BeWILDerwood, Norwich

We took our five year old son to Bewilderwood last year and he loved it – as did we! It is a massive tree house complex that has swings, play areas, rope bridges, climbing areas and a variety of tree houses. There are also plenty of places where you can have a coffee and a snack and a rest from all your exertions! You can also go on a boat ride around the lake where you learn more about the fictional residents of Bewilderwood. There are a number of toilets and baby changing facilities on site and there is also a large car park near the entrance and special offers for families on tickets.

BeWILDwerdood is described as a ‘curious treehouse adventure’ and certainly it is this and more. Suitable for children, parents, carers and grandparents this truly is a day out for every member of the family. All the activities have been built for ages 2 to 102 to participate in and enjoy. There are also areas built specifically for 2- 5 yrs – Toddlewood is one of them. This attraction is built entirely of wood and crafted beautifully. The way it has been built and the way it has been delivered means that you can sink yourself into a fantasy adventure –just let your imagination run wild. There are huge slides, tree houses and zip wires, climbing frames, walks and a wonderful ‘remote’ area where you can build your very own den. On arrival you have a choice of taking a short boat ride through the Norfolk reeds or taking a walk along the wooden trail situated above the water. Whilst on the boat or during the walk you can catch glimpses of tiny painted tree houses and other exciting things to make you think about who inhabits these small dwellings. There is a lovely picnic area, so if you are organised take a picnic. If you prefer to buy your food there is a good selection of sandwiches and hot snacks which are organic and locally sourced – not the usual offer! And the prices are very reasonable too. What is also good about this day out it that it is an all year round treat even though everything is outside. You can enjoy yourselves just as much in the rain and the cold (as long as you are dressed for it) as you can when the temperature zooms up. When it is very cold there is a huge camp fire you can safely enjoy and slowly heat up by. In the summer the woodland area tends to keep you cool. Mixed in all of this adventure are little characters who live in the woods, you catch sight of them if you are lucky – the creators of BeWILDerwood have also written books about the Twiggles and Boggles so you can buy a nice momento of your day which will entertain the children for a long time after. All in all a brilliant day out with lots of energetic activities, set in a wonderful environment in the Norfolk Broads and with very friendly and enthusiastic staff.