Hidden Valley Puzzle Park is quite an extraordinary place. For those old enough to remember TV’s Crystal Maze or even Challenge Aneka, you’ll be on the right track. With not a trace of a digital device in sight (pocket yours, you won’t have time to use it!), It’s a version of the escape room concept. Except this Park caters to children from about the age of four. There’s a range of thrilling activities, head-scratching puzzles, and woodland adventures aplenty – making it a great destination for families, puzzle enthusiasts, and lovers of the great outdoors alike.
Conveniently situated just a couple of miles from the A30, the sense of intrigue and adventure is palpable the minute you turn off the main road and proceed down a long, narrow drive towards the venue itself. The drive threads its way through dense woodland thick with tall conifers that block out the sunlight. Then, on arrival you’re confronted by an imposing red brick building that gives only the faintest hint of the thrilling adventures waiting just across the threshold.
Exploring the Forbidden Mansion
The Puzzle Park is home to strange little creatures called Muddlers. These gnarly characters live in the village of Tremuddlewick, a collection of quirky houses built beneath grassy hillocks dotted around the beautifully landscaped and immaculately kept grounds. Each has a colourful front door and tiny picket fence marking out its boundary.
Young children who visit can peek through the teeny windows and tap on the tiny doors. However the Muddlers are seldom at home. A secretive race, they all work for Professor Puzzlewit who keeps them very busy at his Forbidden Mansion.
The Forbidden Mansion is a very strange place indeed. Stuffed full of brain-busting puzzles at the sealed doors to every room, older children will love solving the clues to unlock the way ahead.
There are shrinking tunnels, secret passageways, upside-down rooms, and strange noises that make you jump! There are fireplaces and even cook’s bread oven to crawl through too, and just wait till you get to the room of doors! Inside, the Mansion seems much bigger than it really is. Just perfect for getting thoroughly bamboozled and utterly confused.
New for 2023: Discover Tanglewood Hollow
A short walk from Forbidden Mansion and new for 2023, Tanglewood Hollow is a place where running, jumping, climbing, swinging, and sliding blend with a woodland setting perfectly. With planks, ropes, and a jumble of logs, kids can run riot on Scofflegob’s Cloud Buster climbing frame. Or go wild on the slide, swings, and zip-wire.
Tanglewood Hollow has been carefully designed to blend with its woodland surroundings whilst allowing youngsters to run off all that excess energy – effectively swapping brainpower for strength and agility. It was designed and built by Bristol based specialists in creating wild adventure natural playgrounds Touchwood, and landscaped to perfection by Earthworks of Dartmouth.
Getting Lost in the Maze is amazing!
If getting utterly lost is more appealing, then why not venture into Hidden Valley’s maze? Children love exploring mazes because they offer a sense of adventure and mystery. The twists and turns require problem-solving skills and strategic thinking too. There’s no doubt that as children explore, they develop independence, confidence, spatial awareness and fine motor skills, as they carefully navigate through the maze’s narrow pathways.
Let the train take the strain
When it all gets too much and your feet feel like they’re on fire from all that walking, hop on board our fantastic locomotives Albert No.1 or Grenvile Gungely at Mansion House Station. Then, embark on a delightful one-mile journey on the 7 1/4″ gauge railway, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the park from various angles.
As you ride through the winding tunnel, pass under bridges, and traverse deep cuttings, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable sightseeing experience. Finally, the train will take you through Tremuddlewick, arriving back by The Watering Hole café, where you can indulge in some delectable homemade snacks to top off your enjoyable ride.
Immersive and Engaging: Hidden Valley Puzzle Park's Approach to Learning
Hidden Valley Puzzle Park is built on the idea that puzzle solving encourages a sense of independence. It allows children to explore on their own or with friends, while also challenging them to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems.
Solving clues is a fun and exciting activity for all children. Not only does it challenge problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities, but it also allows them to explore new environments and learn about different subjects.
With a variety of settings to suit children of different ages, Hidden Valley encourages everyone to work together to solve the clues and develop teamwork and communication skills. All the while having fun and creating lasting memories with their friends and family.
A Picturesque Location: The Beauty of Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley itself is a stunning area in east Cornwall, not far from Launceston town, and the rugged beaches and cliffs of the north coast. his secluded valley is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, making it a picturesque destination.
The Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare species of birds and butterflies, as well as ancient woodlands and streams. It’s also rich in history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age.
With its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Hidden Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Tamar Valley this year.
