Head to the enchanting grounds of Hazlewood Castle to discover a world of imagination…
Pssst – there’s something magical hidden away in the woods at Hazlewood Castle. Step inside the forest and you’ll enter a whimsical world of adventure, home to fairy folk, wicked witches and even a slumbering dragon. Just minutes from York and half an hour from Leeds, Hazlewood Castle’s Secret Forest is the perfect family destination. Here’s everything you need to know.
Discover the magic of the Secret Forest
Head to Hazlewood Castle this summer and you’ll find the Secret Forest – an enchanted woodland trail, taking you deep within the ancient woods on a journey of adventure. This whimsical trail is sure to ignite the imaginations of explorers young and old, with hidden treasures, playful hideaways and mystical encounters around every corner. What will you find within the trees?
Designed by Hazlewood Castle’s amazing estate team, the Secret Forest tells a tale of fairy folk. In 1086, Sir Mauger Le Vavasour received the land at Hazlewood from the King. As he built the castle, he discovered a fairy named Willow trapped by a nearby witch. Sir Mauger freed Willow, earning the gratitude of the fairy queen. However, the witch conjured bogglins to attack the fairies and the Vavasour family!
Today the fairies and bogglins coexist in harmony within the Hazlewood forest. Visit the fairy and bogglin villages, peering in the windows to see if anyone’s home, marvel at the wonders of the wishing mirrors and blow off steam in the castle playground that’s hidden at the centre of the trail. There’s so much to see and do, so grab your map and activity pack and get exploring!
Explore stunning Hazlewood Castle
Credit Hazlewood Castle
Once you’ve uncovered the legend of the Secret Forest, kick off your wellies to relax and unwind at the onsite Broomstick Cafe, tucking into a selection of hot and cold drinks as well as treats and snacks. You’ll have earned it after all that exploring!
And there’s plenty more to see at Hazlewood Castle. Nestled within 77 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, the castle is a former knight’s residence, steeped in 1000 years of history. Book a guided tour led by an expert historian and you can unearth some of the castle’s fascinating secrets and immerse yourself it is rich history.
Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Leeds, Tadcaster, West Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ. The Secret Forest experience is open from 10am to 4pm every Tuesday to Sunday until Sunday 1st September 2024. Closed on Mondays. Tickets cost £8 for a single ticket or £30 for a family of four.
Cover image credit: Hazlewood Castle
