Puzzlewood review - A Family day out

As the dawn of the first day of February half term forced its way through the clouds, I decided that a trip to Puzzlewood was in order. We hadn't been a for a while, but since Puzzlewood has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years I didn't think that would matter. It was a cold and damp day but we needed to get the four year out of the house to save my sanity, so an excursion was in order.

 Located in the Wye Valley near the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is ancient woodland. It's not just old-old but super-duper, dawn of time, Gandalf the Grey type old. It's said that Puzzlewood is was the inspiration behind Tolkien's Middle Earth and it's easy to see why. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a dwarf or a Hobbit at all. It used to be underground caves which were forced to the surface, mined by the Romans, then reclaimed by nature. It really is most spectacular, if somewhat creepy, and possibly the coolest place I have seen. The BBC like it and have filmed episodes of Merlin and Doctor Who there.

Colin Morgan Merlin looking thoughtfully magic

The woods have around a mile of paths laid out. It's not wheelchair or buggy friendly, with sets of steps here and there. If you have a little 'un, be prepared to carry them or use a backpack. It can get very muddy and as it is quite shaded, wellies are probably a sensible option year 'round. Unfortunately my son was a bit scared of the atmosphere and didn't enjoy exploring. There is a list of things to look out for as you enter, a little like a treasure hunt, which held his interest for a bit.

 Found the perfect whacking walking stick

As well as the woods to explore, Puzzlewood has a small play area with climbing frames and a willow maze; a hay barn to play in and an indoor maze. It's not massive, but it was enough to keep my four year old happy. He especially loved throwing hay around in the barn. There are also some animals including a goat, which to my shame my son pointed at and asked "What's that?" In the main season they have pony rides.

 Puzzlewood Grand Prix

A GOAT

Since were were last there, Puzzlewood has extended its picnic area and also renovated a lovely stone building that is used as a cafe, with lots of local art on the walls. The selection at the cafe is limited to cakes/panninis type food but it is tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced. There are a dozen or so outdoor tables if you want to bring your own food. The toilets are currently in a demountable building, but a new block was being built and these will be open soon. There is plenty of free parking.

Check the website for opening times. During Nov-Dec and Feb-Mar it's only open on weekends, but it's open daily from Apr to Oct. It costs £6 for adults and £4.50 for children, and £20 for a family ticket. Season tickets are double that price. Under 4s go in for free. It's not a full day out, but it's at least a few hours plus lunch. If you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit. It's around 5 miles from Monmouth and easily accessible by car, though not by public transport.

Puzzlewood has cottages on site and if you're considering a holiday you could do a lot worse than stay here. There is a lot to explore in the area, which is crammed to bursting with castles (it's borderland country), beautiful mountains and rivers, and lots of excellent food and places to eat. Have a look at www.wyedeantourism.co.uk for more information.

Beyond California Dreaming

I went camping in Cornwall this week. Well, I call it camping but no tents were involved. I am sticking to my camping definition though, as no electricity was involved either, and I brushed my teeth in a field.

One of my preferred ways of wasting time is to look up ideal holiday locations. Here are a few of my favourites:

Luxury Parisian apartment

Balinese villa (not sure about the old guy on the wall)

Queenstown, New Zealand

Ritz Carlton, Central Park 

 Beach hut in Cornwall

Where's your dream holiday?

Daydream Believer

I’ve always been a big fan of daydreaming. I’d even go so far as to list it as one of my hobbies. Ever since I was a young child I’ve relished the opportunity to recline in the hammock in my head and enjoy a parallel reality for a few minutes. Encouraged in children, daydreaming is too frequently dismissed in adults as being a example of weakness or an inability to cope in the Real World. Tosh! I say. Daydreaming is amazing.

Just to clarify, I’m not talking about the positive visualisation life coaches prescribe as a goal setting tool. Sometimes a daydream can become a reality, but that’s not the reason I do it. I’m talking about honest-to-goodness-holiday-for-your-mind daydreaming. You know: your phone rings and it’s Prince William saying he’s made a terrible mistake and please will you reconsider. Or the feeling of the hot sun on your size 8 arse as you lie sunning it on your private Caribbean beach (in a cancer free world, naturally). One of my current favourites is that I’m not driving a family car with a strange smell and an identifiable noise. I’m actually driving a booster seat and crumb free shiny black Porsche, which is just about to overtake the old man driving the Chrysler in front without even breaking a sweat. Vroom! Eat my dust, lane clogging grandpa.

If ever I’m feeling frustrated or tired, I like to look online at luxury hotels around the world. A few minutes of this and I almost feel as if I’ve had a restful night’s sleep on 5 million count white cotton sheets, coffee and pastry breakfast on my terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and taken a shower so powerful it’s like standing under Niagara Falls. It’s invigorating and allows me the chance to catch my mental breath before diving back into the real world again. Window shopping evening dresses on sites like Net-A-Porter is also good. I don’t want a dress like that, or even a reality that demands a dress like that, but it’s nice to imagine what I would choose if I did.

In my imagination I’m high maintenance. In reality I’m far too lazy (hiding the gray hair excepted). In my imagination I live in a stylish clutter free house devoid of colourful plastic. In reality I live in a comfortable but small family home with too much stuff and not enough toilets. The one constant between reality and daydreams is my family. My husband and kids exist happily in both worlds (though they are sometimes muted in my daydreams).I don’t daydream to escape my reality. I do it to liven up what can sometimes be banal occurrences, and because I can. Pity the person who has no imagination.


ETA: I've come back to update this as I stumbled upon a gorgeous site whilst looking for something else entirely (honestly!)
Lime Wood House in Lyndhurst 


These are ones I've bookmarked as I love them so much
Paris apartment
Marina Bay Sands, Singarpore