The Forbidden Corner was originally built as a private folly in the eighties but due to public demand was subsequently opened to the public
The temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass, paths and passages that lead nowhere, extraordinary statues – these are what visitors can expect to find at ‘the strangest place in the world’ AKA The Forbidden Forest in the Yorkshire Dales.
This unusual visitor attraction is ‘a day out with a difference’, and has been delighting adults and children of all ages for nearly 30 years. Preparing to reopen in April, following their annual winter break, this unusual labyrinth is well worth a visit – however, be forewarned, some of its features have been labelled ‘too scary’ for children!
Nestled within the Tupgill Park Estate at Coverham in Coverdale, 2 hours from Manchester, this hidden gem is poised for a bustling spring and summer season, reports Chronicle Live.
The attraction started out as a private folly by Sir Colin Armstrong, the owner of the 500-acre estate. A wood of fir trees was planted to provide a wind break to the stables, then a small tower was erected to view the valley, and from there the idea of a grotto emerged.
Ideas snowballed until 1993, when the first visitors arrived in the form of a coach load of school children. The park opened to the public the following year and enjoyed mounting success until the future of the attraction was put in jeopardy due to a planning permission oversight that led to calls for its closure.
However, amid this uncertainty, an outpouring of public support, including 2,000 letters and a petition with 10,000 signatures resulted in The Forbidden Corner being granted permission to remain open.
The trail, which typically takes about two hours to complete, is deemed suitable for all ages. However, a note on its website cautions: “Please be aware that some sections may scare younger children, but these sections can be avoided”. There is also a note that visitors may get wet, “either by mother nature or surprises around every corner”.
Tickets to visit The Forbidden Corner, which will be open daily from April 1st – October 31st and only on weekends in November and December, are now available for booking.