Discover strange rock formations, mossy caverns and twisted trees in the Forest of Dean.
Over millions of years, in a process that is possibly unique to the Forest of Dean, limestone and sandstone caverns rich with iron ore were pushed to the Earth’s surface and exposed to the rain and wind. The Romans then came along and confused the landscape further by digging out the iron ore.
The result is Puzzlewood, 5.6 hectares of curious rock formations and caves under a blanket of ancient woodland and copious carpets of moss.
It’s a wonderfully ethereal and atmospheric place inhabited by badgers, deer, foxes, owls and buzzards. It has also provided an otherworldly backdrop to scenes in Doctor Who, Star Wars, Merlin and numerous other films and TV dramas. You can explore it on a mile-and-a-half of narrow labyrinthine paths created in the 19th century.
There are more than 200 steps that can become slippery in the rain so come appropriately shod. Also, the use of drones and tripods is not allowed.
Also nearby is Clearwell Caves with it’s nine artistically lit caverns.
Useful info: Opening hours: 10–5 daily in Sept and Oct. puzzlewood.net
