“At every turn there is a photo worthy view of a mystical place.”
Tucked away in Gloucestershire lies an enchanting and ancient woodland that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean near Coleford, this forest is a spectacle of gnarled trees, moss-draped rocks and gorges, picturesque wooden bridges, endless verdant landscapes, and a complex network of footpaths that add to its charm. Visitors to this unique woodland often rave about its unparalleled beauty, likening it to a world of its own. With hidden caves, peculiar rock formations, and age-old trees whispering untold tales, this distinctive Gloucestershire landscape is a must-see for travel enthusiasts, particularly those keen on uncovering the UK’s natural wonders and mysteries. The woodland has even been recognised as a regionally important geological site in the ‘Forest of Dean Local Plan Review’.
Known as Puzzlewood, this exceptional temperate forest has been luring visitors to its leafy threshold for years. With a star-studded resume, Puzzlewood has served as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Secret Garden, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Doctor Who, Merlin, Netflix’s Our Planet and BBC’s Atlantis, earning it some serious celebrity credentials, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In fact, it’s widely speculated that this magical woodland was the muse behind JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings series, specifically places like Mirkwood and the Old Forest. This enchanting forest is even rumoured to have sparked the imagination of JK Rowling, inspiring the Forbidden Forest in her Harry Potter series.
Spanning a vast 14 acres, Puzzlewood was earlier this year ranked seventh in Big 7 Travel’s ’50 Most Beautiful Places in the UK’ list for 2025. The woods hold a rich history, believed to have been used for cast iron mining during the Roman era. A staggering 3,000 Roman coins were discovered within its dreamlike landscape back in 1848. Visitors often describe Puzzlewood as “the most magical place on Earth”, and it’s not hard to see why with its glowing reviews.
One enchanted Tripadvisor user wrote: “A truly amazing and mystical place. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a deep forest experience. We were first to arrive and were able to enjoy the true beauty of the forest without anyone around for a while.”
They added: “A beautiful journey through pathways and gullies lined with moss and ferns, to towering trees high above, listen carefully to the birds and take time to just stand and watch, take in the smells of the forest and watch as the shyest of wildlife may just appear and surprise you. A truly refreshing and relaxing visit. We will definitely return again and again as the seasons change. Definitely underpriced for the truly immersive experience you get.” Another delighted guest said: “Even on a rainy day, Puzzlewood is a special place to visit. It has the feel of a magical glade full of ferns, moss covered rocks and intertwined trees and plants. At every turn there is a photo worthy view of a mystical place.”
Though currently shut for the winter months, Puzzlewood will reopen its doors to visitors from February 14, 2026. Entry for grown-ups is priced at £9.90 each, whilst youngsters can access these enchanted woodlands for £8.50. Concession passes for adults (carers, over-65s, disabled) are available for £8.90, and tots under 2 get free admission — though pushchairs aren’t permitted within the grounds. Concession passes for children (disabled) cost £7.50.
Pets aren’t allowed inside Puzzlewood owing to the site’s resident wildlife, though verified pet-sitting services are listed on their website. Guests should be aware that Puzzlewood features over 200 narrow and uneven steps which can become treacherous, particularly in wet weather. Robust footwear with excellent grip is advised.
An on-site café serves refreshments and those wishing to experience the captivating forest beyond standard opening times can reserve accommodation at Puzzlewood, offering exclusive and unlimited woodland access (during daylight only) plus the chance to assist with morning feeding sessions and meet the site’s cherished animals.
