Lighting Up Time

Monday Night's Special Outing was to BeWILDerwood. This is an amazing forest-cum-adventure playground close to Wroxham, in the Norfolk Broads. Rosie has been for daytime visits a few times - but always during the day. She was very excited about an evening trip. She seemed concerned Bob and I had never visited - so explained [at length] what it was about. There are mysterious creatures inhabiting in the trees [Twiggles] and other little ones living on the ground [Boggles] and also in the water there are Crocklebogs. And lots of places for children to climb and jump and swing...We arrived 15 minutes late for our slot, due to our rather interrupted journey, but Laura at the entrance was very kind - and suggested Liz could contact them to discuss rebooking the 3 tickets we could not use. "Go through the gate, and you'll discover how to create your lantern. 

A wizardy guy sent us to collect our kits. and we stapled the card frame together  and dropped the glowing green lights inside. Then hung the lantern on a stick. [this was all provided as part of our ticket - not an extra cost] We set off along the path.Once a year. on this night only there appears somewhere in these wood, a pool of enchanted fish

The trees were lit in amazing colours. Some families had come dressed up. Bob and Rosie stared up at the tall pink trees. Then we came across Witch Hazel - a cheerful old woman in her little cottage. She chatted to the children and told them what to expect. 

The puppetry was brilliant- and Rosie and other kids really engaged with her conversation, calling out responses etc. The majority of children were under 11 - and I liked that it was not 'spooky scary, horror' stuff - but all about not being frightened and fearful - but being strong, and looking at the lights and colours. We are with friends and families and we do not need to be afraid.

There were lots of tiny 'villages' and 'camps' under the trees. And regular stops for puppetry and entertainment. As we sat in the benches, we learned the special song "Splash, splash, splash" Splish, splish, splish! Look at me I'm a Fearless Fish!"

By the Spider's Web, in a treehouse was a bat puppet. He was telling jokes, and encouraged the children to tell him theirs. Rosie called out cheerfully "What's got a bottom at the top?" He didn't know "Your legs!" she told him. People chuckled. Unfortunately the bat puppeteer said he didn't get it so she explained it to him. "Your bottom, where your poo comes out, is at the top of your legs!" Everybody was laughing -except possibly BatGuy. [No, she did not hear that joke from me or Bob]

We stopped at the rest area, and had splendid, huge, hot dogs - proper, long sausages with onions and sauces. And not over expensive. We had a flask of hot chocolate and biscuits in our bag too. [Immaculate toilets!]

We finished our break and started walking towards the end of the trail. Sadly, my picture of the fishes didn't come out [ I hope this link may work. Rosie and I trotted through the tree tunnel [too low for Bob and other large Boggles] and checked out the Gift Shop. Rosie declared most of it was a waste of money [£20 for a witches cloak and hat!] but we did take a picture of a Fairy Door. Our lanterns were still glowing when we got back to the car. The journey home was much faster and easier! But we were Very Late back to Mummy and Daddy. 

Was it worth it? Yes I think it was. Everything was very well thought out - the atmosphere was so cheerful. Lots of laughing children, happy families, and a well designed trail which kept the children interested and eager to spot things and find the next bit of the adventure. The Rest Area was well laid out, plenty of seats and tables- and rubbish bins.Packaging was all recyclable, and gentle reminders about litter and taking care of nature. We were in the Overflow Car Park. and I would have liked a few signs to help us locate our parking area in the dark. But other than that, definitely a ***** outing. 

Phone signal was good, so Rosie was able to phone home from the Rest Area and tell her parents all was good.

There is a Bewilderwood in Cheshire as well as Norfolk. It was a lovely evening, not too cold, and fortunately not raining at all.

Rosie wants to take us back again in the warmer weather, in daylight. I think I'm up for that!