The Forbidden Corner
A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and follies in the Yorkshire Dales, offering a magical and surprising adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
The Forbidden Corner
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and follies in the Yorkshire Dales, offering a magical and surprising adventure.
"It's truly unlike no other! A cool and fun experience for all ages."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Essential for busy periods! Avoid disappointment by securing your spot in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking, stairs, and uneven paths. Be prepared for an adventure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Labyrinth of Tunnels
Underground chambers
Explore a maze of secret passages, hidden doors, and quirky statues that lead to unexpected discoveries.
Surprise Water Features
Gardens and Follies
Be delighted by whimsical water features and fountains that add a playful element to the gardens.
Quirky Statues and Follies
Throughout the grounds
Discover a collection of unique and often humorous statues and architectural follies scattered across the landscape.
The 'Strangest Place' Vibe
Entire attraction
Immerse yourself in a truly unique and bizarre atmosphere, often compared to fantasy films.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Prepare for the Unexpected
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Essential for busy periods! Avoid disappointment by securing your spot in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking, stairs, and uneven paths. Be prepared for an adventure!
📱 Use the App for Fun
Hunt for coins around the grounds with their app for an extra layer of engagement.
💧 Watch Out for Water
Some surprises involve water features – you might get a little wet!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Essential for busy periods! Avoid disappointment by securing your spot in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking, stairs, and uneven paths. Be prepared for an adventure!
📱 Use the App for Fun
Hunt for coins around the grounds with their app for an extra layer of engagement.
💧 Watch Out for Water
Some surprises involve water features – you might get a little wet!
👶 Kids Over 5 Recommended
Some dark tunnels might be scary for very young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Forbidden Corner for its unique, surprising, and whimsical nature, making it a brilliant day out for families and adults alike. The attention to detail in the quirky statues, tunnels, and follies is highly appreciated, creating a magical and memorable experience. While some areas are not accessible for wheelchairs, the overall atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a highly recommended visit.
"Brilliant place to visit. Full of surprises, quirky, funny, spooky, we had a great time. We’ve been visiting since it was a little bit smaller, but now a major tourist attraction. Well worth a visit. Try to go when it’s a little quieter, possibly during the week. It was really busy when we went on a Sunday, but all well mannered. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Beautiful location too in the heart of the Yorkshire dales."
chris poole
"What a fantastic day out for the family! We took our 9 year old son here on the first Sunday of October half-term. We all loved it. There were also much younger and much older children there who were having a great time too. We're looking forward to returning next year."
Heidi Lou
"Great day out for kids and adults alike. A grounds to explore full of whimsical wonder.
Not fully suitable for this unsteady of your feet of wheelchairs due to lots of narrow staircases and uneven grounds,although plenty to do on level.floor and beautiful views to enjoy.
Great food choices, including gluten free and dairy free options. At a reasonable price too.
Myself, my 23 y/o daughter and her partner had a great day out today. Highly recommend"
Debbie Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Forbidden Corner is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's best accessed by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available. However, during peak times, the main car park can fill up, and you might need to use the overflow car park, which can be a bit of a walk.
While possible, it's challenging. The nearest train stations are in Darlington or Northallerton, and you would then need to arrange local bus or taxi services, which can be infrequent. Driving is the most convenient option.
The Forbidden Corner is well-signposted from the A6108 between Leyburn and Masham. Use the postcode DL8 4TR for GPS navigation.
While there are accessible areas and beautiful views on the level ground, many parts of the attraction involve narrow staircases and uneven terrain, making it not fully suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but it's generally considered good value for the unique experience. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Check their official website for current pricing.
The Forbidden Corner typically opens from April to October. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is strongly advised, particularly for weekends and during school holidays, as it can get very busy. This ensures you get your preferred entry time.
While it might be possible, it's not guaranteed, especially during busy periods. Booking online ahead of time is the safest way to ensure entry.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth checking their official website or contacting them directly for any special offers or group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth filled with tunnels, chambers, quirky statues, surprise fountains, and follies. It's designed to be explored and discovered, offering a magical and sometimes spooky adventure.
It's a fantastic day out for families, especially for children over 5 years old. Some darker tunnels and spooky elements might be a bit much for very young children.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the grounds and enjoying the surprises. You can take your time to discover all the hidden nooks and crannies.
Absolutely! The Forbidden Corner is incredibly photogenic with its unique features and whimsical designs. Be sure to capture the quirky statues and hidden spots.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the uneven terrain and stairs. Dress for the weather, as much of the attraction is outdoors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located next to the gift shop that serves food and drinks. They offer good gluten-free and dairy-free options at reasonable prices.
The cafe offers a range of food choices, including hot drinks, snacks, and meals. It's a convenient place to refuel after exploring the grounds.
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally advisable to check their policy or utilize the cafe facilities for food.
The cafe's opening times may vary, and it might not be open during the entire season. It's best to confirm its operating hours before your visit.
The main cafe is located near the gift shop, which might be a bit of a trek from some of the further-flung areas of the attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The quirky statues, hidden chambers, surprise fountains, and unique architecture offer endless photo opportunities. Don't miss the intricate details.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the attraction directly or be mindful of other visitors to avoid obstruction, especially in narrow passages.
Yes, some underground sections are intentionally dark and atmospheric, which can be challenging for photography but also create dramatic shots. Consider a camera with good low-light performance or a phone with a strong night mode.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. However, commercial photography or filming might require prior permission.
Expect whimsical, quirky, and sometimes slightly spooky photos. The unique sculptures, hidden nooks, and surprising water features make for memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some darker areas might be a bit spooky for the very young, the overall experience is designed to be engaging and exciting for kids. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking and uneven ground. ✨ Couples & Adventurous Adults
+1 Explore the hidden chambers together, discover surprising follies, and enjoy the playful water features. It's a perfect spot for creating fun memories and taking distinctive photos. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The contrast between bright outdoor spaces and dimly lit tunnels offers diverse lighting conditions to play with. Be prepared for a lot of walking and some challenging angles, but the results will be well worth it for capturing this truly unusual location. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Labyrinth
+1 It's a place that encourages exploration and discovery, making it a memorable experience for all ages.Many visitors compare the atmosphere to beloved fantasy films like 'Labyrinth' or a darker 'Alice in Wonderland'.
The sheer inventiveness of the design, from the quirky statues to the cleverly concealed passages, leaves a lasting impression. The creators have masterfully blended art, architecture, and a sense of playful mystery to craft a truly unique destination. Key features include the numerous follies, each with its own character, and the surprising water elements that can catch you unawares. The underground sections offer a different, more mysterious ambiance, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of the spooky.
It's this blend of the whimsical, the bizarre, and the beautiful that makes The Forbidden Corner a must-visit for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary in the Yorkshire Dales. Family Fun and Adventure
The attraction's design naturally encourages kids to explore and discover, making it an active experience. The water features are a particular highlight for children, adding an element of playful interaction.
The app, which allows users to hunt for coins, adds another layer of gamification that kids thoroughly enjoy, turning the exploration into a treasure hunt. While it's a fantastic family destination, it's worth noting that the uneven terrain and stairs mean it's not ideal for very young toddlers or those with significant mobility challenges. However, for families with children who love adventure and a bit of mystery, The Forbidden Corner is an unforgettable experience.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The surprise fountains and water features add dynamic elements, while the intricate details of the sculptures and structures reward close observation. Navigating the attraction with a camera is part of the fun. The varying light conditions, from bright outdoor gardens to dimly lit tunnels, offer diverse photographic challenges and creative possibilities.
+1 Visitors often capture the whimsical, the bizarre, and the downright strange, creating a unique portfolio of images that reflect the attraction's distinctive character. Remember to be mindful of other visitors when taking photos, especially in narrow passages. While tripods might be restricted in certain areas, most personal photography is welcomed. The Forbidden Corner is a place where every turn offers a new, visually interesting subject, making it a photographer's delight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit