HAVING read an article about Bewilderwood adventure park in The Observer, we were particularly keen to take a trip there during our week in Norfolk, writes Keris Stainton.
We didn't know quite what to expect, but we did hope it would be fun and fun it certainly turned out to be. Once inside, we queued up for the Bewilderboat to take us into the park. This is such a charming and gentle way to arrive, only spoiled by having to pass the shop first.
The boat takes you through "Dismal Dyke" and "Scaaaaary Lake" (which wasn't scary at all), passing "Mildred the Crocklebog". We disembarked at the Snack Shack so Harry, who'd only just stopped demanding some ridiculous noise-making thing from the shop at the entrance, immediately began demanding an ice-cream. But it was a hot day, so all three of us were happy to indulge.
From there is was straight to the "Broken Bridge" - a much-anticipated part of the treetop ... I'm not sure what to call them - Climbing frames? Assault courses? Neither really sums them up. Basically a bunch of cool-looing treehouses, linked by bridges, rope ladders, etc. David went up with Harry while I stayed on the ground taking photos and they both loved it. (Harry more than David, it has to be said.)
Along with the treehouses, there's a maze, zip wires (which Harry LOVED, having always been too small to go on them anywhere else) and even a "Fartree". Yes, a tree. That smells.
The other lovely thing about the place was that, even though it was a hot day, it's set in a wood, so there was plenty of shade, plus a quite magical atmosphere created by the sun dappling through the leaves.
Even the cafe was cool - tables outside around a couple of large yurts - one serving (locally-produced) food, the other serving as a kind of food hall, in case the weather wasn't up to scratch. We sat outside and our only complaint was the wasps. Oh and the fact that Harry was so excited about all the activities that he wouldn't sit still long enough to eat his lunch. (You are encouraged to bring a picnic, but I would totally recommend the delicious hotdogs.)
Adding to the magic, various characters (Twiggle, Swampy, The Wood Witch) are dotted around, but Harry was a bit young to have much interest. Older children may like to read the Bewilderwood book - A Boggle At Bewilderwood - first. While I'm on the subject of children of different ages, there is a Toddlewood area for the under fives.
All in all, it was a completely magical day and one that Harry's never forgotten. I highly recommend it if you're ever in Norfolk and I really hope further branches (cos it's a wood, see?) will be springing up across the country.
On the web: BeWILDerwood
Open: 28 March to 1 November from 10am
Average entrance price: £10 plus a season ticket is available and looks like brilliant value
Postcode for SatNav: NR12 8JW
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Thought this sounded great, will have to check it out if we ever get down there.
Posted by: Neil | 06/15/2009 at 03:35 PM