Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean: A Magical Family Day Out from Bristol

Location: Perrygrove Road, Coleford GL16 8QB

Prices: Not free, see the website for more information

www.puzzlewood.net

Getting to Puzzlewood from Bristol

Living in Bristol, I’m always looking for day trips that feel like a proper escape but don’t involve hours in the car. Puzzlewood, tucked away in the Forest of Dean, is one of those places that feels a world away, yet is an easy drive over the Severn Bridge. On a damp, grey morning we decided to pack up a picnic, throw on our wellies, and see if the magic I’d heard so much about was real. Spoiler: it absolutely was.

Exploring the Woods on a Rainy Day

From the moment we stepped under the canopy of ancient trees, the rain barely mattered. Puzzlewood is so well covered that even on a wet day, you feel sheltered. The moss-covered rocks, twisted roots, and winding pathways all looked extra green and glistening after the rain, which only added to the atmosphere.

It honestly felt like walking into another world – and it turns out that’s not just me being fanciful. The woods have been used as a filming location for TV shows and films, from Doctor Who to Star Wars. You can absolutely see why.

Looking for a place to take family photos?

The paths aren’t signposted in the usual way, which is part of the fun. We got properly lost a couple of times, but that just made the adventure better. Every corner reveals a new nook, bridge, or tunnel of trees, and you never quite know where you’ll pop out.

I imagine if it was much busier, some of that sense of mystery would disappear, but on our visit it was quiet enough to feel like we had stumbled across a secret, ancient forest.

Facilities at Puzzlewood

Everything was really well looked after. There are toilets on-site (all nice and clean), but a word of advice: make sure you use them before heading into the woods. Once you’re in, there’s no quick exit back to the entrance, and you’ll want to take your time exploring without distractions.

There’s also a small café where you can grab a drink or snack, but we’d brought our own picnic. There are picnic benches and plenty of space to sit, so it worked perfectly for us.

Animals and Family Fun

For families, Puzzlewood isn’t just about the trees. Outside of the woods, there are friendly animals to meet: ponies, goats, and chickens, which the kids absolutely loved. It made for a nice pause after the walk, and gave us time to dry off a little before heading back to the car.

Our Final Thoughts on Puzzlewood

By the time we left, we were muddy, slightly tired, but completely enchanted. Puzzlewood is one of those rare places that really lives up to its name. It’s puzzling, it’s magical, and it leaves you with the feeling you’ve just walked through a storybook.

Rain or shine, I’d happily go back. Though next time I might try to keep my bearings a little better!

Important Information To Know Before You Go To Puzzlewood

• Parking: On-site parking available, close to the entrance.
• Toilets: Clean facilities at the entrance – make sure you go before heading into the woods.
• Café: Small café on site, or bring your own picnic.
• Footwear: Wear sensible shoes or wellies – the ground is uneven and often muddy.
• Temperature: Stays fairly cool and consistent all year thanks to the tree cover.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for prams, scooters, or those who struggle with mobility – paths are very uneven with steps and tree roots.
• For little explorers: There’s a small coin trail for children, which adds to the fun.
• Recommend going on a potentially wet day, as I imagine this place gets busy in the summer holidays!

Top Tip: Don’t Miss Chase Farm Shop

On the way home we stopped at Chase Farm Shop, just 5–10 minutes from Puzzlewood. It’s only a tiny cabin but has a lovely selection of local farm products. We couldn’t resist trying the ice cream – and it was excellent. Well worth a quick detour if you fancy a sweet treat after your adventure!