television including Star Wars and Doctor Who.
Is Puzzlewood suitable for toddlers?
It suits toddlers who can walk, but the paths are uneven and muddy and it is hard going with a buggy.
What should you wear to Puzzlewood?
Wellies and waterproofs, as the woodland paths are rooty, uneven and often muddy.