What to expect

We aren’t a “proper” visitor attraction at all, we don’t have acres of brightly coloured plastic and we are not intent on “distracting and entertaining” children. Rather, our hundred acre wood is about fostering a connection to nature - at its most beautiful and magical. We are a unique fairy sanctuary, the first of its kind, and we merely present the forgotten history of Northwood and display the fairy artefacts and treasures we have found over the years - for young and old alike to enjoy.

The trail begins on Professor Howland’s Ride and you will see many of the original fairy doors on the trees– these dwellings don’t damage the trees but rather allow the tree fairies to be close enough to work with them.

Discover the fairy hamlet along Spider Tree Snicket, tree houses connected by bridges and walkways. These old dwellings were in a terrible state and have had extensive repairs.

Our mushroom fairy ring has been completely repaired and recreated from sketches found of the original one built in 1852 on the same spot. For over 100 years the fairies have gathered for moonlight dances in the ring almost every night. We allow our visitors to see the ring up close during the day when it is not in use; though due to the dangers of fairy kidnappings it is not advised for mortals to go near it at night.

There’s a whole lot more to see and the sanctuary is set within a wonderfully diverse woodland. We have a vast range of trees with oaks, pines, firs and birch to name but a few, as well as over 200 species of birds. We have a programme to increase and preserve bio diversity and we actively work with the fairies and nature spirits whose job it is to help the trees and plants to grow.

Delicate fairy bed, made from moss, twigs and feathers and believed to come from the fairy princesses bed chamber.

Late 19th century flower fairy dress