Enchanted forests to visit with the family

A child in a forest, looking at trees that have little doors and windows on them — Looking for fairies in the woods at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Looking for magical days outdoors? Here are our best enchanted forests to explore with your family. Keep an eye out for fairies, dragons and creatures of the wild woods on your day out.

Acorn Bank, Cumbria: Acorn Bank in Cumbria is best known for its collection of herbs and traditional fruit orchards. Explore a little further into the woods and you'll find hidden doors, a hollow tree, and space for wild play where children can create their own adventures.Visit Acorn Bank
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire: The forest at Dinefwr has some of the oldest trees in Britain, and is home to modern-day mini-dragons in the form of freshwater dragonflies. Another hill in Wales is Dinas Emrys, which has links to Merlin and King Arthur, and legend has it that this is where the red dragon of Wales came from.Visit Dinefwr

Hatfield Forest, Essex: The ancient trees of Hatfield Forest are like living sculptures. Some are an incredible 1,200 years old and others have become 'walking trees', where branches of the tree touch the ground and grow new roots. If you're looking for somewhere where children can run off some energy, this medieval royal hunting forest will get their imaginations whirring.Visit Hatfield Forest
Lydford Gorge, Devon: Lydford Gorge is an ancient forest, home to the spectacular White Lady Waterfall and the Devil's Cauldron, a naturally-formed pothole. The gorge is associated with many stories and myths, which you can explore on a day out.Visit Lydford Gorge

Shervage Wood, Somerset: Rumour has it that Shervage Wood, in the Quantock Hills near Fyne Court, was once home to a fire-breathing dragon called the Gurt Worm. The dragon was eventually defeated and cut into two halves, and legend tells that the two halves of the dragon formed the Quantock Hills, so you’ll be walking an enchanted path through this wood.Visit the Quantock Hills
Ullswater, Cumbria: A family stroll next to Ullswater, Cumbria leads you to Aira Force, a magical waterfall surrounded by trees and peaceful glades. Look out for resident red squirrels as you explore this woodland.Visit Ullswater and Aira Force

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