11 Jul UK’s newest visitor attraction opens in Essex this July
The Enchanted Lost Kingdom of Wyvernwood, the UK’s newest visitor attraction, will be opening its Magic Portal to visitors on Friday 15 July.
Wyvernwood is a unique adventure park, set in more than 20 acres in Alresford near Colchester. It provides families with children aged 2-12 with a magical day out, a digital detox and an opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the adventure park.
Nick White, Wyvernwood’s Experiences Director, said: “Visitors step through a magic portal into an immersive experience where families can escape from day-to-day life.
“They enter another world where they will encounter the awesome Wyvernwood inhabitants including Princess Arabella, Tatiana the Queen of the Fairies, our hero the Captain, Gurt the Lord of the Goblins, Merlin the Wizard and of course the Wyvern dragons!
“Families begin their adventure in the Castle Grounds where children can scale the castle walls, set sail in the Captain’s Galleon, search for missing treasure, make their dreams come true at the Magic Wishing Well and, if they dare, discover what lies deep within the goblins’ lair! They can speed through the Goblins’ labyrinth or be first to reach the centre of the maize maze.
“They can then venture along the Dragon Trail to the Wellbeing Woods and discover the Land of the Fairies, find the Captain’s Campsite, and help the wizard to create a magic potion at the Wizard’s Domain.”
Over 700 local residents ventured into the magic world of Wyvernwood during an open day and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Nick adds: “All the families I spoke to were enjoying just spending time together, enjoying the activities and outdoor space at Wvyernwood and meeting our wonderful characters.”
Sarah Tuckwell from Colchester said: “I’ve come here with my family and my 5-year-old granddaughter and it’s a fantastic place; it’s really lovely seeing the wildflowers and the carvings. I’ve been down to the Wellbeing Woods, seen the fairies and my granddaughter is thoroughly enjoying herself. It’s very nice, well worth a visit.”
Olive Moir, aged 5, from Brightlingsea, said: “I really love the fairy houses because they have lovely doors and windows and they can fly back to their houses. I like everything, I love the bouncy pillows because they were so fun, I want to go on there because they are so bouncy.”
The Enchanted Lost Kingdom of Wyvernwood provides the perfect family day out. As well as plenty of play areas and adventure activities where children can let off steam, there is also a ‘Little Kingdom’ for smaller children and a birthday party V.I.Tipi for youngsters to celebrate with their friends.
Maxwell Cheal, 7, from Wivenhoe said: “It’s brilliant here, I like it. My favourite bit is the Dragon Karts because they’re such fun and brilliant to ride on, and the castle because I like the slide.”
As well as having lots of activities for children to enjoy, there are also different types of performances taking place to entertain the guests. Nick continues: “The inhabitants are showing their talents by putting on performances in the amphitheatre where guests can experience storytelling or a puppet show or meet our mascot Gurt, Lord of the Goblins. There is also plenty of activities for older children and adults at Wyvernwood with puzzles and adventures featuring throughout the park”
Whilst providing a great day out for families is key, a visit to Wyvernwood is also good for your mental health and wellbeing. Nick adds: “Our woods are called the Wellbeing Woods because they have a sense of calm and serenity but a visit to Wyvernwood is also about keeping fit and healthy. You can easily hit your step count in a day here all whilst spending time in such a beautiful location.
“One of the things we’ve tried to do here is get children away from screens and into the great outdoors and connect with nature which is vital for mental wellbeing. Here they can spend time with their family exploring another world, an enchanted lost kingdom, whilst also appreciating nature.”
As well as the fabulous fairies, fierce dragons, wise wizards, menacing goblins, a warrior princess and heroic captain who inhabit Wyvernwood, over 40 local people have joined them to make the experience at Wyvernwood even more special.
Nick adds: “We believe in keeping things local at Wyvernwood. As the inhabitants will be busy meeting new friends, we have enlisted some helpers to join them to provide the best experience for our visitors as part of our growing park operations team.”
Dates in the summer holidays to visit Wyvernwood are filling up fast so booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are £16.50 per person if purchased in advance, or £20 on the gate (concessions apply). Refreshments and food are available on site. Wyvernwood also caters for birthday parties, schools and groups. Access is via St. Osyth Road, Alresford, CO7 8ES; please check the website for details: www.wyvernwood.co.uk.
