For our next getaway from Lille, we're heading across the Channel. Hidden in the Forest of Dean, in western England, Puzzlewood is one of those places you can barely believe actually exists. An ancient and mysterious forest that absolutely deserves a spot on our list of upcoming weekend escapes.
An enchanted forest hidden in England
Welcome to Puzzlewood, in Gloucestershire. Along approximately 2.4 km of trails, you wander between gnarled trees, moss-covered ravines, strange rock formations, and little wooden bridges. The landscape is so unique that Puzzlewood is now considered a rare temperate rainforest. Its rock formations, called scowles, are notably linked to ancient limestone cave systems and iron ore mining in the region. In 1848, over 3,000 Roman coins were even discovered on the site. Pure enchanted forest vibes!
year with a little archaeological bonus.View this post on Instagram
Star Wars set up cameras here
Naturally, such a spectacular setting didn't stay under wraps for long. Puzzlewood notably served as a filming location for Star Wars : The Force Awakens, for certain scenes on the planet Takodana. The forest also appears in severalepisodes of Doctor Who, across five seasons of Merlin, but also in The Huntsman: Winter's War and Jack the Giant Slayer. Legend even has it that J.R.R. Tolkien drew part of his inspiration for The Lord of the Rings from this very place. Nothing can say for certain, but between the gnarled trees and moss-covered rocks, it's fairly easy to understand where the rumor comes from.
An escape to plan from Lille
Puzzlewood is obviously not your typical Sunday morning outing, but the place is perfect for a few-day weekend in England from Lille. By train, you can reach London directly from Lille-Europe before continuing to the west of the country. The nearest train stations are Lydney, Chepstow, and Gloucester, with a taxi needed for the final few kilometers. By car, Puzzlewood can also become a stop on a road trip through the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Plan for around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the forest, with over 200 steps and passages that can sometimes be slippery. So leave those fancy shoes safely in your hotel.