Right now Puzzlewood is alllll over my Instagram feed with review after review and dozens of influencers (that I’m not even following) all saying you just have to come and visit this hidden gem. Basically the algorithm made me visit, but it’s not that hidden if hundreds of people are posting about it on the internet but anyway… time to add my voice to the crowd of reviews!
So why is everyone so keen to review / visit / rave about Puzzlewood? Because it’s quite frankly stunning. I mean, just look at this;
Film locations
Puzzlewood makes a lot on the website out of the fact that they’ve been used as a film location for loads of TV shows and movies. Star Wars, Dr Who, The Huntsman, The Secret Garden, Tree Fu Tom, Merlin, Da Vinci’s Demon and more. They’ve all been filmed here.
What’s a bit surprising is that they don’t really make a huge amount of it when you’re there. It would be useful if you had a map which showed you where each bit was filmed because it is hard to tell. I think this bit is one of the locations;
And speaking of maps…
It would be useful if they gave you a map of the woods because the paths crossing all over the place and double back on themselves. It’s really hard to know 1) if you’ve covered everything 2) how to get out of there! A map would be super helpful.
Puzzlewood woods
This place really is incredible, and so unique. I’ve never seen anywhere like this before and it just goes on and on! Well, I say that but it took us about an hour to walk around (what I think) was the whole woods.
You can only stick to the footpaths because the plants and rocks are delicate. It would get destroyed so quickly if people could just roam around. I took about a million photos because it was all just so pretty.
Is Puzzlewood accessible?
Hello no! There’s a lot of rock steps (not even stone ones) and they’re covered in slippy but sticky mud. You’re walking along wooden walkways and it’s quite narrow in places. It’s not pushchair or mobility scooter friendly. It’s not even great for bad knees…
Oh and no dogs are allowed either.
What else is on site?
There’s also a small playground on site and they’ve got various animals including Indian running ducks which are absolutely my favourite duck! You’re not going to spend ages looking around the animals or playing in the playground but it gives you something to bulk out the day.
The downside
There is no denying how beautiful and unique this place is… but that does come at a cost. Literally. For a family of 4 it costs £35 + booking fee. And for about an hour essentially walking around a woods it does feel like quite a lot. I just wonder if it’s a bit too much.
This review of Puzzlewood is based on our experiences at the time of our visit. Things can change over time, including the facilities available. If you have any specific requirements such as access it’s always best to check with the site directly before visiting. If anything I’ve said in this review is no longer accurate then please do let me know. Thank you.
Our Puzzlewood review
Puzzlewood is stunning and I’ve not been anywhere like this before. It’s absolutely worth visiting BUT the kids enjoyed it less than I thought they would. I can’t decide if it’s because they couldn’t climb any trees / rocks or if it was because it’s the end of the holidays but they were decidedly meh about the place. The price does put me off a bit as well – I’m not convinced it offers value for money in comparison to other places.
Admission cost
£9.50 per adult, £8 per child. They recommend pre-booking via their website during the holidays – but then you have to pay a booking fee.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – free on-site
Address – Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB. Use the postcode GL16 8QB for sat nav
Toilets
At the entrance, including baby-change
Food
Picnics are allowed. Cafe on site. There’s also a covered picnic area.
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
