19 of the weirdest and most wonderful UK woodland walks for kids
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From hunting for fairies and elves though to exploring mystical caves, here are 19 weird and wonderful woodland walks your kids will love.
1. Long Wood Elf and Fairy Foray, Somerset
Your children will love running around Long Wood in Bath looking for the magical doors embedded in the base of the trees. Each door leads to the home of a fairy or elf. Did you just spot one of the tiny creatures returning home?
When: Daily all year round
Where: Long Wood, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AF
2. Trebah Garden, Cornwall
Enjoy the magic sub-tropical Trebah Garden near Falmouth with over four miles of footpath through bursts of exotic nature. Follow the stunning flora from all over the world down to the garden's own private beach with views that stretch out across the open sea.
When: Daily from 10am all year round
Where: Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
3. Narnia Trail, Surrey
Fans of CS Lewis will love exploring Banstead Woods and re-discovering the magic of Narnia for themselves. Find the carved figures of Aslan the lion, Lucy by the lamppost and even the wardrobe itself - complete with coats.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Narnia Trail, Banstead Woods, Holly Lane, Banstead, Surrey CR5 3NR
4. Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk, Essex
As you wander through the beautiful woodland surrounding Audley End Railway, see if you can spot the resident fairies' little wooden tree houses. Make a wish with Christabelle the Wishing Fairy, but watch out for Gormley the Troll who lives under the bridge.
When: Daily 10am - 5pm
Where: Audley End Fairy Trail, Audley End Railway, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF
5. Wonderland, Shropshire
In the heart of the woodlands of Telford Park, there is a place where fairytales and nursery rhymes come to life – Wonderland. Spread across nine acres of woods, and aimed perfectly at the 2-8 age group, there are unlimited free rides, a maze and crazy golf.
When: Weekends and school holidays only 10.30am - 4pm
Where: Wonderland, Telford Town Park, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4AY
6. Fairy Trail at Arley Arboretum, Worcestershire
Answer the questions, solve the clues and see if you can find all of the fairies hiding at the beautiful Arley Arboretum. You'll get a prize if you find them all.
When: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
Where: Arley Arboretum, Lion Lane, Arley, Bewdley, DY12 1SQ
7. Stockeld Park, North Yorkshire
Step into the magical world of the Enchanted Forest and discover hidden adventure play amongst acres of ancient woodland at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire. Meet Russell the talking tree, slide down a giant teapot slide, listen carefully to hear the fairies playing in their village and watch out for the troll under the bridge...! There's fabulous, fun, interactive play opportunities throughout the park.
8. Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
As an old medieval hunting spot, Salcey Forest is steeped in history and remnants of the past can still be found while wandering through the woods. Some of the oak trees in the forest are believed to be over 500 years old – get a closer look on the brilliant treetop walk.
When:Apr-Oct daily 8am-7pm; Nov-Mar 8am-5pm
Where: Salcey Forest, Quinton Road, Northamptonshire, NN7 2HX
9. Holden Park, West Yorkshire
There are grottoes, caves and little nooks and crannies galore at Holden Park in the village of Oakworth in West Yorkshire. These unique features to the woodland give it a magical feel that your kids will love.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Holden Park, Colne Road, Oakworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 7PB
10. Mother Shipton’s Cave, North Yorkshire
Visit the oldest tourist attraction in England – Mother Shipton's Cave – in the remnants of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. The strange mystical cave was home to the prophetess Mother Shipton, who predicted the fates of rulers more than 500 years ago. The park is also home to the Petrifying Well, said to turn anything that touches it to stone.
When: Daily 10am-4.30pm
Where: Mother Shipton's Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Road, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
11. Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire
Explore the enchanted world of Puzzlewood, located in Gloucestershire’s gorgeous and historic Forest of Dean. Experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland walk through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other, and its magic could well cast a spell on you like it has on others: it has inspired writers through history, and is now regularly used as backdrop in films. Older kids will love the Wizards Guide onsite; don't forget to download the Puzzlewood app.
When: Open Saturday to Monday only during November and December
Where: Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB
12. Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Explore more than 40 years of art with a trip to Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. The forest has been home to sculptures since 1977; exploring the gorgeous woodland to discover these remarkable works of art is a treat for all ages. In addition to the incredible, varied art works, there's a wonderful children's playground and a Go Ape! centre perfect for entertaining older kids.
When: Seven days a week, from dawn til dusk
Where: Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ
13. Badbury Woodland Walk, Swindon
Horrible Histories fans will love this 1.2km walk through Badbury Hill in Swindon, where you can find archaeological and historical features dating from the Iron Age through to the Second World War. Look out for the Iron Age Hill Fort; the Forester's track; and the remains of the Badbury Hill Firing Range. Follow the pink arrows through woods that contain larch, beech, sycamore, oak, pine, cherry and silver birch trees. Return again in spring if you're a fan of bluebells...
When: Dawn til dusk
Where: Short woodland walk, Badbury Hill, near Coleshill, Swindon SN7 7NJ
14. Sefton Park, Merseyside
At a huge 200 acres in size, Sefton Park features stunning caves, waterfalls and magical natural features to discover. Explore the woodlands and find the Fairy Glen and Peter Pan statue.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, L17
15. Abriachan Forest, Inverness
The five-mile trek through Abriachan Forest will enchant children and adults alike. You'll be surrounded by stunning views throughout the woodland, moorland and heathland – and don't forget to keep an eye out for all the wildlife.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Abriachan Forest, Forest Classroom, Abriachan, Inverness IV3 8LB
16. Puck's Glen, Argyll and Bute
Named after the mischievous fairy in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck's Glen is a beautiful, whimsical place that will enchant you. The dark atmosphere and stunning gorge with waterfalls are straight from your child's favourite fairytale.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Puck's Glen, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, PA23 8QT
17. Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has a long history of fairies and the Fairy Glen has a special magical quality to it. Offering beautiful views of the remote, unspoilt landscape around it, it's a unique day out that your family will love.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Fairy Glen, near Uig on the Isle of Skye
18. Pen y Pigyn Wood, Denbighshire
Nestled in the wonderful Dee Valley, Pen y Pigyn Wood offers a fascinating history lesson through the Gorsedd stone circle and multiple animal sculptures. There are also some real-life red squirrels hiding in the wood, so keep a look out.
When: Daily all year round
Where: Pen y Pigyn Wood, Corwen, LL21 0DE
19. The Giant's Lair, County Armagh
Enter a real-life storybook in Slieve Gullion Forest. The Giant's Lair is an innovative art project where you'll meet fairies, witches and dragons. A woodland walk to remember.
When: Apr-Oct daily 8am-9pm,; Oct-Mar daily 8am-5pm
Where: Slieve Gullion Forest, 89 Drumintee Road, Meigh BT35 8SW
Want to plan the perfect day out? Visit Tripadvisor for tips and reviews all about your chosen destination.