The Northwood Fairy Sanctuary is intended to delight adults as well as children. It is set within 100 acres of glorious woodland with 1.5km of imaginative nature trails winding through. Be inspired by a willow walled maze, a large collection of fairy doors on trees, fairy treehouses connected with rope bridges, a tree stump village, giant mushroom ring, Elven thrones and a natural play area, with sandpit, mud kitchen and den building. It is a natural rustic attraction, sympathetic to its woodland surroundings and perfect for reconnecting children and adults to the freedom and magic of the natural world, all year around.

Inside there is a unique Fairy Museum, largely the work and collection of Professor Harvey John Howland, an eminent fairy collector and fellow of the New Society of Arcane and Natural History, connected to both the Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood and New England Transcendentalists. The museum is based in Professor Howland’s old studio and houses some of his writings, drawings and curiosities. The bulk of the collection is made up of carefully restored fairy clothes, shoes, crowns houses and other stunning artefacts. This collection of exquisite miniatures is unlike anything else in the UK and will inspire and inform both children and adults.

The Northwood Kitchen is a new woodland café / bar, where you can enjoy the woods whatever the season. It’s a fabulous place to enjoy your daily coffee (no tickets to the trail are needed), or a stronger tipple by the fire. Striking woodland décor, friendly staff and the best local (organic if possible) food and drink.

Northwood is a fantastic place to have a kids’ party and it welcomes schools and homeschooling groups. It’s nature, so be prepared with suitable footwear and if it’s wet, waterproofs or a change of clothes!

Limited car parking means booking of time slots is in advance and online only, to allow them to manage visitor numbers and ensure a better experience for everyone. Northwood is just 15 minutes from the outskirts of York and Malton, just 10 minutes from the A64, it is within easy reach of Hull, Leeds, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Sheffield and Newcastle and less than 2 hours from Manchester. Visit the website for further info www.northwoodtrail.co.uk.​​

Good to know – If you want to make a break of it, Northwood is also home to the Jollydays Glamping accommodation with its huge and well-equipped safari-style tents, a communal campfire and craft cabin to keep everyone happy and busy.