Leyburn, The Forbidden Corner

We often visit this part of the world and have done for many years, but it was only by chance that we came across The Forbidden Corner when someone recommended it to us.

Unusually, they don't seem to do much advertising and they actively limit visitor numbers by making the attraction pre-booking only, which means that the place never seems to be overly full (unlike a lot of other attractions)

It's a little bit hard to describe, but if you've got younger kids you're going to love it just as much as they will. Essentially a series of mazes and puzzles, there are underground grottos, spinning rooms, "impossible" tunnels, frightening dioramas and any number of humourous puzzles to crack.

Be prepared to get wet, as many of the attractions come with wall-mounted jets of surprise water to add to the gaiety. I can't remember what the price is now, but I remember it being a little bit pricey, but I also remember that whatever we paid definitely seemed worth it. The Forbidden Corner quite simply rocks.

To book, I think you have to look on their website (or presumably local tourism sites) to get the number or book online. DO NOT TURN UP WITHOUT A BOOKING or you won't get in.

Fab for kids aged 3 - 13, but plenty for everyone of any age to enjoy.

We took our 6 year old girl to The Forbidden Corner and shared the day with some time at Aysgarth Falls some 8 miles from The Forbidden Corner. We had travelled 75 miles so we wanted to make it worth while! We took a picnic and ate it near to the duck ponds which was very pleasant in the sunshine, prior to our 2pm entry slot. We stood in the queue at 1.50pm and it took 20 to 30 minutes to get through the till area even though we had prebooked and paid via the internet. We felt that this part was run un-professionally compared to the rest of the attraction. 3 then 2 people were in the till area, all doing one job - serving one family at a time. Not efficient at all. Could two tills or bookings in half hour windows solve this bottle neck of people? (prebooked tickets 1.30 - 2pm / 2.30-3pm etc). The rest of it was great. Lovely gardens, well tendered plants, Well maintained grounds. The architecture is stunning. Intrigue factor was brilliant. Our daughter was a little too scared at the rat and cat scene and the skeleton door but we calmed her nerves and she was happy straight afterwards. It could terrify some kids tho (Under 5 years?)so more sensitive children may not like some parts. We all went home happy, tired and with some funny stories about the place. A wonderful day out.

My boyfriend and I took my 6 year old son. It's about an hours drive but well worth it. We all loved it. You do need a good day or at least one with no rain as a lot is outside. Some parts my little one was a bit wary of with it being dark and narrow but he was fine. We spent about two hours wandering around, got soaked and a bit mucky but it was great fun. We brought a picnic but due to the rain the picnic area was a wash out but nothing can be done about that!

Only silly niggles are that we ended up going through some of the tunnels/walks backwards. This isn't a big issue but some bits really are best going the right way and there isn't a sign saying "start here"... i can understand why as you don't want too many people in a small space at once so I suppose there isnt much can be done.

It would be handy if there was a little sign pointing to the loo. My little one needed the toilet half way around and we had to try and remember our steps.

Really good day out though. Great idea. The garden smells amazing too!

Myself, my partner and my little sister went in 2011, we thought it was the best day out we ever had so far and we go to many different places. the staff were lovely, the whole place was amazing,(this coming from two 22 year olds and a 13 year old :) ). it kept you on your toes and made you think which i find very fun. so therefore were going back a second time this May. As our mission is to find the dog! as we couldnt find it previously.

Over all we think its a brilliant day out which can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages.

Emma x

I made the mistake of visiting during a bank holiday weekend but nevertheless I was under the impression that numbers of visitors were strictly monitored to avoid overcrowding. This was clearly not the case today. I took my grandsons there on a visit - aged 4 and 2 and it was a stressful and frightening experience. We got stuck in one of the narrow tunnels which was completely dark and so full of people that it was impossible to move in either direction. The steep stone steps were slippery due to yesterday's downpour and I was fearful of my 2 year old getting crushed and my 4 year old who is autistic completely freaking out. Getting out was extremely difficult and distressing. |As a result, we had to cut short our visit so a 58 mile drive each way proved an expensive mistake.

I saw a leaflet for the Forbidden Corner on holiday last year and we finally made the trip over the weekend with my sister and young son. We were really exciting having been to something that was similar in Scotland many years ago on holday.

When we arrived we had to queue for a long time even though all tickets are pre-booked and it was difficult keeping a young child entertained, particularly when you aren't told what's going on.

The website informs you that you have to book a specific time to visit in advance so there aren't too many people but we found everywhere really crowded...that was the most disappointing thing. There were so many people that is ruined the atmosphere on the attraction and it meant we spent a long time waiting around and we weren't always able to go where we needed to. Perhaps the experience would have be better if there were less people there. I know we went on a weekend (peak time) but I thought it misleading that you're given the impression that numbers are limited to good effect when in reality it can be so busy you don't enjoy it!

We won't be visiting again.

I went to the forbidden corner with my family and literally thought it was the best day out we have had in a long time. It took us a very long time to get there seen as the sat nav went crackers and took us the complete wrong way, but other than that a fabulous trip. It was a great family bonding experience and it literally had something for everyone and my younger siblings loved it! We are going back next year and all can't wait for summer! My only complaint would be that the purpose of what you are doing isn't really handed to you so it's slightly confusing, and it is a VERY long walk round and occasionally leads to nothing.

Visited this attraction with my 5 year old daughter who loved it. Every corner we turned there was something unexpected and different.Just when you thought you had seen it all you discover another hidden treasure. She loved the water features in which you can get very wet so a change of clothes is recommended.

The only downside is the lack of toilets as you are going round looking for all the different points of interest. There is a very reasonably priced cafe and a gift shop, although alot of the products they sell is not related to the forbidden corner.

Amble parking but not well sign posted from Leyburn so use your sat nav or check the directions before you set off.

Not suitable for disabled guests, those with children in pushchairs or those who are not very good at walking as there is alot of stairs and narrow passages.

Allow a minimum of 2 hours to get round.

Been trying to visit Forbidden Corner for last couple of summers and finally made it this year with husband and sister and brother-in-law. Well worth the wait and lived up to all expectation and reviews I had from friends. Probably as well we didn't go when my children (5 & 7) were younger, as both freaked out about the underground labyrinth bits and had a minor screaming abdab, but once they were reassured that nothing "was going to jump out at them" they wanted to go round again! I'm not so good with enclosed spaces myself but was fine and even managed to squeeze through the tiny doorway without getting wedged (Yay!)

Lots of walking involved so wear comfy shoes and without giving too much away, expect to get wet whatever the weather! Would definitely go again. Brilliant day out!

What a surprise! Our Son, Daughter-in-law and 2 Grandaughters had visited once before and were sure my Husband and I would love it. We did!! It was such splendid fun. From the first 'find' and surprise!! to the last 'joke' we enjoyed every minute and will have no hesitation in returning again in the future. We laughed all afternoon. Hope to find something similar (but a bit different) in the South. Would recommend (and have) to anyone visiting the area. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.