Puzzlewood, Coleford In The Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

In the early 19th century the owner laid down a mile of pathways which meandered through the trees and gullies to open up this ancient forest, originally for the amusement of his friends and children. Then, in the early 20th century, Puzzlewood opened to the public, with an honesty box at the gate for the benefit of the local church. Since then it is has remained essentially unchanged with the same pathways and bridges as in earlier times, but with the addition of visitor facilities on the Puzzlewood site. It has attracted thousands of visitors each year ever since.
Influences on Tolkien and Rowling
J. R. R. Tolkien, a frequent visitor to the Forest of Dean, may have visited Puzzlewood, and many believe Puzzlewood was the inspiration for the fabled forests of Middle-earth, such as the Old Forest, Mirkwood, Fangorn or Lothlórien contained within The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien may also have been inspired by the less well known scowles on the grounds of Lydney Park. When The Lord of the Rings was named Britain's favourite book in the "Big Read", TV presenter Ray Mears chose Puzzlewood as the location from which to champion Tolkien's work. J.K Rowling is also said to have visited Puzzlewood, and it may have been this that influenced her idea of The Forbidden Forest in the Harry Potter books.