It might look & sound like something that will only appeal to children, but a visit to The Forbidden Corner will leave a smile on your face no matter how old you are - grown ups should definitely visit as well!!

The Forbidden Corner is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, a couple of miles from the pretty village of Middleham, in the grounds of Tupgill Park.

Spread over 4 acres, it was originally a private folly, owned & created by Colin Armstrong OBE. Over the years public demand to see what he created won the day & it is now open to the public. It is unlike any other tourist attraction I've come across - the visitor is emersed in a bizarre, intriging & unique world of tunnels, statues, follies & fun where you are never sure what you will find round the next corner... or through the next door... or down the next passageway.

Before visiting, make sure you have booked in advance - don't just turn up or you won't get in. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled. We booked a couple of weeks ahead, you may struggle to get a booking at very short notice (we have in the past!) We visited during Easter week (2010) & although the car park was full & it was busy, it was far from being overrun and crowded, certainly no long queues. A refreshing change from many places & it should be no worse during the summer holidays as well.

Prices are very reasonable as well. At the time of writing, it is £10 per adult, £8 per child under under 4's free. You can get an extra 5% off by booking online at their website and their are extra discounts for OAP's and family groups. Facilities at the site also include cafe and (of course) a gift shop!

This review is fine balancing act - I want to write pages about what you will see, but that would spoil the suprises and the fun.

The Forbidden Corner is fun for ALL ages. Kids will love it, although very small kids might be a little scared in a few places. Grown up kids will have laughs a plenty like we did - we are both mid 30's :-)

It is perhaps no suprise that in a recent poll carried out by Little Chef, The Forbidden Corner was voted the number one family day out in the country. That is no mean feat when you think it beat the likes of London Zoo, The Natural History Museum, Alton Towers & the Eden Project.

So the people have voted and they may just be right.... get yourselves to Yorkshire... and then get yourselves to the Forbidden Corner. Brilliant.