We were very lucky with the weather, it was a warm day and although a bit swampy underfoot in places, it seemed to add to the authenticity of the place.
You start the adventure with a boat ride past the Dismal Dyke and along a leafy tree-lined river. We came to a large lake; the kids had visited the website so were excited to see Mildred the Crocklebog. It was a bit disappointing when the boatman said, "Sorry Mildred is broken and I have a sore throat, normally I tell a story as we sail along."
A little toddler said "It’s not real mummy!"
We all disembarked and walked into BeWILDerwood. It’s a really good adventure playground with ladders, zipwires - even one for toddlers - a rickety bridge, a really fun maze, in which we had a great time getting lost and running about trying to be first.
Adults and children alike all climbed, slid and wobbled on the various courses. Throughout the area is a really nice set of boards telling the story.
It’s got some great swings that are fun for adults as well as children. An idyllic setting and a lovely place to picnic, the only problem I see is if it rains there is absolutely nowhere to go.
It’s also an expensive place as we didn’t think it had enough to do for a whole day out. We observed a lot of people leaving after two hours or so. At £10 a person, if you are a family of four or five, it’s a dear way to spend a few hours.
The idea behind the place is a great one, a place filled with magical and cute creatures, but it needs to be a place that takes in the British weather and gives somewhere to shelter and play.
Having said that, we had a great morning there.