woodland

TUCKED away in 500 acres of woodland is an enormous climbing frame, that now doesn’t cost a penny to enter.

Called Hermit’s Hollow, it’s a play haven for kids with wooden bridges, walkways, treetop canopies and spiral slides.

Hermit’s Hollow is found at Coombe Abbey Park in Coventry and was built just two years ago in 2023.

Since its opening, families had been charged a £3.95 entry fee with visitors having to book tickets for a two hour slot online.

But the great news is that these fees have been scrapped from November 3, 2025 and entry is now completely free.

Hermit’s Hollow is an exciting place for kids to run about along the wooden walkways, tree towers, a tube slide and an accessible companion slide.

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There is also a small area for toddlers to explore.

The only bad news is that Hermit’s Cafe and on-site toilets which is located within the woodland playground will close.

It’s a popular spot for families, especially during the warmer weather with one mum writing on Tripadvisor that it’s the best place for a “perfect day out with the kids“.

Another said: “The walk is lovely not huge but the kids loved it, log walking, making dens, and they loved the woodland climbing.”

The climbing area is open between 10am until 4pm each day.

Aside from the climbing frame, there’s plenty to do in Coombe Abbey Park as it has plenty of woodland and lakeside walks as well as other activities, and even Go Ape.

The adventure chain is found within the grounds and there’s plenty to do from Treetop challenges, to axe throwing, archery, driving mini land rovers.

Or head closer to the huge Coombe Abbey Hotel where you can stroll around the pruned gardens and mazes.

Visitors can pop into Café in the Park at Coombe Abbey where they serve up breakfast offerings from the ‘Full Park Breakfast’.

There are as well as toasties, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, or main meals like fish and chips, chilli and there’s a dedicated kid’s menu.

Coventry itself has been labelled as an ‘underrated’ city in the UK, and it’s seeing an increase in the number of tourists.

Some of the biggest attractions there include The Wave in Coventry which is an enormous indoor waterpark with one of the biggest wave pools in the country.

It has six water slides, one being The Crestar, which has two giant spheres with lighting effects.

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The Cascade is another ride at the waterpark, as is The Torrent, which is a ride where the floor drops from beneath – and is arguably one of the scariest rides.

The Rapids, which has been described as the “Big Dipper on water”, is the park’s water coaster, where powerful jets hurl riders uphill before dropping them down through tight corners and tunnels.

One writer reveals what his stay at the Coombe Abbey Hotel was like…

Read on to hear what one writer made of this historic hotel…

Where is the Coombe Abbey Hotel?

On 500 acres of renowned beauty, this historic hotel is in Coventry situated in Coombe Abbey’s Country Park, just off the M6.

What is it like?

Next time somebody wants to send you to Coventry, stay at this complex, which dates back to 1150 and has links to royalty, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and the Gunpowder plot. Enjoy a view of the moat, the lake and the courtyard to the Capability Brown designed gardens, depending on where you are in the hotel.

What is there to do at the hotel?

The corridors and communal rooms are packed with artefacts, art, history and heritage, that are well worth exploring as you wander from bar to room to

restaurant, while the scenic lake, gardens and grounds are perfect for a stroll. 

Enjoy one of the many choices of afternoon tea, from Abbot’s Afternoon Tea to Sparkling Afternoon Tea as a post-walk treat. For kids, you can discover Go Ape in the woodlands.

What is there to eat and drink?

Unless you want to drive, you’d better eat here as it’s about a ten-minute walk to the edge of the grounds and some way beyond that to any restaurants. That being said, you really do want to eat here. The ambience is classy, the food is great, and the breakfast really sets you up for the day.

The dinner menu features meaty dishes of beef shin with fondant potato and confit duck leg with spiced braised cabbage, as well as vegan, vegetarian and fish options.

What are the rooms like?

The minimum standard in basic rooms is real quality and comfort, while the decor and design in the feature heritage rooms are charming and characterful. Rooms start from £149 a night based on two sharing.

The popular woodland has proven a hit with visitors, who said it “belongs on every UK travel bucket list”

A “fairytale” woodland in the UK has been hailed as a “must-see” by visitors. Nestled in the Forest of Dean, the tranquil spot is celebrated for its “enchanting” atmosphere and has featured in a range of films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Puzzlewood, situated in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, has been dubbed an “enchanting forest” by those who have lauded its picturesque views. While it’s a well-known treasure among locals, Puzzlewood offers a serene escape for those from further afield.

The TikTok account @adventureamore1 posted a video highlighting the beauty of the woodland. The caption read: Step into one of the UK’s most magical forests…Puzzlewood, located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is one of the most enchanting woodland experiences in England.

“Known for its twisted ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, winding pathways, and hidden bridges, this fairytale-like forest has inspired filmmakers and writers from around the world. It has been featured in blockbuster productions such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Merlin, making it a must-visit destination for film fans and nature lovers alike.

“Exploring Puzzlewood feels like walking through a real-life fantasy world. The forest is a natural labyrinth where every turn reveals something new — gnarled roots forming tunnels, shafts of sunlight streaming through the canopy, and secret paths that spark the imagination. Perfect for photographers, couples, families, and adventure seekers, Puzzlewood is one of the most unique outdoor attractions in the UK.

“If you’re looking for magical things to do in Gloucestershire or planning a Forest of Dean day trip, Puzzlewood is an unforgettable experience that belongs on every UK travel bucket list.”

In the footage, the TikToker added: “It’s hard to believe that this isn’t even the best bit of the walk, check this out. This enchanted forest is like stepping into a real life fantasy and was even the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth. Located in Gloucestershire, this is Puzzlewood. GL1 8QB.”

The clip proved popular, amassing 84k views and over 1,600 likes, sparking a range of comments from eager viewers. One viewer commented: “I’m so lucky to live very close to here and in the Forest of Dean, such a magical place.”

A second wrote: “This place is like out of a fantasy world.” A third added: “Been twice as my sister lives near it, beautiful place love it.”

The praise continued, with one person writing: “Less than an hour away from me, it’s stunning, the little farm and play area and shop are cutesy too.” A second said: “Wow serene” and a third added: “Looks absolutely amazing.”

Puzzlewood is less than a mile south of Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Visitors are advised to head to Coleford and follow the brown tourist signs for Puzzlewood. The postcode for Puzzlewood is GL16 8QB. For those travelling by train, the nearest railway stations are Lydney, Chepstow and Gloucester, though there are no taxi ranks at Lydney and Chepstow stations. Ordering a taxi in advance is recommended.

Puzzlewood is open from 10am every day in September and October, with last entry at 4pm. In November, the woodland is only open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10am, with last entry at 3pm.

Visitors are required to pay an entry fee; adults £9.90, children £8.50, children aged 2 and under are free. Adult concessions are priced at £8.90, while child concessions are £7.50.

The picture-perfect village of Beddgelert in the heart of Eryri/Snowdonia National Park is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit – and it’s even home to some Welsh myths and legends

Tucked away within the stunning Eryri/Snowdonia National Park sits the enchanting village of Beddgelert.

Whilst countless tourists speed past en route to conquer Mount Snowdon, this postcard-perfect settlement deserves a proper visit.

Embraced by sweeping emerald valleys, meandering waterways and framed by towering peaks, Beddgelert conceals centuries of fascinating heritage and serves as home to captivating Welsh folklore.

The stone-constructed village spans a gurgling brook and serves as an ideal base for discovering the area’s walking routes and pathways, from the Aberglaslyn Pass southward, Nant Gwyan eastward, or tackling Snowdon northward.

The Beddgelert website emphasises the local landscape shouldn’t be overlooked, saying: “Wooded vales, rocky slopes and mountain lakes fill the surrounding countryside.”, reports the Express.

“And what a countryside it is, with scenery, activities, attractions, history and culture for all.”

Welsh tourism specialists confirm “everyone loves Beddgelert”, with its mythical roots enhancing its appeal further.

Beddgelert’s name translates to “Gelert’s grave”, linking the settlement to the medieval tale of Llywelyn the Great and his loyal dog Gelert.

Legend tells how Llywelyn came home to discover his infant gone and Gelert bloodied around the muzzle.

Believing Gelert had harmed his child, Llywelyn slayed his faithful companion. Only moments later, he heard his child’s cry and found them safe and sound, next to a slain wolf that Gelert had bravely defended the child from.

Overcome with grief and regret for killing his faithful dog, Llywelyn held a grand funeral for Gelert in the village.

A tomb was built for the heroic dog by a local landlord in the 18th century, with a walk and trail offering a splendid way to discover the village and its surrounding hills.

Once you’ve returned, the quaint yet welcoming village offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained, whether it’s snuggling up in one of the hotels, B&Bs, or guesthouses or spending the afternoon by a fire at a local pub.

Despite its legendary status, Beddgelert remains a small hamlet, home to fewer than 500 residents, but it is brimming with warmth and charm.

Its cobbled streets, medieval stone cottages, and pubs transport you back to a storybook setting, making it an ideal autumn destination, with Fine Country event naming it as one of the UK’s “prettiest autumn villages”.

For a unique perspective on the village’s history, the nearby Sygun Copper Mine is worth a visit. Copper has been mined in the Snowdon valleys for centuries, with some sources even dating it back to Roman times.

But for a glimpse into its more recent past, Beddgelert is also situated on the historic Welsh Highland Railway, which runs from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

Padley Gorge in the Peak District has been named one of the best autumnal walks in the UK, according to new research – and it is easy to see why it’s so popular

There’s a certain enchantment that comes with an autumnal stroll through the woods. As the leaves shift from vibrant green to warm hues of amber, the woodland takes on a storybook charm, particularly when accompanied by a low mist and a crisp chill in the air.

Need a moment to reconnect with nature? If this sounds like your ideal way to spend the upcoming weeks, then you might want to consider a visit to Padley Gorge in the Peak District. This picturesque spot has been named one of the top autumn walks in the UK, according to recent research.

Go Outdoors used TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall data to determine the best spots for an autumn walk across the country. Each location was given a score out of 10. Padley Gorge, situated on the eastern side of the national park, secured third place with a commendable score of 8.35.

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Claiming the top spot was the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, boasting a high score of 9.3. Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey wasn’t far behind, taking second place with a score of 8.51. Completing the top five were Cragside in Northumberland and Richmond Park in London.

Interestingly, not all the top ten walks are through woodlands; Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire tied for 8th place, while Regent’s Park in London rounded off the list.

But if it’s an atmospheric woodland walk you’re after this autumn, Padley Gorge certainly delivers. The route guides you through a stretch of ancient oaks and birch woodland nestled in a deep valley, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Burbage Brook meanders through the landscape, crossed by charming wooden bridges and stepping stones, creating enchanting scenes reminiscent of a fairytale. The walk is not overly strenuous, making it suitable for the whole family.

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Go Outdoors ranks this among the top 10 autumnal walks in the UK

• Forest of Dean
• Winkworth Arboretum
• Padley Gorge
• Cragside
• Richmond Park
• Sheffield Park & Garden
• Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
• Stourhead
• Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens
• New Forest
• Regent’s Park