I took my kids to the award-winning, technology-free attraction in the UK – with cheap tickets during school holidays

THERE aren’t many big family attractions that cost less during the school holidays than in term time.

But one that does have cheaper tickets is the ride-free, tech-free attraction Bewilderwood.

BeWILDerwood

catherine lofthouse

catherine lofthouse

The forest fantasy parks, which feature wooden play structures, mazes and make-believe under a lush canopy of leaves, have cut summer ticket prices to £15 per person if you book more than four weeks in advance.

That means you can currently book a day out for a family of four in August for £60, instead of the £90 it costs on July weekends before term ends.

There’s also a midweek adult and toddler ticket that costs just £10.50 before the school holidays kick in, while expectant mums who are more than 20 weeks pregnant can get free entry with their MAT B1 letter.

I took my boys aged five, nine and 11 along to Bewilderwood Cheshire to check out what’s on offer and see if it’s just as good as the original Norfolk site, which has been running since 2007.

My main memories of visiting the park half an hour from Norwich many moons ago was boarding a boat and crossing a lake on arrival, which certainly made an impact.

While the Cheshire woodland doesn’t boast the same boating experience, there’s still plenty here for little ones to get stuck into.

There’s slides and ziplines and climbing frames scattered throughout the woodland, so even if there’s multiple school trips visiting or it’s bustling with families during the holidays, there’s lots of space to spread out.

It’s perfect for a hot summer‘s day as you’re mainly in the shade wherever you go and there’s loads of smaller spaces where adults can sit and relax while children play freely in eyesight.

But if you’re like us and that element doesn’t float your boat, there’s still a whole forest full of fun to explore.

There’s play frames that wind their way up towards the treetops and mazes that meander their way around the forest floor down below. 

What’s great is that lots of the equipment is designed for different ages and abilities to use together.

My boys loved whizzing down the widest slide side by side and taking to the twin ziplines.

For smaller guests, there’s separate play spaces so they don’t get overwhelmed by the big kids running riot.

There’s also an area set aside for den-building, with plenty of long branches and logs ready for propping against tree trunks as you make your own shelter.

There’s a storytelling stage where the magical tales of Bewilderwood are brought to life and a craft tent where children can be inspired to have a go at their own colourful creations. 

I have to be honest and say that most of the make-believe element is a bit lost on me and my boys.

catherine lofthouse

catherine lofthouse

I’m sure there’s loads of little ones who are really into the fantasy theming of Bewilderwood, with characters like Mildred the Crocklebog and the Twiggles based on the books by Tom Blofeld.

If Norfolk and Cheshire are just a bit too far away from you, there’s similar places around the country.

We loved our trip to Lilidorei at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which has the same fantasy feel as Bewilderwood.

Meanwhile, at Statfold Country Park in the Midlands, you can board a train to take you to the Fellumpa Village and the Wortle Woods. 

If you’ve got primary aged children, you can’t really go wrong at Bewilderwood.

It’s certainly a day out with a difference if you love outdoor adventures and woodland wanders.

Here are some other technology-free adventure parks in the UK.