The Secret Forest
Magical Woodland Trails, Fairy Villages & Dragons at Hazlewood Castle
Posted on 7th August 2026
Set within the ancient grounds of Hazlewood Castle near Tadcaster and Leeds, The Secret Forest is an outdoor, fantasy-filled woodland trail designed specifically for children aged 2 to 10 and their families.
Following winding paths beneath towering trees, young explorers can search for hidden fairy houses, dragons, witches, and goblin-like "Boglins." Combining imaginative storytelling with physical play forts, musical instruments, and sandpits, it offers a fantastic outdoor adventure in the heart of Yorkshire.
Highlights / What to See 🧚♂️
The Secret Forest is packed with interactive surprises around every corner along the main 2-hour trail:
- Fairy Villages & Toadstool Houses: Discover miniature fairy doors, toadstool villages, and magical houses hidden among the trees.
- Dragons & Knights: Cross the bridge to meet the guardians of the woods, including impressive dragons overlooking Sir Vavasor's Play Castle.
- The Village of Bogglinton: Explore the sleepy village of Bogglinton where the friendly goblin-like Boglins live, alongside the mysterious Witches' Hut.
- Woodland Music & Wishing Grove: Create your own forest tunes on giant wooden instruments and make a special wish in the Wishing Mirror Grove.
- Treasure Hunt Trail Sheets: Pick up an interactive trail sheet at entry to collect hidden letters, discover the dragon's secret name, and crack the code to unlock the treasure chest!
The Broomstick Cafe ☕
Located right at the entrance kiosk where the trail starts and ends, serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and ice creams. Outdoor picnic benches are available for families bringing packed lunches.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential visitor details for planning your trip to The Secret Forest:
Admission & Tickets
Ticket prices and pre-booking slots are available directly via The Secret Forest Website.
Advance online booking is recommended during peak holiday weekends and school holidays.
Opening Schedule (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Weekends & Bank Holidays: April through end of September.
Easter Holidays 2026: 28th March – 12th April.
May Half Term 2026: 23rd May – 29th May.
Summer Holidays 2026: 18th July – 6th September (Wed to Mon).
Last entry at 2:30 PM.
Dog Policy
Dogs on leads are welcome along the main woodland trail pathways (assistance dogs permitted throughout).
Facilities
Broomstick Cafe, play forts, sandpit area, picnic tables, car parking, and public toilets on site.
Terrain & Pushchairs
The trail passes over natural woodland ground. Compacted earth paths are suitable for sturdy all-terrain buggies, though paths can be muddy after heavy rain.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
The Secret Forest, Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ
🚗 By Car & Parking
Situated off Paradise Lane near the junction of the A64 and A1(M), between Leeds and York. On-site parking is provided within the Hazlewood Castle grounds.
🚌 By Public Transport
The nearest main train stations are Garforth or Micklefield. Local buses running between Leeds and Tadcaster stop along the main A64 road nearby.
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