“BeWILDerwood is a wild and imaginative adventure park with magical tree houses and a hint of intriguing characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads. The setting for the book, ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’ by local children’s author Tom Blofeld, is a wonderful, mystical land of brave, adventurous creatures who you may never see anywhere else in our world. Parents are encouraged to play alongside their children, which makes for a fabulous and brilliantly exciting day out for the whole family!”

If only Bewilderwood had existed when I was 7 years old and living in Norfolk. I wouldn’t have been that bothered about the stories but I would have loved making up my own adventures to fit in with the setting. Ever since I first heard about it a few years ago I’ve been intrigued to visit. Today my wish came true and I accompanied two other adults and five children – all my great nieces and great nephews – to an adventure park with a difference.

The day started with heavy rain – which actually served us well – there were fewer visitors than one might have expected during the first week of the school holidays.

The visit starts with a short boat ride (although there is a quicker path – The Treacherous Trail) and the scene is set by the boat guide. Along The Long Lagoon and Dismal Dyke are the homes of the Twiggles (they live in the trees) and the Boggles (they, naturally, live on the ground). At the Scaaaary Lake Mildred the Crocklebog awaits and just when you think that this all rather tame you she squirts you with water and the fun begins.

The Scaaaary Lake

Mildred Lying in Wait

Decisions, decisions, which way to go?

Then there are enough mazes and aerial runways and tunnels and jungle gyms and swings and see-saws and slides and bridges to wear out even the most active young people and toddlers (and parents). Aunties just offer to sit somewhere (un)comfortable and drink tea and watch over the bags and rucksacks and kiddies’ iphones.

For the even more imaginative there is a big Den Building area and for everyone to sit down and recuperate there’s a Storytelling Stage, Face Painting, Craft Making Corner and a Munch Bar, a Snack shack, a Cosy Cabin and a Nursing Nook.

At half-past five you finally have to leave (whether you want to or not).