The Forbidden Corner

‘The Strangest Place in the World' is calling for recruits! Located in the North Yorkshire Dales, this quirky attraction has been voted the best European folly of the 20th century, as well as the best children's attraction in Yorkshire! Not to mention it's one of Britain's best-loved and star attractions too - so you'll be in for a fun time and will delight adults as well as kids alike! 

Conceived by landowner, C. R. Armstrong, and the Armstrong family, The Forbidden Corner was originally a private folly garden. However, after popular demand, the site has been opened up to the public with four acres of all-out weirdness! It is now a popular choice for a unique family day out!

 

What you can expect from this intriguing family attraction is the unexpected. In its stunning 4-acre garden you will spot its lush greenery, a beautiful lake and some mysterious figures at each and every turn... Check out the traditional stone sculptures standing gracefully in the courtyard. Pretty normal so far, right? WRONG! if you shift your eyes and look up you'll see the head of a green giant poking through the treetops, and if you look down at the ground you'll see his enormous feet!

Make sure your eyes are taking in every single detail during your time at The Forbidden Corner. Noticed anything odd about the walls? What if we told you there were legs sticking out of one wall and an eye beautifully carved into the other? There are also streams that weave throughout the garden too which may contain a goblin or two...

There are lots of great vantage points dotted through the actual garden with incredible views of the wild Yorkshire Dales. Clear skies, fresh air and exhilarating views of the English garden - how could you say no?

 

Discover a unique labyrinth of tunnels, narrow passageways, chambers and galleries throughout the woods - perfect for a maze adventure! They'll each present a barrage of tricky challenges, including the occasional spray of water! Just keep your eyes peeled for the secret brass circles which reveal hidden markings and direct you on your fun finding mission. There’s also a lovely picnic area for when you need a break from the fantasy.

What makes this place so very strange are the extraordinary statues and buildings dotted around the site. Spot pagan tree men, haybale dogs, gargoyles and a huge pyramid made of translucent glass! , this is a day out with a genuine difference. What's that? A colourful frog fountain? Let's go see...

Even a family of teenagers (no matter how mood-swingy they may be) will absolutely love this attraction. There are so many Instagrammable opportunities and maybe even some for a TikTok maybe? It's a fantastic family day out suitable for all ages.

 

The Forbidden Corner has a gift shop in which we have a huge selection of traditional and unusual gifts and mementoes. Why not pick up a souvenir to remind you of your visit? Grab some handmade fudge, quirky agents and even a 1000 pieces puzzle!

 

Need to refuel? Take you out of a steaming cup of tea and cake at the Corner Cafe or a hearty meal at The Saddle Room. Psst parents, it has a wine cellar and ba rand new bar area!

Plus, there are plenty of picnic benches and picnic tables for you and the family to enjoy a lovely lunch outside on the Tupgill Park Estate. 

 

Not ready for the adventure to end? You should stop over for the night at the Tupgill Park Cottages! Each of these self-catering cottages features fully fitted kitchens, a comfortable lounge and stylish bathrooms right next door to The Forbidden Corner - perfect for families looking for a brilliant time!

Attractions Nearby 

Do your kids love Wallace and Gromit? If we have some Wallace and Gromit fans they'll instantly recognise the nearby attraction, Wensleydale Creamery as it's their favourite cheese! 

If you aren't so much a cheese-lover and more of a nature-lover then you should carry on your adventure to Aysgarth Falls. Aysgarth Falls was awarded the Green Tourism Award for its excellent visitor centre. Here you'll get great tips, directions and background information about the area. 

Richmond Castle is another great place to visit nearby once you have completed your 2-hour trek around The Forbidden Corner. It's a 26-minute drive away but well worth the journey! Richmond Castle is now a site of medieval ruins surrounded by wildflowers and kitted out with activity packs and trails. It's the idyllic place to have a family picnic and finish up your day.